I'm so excited to give you a tour of my organized home office! I tried to make it really functional and beautiful at the same time, with a mix of IKEA hacks, a few new pieces, and several items that I already owned. Come on in and take the grand tour!
It's here! It's here! Of all the room reveals I've been waiting to share in our entire house, this one is the one I've been most excited about: my organized home office! My goal for this room was for it to be really functional and beautiful at the same, and so far, I think that has been accomplished!
You can take the video tour below or keep scrolling to see all of the photos-- c'mon in!
A Beautiful and Organized Home Office Tour
Before
If you remember my office from our one year house tour, it was tidy, but it was in serious need of storage. All of my stuff was just kind of stacked up on random pieces of furniture until I was able to get a better system going.
This was the room that basically sold us our house. It is the bonus room above the garage, and it is fairly large, so I knew it would be perfect for all of the many functions I needed in an office space-- room to work, do projects, take photos and videos, store extra decor items and craft supplies, and I even work out in this room!
The best thing I did when I went to work on this space was to do a MAJOR declutter! There were tons of items that I had held onto that I thought I might use “someday,” that I finally let go of, throwing away things that were broken and donating or giving away items that were in good shape but that we just didn’t use anymore. Once I had decluttered, I could easily see what I had left to store and could make a systematic plan for the space.
After
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Here's what my office looks like now:
The back wall is definitely the focal wall in the space. I did an allover stencil on this wall, and wrote all about it in this post. I was a little nervous about it because I had never stenciled a wall before, but it actually ended up being more straightforward than I expected!
The two paint colors I used for the stenciling were Behr Marquee Cameo White, and Sherwin Williams Rainwashed, but color matched with Behr Marquee paint because it is my favorite.
I knew I wanted storage that was fairly open on this wall so it could hold items I needed to store, but also act as a beautiful display piece. I looked into a bunch of different options, but ultimately ended up using IKEA’s BESTA system, which is a modular system.
Donnie then beefed it up a little bit by adding some trim to the top and bottom, which also helped take it from modern to a more traditional look to match the rest of the room. You can get all of the details of the BESTA project in this post.
I’ve always wanted to color code my books, so I was able to do that in a subtle way on the top part of this shelf. On the lower part, I used some wicker baskets to corral some different sets of items, like fabric and craft supplies.
I used an adhesive bookplate label on each of them, then used washi tape + a label from my label maker so I could easily see what was in each one. (My label maker can print in a fun cursive font, which makes them extra pretty!)
I moved some of my extra decor items out of the PAX storage unit that I shared a few weeks ago, and into here because they’re still being stored in an organized way, but looking pretty as well!
I also moved these clear lidded bins out of the PAX unit and put them here instead and added one more for my label maker. The labels on the front of the clear bins were made with my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine + adhesive vinyl. (You can see how to make pretty labels with a Silhouette in this post.)
One final thing I fit in this unit were all of my binders, which had been a huge mess previously! The binders hold things like printables that I use often, looseleaf paper, and notes and information for some of the webinars I do on a recurring basis. Some are empty, just waiting for the perfect project! 🙂
I added an inexpensive LACK shelf from IKEA above the unit, just as a place to have pretty display pieces.
The other end of this wall holds a little reading nook-- I was thrilled that we ended up having space for this cozy spot!
The little slipcovered chair is from IKEA, as is the lamp. The cute little throw rug, blanket, and basket + faux plant are all from HomeGoods.
I searched far and wide for a side table that was tiny enough for this space, and I came across this simple stool, which ended up being perfect.
I found the pretty floral pillow on Etsy from this talented seller-- I fell in love with the gorgeous fabric, and the quality is top notch!
Continuing around the room, all of the Roman shades are from SelectBlinds, and the color is called Vanilla Bean. The gray wall color is Behr Marquee Silver City, which is my go-to gray.
This storage unit ended up being the perfect piece to store all of my extra pillows! Throw pillows are kind of my weakness, so I usually have one set that’s out around the house, and then I’ll switch them out with these ones when I get a little bored and need a change.
(We were sure to anchor this unit to the wall at the top so it didn’t fall over or hurt anyone, especially because my boys will come in here and spend time with me sometimes!)
The bottom half of the unit holds some of my office supplies. I went back and forth several times about whether to put our printer inside some sort of storage unit somewhere or leave it out, and I ended up storing it on the bottom shelf of this unit.
That way it is still easily accessible and we can utilize the wifi function to print, but it is out of the way and isn’t an eyesore sticking out in the middle of the room. (Also: real life. We have cords. There aren't many options for hiding it with this unit, but I tucked it out of the way as best I could!)
One of the wicker baskets holds printer paper, and the other one holds labels and other specialty type paper that we print on from time to time. The two white boxes on the bottom shelf hold my scrapbook paper.
The smaller boxes hold extra ink in one and envelopes and stamps in the other. Finally, I have a few magazines that I like to keep around for inspiration in these holders. Again, I labeled everything with washi tape + labels on clear tape from my label maker to give it all a cohesive look.
