Room For Improvement: Ultimate home office

This Hopedale room is "home base" for tech company CEO Dave Chiarello.

Dave Chiarello, Homeowner:
"I absolutely want this to be a highly functional office where I can stay here and work 40 hours a week if necessary."

But in addition to being a teleworker, Dave's also a family man.

Dave Chiarello, Homeowner:
"Go from working in the office environment to sitting down on the couch with my kids watching TV."

Karen Chiarello, Homeowner:
"We were just having a hard time deciding how to set it up, and when we were watching TV one morning, [we] saw your segment, I said, 'Send that in'."

So we sent Designs in Style's Valerie Henderson-Odell.

Karen Chiarello, Homeowner:
"Hi Valerie!"

Valerie Henderson-Odell, Designs in Style:
"Hi Karen! Nice to see you."

The goal: create a functional office and comfortable living room that flow together. First step: getting rid of the deep red walls.

Dave Chiarello, Homeowner:
"We actually painted them that color. That was by our choice, believe it or not!"

D&E Painting's David Farrer gets the job done.

Co-owner Eric Schermerhorn explains.

Eric Schermerhorn, D&E Painting:
"The red really closed everything in."

Chikage Windler, 7News:
"And the green?"

Eric Schermerhorn, D&E Painting:
"The green, it's a lot bigger now. It feels like the bonus room that it is."

Next up, accessories from a glass globe to a model boat. Add lighting for a reading area and art for the walls.

Eric Schermerhorn, D&E Painting:
"Look at that!"

An executive desk makes a big statement, along with the letter "C" for Chiarello. Custom window treatments and a reupholstered ottoman are Valerie's special touches.

Valerie Henderson-Odell, Designs in Style:
"I do a lot of upholstery myself, so there may be a piece that I find, and the section is the right fitting, the right size, but just not the right color."

And speaking of special, a hand-painted surprise awaits the family.

Valerie Henderson-Odell, Designs in Style:
"It's just a welcoming, comfortable, calming place to be."

Chikage Windler:
"The Chiarello's budget was $5000, and our Design Team came in at $2600 to create a home office that really works."

BEFORE - AFTER COMPARISON

And when they see it...

The Chiarello Family:
"Wow! Wow! Oh my goodness. Check out the ceiling!"

From the compass rose on the ceiling to the area rug on the floor, it's a great combination. Part office, part living room. The ultimate home office.

DESIGNER:
Valerie Henderson-Odell
Designs in Style
774.262.5873
vodell0522@charter.net

PAINTERS:
D&E Painting & Home Improvement
David Farrer
508.733.8549
Eric Schermerhorn
508.277.8813
dandepainting@yahoo.com

TELEWORKER SOLUTION:

CMB Technologies
Milford MA, 01757
508.381.6256

PLASMA AND ELECTRICAL WORK:

Braza & Mancini Electrical Contractors
40 Cape Road
Milford, MA 01757
508.478.8808

Paid for Separately by Homeowners:
Toshiba 42" Plasma
Wiring for Electrical and Cable
Hanging plasma
Total - $2,800

PAINT:

Lowes:
Walls - Olympic Paints Sweet Annie - C11-4
Ceiling - Olympic Paints Glazed Pears - C16-2

ACCESSORIES & FURNISHINGS:

Marshalls:
Letter "C" Wall Art - $4.19
Glass Globe - $63.00

HomeGoods:
Wool Bound Area Rug - $210.00
Desk Lamp - $26.25
Desk - $524.00
Shelf - $12.60
Ottoman - $84.50
Chair - $208.95
Branches - $14.68
Large Canvas Bicycle Wall Art (2) - $125.97

Pier One Imports:
Pillar Candles (4) - $42.00
Votive Candles (3) - $8.40
Ivy Plants (2) - $31.50
Tea Light Candleholders (3) - $27.80

Kirkland Home:
Chenille Throw and Toss Pillows - $52.50
Desk Clock - $10.49

JoAnn Fabrics:
Glass Votive Holders (3) - $18.86
Ceramic Patchwork Bowl - $15.74
Blown Glass Vase - $13.64
Topiary - $15.75
Fabrics - $200.00

Target:
Wall Shelves (2) - $41.98

Christmas Tree Shops:
Mirrors (3)
Photo Storage Boxes - $13.60

Cape Cod Crafters:
16" Schooner - $9.89

AJ Wright:
Drapery Rods - $27.28

Mill Stores:
Cabinet - $49.92
Trunk - $36.00

Staples:
Office Chair - $153.48

Michaels:
16" Planter
River Rocks - $16.24

Designs in Style:
Upholstery, Custom Window Treatments, Toss Pillows - $300.00
Cabinet Refinishing & Faux Painting - $95.00

Are you looking to redesign or improve a room in your home or office? The 7News Design Team will work within your budget to help you transform that space into your ideal area. We'll provide you with the professional design service and labor.

Send a photo of your space to RoomForImprovement@whdh.com and tell us why your home has "Room For Improvement."

(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)