Over the last few weeks, I’ve been dreaming up Leo’s office. He’s a passionate whiskey collector and wants to enjoy the space for both work and pleasure. We both agreed that we want the office to be whiskey-inspired, but we also don’t want it to translate too literally. After weeks of sourcing and sifting through inspiration, we’ve struck the perfect balance.

Spatial Planning and Layout

For spatial planning and functionality, he not only needs a desk for work, but also plenty of storage for his whiskey collection. Because of this, I’ve designed custom built-in cabinetry that will flank the main wall of the office. With the right styling and accessories, this will strike the perfect balance between a whiskey display case and an elegant office.

Another functionality needed for the space is a place to lounge. The lounging space will be used for both reading and whiskey tastings, so we’ve decided on a boucle electric reclining chair in a cream color to contrast the moodiness of the bronze walls. Accompanying the chair will be a modern drink table.

There will be a TV on the wall opposite his reclining chair so he can relax. We will also be bringing in either a bar cart or some sort of console table. We haven’t quite decided on that yet, but as the room evolves, I’m sure the right answer will come to us.

Color Palette and Surface Selections

The built-in cabinetry will be painted the same color as the walls and the ceiling. We are leaning toward Sherwin Williams Iron Ore but will finalize it when we test out the samples. Iron Ore is a beautiful bronze black that reflects perfectly off the golden hue of the whiskey itself.

In order to be considered bourbon, whiskey has to be aged in an American white oak barrel. I decided to play off this element by incorporating white oak tongue-and-groove paneling on the ceiling, as well as in other areas of the office like his desk. He will have a waterfall-edged white oak desk.

Finishing Touches

Scattered throughout the space will be leather accents to subtly tie back to the whiskey theme. The light fixture already features brass with brown leather accents, so we will incorporate this into picture frames, his desk chair, and other decorative objects.

I’ve chosen to mix metals in this space. While there will be hints of brass to play off the golden tone of whiskey, I wanted something to break up all the neutral brown elements. Therefore, I’ve selected polished nickel hardware for the built-ins. Polished nickel is the perfect choice for this space because it’s a warm silver color, not cool silver like chrome. The polished nickel will blend in and provide contrast at the same time.

Now that you can see the mood board and I’ve explained my thought process, what do you think? I personally can’t wait to see the space transform.