How to Transform a Bland Office: Inside One Vogue Editor’s Makeover Inline
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of chasingpaper.com; Courtesy of yliving.com; Courtesy of stfrank.com1/5Add a Pop of Color
In light of Mechling’s “happier and brighter” request, adding in color was the first step. A slab of paper gave a wall a needed pop. The large Enzo Mari Due la Pera print was something Mechling had admired at a friend’s home, but never found the place for it in her own life. It screams nothing but joy, so including it was a no-brainer. “Since I edit the magazine’s health stories, a juicy pear seems especially fitting,” says Mechling. Framing was a crucial step, and Rees chose Vogue’s preferred framer, Steven Amedee Fine Custom Framing.
Chasing Paper Delicate Thoughts wallpaper, $35 per panel, chasingpaper.com; Enzo Mari Due la Pera 1963 Green Pear poster, $420, yliving.com; St. Frank framed textile, from $275, shop.stfrank.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of wayfair.com; Courtesy of Crate Barrel.com; Courtesy of wayfair.com; Courtesy of West Elm2/5Update Your Furniture
Swapping out the basic office furniture (e.g., black office chair, clunky filing cabinet) and replacing them with chic pieces makes an enormous difference. The lidded under-the-desk bins are both functional and eye-catching. “They are bright and handsome—and they do an excellent job storing my ever-growing office shoe collection,” says Mechling. She was also lusting after something cozy, so adding the sheepskin rug under her desk did the trick.
Lights Up! Virgil low table lamp, $280, wayfair.com; Crate Barrel ripple ivory leather chair, $299, crateandbarrel.com; Langley Street Allison white area rug, from $38, wayfair.com; West Elm modern weave storage lidded basket, $80, westelm.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of West Elm; Courtesy of CB2; Courtesy of Diptyque Paris; Courtesy of gein.com; Courtesy of CB23/5Accessorize
The most exciting part of rethinking Mechling’s office was by far playing with the ample shelving space. The decorating possibilities were virtually endless, and the shelves offered a perfect way to showcase some of her favorite photos of her family. “I love how Sammy broke up the books with beautiful objects,” says Mechling. “It adds a sense of dimension and jolliness.” Reorganizing her book collection was also an important step; it was quite amazing how nicely the shelves looked after a few quick edits. (Hint: Organize by category, color, and size.)
West Elm bone-inlaid frame, $39, westelm.com; CB2 sway desktop mobile, $30, cb2.com; Diptyque Feu de Bois candle, $60, diptyqueparis.com; Gien Oiseaux de Paradis mug, $44, gien.com; CB2 three-piece Hat Trick vase set, $15, cb2.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of Amara; Courtesy of poppin.com; Courtesy of Amara; Courtesy of Amara4/5De-Clutter and Reorganize
Tackling the stacks of papers was definitely a daunting task, but the results were most rewarding. To help de-clutter, Rees introduced organization folders and trays that lent themselves to a streamlined filing system. (Hint: Separate papers into folders by category and date, keep only the in-progress papers on your desk, file away completed projects, and toss out anything unnecessary.) “Now that I can see exactly which articles are awaiting my attention, it helps me plan my to-do list,” says Mechling. “And the colorful boxes are the greatest accessories. They erase any and all dreariness!”
Hay Box Box, $56 for set of five, us.amara.com; Poppin The Centerfold white magazine file, $15, poppin.com; Hay Kaleido tray, $36, us.amara.com; Hay bookends, $28 for set of three, us.amara.com
Photo: (Clockwise from top left) Courtesy of thesill.com; Courtesy of flowergirlnyc.com; Courtesy of CB25/5Add Fresh Greens
Mechling admired the sweet cacti and plants on Sammy’s desk, but from the start said she wanted low-maintenance everything. “I love the idea of gardening, but keeping my young children alive is challenging enough,” says Mechling. Luckily, leafy ferns and cacti require little care and are very durable. For the perfect finishing touch, treat yourself to a fresh bouquet once in a while.
The Sill The August with Sansevieria Trifasciata, $48, thesill.com; Flower Girl weekly/monthly arrangement, from $570, flowergirlnyc.com; CB2 potted aloe plant, $20, cb2.com
