When we moved here 7 years ago, I claimed this little spare bedroom as my home office. I work as a freelance writer and editor and spend a lot of time in this space. Despite the sad state of affairs in my study at the time, my daughter Lily looked pretty happy to be posing in it! I had a broken-down chair, an ancient computer, builder-white walls, and blah, blah, blah. Pretty pitiful.
It wasn’t that way for long, though. My husband Dave announced that for my birthday that year, he was going to help me redecorate it. And boy, did he. Every night for two weeks he came home from his office and went to work on mine. He painted. He put down hardwood floors. He added crown molding.
It was the best. Birthday. EVER. Here’s how it looks today.
Kate is hosting a party over at Centsational Girl today, and everyone is showing the space they do their blogging in. I thought it sounded like fun and decided to play along, even though mine is far from perfect.
I spend so many hours in here that I have to be comfortable. No chic and stylish desk chair for me–I need something that tilts, swivels, and has back support! And my poor silk curtains are just a rumpled wreck. One day I’ll get around to replacing them with something more practical…
One of my kids is usually seated in this chair next to my desk, watching me work. And asking, “What are you doing now? What’s that post about? You should write one about _____. They’ll like that!”
A portrait of my childhood home sits on my desk. Wonder Woman’s peeking out of the pencils.
The paint color is “Seaside EB7-4″ by Eddie Bauer Home.
That console table behind my desk keeps my projects organized. I didn’t want to buy any new furniture when we redecorated the room, so we choose a hardwood floor that had a range of wood tones in it to try to pull everything together.
One of my favorite books is House Lust by Daniel McGinn (above). It inspired me to start this blog 2 years ago.
My desk is an old kitchen table I grew up with. My parents had “antiqued” it a dark blue when I was a kid. When I got my first apartment and had no money for furniture, I rescued it from their basement and stripped it back down to the bare wood. I always thought I’d get a “real desk” someday, but I’m kind of attached to this one now.
So there you have it! My humble home office. I know all the other bloggers are going to be showing off some fabulously chic spaces, so be sure to head over to Centsational Girl’s Where I Blog party to see them all!
Psst! Did You See My Playroom Makeover with Board and Batten?
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 83 comments }
Thank you for giving us an insight into your blogging space… I’m usually sat on the couch, while the hubby watches some sport or another… I do have a desk, but can’t bring myself to sit at it… I think it reminds me too much of my ‘office’ days… something I’m happy to forget about! Lx
.-= Laura´s last blog ..A cup of tea & a recipe for almond & white chocolate chip cookies =-.
I just played with my son-in-law’s iPad and have decided I don’t need an office any more: I have freed up 12.5 square feet of space!
As long as I get an iPad that is. I might never get out of my bed. Either way Julia, I envy your space, and the floor is beautiful…kind husband.
.-= Tricia Rose´s last blog ..Cutting the Gordian Knot =-.
Julia I think your office space is just great, very stylish and comfortable!! I am still fixing mine up…
Would love to do the hardwoods!
Karena
Art by Karena
.-= Karena´s last blog ..Weekend Art Museum Excursions =-.
Julia – this is far from humble! I love that you kept your table from childhood and your book collection has me wanting to check them out. Your office looks both stylish and comfortable.
.-= Vanessa@decor happy´s last blog ..Painting out Wood =-.
Julia, I adore that you blog at that ‘heirloom’ table ! What a marvelous place to log in all those hours educating and entertaining us as you do. So great to get an insight into your world, thanks so much for participating, this is FUN!
Kate
Great looking office! Mine will probably never look that nice. My office isn’t worth sharing because it’s not fancy and it’s cluttered. I have a laptop that I use and most of the stuff that I need is right next to me.
What an awesome husband you have! A great makeover for sure. I’m glad you linked to CG, I had “lost” your blog, but now it’s found!!!! Yay!
.-= Megan {Honey We’re Home}´s last blog ..Where I Blog =-.
Thanks for sharing your office pics. What a great place to work! You have inspired me to clean my office. =)
.-= Vicki @ In The Sandbox Comic Strip´s last blog ..Rocket for boys only =-.
What a pretty space! I love the window you get to face out of while you blog away those hours.
Your office looks so quiet and scerene. Mine is anything but! 
Donna
.-= Funky Junk Interiors´s last blog ..The Palette Desk Project – Part 5- finishing details =-.
What a WONDERFUL spot to blog! How sweet of your husband to create a special place for your home office! Your post reminded me about Kate’s party so I shared photos of my blogging corner. Sadly, it is not a fabulous office
but a chair in my family room!
.-= melissa @ the inspired room´s last blog ..Where I Blog =-.
I love it, Julia! I’m especially jealous of your chandelier. A chandelier, in an office? It doesn’t get much cooler than that!
.-= Lori-Anne´s last blog ..A Room of One’s Own- Artist Meghan Wise =-.
So this is where the magic happens! Now we know!
I love it, Julia…great looking floors, fabulous light and a comfy chair. Lily is precious…she was working that camera! LOL What a cutie! Have a great week, my friend. Happy Blogging!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Welcome to the 85th Metamorphosis Monday! A Story of Hope and Healing =-.
I love it Julia. Did I spy a little foot stool under your desk? I have one too. It sure is a saver for my short chubby legs.
Thank you for posting this!
