Edward’s project was never about creating a conventional home office. It was about designing a space where focus, creativity, and enjoyment could exist together. As someone who runs his own company and works from home most days, he needed a room that supported concentration without feeling restrictive or corporate.
The brief was intentionally open, which allowed the team at The Artizen to take ownership of the project and read between the lines. One challenge became clear early on. The room sits within a listed building and is south facing, meaning it became uncomfortably hot during the day. Temperature regulation was essential before any design work could begin. Working with local specialists, a discreet air conditioning solution was installed that fully complied with conservation regulations.
With that in place, the transformation could begin.
Because the desk would be the heart of Edward’s working day, it was positioned at the centre of the room. Power points were planned early so multiple screens could function seamlessly without visible cables. To create enough working space, a dining table was repurposed as a desk. As the room sits on the first floor, bringing the table in required some outside the box thinking and it was carefully lifted through the window. Once in place, it proved to be the perfect solution.
An existing single bed also needed to remain, as the room occasionally doubles as a guest space. Rather than removing it, the team reimagined it as a sofa style feature, softened with cushions that echoed the artwork and added warmth to the room.
”I never wanted an office that felt like work. This space keeps me focused, inspired, and comfortable all day long. It is where I genuinely want to be.
EdwardBraunston
As always, the colour palette began with the art. Work by Benoit Havard was chosen for its rich colour and energetic city scenes. The sense of movement within the artwork reflected Edward’s working rhythm while providing daily inspiration. Neutral frames allowed flexibility with metallic accents used throughout the room.
Curtains and voiles provided privacy while still allowing views across the Northamptonshire countryside. Lighting was layered carefully using table lamps, floor lamps, and subtle floating light so the room could adapt effortlessly from day to evening.
To reinforce the lifestyle feel, a fully considered coffee station was added. Every detail was planned, from the espresso machine and kettle to cups, sugar, and milk storage, making it a natural part of Edward’s working routine.
Plants brought life into the space, alongside a fresh, subtle signature scent chosen to support focus. Desk accessories, stationery, and coasters were styled so the room was ready to work from day one.
Edward’s three cats were also part of the brief. An aesthetically pleasing cat tree was selected that blended into the room while giving his pets a place of their own.
When the team revisited the property months later, nothing had changed. The room had not dated, and nothing needed adjusting. Edward shared that it had become his favourite space in the house, somewhere he instinctively goes first thing in the morning and often stays until the end of the day, fully engaged and at ease.
What began as an office became the foundation for shaping the rest of the home, applying the same thoughtful approach to every room.
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