Even though I enjoy adding new pieces to my home, more often I’m happiest embracing a “use what you have” approach. That idea is the reason I started this blog — to help and inspire people to find joy in their surroundings by rearranging and repurposing what they already own.
A year before launching the blog I opened a decorating business with the same mission. I’d always decorated my own home that way, yet many people I met felt overwhelmed when it came to decorating. I wanted to change that.
That mindset has stayed with me. There’s definitely a time and place for new purchases, and I enjoy them when they happen. But I rarely start over or redo an entire room. Often the pieces I already own still serve the purpose perfectly well.
My home office is a good example. None of the furnishings or decor were bought specifically for this room, and most aren’t recent purchases. And that’s okay — they don’t have to match perfectly to work together. Function and comfort matter more than everything being new or perfectly coordinated.
I still collect inspiration photos of my dream office on Instagram and Pinterest, and maybe someday I’ll start fresh. For now, since we moved the office downstairs, I’ve been content using what we already had.
Several flea market finds I brought home six or more years ago still serve as excellent storage for office supplies. They’re practical and have character.
I can still sit at the desk I bought for myself as a gift when I started the 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 — a lasting reminder of the value of contentment.
Inspiration boards from my previous office continue to influence this space. The marbled lamps I moved from my old house still work here and add a familiar touch.
Recently we brought the leather loveseat into the office so more people have a comfortable spot to work alongside me. It has scratches from earlier life with puppies, but those imperfections make it feel loved and lived-in.
A chalkboard that once hung in our “map hall” now holds calendars and notes in my office. It’s practical and sentimental — especially as my son prepares to head to college, making the board a sweet reminder of his younger days.
I’m still a fan of the patterned curtains I received for my birthday years ago. One side of the office has design quirks I’d like to resolve someday, but those curtains are an easy focal point that I still enjoy.
This office may not reflect every current trend, but it’s comfortable and comforting. The items here carry stories and memories that can’t be bought. The room functions for my needs now, and when I’m ready to change things, I can rearrange or replace pieces as needed.
I do have ideas for the office’s future, but I’m enjoying this season of decorating slowly.
There’s often more peace when we learn to be content with what we have — and to be happy using things we loved years ago.
My office may not be perfect, but I still love working here.
One new addition to the room is wood shutters on the windows. They improve privacy and light control and add character to both the space and the exterior of the house. These shutters were a practical upgrade and have enhanced the room’s overall feel.
These particular shutters are designed for DIY installation, which made them a more affordable option than many traditional plantation shutters. I’ve used them in other rooms as well and appreciate how they blend form and function.
Where to Get Similar Shutters
The painted wood shutters I installed are birch white and were chosen for their balance of style and practicality. They offer light control, privacy, and a polished look that suits a variety of rooms.
I’ll share more about the shutters we added to our lower level and other rooms in a future post.
Shop my house and favorite decor here.
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See my previous house tour here.