Correction: A previous version of this article listed Annie Elliot as the project designer. The project designer was Kerra Michele Huerta of Apartment Envy. This version has been corrected.

By Margaret Ely
Margaret Ely

THE CHALLENGE

After tackling clutter in her home office, Arlington resident Chih-Lan Olson is still looking for a streamlined, modern look that’s comfortable and functional for a family of four. Olson want to hide unsightly cords and office equipment and add storage.


Chih-Lan and Eric Olson’s office. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)
THE SO LUTION

Using the family guitars (not shown) as inspiration, Kerra Michele Huerta creates an energetic, retro-inspired space that’s both functional and fun. Huerta, of Apartment Envy (206-356-1809, www.aptenvy.com) is based in the District.


The design concept. (Julius Goyanko for the Washington Post)

Blue walls make a bold statement without overwhelming the office setting. Try Benjamin Moore’s Blue Echo.

A dining table serves as a collaborative work space.

New bookshelves offer storage, and cabinet doors can hide cables and cords.

Use orange as the accent color for the wallpaper, accessories and chair cushions.

Ground the space with a warm, cream-colored rug made with carpet tiles that can be easily moved or cleaned.

Inexpensive paper trays, pencil holders and more help the family stay organized.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture: Tulip side chair with white cushion ($193, www.overstock.com), Sunstone geometric chenille fabric ($35 per yard, www.moodfabrics.com).

Custom bookshelf unit: Built-in bookcases in white created by California Closets in Fairfax ($2,700, www.californiaclosets.
com); Beslagsboden Cube knobs ($8 each, www.wayfair.com).

Accessories: TPS bright orange file cabinet ($159, www.cb2.com); Carry a Torch Flor tile in cream ($27 per square, www.flor.com); lacquer office accessories (prices vary, www.westelm.com); Glassybaby glasses in Sweet Patootie, Bark, Gem and Seaglass ($44 each, www.glassybaby.com); modular orange wallpaper ($60 per roll, www.spoonflower.com).


Classic Parsons rectangle table with flax top ($1,935, mgbwhome.com) (Courtesy Mitchel Gold + Bob Williams)

Archimoon K lamp ($395, www.hivemodern.com) (Courtesy Hive)
SPLURGE . . .

Classic Parsons rectangle table with flax top ($1,935, www.mgbwhome.com).

Archimoon K lamp ($395, www.hivemodern.com).


Portica dining table with solid walnut top ($1,209, www.roomandboard.com) (Courtesy Room&Board)

Industrial taskt table lamp in polished nickel ($79, www.westelm.com) (Courtesy West Elm)
. . . OR SAVE

Portica dining table with solid walnut top ($1,259, www.roomandboard.com).

Industrial task table lamp in polished nickel ($79, www.westelm.com).