I have just finished a little home office makeover. I think it’s really important to enjoy your surroundings especially when I can spend hours sitting at this desk.
Now it didn’t always look like this. I’m ashamed to say, but it actually used to look like this.
I was lucky that the room was painted white and had a large built-in workstation, built by a local cabinet maker (so local in fact that he lives next door). Everything else was a big mess and needed to be sorted.
I bought the two white leather Delta office chairs from Freedom, to replace the mismatched ones that were there. They have padded seats and a gas lift which I think is important when you are sitting at the computer for long time periods. Then I went to IKEA and bought 4 white RIBBA picture ledges, and attached them to the walls above each side of the workstation. The ledges are great because you can display picture frames and other small items without making holes in the walls. This means I can change the display as often as I like. I lined the ledges with pictures of my family at the beach and small stationary items from Typo and KikkiK. I bought the Inspire MDF cut-out from Spotlight years ago and painted it white. Finally, the printer died, so I replaced it with a much more compact white Canon one from Officeworks.
I wanted to add some pretty touches to the room. I bought a bunch of peonies from Spotlight and put them in a blue mason jar, and a friend gave me a Mrs Darcy candle which I light often and it is divine. The string on the bird spool was a bargain from Kmart and the artificial plant is from IKEA and I just wrapped some hessian (burlap) around it.
Now with the end of the financial year a week away, I thought I’d take advantage of my claimable tax deductions and buy some new stationary, and I think I need some gold.
Home Office Makeover Challenge
Working from home indeed has many benefits. You can work in your pyjamas and do some laundry during your lunch hour. You can even work in bed if you want to. Some of us have the luxury of a dedicated home office. However, most of us must make do with what we have. You’re likely already planning where you want to put your office if you just bought your first house. You don’t have to live in an expensive mansion to create a beautiful and dedicated space for your office. You’ve found the perfect place to get some inspiration for your office renovation.
Home Office Design
A mood board can be a great way to decide how the room will look before you start a room renovation. The mood board is useful even if you don’t use all of the elements. It gives a sense of the overall feel.
Home Office Paint Colors
The room was given a brand new look by a fresh coat of paint. I chose Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore.
It’s a neutral lighter shade that looked even better after we painted the trim and doors. The crisp white and soft grey contrast gave the room an airy, light feel. This was exactly what I wanted.
Lighting Makeover
In order to light the room, I chose a DIY project rather than buying a new fixture. The DIY turned out great; I’d do it again.
Home Office Furniture
The desk
The makeover began when I searched for a desk to replace the one in my home office. It took me some time to decide but I finally found one at Wayfair on sale that I had to buy!
As soon as I had the desk, everything started to fall into place. To keep my office supplies sorted, I installed drawer organizers and lined the drawers.
Home Office Accessories
Area rug
I had my eye on the darker rug as seen in my moodboard for my new home office. Since it wasn’t in stock, I chose a lighter version, which was equally impressive, of a Loloi Rug.
It gave the room a feminine feel and was incredibly comfortable to walk on. The texture is very cozy, and as a girl who prefers to walk barefoot I appreciate it. There are multiple sizes available, but they can be out of stock. You can buy this area rug at Amazon Wayfair and Overstock.
Curtains
Ikea offered me a designer look for a reasonable price. The curtains have a light texture that resembles linen and their creamy, white color makes the room look bright.
Amazon sells sliding eyelet rings and the black curtain rod comes from Home Depot. The rod is simple and elegant. I also like the sliding eyelet rings, which are my favourite for hanging drapes with pinched pleats.
Olive tree prints and pillows
In an earlier post, I discussed my favourite finds, including the olive tree that is in my office. This olive tree is absolutely stunning. I bought it from Amazon. The price is also unbeatable.
Tips for Home Office Makeover
A home office makeover can transform your workspace into a productive, organized, and inspiring environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you refresh and revamp your home office:
- Declutter and Organize: Start by decluttering your workspace and getting rid of any unnecessary items. Sort through papers, files, and office supplies, and create designated storage solutions for them. Invest in organizers, filing cabinets, shelving units, or storage bins to keep your office essentials neatly stored and easily accessible.
- Evaluate Layout and Functionality: Consider the layout of your home office and how you can optimize the space for maximum productivity. Arrange furniture such as your desk, chair, and storage units in a way that promotes efficiency and comfort. Ensure that you have proper lighting, access to power outlets, and ergonomic furniture to support your work habits.
- Upgrade Furniture: Assess your current furniture pieces and determine if any upgrades or replacements are needed. Invest in a quality desk and ergonomic chair that provide comfort and support during long hours of work. Consider adding functional pieces such as bookshelves, filing cabinets, or a credenza to enhance storage and organization.
- Refresh Decor: Infuse your home office with personality and style by updating the decor. Choose a colour scheme that inspires creativity and focus, whether it’s calming neutrals, energizing blues, or vibrant pops of colour. Add artwork, motivational quotes, or decorative accessories that reflect your interests and aspirations. Incorporate plants or greenery to bring life and freshness to the space.
- Enhance Lighting: Good lighting is essential for a productive workspace. Make sure your home office is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting. Position your desk near a window to maximize natural light during the day, and supplement with task lighting such as desk lamps or overhead lights for adequate illumination in the evenings.
Home Office Interior - Create Zones: Define different zones within your home office for various tasks and activities. Designate areas for computer work, writing tasks, meetings, and relaxation. Use furniture arrangement, rugs, or room dividers to delineate these zones and create visual separation.
- Optimize Technology: Ensure that your home office is equipped with the necessary technology to support your work needs. Invest in a reliable computer, high-speed internet connection, and ergonomic accessories such as a keyboard and mouse. Organize cables and cords to minimize clutter and improve safety.
- Personalize and Inspire: Make your home office a reflection of your personality and interests. Display meaningful items such as photos, souvenirs, or mementos that inspire and motivate you. Create a vision board or inspiration wall to visualize your goals and aspirations.
- Add Comfort: Consider adding elements of comfort to make your home office more inviting and conducive to productivity. Invest in a comfortable rug or carpet, plush cushions for your chair, and a cozy throw blanket for chilly days. Incorporate elements of hygiene or coziness to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Stay Organized: Once your home office makeover is complete, make an effort to maintain a clutter-free and organized workspace. Implement daily or weekly routines for tidying up and staying on top of paperwork and tasks. By keeping your home office organized and efficient, you’ll set yourself up for success and productivity in your work endeavours.
