My schedule is never the same, and any mom who works from home would probably agree, that having a dedicated workspace in the home, is vital to get anything accomplished!  I didn’t love working in this extra bedroom because it became a dumping ground for any object that didn’t have a specific “home,” especially at Christmas time. 

Office = Dedicated Space!

To actually work from home, I usually would set up my laptop at the kitchen island and try not to let distractions get me!  I couldn’t take it any longer, so I spent some time chalk painting the existing office furniture and organized the entire room!  Viola! 

Organizing Guide

As I organized, I used The Complete Book of Home Organization to gain ideas and help me organize my organization process.  (I wish I was kidding about that.)  If you don’t own this book and need some motivation, it’s really amazing.  I have had it for a year and pull it out every few weeks just to look at the pretty pictures and remind me to maintain anything already organized!  I actually wrote a blog post on this book HERE.

What’s in my desk?

Inside of my desk, each drawer has a main theme; mailing supplies, software and flash drives, cords, checks, pens/rubber bands/push pins, etc.  This was the best opportunity to purge any unnecessary office supplies like dried out pens, business cards from 2010, old chapstick, etc. I had a whole trash bag. I make no apologies – that was the old office!

Inexpensive (& Pretty) Storage Solutions

In the white boxes above, I made categories for my business, that are easy to access.  I even have a box labeled, “Keepsakes,” where I store all of my sweet notes from former students and clients.  If I’m ever having a hard day, I love to take a moment and look at these!  I also have a label maker that helps any space look more uniformed and neat.

In one of the plastic magazine files, I have my favorite copies of “Click,” a modern photography magazine (that is awesome!).  In the other file, I have workbooks from more recent courses.  Katelyn James‘ course books were too pretty not to display and her work is so inspiring for when I am having a hard time editing!  They are located within an arm’s reach.

Storage Furniture

That narrow chest in the top, left photo has been following me around since high school.  Newly painted, I have a stronger appreciation for it and the fact that it was made well.   This is my “Craft Chest.”  Each drawer holds either paper, card stock, craft paint or other creative odds and ends. Oh, and I hide the Sharpie markers in there….way in the back….far from the toddler!  I’ll work on putting a mouse trap in that same drawer soon…….kidding!

The file cabinet was purchased from Target about a year ago.  It houses our important documents that I may need quickly, like a personal property receipt, or employment information.  Nothing too major, but it’s nice to know that the paperwork we still keep in the house, remains in order.

Those two storage ottomans were a clearance deal at Target.  I think I paid around $5 for each and it’s a great place to store gifts and seasonal decor.  

Decorate the Space

Adding the decor was fun, but I already have so much stuff in this house, so I didn’t want to buy a lot for this project! It would just mean more to organize or store away.  I did purchase the mouse pad and file folders from Target.  I actually had the other items like the clock, wire basket, hanging vase, flowers, etc.  They are all very old, and were probably purchased from Michael’s. The silver task lamp and tufted chair were both a Marshall’s purchase a couple years back.  

Let the Room be your Motivation

Some encouraging words and pretty rope worked well on a wall shelf.  The three metal boards behind the chair were purchased long ago from Pick Your Plum.  Check them out – they always have unique stuff!  The trash can is from Dollar General.  I think it’s also a couple years old!

Update What you Already Have

The chalk paint I used was Amy Howard One Step Chalk Paint in the color, Atelier.  You can purchase this at Ace Hardware.  The quart was on sale for $29.99.  I really loved this line of paint.  It dried quickly, so it made the painting project go fast – and I am usually impatient with this kind of thing.  I already owned clear wax, purchased from The Painted Home.  I wanted more of a matte finish look, so I decided not to distress or antique the paint.  Here’s a couple of “before” pictures:

Thanks for checking out my home office.  I hope this helps you in your organizing challenges at home!  Cheers to a more organized year and banning Sharpie Markers in a toddler’s hand!

You May Also Like: