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Maximum Effort’s Office Blends a California Vibe With Residential Comfort

11.20.24 | By
Maximum Effort’s Office Blends a California Vibe With Residential Comfort

Actor and entrepreneur Ryan Reynolds’ office for his Maximum Effort production company is decidedly more coastal casual than Hollywood glamor. Michelle Toney, principal of Studio Paul Toney, envisioned a new workplace that prioritizes comfort in a residential-style setting.

The designer set out to transform the space, which was previously the headquarters of a law firm that lacked the warmth and special details that bring added appeal. Toney looked to the company’s culture of collaboration for inspiration to present a totally different, relaxed vibe that resonates with today’s young creatives.

Two tan velvet chairs face an abstract painting with geometric shapes and various colors, including green, beige, and yellow, mounted on a light-colored wall.

The team produces everything from television content to marketing campaigns, and even though they embrace remote work, Reynolds still requested an office adaptable for hosting events. “They wanted a home base that they could use for typical work functions and social activities,” says Toney.

A modern living and dining area with high ceilings, a wooden dining table, chairs, a brown sofa, and large windows. Artworks and plants decorate the space.

A large central gathering and kitchen zone boasts farm tables and abstract artwork by Edwin Marcelin, in charcoal and gray tones. Instead of a fireplace anchoring this sector, a sleek bar is the focal point, perfect for cocktail parties and impromptu happy hours with colleagues. The glazed tiles reference the Aviation Gin glass bottle’s vertical ribs (another brand in the Reynolds’ portfolio).

A wooden table with black chairs, holding a bowl of assorted fruits, including grapes, dates, and a pomegranate, with some grapes spilling onto the table.

A modern, light wood chair with a gray cushion and a white pillow sits in a stylish room. Nearby are wooden tables with black chairs and small tables on a textured rug.

Housed in a 1930s Art Deco building, a welcoming tone is set as soon as guests enter the spacious, open-plan workspace that spans two levels. Sunlight filters in through the windows, which emphasizes a refined color palette featuring hues of camel and rust, plus vibrant greens and pinks. From the burnished metals to the painted reclaimed wood, there’s a mix of industrial and rustic elements that make each section feel lived-in, never pretentious.

Cozy living room with a brown leather sofa, decorative pillows, two wooden chairs, a round coffee table, and a backlit shelf featuring decorative items. Neutral tones and natural textures dominate.

Modern bar area with a marble countertop, four black stools, a cocktail shaker, two drinks with berries, a lamp, a plant, and an abstract wall art piece.

Toney partnered with Room & Board on the project, offering a curated selection of furnishings with style yet suitable for commercial environments. Rather than harsh divisions, there’s a seamless flow between one area to another, which allows staff to congregate in almost any room easily.

A cozy living room with a modern design, featuring a leather chair, a small table with books, a potted plant, a framed abstract artwork on a dark wood wall, and additional seating.

A living room with a white sectional sofa, patterned rug, and a coffee table. There are plants, wall art, and three pendant lights. Black stairs and wooden floor are also visible.

Televisions are stationed in certain spots for viewing the company’s latest shows. Toney wanted to bring texture to the concrete flooring, so she included wool rugs from Morrow Soft Goods, a company she co-founded. Throw pillows from the same brand sit atop plush sofas and lounge chairs, serving as cozy finishing touches.

A cozy living room with a white sofa, a small black side table, a potted plant, and a framed artwork. The floor features a patterned rug with sunlight streaming in.

Workstations consist of unassigned, moveable desks that give staff greater flexibility. A suite of private offices are also available, where executives can take Zoom calls or have scheduled one-on-one meetings. Surrounded by glass, there’s just enough transparency to keep this sector airy. The disparate facets meld together in a harmonious way that still delights Toney. “This office has the possibility to be many things, but it’s balanced,” she notes. “People appreciate that.”

A modern office features a large wall-mounted wooden bookshelf, a desk with a black chair, a blue patterned rug, and various plants and decorations.

A wooden bookshelf with decorative items, books, pottery, and plants arranged on the shelves.

Modern office with a black desk, chair, and lamp. A potted plant is by the window. A framed abstract artwork is on the wall. There is a round chair with a striped blanket in the corner.

Minimalist home office with a black desk, chair, and lamp. Decorative vase with plants is on the desk. A framed artwork and potted plant are visible. There's a striped throw on a nearby chair.

For more information on Studio Paul Toney, visit studiopaultoney.com.

Photography by Kacie Tomita.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.