I’m super excited to say that I’m finally ready to reveal photos of my home office!! It’s technically my dining room, but I do more working than eating anyway…
It’s been a super fun project and I’m so much more happier in my small space.
Here’s what the space looked like initially:
I couldn’t find ANYTHING!! I actually did most of my work (except sewing) from my sofa, because I seriously got tired of moving stuff to make room for my laptop or trying to figure out where I last put a folder. It was just easier to keep all my important stuff on my coffee table.
[disclaim]This space has a whole new look, I’ve got my dining room back! Check it out here![/disclaim]I had tons of clutter everywhere and no permanent place to put anything. I really wanted a space that was organized, stylish, and provided enough space for a worktable that I can use for sewing – that could also be cleared for eating.
Then, I did my 10 Days to an Organized Home challenge and had no choice but to organize and get rid of most of the clutter, old paperwork, fabric books, and anything else that I knew I wouldn’t need.
I couldn’t find the photos of the other side, but trust me… it was 100% better and I felt FREE!! Shortly after my organization challenge, I shared my plan for this space. I was so tired of trying to blog, work on design projects, sew, and craft without a dedicated space for all my equipment and supplies. I couldn’t even use the space for eating, because I just didn’t have enough space to fit a table. The one I had was super tiny and really tall. Definitely not ideal for everyday eating.
When I discovered Organized Living on Twitter, I KNEW I had to have their FreedomRail system for my office. It was the perfect system to help get myself on track.
I was able to design my system with Organized Living’s super easy design tool and once it was all ordered, I painted my space the same color as in my living room. Once I received the product, it was super easy to install (I’ll share more about the installation process in a future post), so I had the entire system up within 2 hours. 2 hours! In 2 hours I seriously got my life together!
I chose baskets for one end of the system, a desk in the center, and shelves and a few drawers (including a file cabinet) on the other end.
These baskets are extremely convenient, because I’m literally going through these fabric samples everyday. But, I’m a bit torn on whether or not I want to sew some sort of fabric liner for the inside of the baskets to keep from seeing the samples from the outside. I’d love to know what you guys think about that. Sometimes it looks a bit cluttered and sometimes it doesn’t bother me at all.
These were plain, brown cardboard boxes from Hobby Lobby that I covered with leopard print scrapbook paper and attached cross knobs. Aren’t they cute??? Gah!!
This view is probably my favorite, because it really reflects just how much more organized I am. The shelves are perfect. The drawers are perfect. Each and every single thing I use each day (or items I don’t use as often) has its own home.
I’m in LOVE with this vase from Etsy! Since I’ve gotten it, I’ve moved it all around my apartment. For now, it’s going to stay here. That’s an air plant inside. It doesn’tt need soil, just a mist of water every couple of days (or even less). Easy peasy!
These black and white magazine files from Office Depot are where I store all the crap important stuff I use daily. It’s so much easier to have it all here, than sprawled around on my sofa, floor, or desk.
I just had to have this blue tray and lucite box (from Hobby Lobby). All of my little pink accessories have a spot to stay organized that I can easily get to. And, yes, I use them ALL THE TIME.
These marquee letters came from Target. On clearance! I think they were $1.50 per letter and came with the lights and bulbs. I used this arrow scrapbook paper to jazz them up a bit.
I’m still working on my gallery wall and made sure to mostly use pieces that I love – which I’m a strong advocate of. I often talk on Periscope (download the app and follow me!) about how to decorate your home and one of the things I always mention is:
I use my worktable for sewing and crafting, but I can also use it for small dinner parties. I bought these cute chairs in the perfect color, bringing in the blue from my living room.
Some of these pieces used to be in my living room, but I’m making some changes there for the holiday season. The zebra art with leopard matting is probably my favorite item in my home.
I was given this black candle a couple years ago in my first gift swap. I’ve always loved it. The wooden figure is a gift from a friend’s father. He bought it when he worked in Africa.
I placed more air plants on top of some rocks in my cute pink bowl.
I made this cork board with wood, cork drawer liner, and white fabric. I then used decorative nailheads to swag it out a bit. I LOVE how it turned out. I’m one of those people that absolutely have to have some sort of corkboard (or magnetic board). If not, I’m a total mess.
My super cute Whitney J Decor mug. I’ve cracked it, but always keep it close to me. Now, I use it for just about whatever: pens, paperclips, and just random little items.
So, what do you think? 100% improvement from before, right? Would the FreedomRail system work in your home office? I’d love to know! Drop me a comment below!
