A beautifully contrasting study in Sevenoaks, Kent
A home office needs to be designed as space-efficiently as any workplace, with plenty of storage and working areas, plus it should ideally create a sanctuary from the hubbub of family life.
When Steve and Emma Daws of Sevenoaks, Kent, approached us to create their perfect study, they were seeking exactly this type of solution. Ample, versatile storage was a must, and they preferred a modern, sleek, unobtrusive finish, to give the room an air of calm professionalism.
A practical solution
We designed a large storage unit incorporating open shelving, cupboards and drawers to make the most of every inch of space – something that only made-to-measure furniture can achieve. We also furnished the room with a smaller drawer unit, placed in close proximity to the desk for easy access to frequently needed items.
The doors of all the cabinets have integrated “J-Pull” handles, giving the pieces a sleek appearance with subtle horizontal lines running through the fronts.
Thanks to this ample storage provision, we were able to construct a simple, clutter-free desk, without the need for obstructive under-desk drawers.
Contrasting finishes
To give the study a modern, clean look we combined the natural richness of black American walnut with the fresh feel of smooth, white doors and desktop.
The white cabinet doors are constructed from moisture resistant (or ‘green’) MDF which, unlike natural wood, won’t move over time as it’s impervious to the surrounding room’s changes in humidity. This gives a very stable and long-lasting finish.
The MDF also enables us to achieve a smooth, contemporary appearance. In this case we used Farrow & Ball “All White” to spray paint the doors and desk. This bright white works beautifully to emphasise the natural colour, graining and character of the black American walnut.
We added further texture to the room by using 15mm, toughened glass for the desktop; back-painted (ie on the underside of the glass), matching the “All White” used for the tall units, for a feeling of continuity.
The result is an efficient office space which excels in both functionality and style.
Find out more about how we can create the perfect study for your home.
