Refresh & De-tress: Home Office Space
Does your home office Inspire you? Looking for ways to transform your space into something inspirational where you can be more productive?
One of the projects I wanted to tackle over the summer was my home office that doubled as a guest room. I wanted it ready to go for when the kids went back to school. I hated being in it because I didn’t feel inspired or productive anymore.
DE-CLUTTER & DETERMINE WHAT ISN’T WORKING
For this new space, I wanted to feel less bogged down by stuff. I wanted to feel inspired when I was working in my home office. It needed big changes. I got rid of all the dark furniture and dark walls. I removed the bed that was constantly covered with piles of stuff. I got rid of “visible” clutter on my shelves and furniture by reducing the number of books, files, and things I had in plain sight.
DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to refresh a room. My budget goal was under $250 for this project. To reach it, I found some cost-effective options. I used Facebook Marketplace to find a vintage mid-century desk with a large desktop and a modern armchair. I keep my existing file cabinet and desk accessories. I used a bath cabinet I already had from our main bathroom. I DIY’d a couple of art pieces. I used paint I already had from another project and I found a London theme wallpaper on clearance for the focal wall. The remaining budget went to a new desk chair, a new lamp, a new anchor piece of art, and some recently marked-down storage containers.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
My go-to is always Pinterest. I created a board called "A Better Home Office" and started pinning! I pinned all my wants, needs, and inspirations for this new space. From colors to the furniture, "girl boss" inspired offices, storage ideas, and design themes - it was all included in this digital mood board.
YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
I wanted this new space to be a reflection of me. As a starting point, I went with a fashion design theme because it’s where my career began. Who doesn’t love Channel, Dior, Kate Spade, and Vogue? The Gemini in me loves all things black and white. The neutral color schemes allow me to tweak décor. I absolutely love mid-century modern furniture! My art was inspired by a Tick Toc video my daughter found to create art using monochromatic imagery. Lastly, I added a bit of glam with gold and chrome finishes.
FUNCTIONAL WORKSPACE
I intentionally left more room on the desk surface to leave space to spread out projects. I have some supplies handy but most I prefer to keep out of sight. My business files are in a small portable file on top of the desk along with other daily supplies. But the rest is kept in drawers or the closet. To keep on top of my schedule, I like looking at a monthly calendar.
A PERSONAL TOUCH
For a personal touch, include items that mean something to you. Fashion design was in my roots so several objects represent this. I love quotes - I can't get enough of them so they are included throughout the room. I love candles and essential oils. They make me feel good and make me relax. The visible books are all ones I use and refer to the most often.
THE EXTRA’S
COZY READING NOOK
I had two extra's to incorporate into the room. One was a place to read and relax. I found the perfect chair to fit in the corner. The magazine holder fits all the latest reading material or books I may need to reference. The bath shelf beside it is the perfect size to display photos, candles, plants, a speaker for Pandora music, and a place to set a cup of coffee.
And when my kids come to visit, they have a place to sit and talk to me.
INSPIRATIONAL SHELVING
You’re probably asking yourself how can shelving be inspirational? Believe it or not, there is a way to decorate and display items on a shelf. Search Pinterest or YouTube for a decorating shelves tutorial.
For my shelf décor, I included an array of books from my college fashion books, organizational books, and décor books – which are all topics I use and inspire me. I have fashion quotes in photo frames. I also included family photos, plants, personal kick knacks, and of course some essential smelling oils.
Overall, it is a clean and modern look and I love being in the room. It is just so much more productive than the old layout.
I hope this article inspires you to refresh your home office if it no longer brings joy or makes you feel energized. And if you need any help or advice – please don’t hesitate to reach out.