Hello August

Let’s all say hello to August! August rolls in like a sweaty hug from summer itself and if you love the feeling of a steam bath you’ve got one all month long. The ancient Romans nicknamed this steamy stretch the “Dog Days,” and it is not from dogs panting in the heat. The name comes from the stars. If you peek up at the night sky, you’ll find Sirius, the Dog Star, shining in the Canis Major constellation, or as I like to call it, the Big Dog. When the heat cranks up, everything slows down a bit. People chill indoors with the AC locked at a perfect 72 degrees, sipping something icy and avoiding the sun like they owe it money. It’s the ideal time to hit pause on the golf and gaming hustle and get creative with home projects. So, if you’ve been itching to switch up your decor, now’s the moment; your couch is cool, and your inner interior designer has the green light set to go. Let’s peek into the office space of a Jasmin model that has been made over into a cool cocoon somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Everything was ordered online
If you are looking for a project and you have a room in mind, anything can be ordered on the internet. I like this space as an example of what can be done when you are more likely to be inside because we ordered everything on the online. Everything was stored in the garage until the day of installation.

  •  A space for herself
In many homes, the office is often a holding space for mismatched furniture and displaced items. But here, the transformation tells a more intimate story. The homeowner envisioned a retreat: a quiet space to read, reflect, and work in peace. Blush tones sweep gently across the room, creating a soft visual rhythm. The result is a beautifully environment that celebrates femininity.

  •  Molding
The homeowner chose not to use curtains in this space, preferring instead to let the window stand out as a feature. To enhance it, we framed the window with substantial casement molding along the sides and a header above. Crown molding was added to elevate the eye and provide a polished finish to the room. Rather than rushing into a paint decision, the homeowner opted to wait until the space was fully furnished and lived in before selecting a wall color. That approach works beautifully, if choosing a paint color is holding you back, it’s perfectly fine to complete the room first. There are many paths to a well-designed space, you have to find the one that works best to keep you moving forward.

  •  Focal wall
Originally, the sofa sat beneath the window, but it was relocated to the room’s largest wall to establish a clear focal point. Visually, the eye is drawn to the largest wall, making it a natural choice for placing the largest piece of furniture. This strategic move not only anchors the room but also enhances the overall flow and balance of the space.

  •  Large art for a large wall
To reinforce the feminine character of the space, two oversized watercolor floral prints were chosen to hang above the sofa. Their palette ranges from rich mauve to soft blush pink, with subtle hints of green that add depth and balance. Positioned over the sofa, the artwork draws the eye and reinforces the feminine statement in the space.

  •  Two side tables
The scale of the wall comfortably accommodates a pair of small side tables flanking the sofa, while still allowing easy access to the nearby closet. These tables, crafted from a mix of metal and stone, offer a delicate yet substantial presence. The metal has a soft gold finish that adds a hint of elegance and warmth, complementing the room’s overall palette without overwhelming the space.

  •  Two lamps
Since the ceiling fan lacks a light kit, the room needed an additional source of light. To address this, a pair of gourd-shaped ceramic lamps in a soft blush tone were selected. Their sculptural form adds character, while their color echoes the layered pink palette established throughout the space. Placed on each side of the sofa, the lamps complement the artwork above the sofa and contribute to the room’s cohesive and inviting ambiance.

  •  Pillows
The pillows are from an online retailer, and they are woven wool. The colors of the woven wool range from soft pinks to soft blues with a touch of green. The pillows add the depth of blue which balances with all the pinks in the space. The inserts in the pillows are soft down and great for snuggling up with a good book on the sofa.

  •  Rug
The rug features a striking vintage-inspired print that visually ties to the room’s color palette. Though it offers the rich texture and depth of a hand-knotted piece, it’s entirely washable, this rug is a rare combination of style and practicality. Durable yet elegant, it can be easily cleaned with a garden hose, making it an ideal choice for a beautiful space that’s meant to be both lived in by homeowner and puppy.

  •  Desk
The left side of the room offered an ideal location for a desk, maximizing space and functionality. A corner-style desk was selected to make full use of the area, with a deep center section that comfortably accommodates both a monitor and keyboard. To the right, a dedicated printer console features a pull-out drawer that allows the printer to slide out for use and tuck away when not needed. On the left, a series of filing cabinets, storage drawers, and a built-in charging station provide streamlined organization and convenience. The homeowner appreciates the new desk placement, which offers a clear view out the window while working. Coordinated gold hardware on the desk mirrors the finish found on the side tables and accent mirror, creating a subtle thread of cohesion throughout the space.

  •  Mirror
A large round mirror was installed above the desk, positioned to reflect the artwork on the opposite wall and expand the visual depth of the room. Its soft gold finish echoes the metallic accents found on the side tables and desk hardware, adding a layer of visual cohesion to the space.

  •  Little chest
A petite antique chest found its perfect home beside the closet, adding a touch of character and history to the space. On and above the chest, the homeowner has arranged a display of her favorite objects. This vignette brings a personal element to the room, softening the overall design with sentiment and charm.
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Before and After Pics Below