Till next time,
This is organization heaven! I thought I was the only one that was wanting to turn my dining room space into a home office/blogging space. (I eat in front of the TV anyways, lol.) Keep up the good work. 🙂
AdeDoyin recently posted…Not Your Mom’s Cross Stitching – Needlework for the Modern Girl
Thank you doll!!
OMG!!! I’m in LOVE!!! I love it all! So creative and gorgeous!!
Thank you so much, Denetra!
I would love to have a separate workspace in my home. Lovely space and great tips!
Thanks, Tesha!
That looks amazing! I bet you love being in there now! I love seeing small space transformations as I have a small space myself 😉
Thanks, Yolanda!
You office looks great. I love looking at pretty organized spaces. I bet you love being able to find everything you need so much easier. It definitely reduces stress levels.
For sure, Erin! I’m so much more organized, I can’t even describe the feeling I get when it’s time to work. Thanks so much for dropping by!
You did a phenomenal job organizing your home office! Love how clean and open everything looks in the “after” pics! I think I need you to come help me with mine – I’ll even bake you cookies! 🙂
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Thanks Shashi!! I’d gladly help! It’s funny, because I am baking cookies RIGHT NOW! I’ll gladly have yours, too, so let me know when you’re ready! LOL
Wow! what an amazing transformation! Thanks for the inspiration.
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What a wonderful transformation! I especially love your color palate and how bright the space is now.
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Thanks, Amanda!
Love this and definitely 100% better!
Hope your super proud of yourself!
I’d probably see liners in the basket (if I knew how!) as I like less clutter but my friends like that look- it inspires them.
Well done you! You’ve inspired me to have a good old sort through too 🙂
Thank you, Zoe!! Having the baskets are definitely inspiring for design projects, I can simple see what the fabrics from the outside. And, it’s so great with a fabric “jumps out at me” and can be the starting point for a color scheme. Thanks for dropping by!
A truly fabulous transformation! I did a dresser drawer organization and it has made me so happy and yes FREE 🙂
Monica.
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Well Done.
Looks like things are very well organised now with the likes of your baskets.
I’m sure it will now be a better place to work. Better than the Sofa as well.
Yes, so much better! But, to be honest, I’m still doing some work on the sofa, I guess my body has to get used to being back at a desk. But, at least I still have an organized place to keep all my files and daily tasks sheets. Don’t have to drag them in my living room as before!
Your office looks amazing after the makeover and I love that vase and plant you have.
Thank you so much!
I am in the midst of a similar project with my craft room. I really love the baskets. I may have to borrow a few ideas from you. Looks like a fabulous place to work.
jacqulyn Munns recently posted…Young Dancers: Injuries and Prevention
Hey Jacqulyn! Thanks for your lovely comment. It’s 100% better to work here than before. I know where everything is and it just looks a whole lot prettier. Thanks for dropping by! Good luck with your craft room!
Wow! You’ve inspired me to get off my booty & clean up my office space too! I LOVE what you did! Creative & organized – perfection! 🙂
Thanks so much, Jen!
You knocked it out of the park. Talk about living up to the Organized Living challenge. I’m impressed. And, I think fabric liners would be a nice touch. Something with black would calm all of the fabric color swatches down a bit. Beautiful office.
Thanks, Mary! I was initially thinking the same thing about the fabric liners, but now I’m thinking about going with a very light, white linen. I thought I would be okay with seeing the fabrics all the time, but now they’re starting to irk me a bit! Thanks for dropping by!
You’ve got some beautiful pieces! I love that little easel. You have done a fab job… it looks so organised!!
Thank you, Kirsten! The easel came from Home Depot. Thanks for dropping by!
What an impressive “after” you should be proud of a job well, well done!
Thank you, Carla!
You know I saw some other pictures today that had me inspired, but it seems like with your post, I think now I need to make a move. Beautiful set up.
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Thank you, April! A well-organized home office certainly motivates you to get more work done, so I’m glad to have been able to redo my space! Thanks for dropping in!
I love love love the way you organized everything! And I really like your photos, very good quality 🙂
Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels recently posted…Which Is Better, to Pay Off Debt or Invest?
Thanks so much, Reelika! It was so hard getting good photos, because the lighting in my apartment is pretty bad. But, nothing my umbrella lights couldn’t help out with! Thanks for dropping by!
Excellent job. Looks well organized, bright and shiny!
Thanks Jessica!
I love the office space it’s very modern and crisp. Love all the white and the pops of color.
Thanks sissy!!
Looks so great! I love the decorations! I wish I could do stuff like that…I just have no decorating sense whatsoever. I live for functional but when it comes time to make something pretty? No clues! It basically looks like a college radio DJ and a college gamer live at my house, lol. And both of those imaginary people are boys.
