Creating the Perfect Office Space (For You)
When we moved into our home almost 7 years ago, I had high hopes for the large first floor master off the kitchen. This was a bonus space, since the house had two master bedrooms. We had already decided that we wanted to be upstairs where the rest of the bedrooms were located and close to our children’s bedroom who were 5 and 2 years old at the time.
The bonus room would become my office. Luckily my husband agreed. He did so under the agreement that it would also be where my children took their music lessons. I wholeheartedly agreed.
The one belief I have is that each space you design has to feel deliberate. It must be functional and aesthetically pleasing to you. Each person has a different idea of what is pleasing to them. The key is mixing the practical with the functional and being able to feel comfortable in your space.
Fast forward 7 years later and the space feels like mine.
The first piece of furniture in this room was my two night stands from my previous home’s master bedroom. This was the first real piece of furniture that I had owned and it was very expensive for me to purchase at the time(I was 23 years old). The night stands are timeless and very masculine. They are also functional in that they have 3 fairly large storage draws. I changed out the original pewter knobs to black christal to go with the new space.
As far as functionality, because this room was to serve as a guest room if need be, I needed furniture to anchor the daybed and for lamps. I also needed draws to hold the kids sheet music. The daybed was the first piece actually purchased for the space. It is perfect for one overnight guest, and twin size, so they don’t even think of staying for more than 1-2 nights!. Also when people visit my office, they use it as a comfortable place to sit and shoot the breeze.
The most important piece of furniture for this room was my desk. I took several years to purchase this desk. For one, I wanted something very large that could accommodate my children if need be. Secondly, I didn't want it to be expensive, because I anticipated that I would likely have to change it out after a few years. For years I couldn’t find one that fit my needs. Then one day it dawned on me that I should be looking at dining room tables!
And once I switched my search I found this beautiful white dining room table. It is large for a desk, but small for a dining table (approx 5’L x3’W). It fits everything! My laptop and large monitor fit comfortably and when I have visitors, they can have their own corner of my desk and not feel cramped.
In terms of design, it perfectly balances out the daybed and sits on the opposite side of the room. It is between two windows (which I have been known to stare out of when deep in thought). Where I have positioned it is great feng shui because I can see anyone entering the room and the whole office through my periphery.
My work station sits directly on the wall nearest the office bathroom. It houses the family printer, pens, scissors, pencils, a file cabinet, my standing fatigue mat and a cushioned pin board. I like that the printer is closest to the door, because my children do not have to go far when they use it. I also placed a clock there because sometimes I lose track of time(and although I wear a watch). Any card, picture or thank you notes (I get a lot of thank you notes)I have received from people I have helped are also placed here. These items are in my direct line of sight because they motivate me. On my pin board, I sometimes post uplifting messages or ideas for new projects that I am planning. It is nice to glance up and be inspired!
No office is complete without a recliner. I have one that anchors my desk. Sometimes after a long day of homeschooling, I can escape to my office and lock my door. I do not want to lay down, I simply want to recline and think about the day. Or sometimes I turn my monitor around and pull up Netflix or live tv and simply veg- ALONE!
Perpendicular to my recliner is where my kids have their piano lessons. The stool serves two functions- to sit and have lessons or pull up to my desk and work. Perpendicular to that is one night stand that houses all their music.
On the other side of my desk is an end table that houses my vision board! I love where it is. Everyday I walk into my office and see my vision for the year. I am forced to remember everyday to always be designing. No not a space, but my life. Always strive for my Wow future and always remember that I am the curator of that future!