Before & After: A Mad Men-inspired home office transformation
Having moved into their 1940s Surrey home during the pandemic, one couple waited until restrictions had lifted and then planned and carried out a series of renovations to the ground floor rooms, including their home office.
Who lives here?
Nicky Rampley-Clarke, a freelance interiors editor and journalist, lives with his husband John and springer spaniel India in their renovated 1940s house in Surrey.
Before
'From floor to ceiling, everything was bland and beige and in dire need of some TLC,' says Nicky. 'The built-in desk was restricting, and the dark fitted carpet made the space feel dingy.'
What needed changing?
NRC: As we moved into this house during the pandemic, creating a home office was our priority. The previous owners had installed a built-in desk with adjoining storage, which we removed to give us more versatility in the future, although we now regret it as it was excellent quality. We also removed the carpet and painted all the surfaces. Because it's a compact room, we focused on maximising the space and making the most of the southerly light from the single window.
How did you go about the project?
NRC: During lockdown, we made do with a good tidy and used the space as it was. Once restrictions lifted, we renovated the room along with other downstairs spaces. The most significant changes were removing the built-in furniture and installing new flooring. While we're not averse to DIY, this was beyond our capabilities, so we hired professionals.
Where did the inspiration come from?
NRC: Our aim was to create a decadent Mad Men-style space – productive during the day and relaxing in the evening. We chose blue for its cocooning effect, complemented by a dark wooden floor with a gloss finish, creating an American aesthetic, and added a marble-topped sideboard with crystal decanters for post-work drinks. White accents make everything pop, and the crystal chandelier from my childhood home adds a touch of glamour.
Any major investments?
NRC: Reliable Wi-fi is crucial for both of our jobs, so we invested in an Orbi by Netgear, a robust system that ensures fast and reliable coverage. We’re pleased with its performance, especially being out in the countryside.
Were there any challenges along the way?
NRC: Yes – maximising the space with our furniture, which we’re still working on. We’ve rearranged the desk multiple times for a fresh perspective.
How does your home office make you feel?
NRC: Calm, productive and creative – a winning combination that helps to avoid writer’s block. The room stays cool in summer and cosy in winter, and the chair is so comfortable I sometimes burn the midnight oil without realising it.
SOURCEBOOK
Paint, Sapphire Salute (walls) and Timeless (woodwork), dulux.co.uk
Desk, wayfair.co.uk
Chair, sample, italsed.com
Sideboard, johnlewis.com
Lamp, made.com
Clock, sohohome.com
Rug, dunelm.com
Flooring, composite with hardwood veneer – for similar, try kahrs.com
Router, Netgear Orbi 960 Series Quad-Band WiFi 6E Mesh System, netgear.com
COSTS
Paint £200
Desk £150
Sideboard £300
Lamp £150
Clock £100
Rug £100
Flooring £800
Router £1,399
Total = £3,199
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