Problems and solutions

BUDGET

$2,678 plus 15 hours of Chris Plantan's time.

THE PROBLEM The recent move to this home placed several decorating projects ahead of the office, which had problematic, slanted roof lines. Nelson needed work surfaces, and wanted to add an area so she could quit holding client meetings in her dining room.

THE SOLUTION

• Painted the room two shades of blue, to mimic the sky and emphasize the "tree-top" aspect of the third-floor office's sky-like roof lines.

• Moved the desk from underneath the dormer and faced it toward the window.

• Included a small conference table and fabric chair, so client meetings could be contained to the home office. When not being used for meetings, the table is used to compile clients' media clips.

• Flanked the computer with two work tables. They hold files during the day, so Nelson can change quickly from client to client as she needs, eliminating towering piles of files.

• Moved all filing cabinets to the back of the office, away from the daily work space, because they are needed primarily on weekends.

• Added fresh flowers and aromatherapeutic candles for color and inspiration.

THE HOMEOWNER Laura Gross, a full-time, work-at-home writer.

• Created meeting space by replacing a large couch with a contemporary loveseat in stain-hiding fabric. Positioned couch to be a conversation corner that is part of the office.

• Left, freed-up desk space by offloading a printer, copier and electric hole punch to a rolling cart stored beneath. Keys, above, have their own tray. A stationery block, right, holds a pen.

BUDGET

$3,300 plus 15 hours of Karen Law's time.

THE PROBLEM

Gross' Minneapolis "home office," a space open to the kitchen, was disorganized, unattractive and an unprofessional atmosphere for meetings with editors and clients. The area doubles as family space after 5 p.m. so it also needed to be informal and comfortable.

THE SOLUTION:

• Eliminated clutter by giving every item its own storage space. Everything is labeled.

• Labeled and stored completed project files in the basement.

• Painted the largest wall mossy green to complement antique green kitchen cabinets. Used blues and silvers for accessories.

• Replaced a metal desk and mismatched filing cabinets with an L-shaped desk. This looks less like office furniture, makes the best use of the space and is part of a system that can be added to as needed.

• Added nesting tables that can be moved easily for clients and used for family art projects at night.

• Purchased a flexible storage system with bookcase and wall unit. Frosted glass panels hide supplies and folders from company and clients but are light enough so the homeowner can identify what's behind.

• Used a retro-style mirror to bring energy to a dark corner; its metal inner rim echoes the homeowner's desktop wooden trays.

• Added stools under the counter, perfect for a light lunch with her editor. She doesn't have to leave her space to get her work accomplished.

• Included children's art, which the homeowner loves.

Photos by JOEL KOYAMA • jkoyama@startribune.com

AFTER: The new space has meeting space, clean working surfaces and a place to track each client's project.

BEFORE: Fidel the office dog was the only one who found comfort in this bare-bones space.

THE HOMEOWNER

Nicolle Nelson, a full-time, work-at-home public relations professional.

• Purchased rolling trolleys with slide-out shelves and trays so files inside are visible and easily accessed. Their maple laminate matches Nelson's existing desk and storage file.

• Used a beverage tray for an innovative in-box, cake stands for organizers, a series of desk trays, magazine holders and desktop files and folders.

• Leaned six bulletin boards against the walls, one for each client. They can be changed easily, and hide extra office supplies.

Included children's art, which the homeowner loves.

how•to

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