This corner has a big white board that Donnie and I will use to brainstorm and plan out ideas. I found it at Hobby Lobby, and it was already framed and everything; we just hung it up! The table is actually an inexpensive INGO table from IKEA, which came unfinished, but I white washed it with some paint.
I wanted a big work surface for the office, both that I could use to sit at in front of the focal wall as a background, but also something that was light enough that I could move out of the way so I could still have a big, open space in the middle of the room if I needed to. I considered putting the table on casters, but it was so light and easy to move, that I didn’t even need to. It will spend some of its time in the middle of the room, and some of its time in the corner under the white board. (As will the chair!)
You’ve probably seen this nook in a bunch of my posts and videos! It was the first part of this room that we worked on, and I’m still loving it. I have a few IKEA photo ledges with pictures of my boys for decor in this part of the room.
Would you believe that this cozy chair and the tufted ottoman didn't come together as a set?! I totally lucked out, finding them at two separate places, but they are still a near perfect match!
My desk is sadly no longer available, but I get asked about it so often that I recently wrote a post that shared 15 cute (and affordable!) white writing desks, some of which are extremely similar to this one. (The chair can be found here.)
The desk drawers hold a bunch of office supplies so I can easily access them when I’m working.
And finally, I gave a full tour of my corner storage unit a few weeks ago...
It is made with the PAX system from IKEA, and we added some trim work to the top to give it more of a built-in look.
As I mentioned previously, I did end up moving some a few things things out of the PAX cabinets and storing them in the unit on the back wall instead, so I actually have some extra space-- I'm not complaining!
The two baskets on the shelves are empty, waiting for the perfect project to come along. I was even able to fit my weights and medicine balls in the small space under the drawers so they are easily accessible when I work out in the mornings. I won't go through every single cabinet again, but if you'd like to see what's in them, you can do so here!
So that’s my organized office! I am so excited to have it finished, and I think I will be able to be a lot more productive now that everything has a spot! Let's take a quick look at the before and after shots:
Quite a difference, right?! Yippee!
If you've missed any of the previous posts in the home office series, you can catch up below:
Creating an Organized Office with the IKEA PAX System
IKEA PAX Office Organization: A Tour
Planning a Cozy and Organized Home Office
How to Create Home Office Storage with the IKEA BESTA System
15 Beautiful and Affordable White Writing Desks
A Beautiful and Organized Home Office Tour (You're here!)
[Psssttt… Get 100 brilliant ideas for organizing every room of the house here!]
Sources
I tried to link to most of the sources for everything in the post, but I will include a full list below as well:
Paint Colors--
Sherwin Williams Rainwashed (color matched in Behr Marquee paint)
Wicker Baskets (similar)
Storage Unit for Pillows/Printer
White Board: Hobby Lobby
See more of my favorite organization items here.
I would love to hear about the systems you use to organize your own home office, so be sure to tell me about them in the comments below!
Have a wonderful day!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Oh my goodness, this is beautiful! Well done Abby, you've worked so hard and the results are a real testament to that. I love the light airy feel, it much be a very calm space to work in!
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Rebecca! You totally made my day! I hope you're having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Everything looks so beautiful and functional. I like that every space isn't filled with furniture. The open spaces make it look airy and welcoming. I love the frames on the shelves too. I think I would do that just because I hate putting holes in walls and measuring to make sure they align. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Tiffany! I am totally lol-ing at your comment about the frames because I am the WORST and hanging them-- I always put a million holes in the wall! Leaning is definitely easier! 🙂 Hope you're having a great week!
~Abby =)
It looks so lovely and wonderfully functional!! I love how you could photograph & do webinars without moving around the entire room. You guys did a great job on the space 🙂
Thank you so much, Brittany! Yes-- that was the goal! I always felt like I had to do furniture gymnastics to get a nice background before (lol!), so this should be much easier! I hope you're having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Oh my gosh it's so elegant. You are so lucky you have such beautiful natural light pouring in there too! I wish mine had that much!
Thank you so much, Ellen! You are so sweet! I hope you're having a great week!
~Abby =)
Abby! This is a DREAM! I swear you could have an entire career styling other peoples' homes because you have SUCH an eye for how to put everyday items together. In our new home, our guest room is also going to have to function as an office space, so we have our work cut out for us. The room is a beautiful, but making a functional desk area look cohesive with a bed and space for luggage, etc is going to be interesting. Wish you could fly to Alabama and help me unpack! Ha! Hope all is well, friend!
You are the sweetest, my friend! I am SO excited for you with your new house!! I can't wait to see what you do with it-- I know it will be gorgeous! Hope you're having a great week! <3
~Abby =)
Love your office!!!! It's beautiful. Out of curiosity, how do you like the slipcovered chair from IKEA? I am looking to replace the glider in my daughter's nursery with something similar.
Thank you so much, Melissa! I am really loving the chair so far! (I'm actually sitting in it right now as I type this!) We also have the EKTORP sofa, love seat, and bigger chair, which are in the same "family" as this one, and they have all held up well for us! Have fun with your nursery project!
