My Mid-Century Modern Office Makeover
Designing a home office that is equal parts functional, stylish, and family-friendly is no easy task — but this space proves it can be done. My goal was to create a room that served three purposes: a workspace for me, craft storage for my daughter, and a cozy retreat to escape to at the end of the day.
Inspired by mid-century modern design and softened with Scandinavian-inspired sculptural pieces, the room now feels warm, practical, and layered with personality.
Building the Foundation
The biggest transformation started with the office nook, which was carved out of an existing closet. To maximize space, I outfitted it with IKEA cabinets and a custom countertop (finished in a marble-look laminate) that now accommodates my desktop setup.
On either side of the sofa, I created custom, DIY-built-in cabinets using pre-fabricated cabinets from Lowe’s. For the upper storage, I used Better Homes cabinets from Walmart and tied it all together with walnut paneling. The cabinets are perfect for housing craft supplies, office materials, and the random overflow items every family accumulates.
Paint & Stain:
Walls: Rookwood Red by Sherwin-Williams
Wood finish: Minwax Walnut MW1213
Warmth Through Wood & Paneling
The tongue-and-groove wall paneling, combined with sanded plywood sheets, creates an architectural texture that instantly elevates the room and leans into a mid-century vibe. I chose a walnut stain to highlight the natural wood grain while complementing the cabinetry.
This element is not only design-forward but also budget-friendly, perfect for anyone searching for mid-century modern wood wall paneling DIY inspiration.
Balancing Work & Play
One of the trickiest parts of designing this office was making sure it didn’t feel too “all business.” By layering in storage that doubles as craft organization, cozy textiles, and playful accents, the room works for both focused work hours and after-school craft sessions.
This is truly a multi-purpose home office, proof that you don’t have to sacrifice style for function.
Shop the Look
Here’s a quick breakdown of sources so you can recreate a similar mid-century inspired office,
Wall Paint: Rookwood Red – Sherwin-Williams
Wood Stain: Walnut MW1213 – Minwax Interior Stain - Lowe’s
Lower Cabinets: Project Source Oak Brook Cabinet - Lowe’s
Upper Cabinets: Springwood Caning Storage Cabinet – Walmart
Cozy Armchair: Yeti Sheepskin Armchair
Lamp: Timberline Floor Lamp - Gubi
Art: Botanical Series - Minted
Desk Chair: Velvet Office Chair
Curtains: Birkin TWOPAGES (Burgundy)
Plant: Monstera Swiss Cheese Plant - Lowes
Plant Stand / Side Table: Wood Slit Side Table - HAY
This makeover gave me exactly what I was craving: a space that feels timeless, warm, and highly functional. With its mid-century modern bones, Scandinavian influences, and family-friendly functionality, it has become a room where work, creativity, and relaxation coexist seamlessly. If you’re considering a makeover for your own office, start with the basics: storage, paint, and paneling. From there, layer in textures, art, and lighting and don’t be afraid to DIY your way to a space that’s uniquely yours.
