Design Diaries: The Elevated Office—Made for Work
What We Walked Into
This office had all the makings of a dream workspace—big footprint, soaring ceilings, and a grand two-story arched window. But in real life? It was a glare-filled, design-challenged space that just didn’t work. The south-facing window poured in light all day long, leaving our client constantly shifting her desk just to avoid being blinded. Add in a lack of storage, no real focal point, and a style that hadn’t been touched in years, and you had a room that felt more like a furniture graveyard than a functional home office. She needed something tailored—both to her workday and her style.
Our job was to solve the sunlight situation, layer in storage that actually made sense, and bring some serious cohesion to the space. Think rich tones, architectural trim, custom moments, and a little mood—because an office should feel just as inspired as the work that happens inside it.
The Assignment
Our client came to us with a few key needs—and one major pain point: the sun. The space was beautiful on paper, but practically unusable in the afternoons. Our goals were:
Solve the glare and heat from the oversized arched window without sacrificing natural light
Add ample closed and open storage to hide clutter and display key pieces
Incorporate a standing desk that didn’t look like it belonged in a corporate IT department
Balance modern function with timeless style
Make the office feel like a space she wants to spend time in—day or night
The Solution
We started by tackling the biggest design (and literal) hurdle: that two-story window. Instead of trying to hide it, we leaned in and designed a custom cornice box mounted just under the ceiling line. This oversized architectural detail became the star of the space, setting the tone for the rest of the trim work. Inside the cornice, we added blackout DIM Shades in charcoal—a dramatic, functional solution that allows the client to control the light on her terms. When drawn, the room feels grounded and cozy. When open, the arch is still celebrated.
To support the scale of the cornice and pull the room together, we color-drenched the walls, trim, and built-ins in Sherwin Williams At Ease Soldier—a moody, mature green-gray that shifts beautifully throughout the day. This allowed the walls to recede, the window to shine (without literally shining), and the rest of the design to sit comfortably in its own richness.
We added custom millwork and thick trim to ground the space and make it feel architectural rather than empty. Along the back wall, we flanked the desk with built-in bookcases to create visual balance and much-needed function. The client wanted a bit of a traditional nod, so we included a library ladder system—classic, functional, and just a little bit statement-y.
Behind the desk, modern wall sconces with up/down lighting add softness and a warm ambient glow, even in the evening. And a large-scale art piece anchors the wall for her virtual meeting background (Zoom never looked so good). Her artwork and family heirlooms were a must to work around!
On the opposite wall, we created a mini bar moment. Rather than custom cabinetry, we found a stylish furniture piece that fit her budget, concealed a mini fridge, and offered just enough storage for water and a well-earned end-of-day cocktail. Keyword: after.
And because productivity matters, we sourced a standing desk that didn’t ruin the vibe. The one we selected has warmer wood tones that tie in beautifully with the rug and built-ins, and sleek black legs that feel modern but understated.
Designer Take
Every so often, a single design element becomes the glue that holds an entire room together—and in this space, it was the custom cornice box. That one feature created scale, solved a real-life problem, and inspired the moody, architectural details that followed. But what made this project especially rewarding was how tailored it became. Every inch now supports how our client lives and works—from her standing desk and storage needs to her Zoom background and end-of-day wine fridge. Designing a beautiful space is one thing. Designing a space that functions effortlessly and feels like you? That’s the sweet spot.
Ready for a Home Office That Actually Works?
Whether you’re battling glare, clutter, or just a case of design fatigue, we’re here to help. Schedule an HourLee consult or get in touch to bring your own inspired space to life.