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LOL, thanks so much Jebbica! If you need help, I’d love to give you some ideas to fit your space. Thanks for dropping by!!
Wow, what a difference! It looks so bright and organized and inviting now! I love all the art and inspiration you’ve got as well. My “home office” is just a computer desk in the living room, haha. I may have to do some redecorating now as well.
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Thank you so much, Grace! I love my new space and always look forward to working in it! There are ways to make your area work for you. Even though you’re in a small spot in your living room, you can use the wall space above your computer desk or even build a small 4′ system similar to mine with the FreedomRail components. If you need some help brainstorming, let me know! Thanks for dropping by!
Wow you really transformed that space. I love everything about it. What a difference. I am an organized person to a fault and so things like this, excite me, lol. You have so many clever little ideas to make this space your own and to show your personality. And yes, I would use the FreedomRail system.
Awesome! What I love most about the FreedomRail system is the versatility. I love that I can switch things without having to actually make additional holes in the wall. Just rearrange the components that I already have or buy more to add to the system. Easy peasy. Thank you so much for dropping by!
Your home office is my office goals.I’m moving out with my other half in a month and the first thing I want to do is decorate my home office yes not the bedroom bathroom or kitchen my home office lol thanks for the good pointers.I’m going to pin this so I can look back and figure it out thanks.
sheismelrose.net
I can definitely understand wanting to start with your home office. I mean, it’s the room I spend the most time in, so I had to make sure it was comfy and organized! Thanks for pinning this post!
You did a great job! It looks fabulous.
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Your workspace is gorgeous!
In fact, this makes me want to put it on the blog list for rehab in November. I love the wire drawers.
Val recently posted…Washington Wine Club
Thank you so much, Val!! I LOVE the wire drawers, too! They’re so much more convenient for my fabric and tile samples. Thanks for dropping by!
Wow! I’d love to work there. 🙂 I particularly like the leopard print cardboard boxes with attachments. You have inspired me to create a space that I can truly thrive in. 🙂
Pam McCormick recently posted…The Dance…
Thank you so much, Pam. It means so much to know that my space inspires others as much as it inspires me! Thanks for dropping by!
I like the open baskets with the fabric. It mixes up your color scheme. You created a nice mix of office with dining space.
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Love what you’ve done the to space! Now as I am looking around me I realized the time has come for me to attack my living space. And I mean, attack! So much stuff needs to go, so much to declutter! I am bookmarking your 10 Days to an Organized Home, and starting now! Thank you for giving me a gentle push 🙂
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Thank you so much, Lana!! Please tweet me (@whitneyjdecor) when you start on the #10DaysOH challenge. I’d love to know how it goes for you!
This looks fantastic! So pretty AND functional. I just LOVE containers and enjoyed seeing how you used various kinds. ALSO, the little easel chalkboard is adorable! 🙂
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Thank you so much!! The easel came from the Home Depot!
Your office looks great. Good job with the organization.
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I love this so much! You’ve given me some hope that I can turn my little corner office into something half a lovely and functional as what you’ve done!
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I Love the changes, my office is in desperate need of some organization, I bookmarked this to A) keep me motivated and B) give me ideas 🙂
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You have inspired me to get in my home office and clean it up. Just scrolling through the images game me so many ideas. Thank you! I needed a kick in the butt.
Now, can you tell me how to get my email organized? It’s a mess too.
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Oh wow! i really, really love this setup! I believe that you have given me inspiration for an office in my sunroom. The great thing is that I have done some of these things to organize my house. Thanks!
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Thanks, Angela!!
I can completely relate with the before office photo, in fact yours is no where need as bad as mine is at the moment. Can you come do my office just like yours! I dig your style
April Ockerman recently posted…Protein Bars- Hold the Gluten
Thank you, April!! I would so love to come do your office! LOL
Love this!!! Your space is so pretty!!! I need to steal your idea to put scrapbook paper on cardboard boxes, how clever!!
Jill recently posted…Slow and Steady wins the Race
Thank you, Jill!! Scrapbook on the cardboard boxes is also very cheap!
Wow, what a change! Your office area looks fantastic, and I love your style! I am totally void of any decorating talents, these are such cute ideas. I will have to implement some of these in my own space 🙂
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That is a complete transformation. Those ropey handles would have given me anxiety, whereas the new system is so calming. Enjoy 🙂
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LOL, you’re so right! That bookcase was one of the reasons why I hated to work in the previous space. Thanks for dropping by!
Awesome transformation. I love organizational systems like that. You’ll probably be so much more productive now that things are organized.
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Thanks, Erica! So far, I have been having some really productive days. I hope I can keep it up. Thanks for dropping by!
