When Rachel Hochhauser, the writer of the novel Lady Tremaine, had her second baby, her home office turned into her child’s nursery. She still needed a peaceful spot to work. Fortunately, she and her husband recollected an overlooked nook at the end of an upstairs corridor. “The alcove had an unusual shape but featured lovely windows,” she mentions. “After measuring, we realized we could transform it into a small-yet-completely-my-own office.” Here, Rachel exhibits the before-and-after pictures…
BEFORE
Alcove entrance
The room itself
On getting creative: This was the first occasion where I sat down and genuinely imagined how I wanted a space to appear, from beginning to end. Our house contains plenty of neutral furnishings and white walls, and I desired my office to feel distinct. Opting to envelop the room in color was like mentally asserting the space as my own.
DURING
On parallel projects: I was crafting my novel Lady Tremaine in here during the construction phase, when we still had incomplete built-ins. Right after completing the room, I received my first copies of the book. Thus, this room seemed very emotionally linked to Lady Tremaine’s creation process.
On choosing the color: I’m also the co-founder of the puzzle brand Piecework, and there’s a misty green hue in our puzzle Blossom that attracts me. I brought it with me to the paint shop and compared it to several chips. After narrowing it down, I opted for Behr’s Dried Rosemary.
On wishlists: I envisioned a nook where my children could relax, so we placed this built-in bench by the window. Prior to this undertaking, I had never selected custom upholstery, and discovering the perfect bench fabric was daunting. Initially, I was dissatisfied with my final choice — it appeared too conventional. But once I saw it with the wall color, everything felt soothing and harmonious.
AFTER
On first reactions: I was so delighted. With two young kids, our home life is lively and hectic. I’ve discovered that possessing a space of my own has been invaluable for my creative process and staying attuned with myself, especially in these initial stages of motherhood.
Chair: Magistretti. Cowboy print: Daniel Falcón. Vase: Isabel Halley.
On chameleon color: I adore this paint because it changes throughout the day — it’s light and milky in the morning, then dark and moody by night.
Side table: “I discovered this on the side of the road, a few blocks from our home.” Throw: Maison Deux.
On writing: My writing takes place during childcare hours, when my children are either at school or with a caregiver. I feel pressured to use the time wisely, which I’ve learned isn’t necessarily negative. Great creativity can bloom from a pressure cooker. You don’t always need an abundance of inspiration, it’s about sitting down and doing the task.
On family art: My sister is an artist who paints on vintage textiles. She acquired this vintage handkerchief on eBay, and then created a scene inspired by 19th-century English pastoral artwork. I pleaded with her for it!
On daily goals: I also strive to write for a specific time each day, rather than achieving a word count. Some days I’ll progress a quarter inch, sometimes make a tremendous stride.
Thank you so much, Rachel!
P.S. 10 readers reveal their work-from-home areas, and Kate Baer’s home workspace.
(Office “after” pictures by Kiara Rose.)
Title: The Remarkable Makeover of Rachel Hochhauser’s Home Office
Rachel Hochhauser, a renowned interior designer, has recently unveiled the remarkable makeover of her home office, showcasing her exceptional taste and forward-thinking design skills. The project, spanning several months, turned a nondescript workspace into a haven of creativity and efficiency.
**Initial Challenges**
Initially, Rachel’s home office was a cluttered and unstimulating area. Although the room was spacious, it lacked natural light and was crowded with mismatched furniture and dated decor. Rachel aimed to craft a functional yet inviting environment to inspire her daily tasks.
**Design Vision**
Rachel envisioned a space combining modern style with practical usability. She wanted to incorporate features reflecting her personality while ensuring the office suited her professional requirements. The makeover emphasized maximizing light, optimizing space, and seamlessly incorporating technology.
**Key Features of the Makeover**
1. **Natural Light and Open Ambiance**: A central change was installing large windows to illuminate the room naturally. This not only brightened the space but also established an open and airy feel. Sheer curtains added privacy without reducing light.
2. **Color Scheme and Materials**: Rachel selected a neutral palette with gentle whites, greys, and earthy hues to foster a calming environment. The use of natural resources like wood and stone introduced warmth and texture.
3. **Furniture and Layout**: The office boasts custom furniture, including a sleek desk with ample storage and ergonomic seating. The layout was meticulously arranged to allow easy movement and accessibility throughout the space.
4. **Technology Integration**: Rachel embedded cutting-edge technology, featuring a smart lighting system and wireless charging stations, to boost functionality. The office is fitted with high-speed internet and multiple screens for multitasking.
5. **Personal Touches**: To personalize the area, Rachel included artwork and decor reflecting her hobbies and achievements. A gallery wall displays her preferred pieces, while plants and greenery infuse a hint of nature indoors.
6. **Organizational Solutions**: To combat clutter, Rachel employed clever storage solutions, like built-in shelves and hidden compartments. This ensures everything has its place, keeping the office neat and orderly.
**Final Outcome**
Rachel Hochhauser’s home office makeover is a tribute to her design prowess and creativity. The revamped space is both visually captivating and highly functional, providing an ideal setting for her work. Rachel’s home office serves as an inspiration for those aspiring to revamp their workspace, demonstrating that with thoughtful design, any room can be transformed into a masterpiece.
