In Mood Board Ideas

A coastal mid-century modern office

An office is one of those rooms that most of us need, but don’t have the space. Often you end up with an office/storage/guest room. Is there a way to decorate such mess with style?

This is the challenge. Transforming a small dark box room into a relaxing and welcoming office/guest bedroom. Today, I’m concentrating on the office nook and the storage issue.

What about the style? I let my Mediterranean experiences influence my passion for mid-century modern. The result: a coastal mid-century modern office with a hint of industrial.

A multi-purpose space

One room. Three distinct uses. With a small room like mine, it’s difficult to zone each area. Two-thirds of it will be the office with storage. The remaining space will be the guest area. Everything has to be seamless. Let’s start with the office and the storage requirements

You need a tranquil space to relax and work. An office is a functional space so you have to take into account several factors. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Where is the window located?
  • What window treatments are you going to use?
  • How often are you going to work?
  • Do you need to access your stored items?
  • How much desk space do you need?

STYLE TIP: Always place your desk so the window is to your right or left. If the window is in front or behind the desk, it will be hard to control the glare. A huge issue with computer screens.

Once you have worked out the functional aspect of the design, it’s time to get creative! I’ve chosen the essential furniture items of the design. I’m still exploring wall colour options.

The inspiration

The choice of colours is personal. Don’t let a magazine or trend decide for you. Some people find bold colours and strong patterns uplifting. Others find them distracting. Also, think about what things do you want to see around when you’re working (lush plants, pleasant pictures, etc).

My coastal mid-century modern office colour scheme is based on maritime watercolour prints. The mood inspiration is the Mediterranean sea. A paler shade of blue. Instead of the classic navy blue or saturated turquoise. And no stripes.

A coastal mid-century modern office mood board

A coastal mid-century modern office mood board

1. Colas vintage console desk (La Redoute)

Despite the name, this streamlined compact desk is not vintage. Still, it’s a brilliant choice for awkward corners, such as alcoves. It’s wall-mounted and narrow with the added benefit of a drawer for storage.

2. Verner Panton chair (Vitra)

This is the official remake of the original cantilever chair from the 1960s. Made with a single piece of moulded plastic in matt finish. Why this chair? Because it tucks nicely under the desk when not in use. And it looks awesome!

3. E27 pendant lamp (Muuto)

You can’t get more simple than this. Made of silicone rubber with a clear 12.5 cm bulb. Thirteen colours to choose from. For some mysterious reason, it’s not available in any pale blue hue. So I settled with dark grey.

4. Gajih stool (Muubs)

Too many polished and matt items can look clinical. Here comes the texture boost with this Danish stool! The unfinished teak root and rice straw pattern stand out against the clean-cut surfaces.

5. Hiba metal lockers (La Redoute)

These are two separate lockers. One with a door and the other one with adjustable open shelving. You could say the style is “refined industrial.” Metal cabinet with ventilation openings, but lacquered in contemporary colours.

6. CD wall shelves (Tee Books)

I’ve had this on my wish list for over a year. I love the floating effect thanks to the 2 mm steel shelf design. Each individual shelf can store up to 56 CDs. Tee Books also provide shelves for DVDs, books, etc.

7. Herdis cushion (FunkyDoris)

More texture and nautical colours! This Danish cotton cushion comes pre-filled with feathers. It has a decent size with 50 x 50 cm. Perfect to leave casually on the stool. It softens the look of the room and adds cosiness.

8. Type 75 mini wall-mounted lamp (Anglepoise)

The desk area is minimal and a lamp would take too much valuable real estate. Solution? Anglepoise is about to launch a smaller wall-mounted version of the iconic Type 75 lamp. The slate grey colour looks stunning.

What do you think?

What would be your coastal mid-century modern office like? Would you pick other products? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or let me know.

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Juan Sandiego

I’m an Interiors & Wellbeing Coach with a passion for design and the science of happiness. I help home renovators create their ideal home and lifestyle so they can live happy and stress-free. Want to try it? Book your free session today.

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8 Comments

  1. JENNY KAKOUDAKIS
    7 years ago

    Having the desk lamp moved to the wall is a great space saving idea. Agree that most of us can rarely make space for a home office but it is SO important to have a dedicated space to work in! The Panton chair is a design classic that does not break the bank (well only a bit!). Great board!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Jenny! Looking forward to having a place to work at home (other than the kitchen table). I already got the Panton chair. Just need to clear the space to make it fit!

      Reply
  2. Anne Marie
    7 years ago

    Oh, how I love Panton chairs, I’m actually thinking about replacing my dinning chairs with Panton style chairs. Sadly I can’t afford the authentics 🙁 I totally agree with you that the choice of colours (or anything else to be honest) should be personal and not influenced by trends. It’s particularly important to remember that when you on Instagram too often (like me 🙂 ) as it is so easy to be eaten by the trend bug there!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Anne Marie! I’m still trying to figure out Instagram. I don’t know what I’m doing at the moment! As you say, it can be hard to ignore trends when they’re splashed everywhere.

      Reply
  3. Keira @ Dekko Bird
    7 years ago

    Some really great tips here and I love the Danish design still and how it adds extra texture. Looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thank you for your comment, Keira! Glad you liked it. Those Danes create wonderful things!

      Reply
  4. Hollie (MiaFleur)
    7 years ago

    Lovely board – I’m usually one for colour and pattern, but I love the idea of a more neutral scheme for an office. Great tip about the wall version of the desk lamp too!

    Reply
    1. Juan Sandiego
      7 years ago

      Thanks for your comment, Hollie! I can’t wait for the grey wall lamp to be available.

      Reply

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