When John Rattray, owner and principal of Craighall Interiors in Troy, worked with his first solo design clients 13 years ago, he established a long-term relationship that led to a recent home office renovation for the same couple, who have become empty-nesters.
Based out of the Michigan Design Center, Rattray originally worked on the redesign and renovation of the homeowners’ 4,000-square-foot, 1960s Mid-century Modern residence.
As the family’s dynamics changed, Rattray and the couple began reassessing the Dearborn home’s space. “The husband is an executive, so he really needed an executive home office,” Rattray says. “We turned their son’s former bedroom into a custom home office with a neutral palette.”
The designer says the room looks out onto a picturesque inner courtyard with beautiful foliage and a koi pond. “It’s really lovely, with lots of natural colors and a Zen garden feel. When the doorwall is open, you can hear the pond. I wanted to create that nice balance between the interior and exterior.”
Rattray designed every element of the custom room including detailed cabinetry and millwork, which was constructed by Detroit-based Christopher Tayler of DCStudios. Behind the desk, a sawtooth-front credenza has file storage and a mirrored backwall that hides the electrical elements, as well as an art track system that allows artwork to be switched out easily. A second cabinet has a TV above it and houses both a refreshment bar and hidden space for a printer.
“There are no open cabinets or shelves in this room; everything is concealed and can be tucked away at the end of the day,” he notes.
Distinctive details abound in this thoughtful, contemporary office. The hardware and light fixtures were made to order by U.S. artisans, while the artwork and tabletop figures are one-of-a-kind antiques that were carefully curated and sourced globally. The room is wrapped in paperweave wallpaper and anchored by a leather-bordered rug, which add texture to the space.
With all the exceptional features in the room’s design, Rattray acknowledges that the custom-designed rift white oak sit-stand desk constructed by Pontiac-based Designer Furniture Services is his favorite element of the project. “The desk is simple, clean, and heavy. It raises and lowers using a hydraulic mechanism with a hidden keypad. It’s seamless and cool.”
Not only is the area aesthetically harmonious, but it also offers flexibility. “It’s is serene and functional, yet elegant — and edited in a sophisticated way,” Rattray explains. “(And) if (it needs to be adapted) for future life changes, the room could easily (be transformed) into a guest room.”
MORE INFORMATION: craighallinteriors.com
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