home office purchases & sources

 

laugh sign – similar here // parsons chair slipcover // starburst mirror – similar here // lamp // poufs – similar here // coat rack // blue table – similar here // red bookcase // wire hanging file holder – similar here // rug – similar here

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We got some great finds for my sister’s home office. We started with a few big pieces in the room already (desks from Ikea, bulletin board – similar found here, leaning ladder shelf, and hanging multi shelf – similar here). Then we went shopping. And shopping. And more shopping. We knew we needed a little more storage along with some seating, lighting and of course, the pretty stuff. All the items should have a purpose, look nice and be reasonably priced. Easier said than done. But I think we did a great job of staying within these limits. Click on the links above to find the sources. If the items aren’t available online, I provided a similar option.

And here are a few pointers when shopping for new items for your home:

1. Always keep your paint and pattern swatches with you. This will come in handy as reference when you’re out shopping.

2. Don’t rush. You won’t find everything you need for your new space in one weekend. All these items were bought over about a 9 month period. We had trouble finding some of the items and we didn’t want to settle for pieces just to finish the space.

3. Remember your budget. Again, we could have just gone on a crazy shopping spree or had slip covers and the poufs specially made in the fabric we wanted but we needed to stay on budget. Most of the time, I think limitations force creativity and often produce even better, more unique solutions.

4. Measure. If you need a specific piece like a table or a lamp, be sure you know what size and shape you’re looking for. And if you’re not sure what size would best fit in your space, try setting up different “test” pieces – things you already have around your home – that you can use as a guide for size and shape. This will give you a good idea of what works well in that space.

5. Go with your gut. If you really, really love something and think it would work perfect in your space but you’re just not sure where it will go or what purpose it will have, get it and you’ll find it’s purpose. Sometimes those are the best finds – the ones you didn’t really plan on. And if it impacts your budget, do some refiguring and save money in another area.

6. Don’t forget the details. For a home office, this means things like desk accessories and small organizational items. We didn’t go with your standard pencil holder or paperclip container. We used things like kitchen bowls and dishes. Target is a great source for these sort of pieces. I also have a lot of luck at thrift stores.

Here are a few of the smaller items we purchased:

small geometric plate // scallop dish // poppin’ accessories these are the best – a little more money but they’re like little pieces of art and the pens are so smooth – never thought I’d ever say those words // wooden bowls // number 5 dish // gold paper clips

What a fun project – and I’m sure it will keep evolving. If you have a redesign project you’ve been putting off – my advice is to just start it. It might come together quickly or take you over 9 months. But it will get done. And get a friend – or family member – to help you or just give you some extra input. It makes for a much better experience and probably a better result!