Over the last twelve years in blogging, my office situation has evolved quite a bit. I started with Chanel in a cramped basement at our first house, then transformed a guest room into an office for four in our current home. After my team settled into our first real office, we reclaimed the guest room, only to switch again when we renovated our beloved 100-year-old bungalow. Throughout these changes, I gathered many home office ideas that shaped my design approach.
Last year, everything shifted again. Like many creative teams, we adapted to working from home. I'm enjoying it, but I miss the collaborative energy of team lunches and travels.
Since working from home is my new reality, I aimed to create a space I would eagerly look forward to using every day.
Not wanting to sacrifice our guest room, I decided to convert a small alcove off the kitchen into my ideal workspace. I compiled my favorite home office ideas into a Pinterest board and got started. Scroll down for the before-and-after transformation and answers to your top questions about this space on Instagram.
What part of your house is this?
I rarely shared photos of this area because it was never a favorite. When we built our home a decade ago, we had this awkward nook off the kitchen, intended for a home office, kids' art, and storage. Spaces without a clear purpose often get neglected in design, and this one was no exception.
Here's a photo of my team working in that space years ago. Our intern Kelly had a “cloffice” tucked under the stairs, while Chanel used a built-in desk. The heavy cabinetry above always made me feel cramped, leading to constant reorganization since it lacked efficiency.
How did you create your new desk?
When I planned the renovation, I knew the room needed a complete makeover for it to be a functional office. Although I considered keeping the built-in cabinetry, I ultimately decided to remove it all. It was a tough choice, as it wasn't cheap to install, but simplicity was essential in such a compact space. We organized a demo of the built-ins and I designed a straightforward wood plank desk. My framer, James Downing, crafted and mounted two floating pieces to the wall using a simple oak sealed with matte shellac from Bullseye. Here are some detail shots from the construction phase.
What are your tips for comfort and ergonomics while working from home?
Comfort is crucial when spending significant time at a computer. I prefer furniture with a homey vibe, so I opted out of the typical ergonomic office chair. Here are some comfort-focused ideas I incorporated:
- A monitor for computer tasks. I installed a large monitor tucked away under the stairs. It's out of sight when entering the space, but it's perfect for when I need to do extensive computer work without hunching over my laptop.
- An external webcam for video calls. I added a webcam to my monitor. With so many Zoom calls now, this has improved my posture significantly compared to looking down at my laptop.
- A chair that promotes good posture. I adore the clean Scandinavian design of this wood chair from Target. While it may not look like an office chair, its shape encourages upright sitting.
- A padded cushion for added comfort. After hours on the wood seat, I use this padded cushion to elevate myself slightly, ensuring my arms are in an optimal typing position.
How do you conceal electrical cords at your desk?
With a minimalist desk, I knew I had to plan for cord management to maintain a serene atmosphere.
During the desk's construction, I had my framer drill 2" diameter holes in the back of each wood section. We added cord-keeper caps to keep chargers organized, with electrical outlets beneath each hole for a tidy look.
What are your favorite picks for home office wall decor?
I envisioned a piece that would connect with the outdoors, blending with the trees outside. I loved this Eucalyptus print by photographer Kara Rosenlund, but the framed size I needed was nearly $2,000—way over budget.
I quickly searched for Eucalyptus prints on Etsy and found this lovely print by artist Emma Lucas (arrtopia). I paid $10 for a downloadable file, then sent it to Simply Framed. For a total of $354, I had a beautifully framed piece I adore. This is my go-to hack for affordable art.
I also fell for this faux sheepskin stool from Dear Keaton. It serves as a stylish spot for my bag and a seat for my kids when they join me to draw.
I work in an office that’s not at home… how can I make my desk at work look cuter?
Keep it simple, intentional, and personal.
I used to clutter my desk but discovered I feel more at ease with a clean workspace. The few selected items should feel special and meaningful. I love the sculptural design of this bronze task lamp and the elegant curves of this oversized white ceramic vase, perfect for a beautiful bouquet.
It may seem odd to lean my inspiration boards against the window, blocking some of the view, but it creates a cozy backdrop. I frequently change what's on the board to fit the season or my mood—family photos, magazine clippings, and quotes are all included. Even practical items like notepads and pens can spark joy. My “Malibu” notepad reminds me of a favorite destination, and I'm obsessed with these pens—the ink flow is so satisfying.
This candle is a favorite of mine: Black Rose, by FVITH.
I hope you enjoyed this tour of my home office! I truly believe our environment can inspire creativity and calm. Feel free to drop any home office questions below, and I'll do my best to answer!
