As promised, here is our office/spare bedroom. It is our most-changed room. When we first moved in, this room was completely covered in wood paneling, including an entire wall dedicated to an atrocious wood-paneled built-in closet and shelving area. This space was so outdated that we were embarrassed to show it to anyone. It was difficult to know what to do with the space. But one thing we did know was that the wood paneling had to go.
And so, imagine my surprise when one sunny weekend day, as I played with the boys in the back yard, large chunks of wood-paneled wall came flying out the window of the second floor and crashed into a heap in our side yard. Apparently, Andrew couldn’t take it anymore and was in the mood for some destruction. 
And I know I speak for both of us when I say it is quite therapeutic to destroy stuff. As the wood paneling was ripped off the walls, Andrew found this wall paper underneath. This tiny room must have been the perfect nursery way back when…
I know a certain little boy who quite resembles “Wednesday’s Child” these days… you know, with the crying and spilling of juice and such. Oh, woe is Oliver.
A few more sunny days plus a crow bar and a pair of work gloves, and the room was stripped bare. We paid a random guy to drywall it, but still haven’t finished the trim on the windows and around the door because eventually, we want that to match the woodwork in the rest of the house and frankly, it would be way out of our budget to do that anytime soon.
After a little discussion about what this room could and could not be (now it had no closet, but was big enough for a single bed and a dresser if we wanted it to be a boy’s room) we ultimately decided that for now, it would be nice to have a space where Andrew could work/read/research from home. 
There is no desk, as it would rarely get use. We wanted more of a sitting area, so that is what we created.
An old crate is home to my parent’s old record collection, which we listen to often- though the record player is in the playroom across the hall.
A tree stump table softens the dramatic look of the black walls. And that amazing baby blanket draped over the back of the chair was a handmade gift from a super talented friend who is starting her own Etsy shop soon… I will link you to her when she opens!
A picture my mom took when my brother and I were wee ones playing in the shadows- it is one of my favorites.
Breakfast- though we rarely actually eat in this room, I do love how the morning sunshine illuminates the space.
Usually there is more light in the morning, but it is still winter!
My favorite rug in the WHOLE house! (and Proudie’s)
We have a pull-out couch in this room as well, which comes in handy when we have visitors has often as we do. Eventually, I see this space being converted into a boy’s room, but for now, it is working well as is.
Thanks for stopping by!
Whoa!! You have one of those houses that people pin on pinterest and try to emulate. It’s so pretty and you have great style.
What a great space! I love that rug too! And the crate of records with the potted plants. Lovely.
You did a fantastic job with this space. So cool that you were bold enough to paint the walls black and I love the mix of modern and rustic. Such a charming room and that old wallpaper was classic!
now, i have to admit i REALLY love wood paneling! i know, i’m kinda alone on this one 😀 that being said, i think this room looks absolutely amazing! i’m so digging the black walls! for the last couple of months i’ve been trying to figure out which wall in my house would work being black. still haven’t come to any conclusions, but seeing your room has renewed my interest!
the photo of you and your brother is so sweet! and love the album collection and succulents. i think it’s interesting that a room can look light and airy being black! you guys did a great job!
Gorgeous! I love the color scheme of the room. And the rug and the cute stump side table go so well together. Come decorate our house, please? 🙂
*Love* the contrast between the dark walls and the crisp lightness of the curtains — a bold look but you totally nailed it.
I love the old records in the crate!! Looks like a lot of hard work payed off!
YOU have amazing aesthetic! This room is dramatic and light at the same time. Love the natural wood accents and clumps of potted plants. And I agree, wood crates make a perfect home to records.
Love it all. Every inch of it.
What a BEAUTIFUL room. I am super impressed. Love the minimalism, the rug, those windows (lovely curtains! And that iron detail– I’m assuming that’s an old-house perk– is awesome). Well done!
I love the look of this room. Growing up, our family room was black. It’s such an elegant and dramatic look. Great job.