My uninspiring home office is finally getting done!

Yes, I am embarrassed, but this is what I am starting with in my office.

Most of us have a home office in our homes and yes, this is mine. I, too, have neglected rooms due to time and budget, but I am ready to tackle this task! I am taking you along for the ride.You can see the process I use before I start any project.

Function and Organization is Key

First, I need to assess how I need the room to function, because if I just make it pretty, it will look like this again before I know it. So organization is key. Here's some advice on how to get started.


Start with assessing what doesn't have a home. Looking at the floor, I obviously need something to store my samples and books. Shelves would work great in front of the window. Then look at what can go away or throw away and then do it!

I love this industrial shelving from Ballard Designs - it's a good contrast to the traditional heavy wood office furniture.

 Looking at the desk area, I need to get organized by giving specific areas for things to land. I am a stacker, so having stacked organizers will keep me in check. I like having my paint samples and fabric samples accessible so I will need something for those.


For the book shelves I will need baskets and magazine organizers to keep them organized and stylish. 

I will also need bulletin boards and wall pockets for my inspiration photos, fabrics, and projects. I will be on the hunt for over sized picture frames I can use for making my own - looks like I need to hit the thrift stores! Looove me some thrifting!

These Ballard bulletins are $75 and up! Let see if I can't recreate the look for cheaper with old picture frames and cork! I will hit Goodwill and the Flea market to see what I can find.

I can't tell you how important having vertical storage is in a tight space. These would work great. I just have to see if I can find them for less $$$! May check out The Container Store - it's organization heaven.

Now for Color and Style

Because the room is the first room you see when you walk into my house (Can you imagine how mortifying that has been!) it has to speak to my style and colors and flow with the rest of my home. My casual elegant style will be easy to accomplish with a little help from my good friends at HomeGoods. As for color, I will be using my same palette of wheat, cream, and robins egg blue. I do think I will use the deeper versions to coordinate with the dark woods. Plus the walls are a light beige and will give some contrast. 

 Pick out rooms on the Internet or magazines that inspire you! I do this all the time and even keep an accordion file with all my different rooms. 

Bringing in color and pattern will be essential to giving the office a designed look. Hope I can score something with this pattern. I love the trellis pattern!

Keeping my color palette in mind fabrics like these will work great! Maybe drapery?

I love the natural texture and color of burlap I will be using it in the room for sure!

The Project Inspiration Board

Never, never, never start a project without a plan! As a designer, I always make a board for my clients. Not only does it help us make sure we are on the same page, but it helps keep the project in check. This is the one I threw together this morning for the office. And yes, I would make it more professional looking for a client, I promise.

I just took all the projects from above and compiled them onto one board. You can even take it shopping with you to help keep you on track. I sometimes use a manila folder instead to make it easier to carry with me. 

Okay so now I am ready to shop and see what I can find (Okay we all really know what I have to do first - organize! Ugh!). Just an FYI my budget is $400 for the whole thing, so thrifting is key! I will start with the attic and see what I have that I might could "reinvent" to keep the budget down. I will let you know what I find.