SThis spring I mentioned I was making a few updates to my home office. Progress has been slow—real life and a typical budget mean these projects stretch out longer than TV makeovers—but I’ve made some changes I’m excited about. My plan evolved since I last updated you: instead of buying a new desk, I chose to replace the wall-to-wall carpet with hardwood to match the rest of the house.
I loved the striped rug I bought, but it ended up working better in the family room. The brown carpet had seen better days—four dogs over the years took their toll—so switching to hardwood felt like a practical and aesthetic upgrade. Hardwood is easier to keep clean and coordinates with everything, so it made sense to keep my existing desk and invest in the floor instead.
While the room is small, the hardwood completely transformed it. The change brightened the space and made everything feel fresher. I haven’t repainted yet; I’m leaning toward the same deep navy or perhaps a slightly deeper tone. The navy pairs beautifully with the curtains and the lighter wood floors. I plan to use a flat finish to downplay the heavier texture on these walls—eggshell works well elsewhere in the house, but flat will likely look cleaner here.
I rearranged the room so the desk sits on the left wall instead of in front of the window. I also moved a couple of pieces out—one donated to our church and another moved upstairs to the TV room—and added a few new pieces that fit my needs better. I’ll share details about the new secretary and hutch soon.
To the left of the desk I found two flat-file drawer units from IKEA (Alex drawers) that provide affordable, flexible storage. I plan to customize them a bit and will show the updates when they’re ready.
Here’s a wider view of the new arrangement. The Pottery Barn desk I’ve had since my previous home now lives on the left wall. Although I liked being able to look out the window, this new layout works better for me. I feel less on display to the neighborhood, and I finally have room to add a light, bright inspiration board above the desk now that the tall cabinet was removed.
The small Target bench by the window is mobile and serves as extra seating or a place to prop my feet when I want to relax.
This is the desk where I write daily for the blog and where I’ve been working on my books. The writing process can be a solitary business, so I’m looking forward to sharing the finished books with you when they’re published.
For perspective, here’s a reminder of how chaotic the room looked during an earlier transition a few years ago. The before image shows the space moving from a messy phase to the navy look it kept for some time.
Here you can see how the new hardwood flows from the office into the hall. I love the continuity. My dog Lily is often near the window trying to catch a breeze—it’s been hot lately. For practicality, my printer sits on a stand to the right of the plant, out in the open where it’s easy to access.
Tomorrow I’ll share more about the new secretary and hutch. A quick throwback: this desk is the same one I had in my old house when I first bought it in 2008, and it’s still serving me well. The lamp on the file drawers is the same lamp I’ve used before, only with an updated shade. The gold and crystal chandelier in the office has traveled with me through several homes. I prefer to keep and reuse pieces for as long as they work. Some items, like the rug and a cabinet, have even made their way to my daughter’s new townhouse.
For my FAQ about my Hickory floors, click here!
Sources (items were not sponsored; some links were affiliate):
Wall Color: Rich Navy by Glidden
Floors: Natural Hickory by Mohawk (mine came from Lowe’s)
Curtains: Anthropologie
Desk: Pottery Barn
Bench: Target
Desk Chair: Restoration Hardware Martine Arm Chair
Corner Chair: World Market