~Abby =)
LOVE every single thing! You and Donnie did a WONDERFUL job, Abby! I'm so happy for you, and I bet you are just thrilled! Seeing your pillow collection 'comforts' me, as I'm always drawn to aqua pillows, and often won't buy them because I'm like, "Always with the aqua!" But, I think I need to go with what I love. 🙂
You can NEVER have too much aqua! 🙂 Thanks so much, Julie! Hope you're having a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)
It looks amazing Abby! And the light fixture turned out beautiful. For your table, have you ever heard of MagicSliders? They sell them at Home Depot with the felt pads and furniture feet. They are adhesive plastic pieces that you can put on the bottom of each table leg, so it will glide right over the carpet when you push it. We’ve used them on tables, dressers, and a big heavy armoire before. It makes it so much easier to move without lifting.
Those sound like they would be perfect! Thanks so much for the tip, friend!
~Abby =)
So beautiful! I am looking for white frames to mount some agate in for my living room. Where did your 3 white frames come from?
The 3 white frames in the nook are from Target. I purchased some of the other white frames in the room at IKEA and HomeGoods! Best of luck with your project-- that sounds beautiful!
~Abby =)
Abby,
The finished room looks so nice. Tons of storage and space. Great places to sit and read. Places to do projects. I think you covered it well. Great job. Well done. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Debra! I really am so happy with how functional it is, while still being beautiful. Hope you have a great week! <3
~Abby =)
Everything looks so beautiful! I love the aqua, gray, and white colors. And...what a great idea for storing and rotating pillows.
Thank you so much, Lori! I am LOVING it. Hope you have the best week! <3
~Abby =)
What s beautiful space, Abby! I love that it’s fully functional but still a gorgeous and inviting room to work in! xox
Aw, thanks so much, Kendra! I am loving it! Hope you have a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)
It looks amazing, Abby! Question though: Did you brainstorm everything out before you started tackling it in stages or did it sort of come together in stages? I've got some areas in my home I'm hoping to redecorate soon and sometimes I'm overwhelmed and it prevents me from even getting started. Not sure if I should come up with a complete plan first and then start chipping away, or just start with the basics and then hope it all comes together over time? Not sure if that question makes sense, but your rooms always turn out great and was just curious how you went about the planning part! Have a great day!
Thanks so much, Sarah! Great question. So last year I knew I wanted to get the nook done so I could have at least a small piece that I felt like was "finished." I knew at that point that I wanted to use my go-to color scheme in my office-- aqua, with lots of white and neutrals, so I planned the nook around that. I didn't make specific plans for the rest of the space at that time. Then last summer I sat down and made a list of all of the different functions that I needed the rest of the room to serve and all of the stuff I needed to store. From there, I made a basic plan, but I let it sit for a while so I could think about it and tweak it until I was sure it was right. (For example, the original plan called for kitchen cabinetry in the PAX corner and where the BESTA unit is, but then I realized I needed vertical storage and that kitchen cabinets would be too chunky for the back wall, so I subbed in other things.) So by the time we installed the PAX unit at the end of December/beginning of January, I pretty much knew what the rest of the room was going to look like, but it did take me a while to nail down the final plan and make all of the decisions. I hope this helps!
~Abby =)
Your new space is beautiful. I love the colors, storage systems, and accessories that you've chosen. It's personal and professional. It's also inspired me to finish my space. Thank you for sharing.
Oh, awesome! So glad it was helpful for you, Joelle. Have a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)
Stunning and great inspiration! I recently emptied my office and have been slowly pulling pieces back in to create a more functional work space. I love the open feel to this. Fabulous!
Aw, thanks so much! I am definitely loving it! I'm sure your space will turn out beautifully! <3
~Abby =)
This turned out FANTASTIC!! My library space is in limbo right now too and I would love for a serene place to work. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!!
So glad it was helpful, Amanda! Enjoy creating your dream space! <3
~Abby =)
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I AM in LOVE<3 <3 . I am so terrible with knowing what to keep and what to toss. I want my office to be this awesome! Will definately be steeling some of these ideas!!
Aw, thank you so much, Lisa! I'm so glad it provided some inspiration for you. Enjoy creating your dream office! <3
~Abby =)
Well done Abby !!! It is a dream office. Very beautiful.
Thanks so much, Elizna! I am really enjoying it. Hope you have a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)
I love that you have storage for throw pillows! Thank you for showing how to get organized but also still make it look pretty!
So glad it was helpful, Amanda! And a girl can never have too many throw pillows, right? 🙂 Have an awesome week!
~Abby =)
Absolutely beautiful Abby! It looks like such a serene place to work and I love how you put things together. I'm looking forward to many more inspirational posts that will come from this gorgeous space you've created =)
Aw thank you so much, sweet Lauren! That really means a lot! I hope you're having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Great blog! The home office looks really great! Great work Abby! Amazing!
Aw, thank you! Hope you're having a great week! <3
~Abby =)