Ellecor Design & Gifts: A Cosmetic-Only Office Transformation

Sierra Penas, an interior designer at Ellecor Design & Gifts (623 S Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-720-2602), had a unique challenge when it came to a recent office space redesign. Her client’s office is one of the first things visitors see right off the entryway when they enter the home. “The biggest thing she wanted was [for the room] to be bold,” Penas says. That last part is important—Penas’ client wanted a dramatic makeover, but only with cosmetic changes, creating a tricky line to toe. Penas suggested a change in wall color to navy blue, something that is on-trend but is also classic. To counterbalance the darkness, she put in white curtains. This created a distinct and classy consonance. 

By using contrasting colors, Penas also made the room seem more spacious. “We didn’t really do anything that actually [made it bigger],” Penas says. “It’s just all of the design elements that come together that sort of trick the eye.” One of these design elements is the wood beam. A piece like that is noticeable, and Penas was wary of the beams making the room feel top-heavy. But when mixed together with the blue walls and white of the curtains, it works in a nice harmony.