Modern Home Decorating

Home Decorating and Interior Design Ideas

decorating question regarding home office?

Posted by Jade Martins on Nov-15-2009

I’m redecorating my small home office, which is located in my basement. I currently have flourescent lighting and a very small window.
I want to paint it either a Burgundy with white trim, a blueish plum with white trim or another wine color – any other recommedations – ? I’ve heard small rooms look smaller with darker colors, though.
What should I do to create better lighting?

sure… dark color makes a space look smaller, so you’re faced with 2 options here:

1. change the colors to lighter tints… obviously! it all depends on what u like… maybe pink instead of burgundy with touches of burgundy and blueish plum and white…! all colors can b good 2gether if used with the right degree and proportion!

2. keep your color scheme, which i personally like, but use dull burgundy if u like it… brighter color will make a room smaller too… there are other ways to re-expand the space:
a. mirrors
b. organize and remove clutter
c. use your dark colors on walls, ceiling, and floor without much contrast… strong contrast will also shrink the office…
d. use less furniture if possible

for the lighting, fluorescent is good because i expands your room bur it can b a little harsh… i’d say use medium wattage as for general lighting then strong lighting as task lighting for the reading area like desk lamps and floor lamps or wall scones if possible… what ever u end up doing, don’t mix warm and cool lighting, it’s ugly!

i hope i helped… Good luck!




  1. sbyldy Said,

    If you choose a darker color, you will need to add more lighting, or possibly some decorative mirrors to reflect the light that is there. The colors sound relaxing and elegant!
    References :

  2. basharho Said,

    sure… dark color makes a space look smaller, so you’re faced with 2 options here:

    1. change the colors to lighter tints… obviously! it all depends on what u like… maybe pink instead of burgundy with touches of burgundy and blueish plum and white…! all colors can b good 2gether if used with the right degree and proportion!

    2. keep your color scheme, which i personally like, but use dull burgundy if u like it… brighter color will make a room smaller too… there are other ways to re-expand the space:
    a. mirrors
    b. organize and remove clutter
    c. use your dark colors on walls, ceiling, and floor without much contrast… strong contrast will also shrink the office…
    d. use less furniture if possible

    for the lighting, fluorescent is good because i expands your room bur it can b a little harsh… i’d say use medium wattage as for general lighting then strong lighting as task lighting for the reading area like desk lamps and floor lamps or wall scones if possible… what ever u end up doing, don’t mix warm and cool lighting, it’s ugly!

    i hope i helped… Good luck!
    References :
    Interior Decorator

  3. fatsausage Said,

    Move the Office upstairs and avoid that harsh fluoresent lighting. You need to do your work in a larger room with large windows – a tiny room will cramp your thinking.
    References :

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