We made it. One room completed in our big room swap project, and I could not be happier with how my new home office turned out. I was a little nervous downsizing to a smaller space after being spoiled for the last 12+ years with a nice, big office and not one, but two closets to hide all my business, photography, and decorative things. But with some strategic planning and a MASSIVE purge of unnecessary things, I was able to fit everything I need, re-use a lot of furniture and decor I already own to cut down on cost, and create a space that allows me to feel creative and productive and dare I say, even joyful while I work.
I will share as many details and sources as I can, but as always, if you have any questions leave them in the comments below!
I was fairly limited in the amount of furniture I could use and options for layout due to a closet, two windows, and two doors all in one small space. Luckily the desk I purchased about a year or so ago is super versatile and gives me a ton of work space and storage space – but more on that in a minute.
Besides my desk, the second most important element I wanted to fit in the new office was my treadmill. While it’s not the prettiest thing to look at, it is one of the best investments I’ve ever made in both my physical and mental health, and I use it multiple times daily. I got a great little “desk” for it so I can work on my iPad or laptop while walking, and it has made the BIGGEST improvement in my overall step count and movement throughout the day. I sit at my computer for so many hours each day, and it was really affecting my health and ability to lose or even maintain a healthy weight. I won’t get too into the weeds on things like NEAT activity and why it’s important for metabolic and cardiovascular health, insulin resistance, and weight management, but if you have a desk job too, I highly recommend looking into ways you can increase your NEAT activity – even a 10 minute walk after lunch will make a difference!
If you’ve never tracked it before, you might try some kind of step counter app or use your smart watch (I have a Garmin) to see how many steps on average you get in a day, then try increasing it by 10% each week. I aim for 10,000 steps daily, which I have to be really intentional about to hit, but no less than 8,000!
As I mentioned, I re-used a lot of the furniture I already had in my old office, and this cozy barrel chair used to be just be extra seating in the corner of the room. While moving furniture into my freshly painted office, I set the chair by my desk and realized how much better it looks than the basic office chair I had been using, and it is so much more comfortable too! The only problem was it sat a little low, so I bought the prettiest antique brass caster wheels on Amazon for the bottom to raise it up a bit and make it easier to move around in. – see more details here
Last week I shared the gallery wall I moved from my old bedroom into my new office, and you can find all the details on that here. I’m so happy I was able to find a space to re-use these framed prints in! They definitely added some character to all the blank white walls.
This tabletop easel is the PERFECT dupe of this Pottery Barn version for literally 1/5th of the price. I’m talking $104 in savings. It’s been out of stock, but finally available again, so RUN! And if you need a little bit of styling advice – here you go, friend.
“But where is your printer?”
Probably the number one question I’ve been asked about my office over the years, and I totally understand why. We see all these beautiful images of gorgeous home offices in magazines and tv shows and on the internet, but very few of them look like anyone actually does any work in them.
But here’s the secret👇🏻
You first need to edit down what you have, and then find the right storage solutions — maybe that’s hidden storage so your office necessities are tucked away out of sight, or maybe it’s open storage where what you need is easily accessible, but still organized and tidy. See how I organized my closet here
I’ve cleverly hidden things I don’t really want out on display (like my printer) for years, but this desk I bought last year made it super easy. One side has adjustable shelves, so my printer is neatly tucked mostly out of sight, and the other side has enough space for a small file cabinet, which keeps all my paperwork organized. The L-shape can be flipped to swing either way (or even straight), depending on your room layout, and it’s been the perfect foundational investment piece for my home office. I’m able to store books, electronics, and little baskets with all my office supplies on the shelves. You can see more details here.
And if you’re in need of a wireless phone charger/stand, I highly highly recommend this one!
One of my favorite little office details is this photo I framed right by my treadmill. Some of you may be new to following me, but I know many of you have been following my journey for years. You’ve been with me through divorce and navigating single motherhood to the most traumatic loss of my life, and now I’m so happy to be able to share a little piece of the newest chapter of my life with you too. His name is Joe, and if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already seen the smile this man has put on my face again. I cannot say thank you enough for the love and support you all have given me over the years, and I hope you’re as excited as I am about this new part of my journey.
DESK
L-shape desk | barrel accent chair | vintage caster wheels | wireless phone charger | computer | double-sided desk mat
linen magazine files | round woven basket with lid | gold candle tray | gold candle wick trimmer
throw blanket | file cabinet | match holder | hammered metal trash can | lamp | cord organizer | printer
rustic countryside painting | handwoven palm leaf basket | design books | linen wrapped books
GALLERY WALL
vintage country art print set | woman portrait oil painting | cottage landscape painting
neutral farmhouse print set | straw market bag | denim jacket
wooden stool | gallery wall tutorial
OTHER
wooden storage cabinet | black vase | greenery stems | tabletop easel | framed art | bust statue
bamboo roman shades | stripe upholstered cube | lumbar pillow | plant stand | brown planter
treadmill | treadmill desk | black wall frame | ceiling fan | drape wide leg jeans
As always, I sincerely appreciate you shopping through the links I share, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase while your purchase price remains the same. When you use my affiliate links, I’m better able to create content for this blog as well as support my family, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting what I do!
Liz it is just beautiful. You did a great job making this space your own.
I love your style! Absolutely gorgeous home! I am trying to choose a white paint colour for a guest bedroom with an East window. Can you please tell me what your walls & trim colours are? Thank you! Brenda
Of course! Du Jour by Valspar. It’s a beautiful clean, bright white!
I also bought a Pottery Barn desk and absolutely LOVE it. Do you have a link for the square stool under the window?
So happy to hear that! Here is the stool I have under the window: https://rstyle.me/+_cEbVJcCPao9QXC5ZJPllA