In a notable collaboration, Grothouse and designer Jesse Johns of Kitchen, Bath & Home in Dallas, Texas embarked on a project to transform a retired Coast Guard commander’s home office. The client envisioned a space that would capture the tranquility and adventure of the sea, leading to a beautifully designed office that seamlessly integrates a nautical theme.
This collaboration resulted in a bright, functional, and aesthetically pleasing workspace, masterfully combining innovative design elements with exceptional craftsmanship.
Capturing the Essence of the Sea at Home
The retired Coast Guard commander‘s primary goal was to embody his maritime passion in a functional and inspiring space.
A central piece of nautical artwork set the tone, around which every element was carefully chosen. The transformation involved replacing outdated dark wood panels with soft cream-colored walls, introducing custom-built ins, and incorporating a stunning Walnut desk surface from Grothouse. The result is a cohesive and dynamic environment that perfectly captures the essence of the sea.
Reimagining the Space
The transformation of the original study, built in the mid-1990s, was remarkably significant. Once a small, dark, and awkward space, it has been elegantly transformed into a bright and functional office, with a stunning seascape as its central focal point. The soft cream-colored walls have enhanced the room’s light and airy feel lending to the quality of the sea.
One of the main challenges was accommodating a piano, adding a sofa, and creating a functional workspace in the small, awkwardly shaped room with several doors and windows as well as a curved wall. The designer recommended retaining the original placement of the built-ins. Two comfortable accent chairs were placed in front of the windows to create a cozy reading nook while maximizing natural light. The piano was positioned perfectly between two doors on the third wall. The curved wall and entrance were left open to maintain a spacious feel.
To further improve the functionality and aesthetics, the original built-in cabinets were updated with custom-built-ins in a striking color complimenting the concept of the sea. These additions provide adjustable shelves and ample file drawer space.
Innovative design features include hidden writing desks that extend the main desk surface and custom-designed “library” drawers for neatly storing large books. By incorporating the refined charm of rich wood with a Walnut desk surface, warmth, and sophistication were blended with the room’s bright atmosphere for a perfect balance.
This stunning Walnut desk surface was fabricated as a single piece and delivered to the site by Grothouse. Walnut was chosen because its beautiful slightly open and straight grain captured perfectly the nautical elegance of the new office.
Integrating this surface required accommodating specific design elements, such as a cutout for wall paneling and openings for computer wires.
Multiple parties, including Jesse Johns, KBH’s project manager, the cabinet supplier, and the Grothouse team collaborated closely to ensure precise measurements and a flawless fit, successfully preventing any errors.
The Nautical Dream Achieved
Overall, the transformation has turned a small, dark study into a bright, airy, and highly functional home office that not only embodies the client’s maritime passion but also provides a practical and inspiring workspace.
The newly designed office seamlessly merges aesthetic appeal with functionality, creating an environment that reflects the client’s love for the sea while serving as a versatile and motivating area for work and relaxation.
