We're Still Working from Home...
Finally! It’s here! I am thrilled to share my own personal home office transformation with you! Since many of us are still working from home, our home office space continues to be incredibly important. A space that helps us separate our work-life from our home-life, focus, and be productive is crucial. We can still leave our work “at the office”, even when we are working from home, and I am excited to show you how you can create a workspace all your own.
My current office started out as a bedroom. Yep! This transformation was a big one. Before we purchased our house this summer, I had been using the hallway that led to the laundry room in our apartment as my office. It was an efficient, dedicated space, but I was ready to expand AND ready for an office with a window.
And that’s where I began, with the window. I wanted a larger window in my soon-to-be office. The original window was teeny-tiny (2’ x 2’), which made the room feel closed-in and boxy. Why start with the window? Because the window was the biggest part of my project, and required hiring a contractor to do the work. I always begin any organizing project in the most challenging space, and this project was no different. Also, I love natural light. It helps prevent fatigue and headaches caused by artificial light, AND I am a morning person! My office faces east, so I get beautiful morning light pouring into my office each morning. The bigger window fills my office with morning sun to help inspire, awaken, and get get me motivated for my day. Nothing better than a bright and cheerful space to serve as my hub, my mission control:-)
Once the new window was in, I installed recessed lighting and smoothed the ceiling with drywall. The original tile ceiling made the space feel antiquated, and the center pendant light wasn’t enough to brighten the space. I installed four cans, and painted the ceiling the same white (“Silent White”) as my trim to trick the eye and make the ceiling look and feel taller.
I knew I wanted a pink and green color scheme for my new hub. Pink is a heart color, and green is a color of growth and abundance, all things I want at the foundation of my business. After a whole bunch of misses (too intense, too bright, too green), I finally landed on “Pink Elephant”, a soft pale pink, and “Laurel Tree”, a soothing sage green for my colors. This color combo provides a soothing, upbeat feel for the room. I wanted to give the room some structure, using the paint, since I was starting with a square box. To do so, I chose a wainscoting pattern, which helps define the space and makes the ceiling feel higher. Putting the brighter color on top lifts the eye and expands the space.
Once my new window, lighting, ceiling, and paint were installed, it was time to shop shelving! I couldn’t afford custom built-ins, so instead I went with the Brusali system from IKEA. To get the custom look and feel I wanted, I installed custom hardware on the cabinets. The handles I found (on Etsy) are PERFECT. They match my paint colors and make the entire unit feel more high-end. I had so much fun styling the shelves with my favorite photos, books, candles, and succulents (yes, I have favorite succulents!). The sage green is a wonderful compliment for Aloe, by the way:-)
I created a reading nook in the corner by the window which gives me a different seating option, if I don’t want to sit at my desk. I focused on incorporating lots of soft textures and colors into the space, furs and Fuchsia and gold, to help it feel funky and unique. My home office feels serene, peaceful, and FUN. I want to go into my office to work. I look forward to spending time in the space I created, a space that is totally me, a space where I can focus and relax.
For those of us who do not have designated room to transform into an office space, you can use the same ideas above on a smaller scale. Choose a corner, or part of one room, to call your workspace. Make sure it is bright and cozy. No window? No problem! A soft lamp will do the trick. Choose a section of the wall in your designated workspace and fill it with your favorite photos and inspiration. Light a candle or two in your workspace. When work in over, turn off the light, blow out the candles, and call it a day! The simple act of turning out the light to signify the end of your workday is key. Leave the office, and go home for YOU time!
