An Alexandria Home Office Gets a Makeover

Regina Haney of Alexandria has started teaching online courses and wants to make over her 10-by-11-foot home office. She tried to design around a drop-leaf desk that belonged to her dad but can't get it to work. Rather than force the heirloom, designer Jennifer Schweikert suggests a large dining table and modern cabinets to maximize space. Try moving the desk to "a place of honor" like the foyer, she wrote. Schweikert, of Just My Style (703-321-6155), is based in Burke. Replace the carpet with Flor tiles to make the space feel less like a spare bedroom. An accent chair makes the room feel inviting. Add a gold throw pillow to tie the color scheme together. Vary the finishes. Arustic table, industrial cabinets and a wrought-iron floor lamp make the room look updated. Replace the blinds with Roman shades. A subtle pattern adds visual interest without distracting from the work area. Use a dining table instead of a desk to maximize work space. Flank it with two chairs, one for you and one for guests. Paint the walls a buttery neutral. The color is Cream by Farrow and Ball. Furniture: Original Home Office three-cabinet credenza in dark gray ($749) and single-drawer CPU cabinet in dark gray ($199), Messina dining table ($799) and Original Home Office desk organizers in white ($79), all from www.ballarddesigns.com); Manchester swivel chair in espresso ($500, www.potterybarn.com); Madeleine armchair in burnt oak ($129) and Couturier's chair ($335), both from www.restorationhardware.com. Lighting: French Iron Scroll floor lamp ($295, www.restorationhardware.com); Modern Era desk lamp in antique brass with gunmetal ($299) and letter tray desk lamp in rubbed black ($149), both from www.shadesoflight.com. Accessories: Flor tiles in Bark, Irish Setter, Canary and Gerbil ($14 each, www.flor.com).