Wow! What a transformation! I need to make over my home office (a desk and shelf in a corner of my living room).
Sam Sly recently posted…My Swim Bag Checklist
Thanks for dropping by, Sam! You can definitely make your small corner work with the right systems and a plan.
These are great ideas! My office is small office too, I should begin to do as yours!
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A lovely transformation , I just moved house and need to setup my home office but have not been inspired enough thank you for this
Thanks, Lindi! So, glad to know that you’re inspired!
That looks fantastic! My son recently left for college and I’ve got my eyes on his room for my office 🙂 I’ll be remembering some of your ideas! I really like the wire drawers, the plants, and the furs…. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Debbie!
What a huge difference!!! I love your office & I really love your chair. It looks so comfy.
Thanks, Malorie!
It’s crazy that we let things get so cluttered, but I think you have to get to that point and then do that complete makeover like you did to know what you need and where to put stuff. You office is amazing.
You’re very sweet, Jere! Thank you!
You did a fantastic job redesigning your home office. Can you come do mine next, lol! Seriously, I love your organization solutions. It feels like such a creative space now.
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Thank you so much, Aimee! I’d definitely come and do yours next!
This is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! I am definitely taking some ideas from here as I do have a small office space and would love to capitalize on every inch of the room. Beautiful and congrats on this.
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Thanks, Ayana!! Good luck with your office space! Definitely check back and subscribe to the blog to get more office tips and ideas.
I love how you have transformed your office and eating space! I’m working on decluttering our home. It’s slow going. I’m determined to get it done. Thanks for sharing your space! ~Adrienne
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I love your redesign and although I can’t use it in my current apartment, you’ve given me a few ideas for things I do need to do. I love the baskets without lining; gives it a more industrial feel, I think. Excellent blend of color, space use, design and personal flare! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thank you so much, Jill!
Lovely job! Isn’t it funny how the unorganized stuff seems to “slump” and all end up down on the floor, and then the top of the room seems so incredibly empty? And the room feels “slumpy” and the energy just bogs down.
When i saw your “before” pic, my first thought was, “ooh, build up–you need shelves that take things *up*!”
My one wish for you is that you could create some “visual calm” on the shelf with the fabric sample books. The top handles drape all over the place and make it look so much more messy than it is. Can you put a curtain down the front, or snip the handles, or even just fold double them over on one another so they don’t drape, a nd then secure with an extra-tight cable tie?
Then each book would have a single tidy-ish black line across it instead of all these multiple black loops draping everywhere.
If I’m not mistaken, the loops are mostly for hanging the books, right?
I suppose that’s another way you could handle them; putting long hooks in the back of the bookcase. But that wouldn’t make them accessible. This structure (lying on their backs) means you can grab any one of them.
I’m so glad you were able to get a work/dining table into the room! I’m just a home sewer and crafter, and I do all my work (and kids’ costume fabrication) on the dining-room table. I wouldn’t be able to do anything if I didn’t have that workspace!
Hey Toots!
I had to take a double look at my shelves, and you’re right it does look a tad bit messy (looks a bit messier than they do on the photo, too). Thank you for all the tips, they would totally work if the loops bothered me. But, they’re not that bad, to me. I can totally see them bothering a super neat person, though. The thing is, I use these books almost every day, so it’s a lot easier to just pull them off the shelf and put them back without trying to line up the loop handles. Trying to keep them really neat would be a lot of work. That’s why I got rid of half of them. Still, I’ll probably be side-eyeing them a bit after this comment, LOL. Thanks for dropping by!
Whitney
Really like the organizational changes.
Your last shot of your dining room got me thinking it would be nice if you had some sort of effortless, curtain you could pull across during non-work hours – help your turn off and make it more of a dining room for when guests are their. Maybe gauzy curtain, metal bead chains, something that fits your style, takes no space, doesn’t intrude when not in use, etc.
Someone might have already suggested this. Number of comments have been too many for me to read them all!!
Thanks for your suggestions, Amy!! I thought about maybe using a light-weight linen curtain hung from the ceiling, but I prefer the openness and didn’t think it would be worth the hassle. I may revisit this idea, though, now that the holidays are among us!
I love the overall transformation of your home office space. It is creatively design which is very conducive for working at home. I believe that office space design should be a reflection of who you are, because designing it is based on your preference and personality.
I definitely agree, Charles! Thanks so much!
I’m all the way late but this is everything!!! I’m moving in the next few weeks and as I’m looking at apartments I’ve been trying to figure out how to fully sacrifice a dining room for an office, but I don’t have to. I LOVE this! #BLMGirl
This makeover is awesome! How long did it take?