In 2018 I was feeling stuck and distracted and lacking real focus. A feeling kept nagging at me, that I needed to be transplanted to a new space in order for my business and my designs to advance and grow.
I’ve worked from home for ten years because I wanted to be close when my kids were little, but they’re not little anymore! They’re teenagers now so last year I started thinking about having a separate office space that belonged to only me, where I could focus and think without distraction, where I could grow and thrive in my own universe. Last November I found a studio space, took a risk, signed the lease, and decided to move forward into a new office space in 2019, one I could call my very own.
I finally put the finishing touches on my new office, come on in!
I kept the palette simplified: white, black, green, and gold, I find this medley calming yet sophisticated too. There are a dozen plus plant babies in this space. Being surrounded by greenery is inspiring to me. I wanted to put a big yucca tree in the corner behind me but when I added the trio of work tables it wouldn’t fit so I settled on potted plants and wall hangers instead.
I’ve had the same desk for seven years, it’s worked well for me so there was no reason to upgrade! It proved to be the perfect size for floating in the center of the office. (I only have my laptop here for now, but in a few days I’m bringing over my desktop.)
My son helped me assemble this white leather office chair, it’s so affordable and had great reviews which is why I bought it. I agree, it’s very comfortable, the perfect desk chair for long hours sitting at a computer!
Behind the chair is my travel inspired artwork and do you spy my 2019 printable desk calendars?
I bought three of the same paulo bookshelves for the office space, they are shallow, great quality, and easy to assemble, and they’re the perfect style for this space! One hangs out on the left wall of the office, and other two on the right wall.
I’ve loved the saying, “she’s whiskey in a teacup” since I saw this framed print in a second hand shop years ago, long before Reese made if popular with her book. A woman who is classic and lovely on the outside but strong and sassy on the inside —> ha ha yep, that’s me. :)
The bamboo shades are Levolor from Lowes, cut to fit the window in the store, and much warmer than the dusty old mini blinds. I have a nice view from this space, and a lemon tree just outside!
I added a set of three Linnmon desks from IKEA to wrap around the back wall, which gives me plenty of room for office supplies, they also make great surfaces for small DIY craft projects. The gold wall grid is another new addition, it’s perfect for rotating photos or inspiration!
Remember when I wrote about my search for the perfect semi flush mount fixture? This gold space age fixture is the one I picked, I love it so much, a little bit retro but contemporary too.
You’ve seen this view before in my post about my quest for finding the perfect green. The rattan chair is a new accent, nice to have when visitors pop in during office hours.
This space was designed as a place for me to work but also to reflect the things I love, and honestly, it’s made me come alive again. This place stimulates my creativity, gives me greater clarity, and adds to my overall sense of happiness.
It would have been easier for me to stay in my comfort zone, to continue working from home but as previously expressed, I wasn’t growing, I wasn’t inspired, I needed something new, a fresh start!
I truly believe in life you’ve got to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and say yes to new adventures. It’s when you push yourself outside your comfort zone, that’s where the magic happens. That’s why I’m excited to be in this new space, I’ve got a feeling 2019 will be an amazing year!
I’ve listed as many sources as I can, if you have any questions for me, let me know!
whitewashed wood bookshelf / x base desk / black & white rug
executive office chair / rattan accent chair / semi flush mount fixture
gold watering can /paint color / gold wall grid /marble stapler
dry erase board / larger wall planter / small wall planters
.
What a lovely lovely space you’ve made for yourself!! It does look calming, and gives you the space you need for the different kinds of work that you do. Congratulations on taking this big new step, i’m sure it’s going to serve you well!
Thank you Kim, I think it will serve me very well!
Can you please share the paint color used on the walls?
That’s ‘Field of Pines’ by Valspar.
:)
I love your spacecso much. Cool, clean and calming!
The picture of the girl in the water, is that a print or a vintage find? It’s amazing!
It’s a print I’ve had for a few years, but a current artist… let me look it up for you!
Your space is lovely. You should be able to do good work here.
So fresh and classic at the same time. 2 ?’s – 1- 1-!Where do you keep all your files /everything digital? I find I still need cumbersome file drawers for my work. Also where do you store samples – paint decks, tiles, Fabrice etc?
2- can you please share the room dimensions or floor plan?
Congratulations & so many thanks Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, I have a closet (as mentioned in my comment to Rosemary) and I also have a single car garage adjacent to my studio that I use for storage too! It’s where I store my tools, paint, fabric samples, etc.
The room is 11 x 11′.
Your office looks lovely, and good for you for taking the next step to grow both creatively and for your business. Question…where is all you “stuff”. I’m sure you look for a lot of inspiration. I see no files, no magazines, no storage for paper you need for your business. Also I have a home office with a nice walk in closet and I’m looking to organize that closet with all the stuff. Container Store has Elfa on sale, but I’m looking for inspiration. (Copier paper, toner, envelopes, extra office supplies, pictures (and more pictures) project work etc.
I have a closet in this space Rosemary! I can store office or paint or craft supplies in there if necessary, but everything is digital now, I just don’t need all the drawers or filing cabinets for paperwork. The only thing I need is a few pens and some paper for my printer!
Your space looks incredible. You did a wonderful job, as usual. I too am embarking on a new adventure. In order to still have enough money to travel as I wish and live in the same city where my children have settled, I bought a real and true fixer upper. Bit scary if truth be told. It’s good to shake things up and go outside your comfort zone. Although I’m returning to a city that I lived in thirty six years ago, an awful lot has changed so it’ll be exciting and all new to me. Best of all, my favourite people are there.
All very exciting Wendy!
That space is beautiful! I love how light and bright, but yet calming it is. Great color choices!
http://aneducationindomestication.com
Love your new space, Kate! It’s a beautiful place to be inspired and creative! Enjoy! ? Looking forward to your new projects!
Your space is BEAUTIFUL! Love the colors! “She” would be so proud! Brava!
xo Michael
LOL Michael yes *she* would!
Love this space! Will your desktop computer be on the floating desk? I am struggling with all of the wires, docking station, 2 monitors and cables etc. Can you share how to make it pretty and functional?
Hi Kate, I decided yesterday to have a new CPU built for me, the one I have now is 5 years old so I need a new one anyway. I found a white CPU unit which will blend in more with the white furniture, it will have to sit on the floor though, just no getting around it, unless I buy some little cabinet to hide it, but I figure if it’s small and white, no big deal. I have a plain white monitor and keyboard which blend nicely but still have issues with cords too! I wrap them up and tuck them away as best as possible but it is a reality dealing with cords in an office. :)
Beautiful space!
Hi there! Thanks for sharing. Through working for Ironmongery Experts, I have had to work on many office rooms. Your new office looks great and very modern! Ryan, at Ironmongery Experts.
What a beautiful and calming space!
Just gorgeous! Do you know where you got the brass lamp on your desk?
You have such an airy, beautiful space. It gives me so much inspiration for my office!