Decorating a home office that once held a pool table

THE CHALLENGE

Stephanie Waldrop of Alexandria wants to turn her den into an office and library. She bought a desk and chair from Pottery Barn but is struggling with the rest of the space. She needs more places for people to sit and shelves to display her collectibles. “And I really don’t want to face a wall while I work,” she told us.

(Leah L. Jones/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST) - Stephanie Waldrop.

Gallery

House Calls: Local rooms get virtual design makeovers: The Washington Post pairs local readers’ design challenges with an interior designer. The result is a before and after makeover with tips and tricks for making the most out of the space.

THE SOLUTION

Designer Pierre Jean-Baptiste chose blue walls and accessories to turn the den into a sophisticated and comfortable office.

When it comes to color, coordinate the walls and accessories. Walls are Kentucky Haze by Benjamin Moore.

Bring life into the room with two topiaries. A pair of outdoor planters lift them off the floor.

Face the desk toward the window. Hang a cluster of small mirrors on the back wall to reflect the natural light.

Make the most of the room’s height with tall bookcases. Vases help fill the gap on top.

A bench breaks up a long wall and adds extra seating for guests.

Create a spot by the window for reading. Use an area rug to define the space.

Jean-Baptise Interiors (703-992-3118, www.pierreji.com) is based in Arlington.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture: Carson five-shelf bookcases in espresso ($110 each, www.target.com); Avenue Six curves bench in chocolate velvet ($250, www.walmart.com).

Lighting: faux wood Resin table lamp base ($40) and barrel lamp shade in cream (not available online), both from www.target.com.

Accessories: two-piece striped mirrors (not available online) and Milan Groove rug in sand-teal ($280), both from www.target.com; lacquered ceramic vases in deep teal blue ($210 for set of three, www.lampsplus.com); Allen and Roth metal planters ($40 each, www.lowes.com); pair of ceramic Foo dogs ($40, www.zgallerie.com); urban-inspired blue abstract flower vase by CC Home Furnishings ($43, www.amazon.com).

SPLURGE . . .

Claudia leather living room chairs in pearl ($600, www.macys.com).

Oversized sunburst mirror ($475, www.horchow.com).

. . . OR SAVE

Wildon Home Santa Rosa chairs in light floral ($150 each, www.walmart.com).

Kona mirror in natural rustic ($290, www.target.com).

Tell us about your design challenge.

Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover@washpost.com.