Office progress: one wall (and ceiling) at a time

We have been working to turn my office into the moody, cozy haven I've always imagined. White trim and doors were just the beginning. Finding the perfect moody paint color was a victory, but then we encountered another hurdle—a wall that had definitely seen better days.

This wall, decorated initially with batten board, was riddled with countless craters left behind by the removed strips of wood. So, our first step was a meticulous process of filling and sanding each one.

A botched patch job from a prior can light installation further complicated the wall's imperfections. Our initial plan of a light sanding and putty application was quickly abandoned when we realized the unevenness of the repair. We decided the only way to achieve a better finish was to remove the previous patch job, replace it with a fresh piece of drywall, and resurface the entire area.

To avoid dreaded paint bubbles, we thoroughly primed this wall to ensure it had a sealed surface before applying paint. We've learned that priming is crucial after patchwork from past experience—especially the incident we had in the mudroom (you can read about it in our Mudroom Meltdown article).

With all the prep complete, it was finally time to paint! 'Antiquing JG-128' from Magnolia Homes brought this room to life. However, the stark white ceiling felt jarring as the walls dried. So a decision had to be made... the ceiling had to go dark too. And that single change? It completely transformed the space! Game. Changer.

Our troubled wall still needed more TLC and required more resurfacing and sanding during the painting process. Achieving a smooth finish was definitely an undertaking but, ultimately, a rewarding one.

Following multiple coats and drying time, the newly refinished doors were reinstalled. The crisp white finish of the trim and doors popped beautifully against the dark walls. The contrast is truly striking, adding an elegant touch and visual interest to the room.

Every challenge we faced, from carefully patching holes to making unexpected decisions about the ceiling, contributed to a space that feels both dramatic and deeply personal. The striking contrast between the crisp white doors and the rich dark walls offers just a glimpse of our complete vision. We’re excited to share the final reveal soon!