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Life On Virginia Street

Life On Virginia Street

DIY . Home Decor . Travel . Style . Life

Office Walls: Decision Time

Decorating Ideas, Tips and Trends, Room Makeovers + Design Plans

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I have conflicting thoughts about which direction I want to take the walls in the office. It is the first room you see when you walk in our home and I want to ensure it sets the style for the rest of the house. But, at the same time, have that office-y feel. So, today I’ve rounded up some beautiful wall trim ideas.

My husband has agreed to help me with a project on Friday – because after that college football starts and he claims he won’t have time until January. So, I have to quickly decide which route to go – board and batten {deciding on a variety of layouts} or a planked wall {or all walls planked}.

Because the wall is surrounded by the outdoors {with a large window overlooking our front yard and a large set of doors and transom leading to our courtyard} I want to make it feel  more organic/earthy if you know what I mean. Which means my old design board may or may not work. Here’s a further out view than I may have shown before. It also shows how blah the room is right now.

View of neutral office through French doors.

If I went darker, it would be a lot like our dining room which, although painted dark {Restoration Hardware Slate}, feels lighter because of all the natural light coming in. All the other rooms in our house are painted so light, that it may help if the office have a dark wall, so that the dining room doesn’t feel so “different”.

Dining room with charcoal gray walls

Here’s my wall inspiration for the office:

This whole room is pretty fantastic. I love the drama of the dark wall with all the other lighter elements. Plus I already have the fabric that’s on the head chairs. The chandelier is amazing in here as well. The board and batten pattern is much like the one we used in our guest bedroom.

I love the dark accent wall they used here. So much drama!
{via}
Here is another similar look {in a much more modern room}. The idea is the same though, but with the grid paneling in a much smaller pattern.
Another version of using a dark accent wall. I love the dramatic look.
{via}

Another option is board and batten in a different layout similar to the one used in the photo below {I’d probably do this one floor to ceiling}.

Board and batten is a simple way to dress up a plain wall.
{via}

A similar idea in this next room, but with a dark look.

Dark board and batten wall with a couch and geometric shapes on pillows.
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This is a more formal version of the dark board and batten {notice the inset trim around the board and batten}. I would only do the main wall like this and would have to have the other three walls much lighter, but I love how the green and wood elements contrast against this dark charcoal/black paint.

Dark board and batten walls work in small spaces if you use light accents.
{via}

It should come as no surprise that I really love the look of this next room. I love the white planked walls mixed with the dark wood floors and beam. Although I love planked ceilings, I don’t actually love this one. But the rest of the room is perfection and has most of the elements I’m looking for.

White planked walls add visual interest to this light and airy dining space.
{via}

I like the look of these planks partway up and the remainder of the walls and ceiling painted. This would work in our home because the ceilings on our main level are smooth.

Cute white office with a coastal vibe.
{via}

Here is a similar concept but with board and batten on the lower portion.

Dining room featuring white batten board with blue accents on the chair.
{via}

If I go with the planking I would have it wrap the entire room, much like this amazing bathroom. I like the seamless look but I’m not sure’s it’s possible with the width of our room.

Bathroom inspiration: shiplap walls give off a coastal vibe.
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This is a different, but fun look. The planks are white and the trim is gray.

Cute gallery wall on shiplap leading up a staircase.
{via}
Another option is planks painted a color other than white – like this taupe color or a gray.
Greige colored shiplap walls in a calming bedroom.
{via}

So, which look gets your vote? Board and batten or plank? White, dark or colored? Feature wall or whole room? I think I am leaning towards either a dark board and batten wall or white planks around the whole room. Help!

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August 26, 2013 · 6 Comments

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Comments

  1. janel madden says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    My vote is for planked wall 3/4 up with painting the rest and the ceiling 🙂 When will we be celebrating something BIG in Omaha again? We want to come see you guys and the new house!

    Reply
  2. Kristin@bliss-athome.com says

    August 26, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Your house is so gorgeous! I love the doors of your office! xo Kristin

    Reply
  3. Vel Criste says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Either one will look fabulous Sarah, but love the plank more,I guess because of it’s simplicity and ability to morph into whatever style you come up with for the space. And we all know, we change our tastes all the time! Good luck!

    Reply
  4. Jillian B. says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    You know, I was going to say I love that really dark board and batten at the top, but I think my vote is for the planks now!

    Reply
  5. nlpalmer says

    August 27, 2013 at 11:06 am

    Planks make the room look like it was a garage or another outside part of the house you decided too convert into a room and you were trying to cut cost by not changing the wall. Board and batten painted dark or stained gives a much richer look.

    Reply
  6. nlpalmer says

    August 27, 2013 at 11:06 am

    Planks make the room look like it was a garage or another outside part of the house you decided too convert into a room and you were trying to cut cost by not changing the wall. Board and batten painted dark or stained gives a much richer look.

    Reply

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