Even though I love bringing new pieces into my home, I’m just as happy—often more so—embracing a “use what you have” approach. That outlook is the very reason I started this blog: to encourage and inspire others to find joy in their spaces, even when it comes from rearranging and repurposing what’s already on hand.
A year before launching the blog I began a decorating business with the same mission. Decorating my own home this way was natural to me, but I noticed many friends felt stuck and unsure where to begin. Helping them see the potential in what they already owned became a key part of my work.
That perspective has stayed with me. There’s definitely a time and place to buy new things—I get excited when I do—but I rarely start from scratch or overhaul a room completely. Most often what I have is perfectly serviceable and meaningful, so I choose to make it work rather than replace it.
My home office is a good example of this mindset. None of the furniture or décor were purchased specifically for this room, and many pieces aren’t a perfect match—but that’s okay. The room functions well and feels personal because the items here tell a story.
I do save inspiration photos for an ideal office I might create someday, of course. But since we set up this office downstairs, I’ve been content to use what we already owned.
Several flea market finds I brought home for storage six or more years ago still serve as great storage for office supplies. They’re practical, worn-in, and full of character.
I still work at the desk I gave myself as a gift when I started my decorating business nearly thirteen years ago. The book cover art and award from when my book Love the Home You Have became a New York Times bestseller still hang on the wall—constant reminders of the value of contentment and the stories objects carry.
The inspiration boards from my previous office continue to inspire me here. The marbled lamps I love have been with me since my old house and still add warmth and familiarity to the room.
We recently moved a leather loveseat into the office to provide extra seating. We originally bought it when we had two puppies at home, and their scratches and wear remain—a reminder that imperfections make pieces feel lived-in and loved.
A chalkboard that once held calendars in our “map hall” now hangs in the office. It’s practical for schedules and messages, and it brings a touch of nostalgia—especially now that my son is only weeks away from heading to college.
I’m still fond of the curtains I received years ago; they make me smile whenever I look at them. This side of the office has design challenges I may address later, but for now I prefer to focus on the pieces that bring me joy.
This office might not showcase the latest trends, but it’s comfortable and comforting. That feeling can’t be bought—these items carry memories and meaning. The room is functional for my current needs, and when I’m ready to refresh, I can rearrange or replace pieces over time.
Do I have design ideas for the future of this office? Yes. But I’m content with decorating slowly in this season.
There’s often more peace when we learn to be content with what we have—and even happy to keep using things we loved years ago.
My office may not be perfect, but I still love working here.
One new update I added is wood shutters on the office windows. They give improved privacy and light control and add architectural character to the room and the exterior of the house. These shutters also have an advantage: they’re designed for DIY installation, making them more affordable than many traditional plantation shutters.
We’ve installed these shutters in several rooms on the lower level, and I plan to share more about that process in a future post.
WHERE TO GET THE SHUTTERS:
The shutters I used are painted wood shutters in Birch White. If you’re considering shutters for your home, look for options that fit your budget and can be installed without specialized tools if you want a more affordable route.
I’ll share more about the shutters we installed on the lower level in an upcoming post.
Shop my house and favorite decor here.
Take my Seattle house tour here.
Take my previous house tour here.