This is another project I started today: Creating an Inspirational and Functional Home Office.  You can see why I can drive my husband crazy, I always have to be doing something.

Any who, I recently sold this house to my mother-in-law.  We moved her out to the boonies with all us family folk and is now only 5 minute away from us (opposed to 45 minutes).  I just love having all my family near by.  Aww,so sweet of me 🙂

A home office (and craft room) is a very, very, very nice thing to have.  If you’re lucky enough to have one, please use it to it’s fullest potential.  If properly designed, I feel a home office adds financial and mental value in the long run.  If you think about it, you can make money from the crafts you make and sell out off the office.  You can make money from a book you write because your room just calls you in and inspires you to create.  You can make money by working on your graphics for your company you started or work for.  And forget about the money, think of the calm you have when you’re organized.  I can think of a thousand reasons why you should optimize and use your home office.  Thank goodness I don’t have to convince Mary Jo (my mother-in-law) as to the importance, she loves to be organized.

As luck would have it, I la-ove to organize and the home office is my wonderland.  When it comes to any project I believe in repurposing furniture as much as possible.  That being said, sometimes enough is enough and it’s time to let go of the crap…oh, I mean of some things.  Here’s what I recommend when redoing your home office:

• Look though home magazines and get inspired.  As you look at pictures, tear them out (don’t be afraid, you won’t look at that magazine again, I promise).  Pin them on your “Vision Board” .  When looking at offices and rooms that inspire you, take notice as to how clear the floor is, and how little clutter you see and feel.
• Take a picture of your current office and hang on your “Vision Board” next to “inspiration” pics.  The best advice I can give is to always take pictures of your space as you work in it.  You’ll be amazed at what you see in a photo.  When arranging the room, think to yourself “Self, does this look picture perfect?”
• Start searching Craigslist , auctions, and retail/resale stores for functional pieces.  I like hutches and functional shelves, cabinets, etc.  When you look, you find.  I just love having a reason to get OCD for something that I know will pay off.
• Borrow another area of your home to move most everything from the room you’re using (or going to use) as your home office.  Clear room, clear mind. Om. Oh, don’t forget to take “before” pictures.
• This is “the Clearing” stage.  Only keep the furniture you intend to use. If you can’t find that perfect spot for a particular piece, remove it until you have an “a-ha” moment for it.  Just because you move it out of the room doesn’t mean you’re getting rid of it forever, silly.  You might find you can use that piece somewhere else, like maybe even in your closet.  Think with an open mind.  CLEAR YOUR SPACE.
• Get ready to paint my friend.  This is where that vision board comes in handy again.  You will start to paint those dated pieces to add a little umph.  But careful though, don’t go too crazy or cheesy.  It’s real easy to get cheesy if you haven’t mastered stepping out of the space and looking at the room through the eyes of a camera lens. Do camera lens have eyes? But remember, it’s only paint and you can repaint it if you don’t like it.  Also another tip is,if the color you painted comes out too bright, rag a little wood stain on top of the color and wipe off a bit as it dries (if you want).  Do note that this process will take longer to dry and allow odor to go away. Do this project outside, unless using Low or Zero VOC paints.

That’s about all the advice I feel like giving right now.  This week I plan on painting all the file cabinets  a creamy distressed finish.  I will construct a rustic farm table top to place across the top of the file cabinets creating a wide desk area.  Lots more to come to this room so keep following to see the final product.