Home office makeover in an attic

THE CHALLENGE

Priti Brahma, of the District, has wanted to turn her attic into a home office for years but never got around to it. “Now, we’re turning 40 and still using our college furniture,” she wrote. She’s ready to invest in a new work space but is stuck on the room’s strange shape and lone window.

(Leah L. Jones/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST) - Prita Brahma, who wants to turn her attic into a home office.

Gallery

House Calls: Local rooms get virtual design makeovers: The Washington Post pairs local readers’ design challenges with an interior designer.

THE SOLUTION

By adding a TV, a wall of filing cabinets and a reading nook, designer Erin Paige Pitts outfits the attic with all the amenities of a luxury office.

Add a row of cabinets to the back wall for storage.

A large yet light desk makes a bold statement. Because of the cabinets, the desk doesn’t need any drawers.

Incorporate color through accessories. A gray-and-blue ikat rug and a Suzani throw pillow tie the color scheme together.

Improve lighting with table lamps and a ceiling light.

Create a reading nook by placing a lounge chair and ottoman near the window.

Paint the ceiling in a semi-gloss to reflect light from the window. The ceiling is Muskoka Trail and walls are Palladian Blue, both by Benjamin Moore.

Erin Paige Pitts Interiors (443-392-5036, www.erinpaigepittsinteriors.com) is based in Gibson Island.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture: Four-cabinet credenzas ($950 each) and Elle desk chair in Danish linen oatmeal ($615), both from www.ballarddesigns.com; Marie ottoman in natural herringbone ($90), Ingrid side chair ($170) side table ($100) and TV stand ($500), all in almond from www.homedecorators.com.

Lighting: Capital Lighting loft ceiling mount ($100, www.bellacor.com); bull nose cylinder table lamp ($420 ) and Kenton desk lamp with paper shade ($525), both from www.circalighting.com.

Accessories: Suzani embroidered pillow cover in Cool ($80, www.potterybarn.com); Vintage by the Shore sea shell prints ($15 each, www.etsy.com); Suzanne Kasler ikat indoor-outdoor rug ($600 for 7-by-9 feet, www.ballarddesigns.com); Nathan magazine rack in espresso ($90, www.homedecorators.com).

SPLURGE . . .

Whitley desk in ivory ($700, www.ballarddesigns.com).

Oly Studio Hanna chair ($2,230, www.shopcandelabra.com).

. . . OR SAVE

Ingrid desk ($390, www.homedecorators.com).

Marie armchair ($380, www.homedecorators.com).

Tell us about your design challenge.

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