SThis spring I mentioned I was making some changes to my home office. Progress has been slow—real life and a modest budget mean updates take time—but I recently managed to move the project forward and I’m excited to share the results. A few of my plans shifted since my last update.
I had originally planned to save for a new desk and turn the old one into a console table. Instead I realized what I wanted most was to replace the wall-to-wall carpet with hardwood to match the rest of the house. The striped rug I purchased from Lulu and Georgia found a great home in the family room, and the worn brown carpet—challenged by four dogs over the years—was ready to go. Hardwood floors feel cleaner, are easier to maintain, and coordinate with everything.
Because the office is quite small, I decided to install hardwood and keep my existing desk in place. It was the right choice—the new floors transformed the room entirely and I’m thrilled with how it looks.
I haven’t repainted yet. I’m leaning toward keeping the same navy color or choosing a slightly deeper shade. The navy pairs beautifully with the curtains and the lighter wood floors. Because these walls are textured, I plan to use a flat paint finish here; it will help minimize texture more effectively than the eggshell I use elsewhere in the house.
I also rearranged the room so the desk sits against the left wall rather than in front of the window. I removed a few pieces of furniture—one went to our church, another upstairs to the TV room—and added pieces that better suit my needs. I’ll share details about the new secretary and hutch soon.
Next to the new piece, I found two flat-file drawer units from IKEA (Alex drawers) that offer an economical and flexible storage solution. I have plans to customize them a bit and will show the updates when they’re ready.
Here’s a wider view of the new layout. The Pottery Barn desk I’ve used since my previous house now sits on the left wall. While I enjoyed looking out the window, this arrangement feels more comfortable and allows me to use the wall above the desk for an inspiration board. By removing the tall cabinet that used to occupy this wall, there’s more room for a light, airy inspiration board (I’ll be adding that soon).
The small Target bench beneath the window moves around the room for extra seating or a place to kick back and put my feet up.
This is the desk where I’ve been sitting every day—writing for the blog and working on books. The writing process can feel solitary, but I’m looking forward to sharing the finished books with you when they’re ready.
For perspective, here’s a photo of the room during an earlier transition from the “swine” stage to the navy look. Excuse the mess—this room has gone through a few iterations.
Finally, here’s how the new hardwood flows from the office into the hall—I love the continuity. Lily was lounging nearby trying to catch a breeze; it’s been unseasonably warm. For those curious about practical items: my printer sits on a stand to the right of the plant, out in the open and within easy reach.
I’ll share more about the new secretary and hutch tomorrow. A quick look back: this desk has been with me since 2008 and continues to serve me well. The lamp on the desk is the same one I used years ago, now paired with an updated shade. The gold and crystal chandelier in the office has traveled with me through several homes—it’s a reminder that I try to keep and reuse pieces whenever possible. The rug and cabinet pictured are now in my daughter’s townhouse, and the desk has seen many versions of the room over the years.
For my FAQ about the Hickory floors, click the FAQ page on my site.
Sources (none of the items are sponsored; some were affiliate purchases):
Wall Color: Rich Navy by Glidden
Floors: Natural Hickory by Mohawk (installed through Lowe’s)
Curtains: Anthropologie
Desk: Pottery Barn
Bench: Target
Desk Chair: Restoration Hardware Martine Arm Chair (purchased discounted due to a minor flaw)
Corner Chair: World Market