Isn’t it funny how your work environment can make such a difference in how productive you are? When I quit my “real job” years ago, I took a chance on myself. I decided that I wanted to try to make it as my own boss. It was terrifying and I had so many moments where I thought I was crazy for trying, but I refused to give up on myself. Now, here I am, almost 4 years later, able to support my family as a full-time blogger, sitting in my beautiful home office. Say what?!
When my husband asked if I wanted the spare room to be converted into my home office, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I had a vision in my head of the perfect office. Like most people, I created a “Home Office Inspiration” board on Pinterest and got to pinning. Though pinning and actually finding the perfect pieces are two very different things. After a month, it’s almost complete and I finally feel official! From 9am until late every night, you can find me in my new chair, writing, researching, engaging, editing pictures and taking phone calls from brands and blogger hopefuls. It’s comfortable, it’s beautiful and it’s all mine. I couldn’t be happier. Honestly, I’m so much more productive now. And although it feels more like a job, I’m still having the time of my life.
Drumroll Please…
Color Scheme
I had a color scheme in mind but it totally transformed with each piece that I brought in. While I’ve been told that red causes anxiety (and lord knows I don’t need anymore of that in my life), my logo is red, black and white, so it made sense to build my office around my logo. Black/white stripes and solid red became the main focus, with accents of gray and white. The final piece, my new chair arrived last week and has made such a difference. Not only is it so comfortable, but it reclines if I feel like taking a little break and watching some Netflix. Handmaid’s Tale anyone?
I knew I needed some sparkle. That was my non-negotiable. I wanted a huge chandelier but since we have a ceiling fan that we can’t remove and huge chandeliers cost as much as my car, I opted for a beautiful crystal desk lamp. It adds just the right amount of girly and provides the perfect amount light when I’m working late into the night. Best of all, it fit in my budget.
The rug was a tough one. I must have looked online at hundreds of rugs. I couldn’t decide if I wanted a shag rug, a pattern, a solid… but I knew I needed something to cover up this old, ugly carpet. I found this beauty on Wayfair.com and it just felt right. As soon as I put it down, I knew it had found it’s home. It’s soft enough that the kids love laying on it when they feel like hanging out with me.
Good Shelves Hold Special Memories
I always see these beautifully decorated, floating shelves on Pinterest and I knew I wanted some in my office. I wanted to fill them with things that mean something to me. So you’ll find a picture of my Nana, a couple of her favorite decorative pieces that she gave me before she passed away, a card that my friend Kim sent me after I accomplished a pretty awesome goal (she’s the sweetest), the 6 books I wish I had time to read, including “Girl, Wash Your Face” and a little wooden treasure box that belonged to my Papa. Inside the old box, you’ll find a really old one dollar bill, a card that he wrote on and a couple of random things that have no monetary value, but mean the world to me because they were his. It’s my favorite part of the office because I can add meaningful things to it anytime. We often head to our local thrift store and find fun decorative pieces like this vintage car that was only $8.
Finally, the Star of My Office
Finally, the star… My handmade, custom wood circle logo sign from iEngravedit.com. It’s the first thing I see each time I walk into my office and the last thing I look at when I walk out at night. I knew I wanted one of these for a while, I was just waiting to find the perfect small shop to create it for me. When I reached out to Katherine, the owner of iEngravedit.com, she was so helpful and eager to create it for me. When it arrived, just weeks later, I couldn’t hold back the tears. It was even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. The craftsmanship shows how much she loves what she does. The sign itself is 24″ x 28″ and fits perfectly on my wall where everyone can see it. In fact, it’s the first thing people notice as soon as they walk in.
If you are in the market for a wood sign, I couldn’t recommend iEngravedit.com more. She offers a variety of signs and can probably create anything your heart desires. She’s offering free shipping with any purchase $100 or more, to my readers with code SuperShip for a limited time.
Do you have a home office? What is your favorite part about it? Comment below and let me know!
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I love that you have created a meaningful space for yourself. It will help you thrive and focus even more! It’s important to have a positive work atmosphere- even if you work alone! You did a great job! I’m so glad my card made it to your special shelf! 😉
I love engraving, what a great idea for an office. When at home, I love having key/star products that I love that catch my eye too. My home office is my living room, hahaha!
I love your home office!! I need to start decorating mine haha
Oh my gosh your office looks like it is going to be amazing I love the colour scheme! I mean who doesn’t love red!
Your home office looks like a bright and inspiring space to work. I love the wood logo sign you had custom made. I’d love to do something like that when I someday have space for an actually at-home office.
I love how it turned out! What great colors. I wish I had an office. I just work from the couch in the living room.
I love how it turned out and the combo of masculinity and feminine! Xo ~Anna