This client wanted a place he could work, watch his favorite sports and movies, and also entertain. A gorgeous rustic luxe man cave (media room and home office) for an avid hunter and whiskey connoisseur. Rich leather and velvet mixed with cement and industrial piping fit the bill, giving this space the perfect blend of masculine luxury with plenty of space to work and play.

Barn Office

PhiBa Architecture

Renovation of an old barn into a personal office space. This project, located on a 37-acre family farm in Pennsylvania, arose from the need for a personal workspace away from the hustle and bustle of the main house. An old barn used for gardening storage provided the ideal opportunity to convert it into a personal workspace. The small 1250 s.f. building consists of a main work and meeting area as well as the addition of a kitchen and a bathroom with sauna. The architects decided to preserve and restore the original stone construction and highlight it both inside and out in order to gain approval from the local authorities under a strict code for the reuse of historic structures. The poor state of preservation of the original timber structure presented the design team with the opportunity to reconstruct the roof using three large timber frames, produced by craftsmen from the Amish community. Following local craft techniques, the truss joints were achieved using wood dowels without adhesives and the stone walls were laid without the use of apparent mortar. The new roof, covered with cedar shingles, projects beyond the original footprint of the building to create two porches. One frames the main entrance and the other protects a generous outdoor living space on the south side. New wood trusses are left exposed and emphasized with indirect lighting design. The walls of the short facades were opened up to create large windows and bring the expansive views of the forest and neighboring creek into the space. The palette of interior finishes is simple and forceful, limited to the use of wood, stone and glass. The furniture design, including the suspended fireplace, integrates with the architecture and complements it through the judicious use of natural fibers and textiles. The result is a contemporary and timeless architectural work that will coexist harmoniously with the traditional buildings in its surroundings, protected in perpetuity for their historical heritage value.

CAMINETTO

Allecta Casa

Caminetto per case di città concepito per risaltare tra le nuove proposte moderne. Scoprine le forme dritte e la completa visibilità del fuoco. Avere una maggiore capacità di carico senza perdere qualità nella combustione.

The Torrance: Sammamish Ridge Estates

4D Architects

This is an example of a country home office in Seattle with beige walls, light hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

My Work

Shannon O'Kelley

Country study room in Nashville with medium hardwood floors, a hanging fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, brown floor and wallpaper.

Country Home Office Design Ideas with a Hanging Fireplace

A home office has many uses and isn’t a mere luxury anymore. You might work from home, or bring work home, or you might just need a place to go through bills, mail or store important paperwork. Kids can use a home office to do their homework, or quietly play a game online. Browse the photos on Houzz for country home office ideas and inspiration, and strike up a conversation with the architect or designer or your favourite picks. For more home office ideas, check out the Stories section.

How much office storage do I need?

To ensure your country home office or study room isn’t buried under a deluge of paperwork, books and supplies, incorporate plenty of shelves, cabinets and drawers. Floating or built-in shelves with cubbies can stock books and magazine holders; or for a more traditional look, make room for a large bookcase that fits in with the decor of your home. Invest in a filing cabinet to store paperwork, and opt for a lockable filing cabinet if you have sensitive documents. A tray organiser can store incoming mail and will help prioritise bills. The type of desk you choose is also key to keeping things organised. Look for desks with deep drawers and plenty of surface space, and add tray organisers to the drawers to keep track of staples like pens, pencils, highlighters and sticky tape. If you want a streamlined look, find a way to conceal any computer cables or wires, too. One solution is to install a false back on your desk, if it doesn’t already have one.

How do I choose an office desk and chair?

If you spend long hours hunched over your work desk at home, invest in ergonomic office chairs with wheels for better back health and comfort. Consider optimal lumbar support with flexibility in adjusting handles and back angle. Most rolling office chairs come upholstered, typically in leather, but that’s no reason why you can’t have one custom-made to suit your country home decor. When picking out your work desk, be sure to consider its overall function. If you work from home and hold meetings, pick an oversized, sturdy desk that is double-sided (can be accessed from both sides). You’ll want it to look professional, so opt for dark timbers over high-shine finishes. It’s also a good idea to create a separate study desk for the kids, so homework doesn’t go missing among your files. If your home office is for the whole family a two-person desk or built-in long work bench are more suitable. Where space is tight, look for a retractable computer desk, or utilise an awkward corner with a corner desk.

What country home office decor will encourage productivity?

Use your walls for to-do lists: hang a pegboard and paint it in your favourite colour or be adventurous with chalkboard paint and whiteboard panels. Bulletin boards that keep the whole family in order are an extra feature that always come in handy. Use your stationery and office accessories – think pencil cups, paper trays and magazine holders – to add colour and pattern, and desk lamps, clocks, maps and calendars to personalise the space. Above all else, aim for ease of use.