Working from home for the foreseeable future prompted a mini office refresh to help make the space somewhere I didn’t mind spending 9-ish hours a day in. My goal for the space was to mostly rely on what I already had, but I knew I would add at one or two new things.
We love the dark blue that leans a little green paint color (Mount Etna by Sherwin Williams) of the room, so I knew that was staying in my refresh, but I wanted to lighten up the room a bit through the artwork, rug, fireplace, and decor. I loved the den when I finished the space for the One Room Challenge a few years ago, and looking back through the pictures I still love it! However, I have found from working from home that I need a space that is a tad lighter and brighter. So while I loved (and still love) my original design, the new design fits a bit better for me work-wise as well as the overall feel I want in our house. I truly love watching my style evolve over the years. I’ve been honing in on my style and it is a good combo of modern and traditional, with clean lines, a focus on natural materials and more muted colors.
All sources listed at the bottom of this post for your reference.
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Painting the Fireplace
When I originally finished the room and made it into a den I painted the fireplace a darker gray. After living with it for a few years, I knew I wanted the fireplace lighter so it stood out more as a focal point in the room. I used paint I had on hand (Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore) and brightened the fireplace up!
Swapping Out the Artwork
I shopped my home and did a little artwork shuffle to focus on artwork that was a bit lighter in color.
The “Found Lamp”
On my Instagram stories I shared a DIY I did on a lamp I already had that was inspired by Jaci Daily. She calls her method the “found pot” because she initially did it to a pot, but since I did mine on a lamp I am dubbing it the “found lamp”. Essentially I spray painted a lamp with creamy white spray paint and then brushed damp dirt on it to give it the “found” look. It sounds strange, but I’m so happy with how it turned out! Check out the highlight on my Instagram stories for more details. I also swapped out the more modern drum shade for a more traditional empire shade – I love how it changed the look of the lamp!
A New Rug
I got a gorgeous new rug to round out the space and I am so very happy with it! It’s lighter in color and really helps brighten the room up. Plus, since it’s a vintage rug it feels much more durable than our previous tufted wool rug. Vintage rugs are one of my favorite types of rugs for areas that get heavy use – they really stand the test of time.
If you are looking for a vintage rug I would highly recommend starting your search with Revival Rugs. You can use code THEADOREDABODE10 for 10% off your purchase!
The Workspace
I couldn’t share an office refresh without showing the workspace. This is where I spend a lot of time everyday and I am very happy with the set up! We moved the desk and filing cabinet downstairs for some much needed office functionality. I also added a vision board that has been a great thing to look at every day. Helps me remember what is important to me.
I added a computer charging station on top of the filing cabinet and it is honestly one of my favorite things about the office. I used a two slot wooden mail holder/paper that holds both of our computers upright… and I was mostly successful and hiding the cords. Clutter free for the win!
I have been using this room everyday and it has made my work from home time be so much more enjoyable because I am working in a space I love. I highly recommend tweaking your space to be a space you love, focusing on using what you have – even if you have to get creative! Not just for an office or workspace, but any room in your home!
Sources
rug (similar options) // chair // pillow // dresser (similar, original is vintage family heirloom) // lamp (similar) // desk // office chair // mirror // dessert print