.-= Pat@Back Porch Musings´s last blog ..Autumnal Metamorphosis =-.
It is lovely! I don’t have a dedicated space to work, unless you count the antique chair I sit in with my laptop right in the living room.
I don’t mind. It keeps me in the middle of everything that happens around here.
Your husband must be pretty great to do this for you.
Becky K.
.-= Becky K´s last blog ..It is Blue Monday Again =-.
I love this makeover!! Your office is beautiful!!
Kisses
Etta
I love it Julia!! I remember you painting the room and loving it then.
What a fabulous place to blog! I love your hand-me-down table! What memories that must hold too. I wouldn’t want to part with it either! I also adore that you have a photo of your childhood home there next to you. And your hubby did an excellent job on the office redo! It looks so cozy and organized.
I’m not sure if I’m going to be participating in the ‘Where I Blog’ today. We’re actually in the midst of an office redo so things are A MESS!!! lol Oh well. Who cares, right?!
Thanks for sharing your lovely space!
.-= Cathy´s last blog ..Home Office Inspiration =-.
I’m loving all the details Julia….your hubby is awesome!
.-= kasey´s last blog ..Don’t blink =-.
Julie its lovely!! I wish my space looked like that I am in a shambles at the moment with our house being built my space is in boxes, different rooms, Its getting very frustrating at the moment I can dream one day I will have a space as grand as yours, wish me luck!!
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Cushions! =-.
I love your office and love the story of Dave’s desire to make your office beautiful! I think you have the perfect place and don’t change your “desk.”
Mary
Your office is not an eye-sore and it’s very functional. It’s neat, clean and fresh. Not everything in our lives needs to be perfect and trendy. I think way too many people get obsessed with having everything overly updated. Like I always told my kids, “You can have your money in the bank, or you can have your money in stuff. I’d rather have money in the bank.”
I think your space looks wonderful! And if YOU love it, that is all that matters
WOW! What a difference the beautiful lighting and the window treatments made. You are one lucky writer/editor/blogger.
I love how you’ve arranged the console table. Everything looks so neat and orderly! I’m visiting from Kate’s “Where I Blog” party…sort of embarrassed to have linked up my space. 
I think it’s fabulous. It looks so comfortable and still chic. I love the drapes and the chandelier and the desk is beautiful. Really nice space!
.-= Lesley @ The Design File´s last blog ..DIY- Ideas for upholstered headboards =-.
What a great way to makeover an extra bedroom. I love the personal touches scattered here and there (and Wonder Woman peeking out of the pencils). Your office is lovely!
.-= Connie @ Hartwood Roses´s last blog ..Grand Canyon Road Trip =-.
I love it!
.-= Jennifer Black´s last blog ..Someday- therell be a photo without building supplies in the background =-.
You’re right, that is the best birthday gift ever! It looks great. So important to have a space that feels good and functions well.
.-= casey@loft&cottage´s last blog ..friday food =-.
What a wonderful looking room! Love the chandelier, the personal pictures, and just the way it reflects what’s important to you. You have a very special husband too!
I always love seeing where my blog friends connect with the world!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Sunday Scripture =-.
Wow, thanks for the peek! It’s been so fun to peek into everyone’s creative spaces!
Donna
.-= Donna´s last blog ..Little House on the Prairie =-.
Julia,
So much wonderfulness ! Love your room , what a great transformation. Such a sweet photo of your little lady, and your childhood home drawing .
Elise
.-= ELISE´s last blog ..Food- Overabundance- Stufffood for thought A change would do you good =-.
Wow!! Do you know how to transform a space or what? Floors…gorgeous. Light…gorgeous. All your little touches…perfect. Thanks for sharing:)
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..The road to happiness =-.
So fun to see your space! It’s homey AND professional….and I LOVE that little drawing of your childhood house. I believe a room – a home- should tell a story, and yours does that very nicely. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Kelly, Arte Styling´s last blog ..My New Kelly Green Dresser =-.
Lovely office!
I would love to know where you got the “J” & “K” letters or where i could find something similar??
Thanks!
Andrea–
Found those in a bin of letters at Hobby Lobby and thought they were fun. -Julia
What a gorgeous spot!! And a beautiful birthday present from hubby!!!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Where I Blog =-.
I think it’s lovely!!! And I love the image of your kids sitting in the chair next to you asking about your blog…it sounds so familiar.
.-= Wendy @ The Shabby Nest´s last blog ..Where I Blog- Home Office Plans =-.
What a nice comfy office, looks very elegant too with the beautiful chandelier. Your hubby is so nice helping you fix it up…Christine
Your J and K are my fav. I have a J on my wall, too, but need to move it around so I can see it better. So fun!
.-= the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last blog ..WHERE I BLOG =-.
I read House Lust last month and just loved it! I think I’ll check out the other 2 books you have pictured too. Thanks for letting us take a look at your blog space (and snoop your bookshelf : )
I love the little portrait of your childhood home!
.-= Melanie @ The Tiny Tudor´s last blog ..Junk in my Trunk- Flea Market at the Aut-o-Rama Twin Drive-In =-.
Very pretty. And I love that you’re using an old kitchen table as your desk. What a great husband!
Visiting from Centsational Girl’s party where I linked up, too.
.-= Shelle´s last blog ..Winner of 60 CSN Stores gift certificate! =-.
Hopping over from the blog space party…. your space is great! I love the curtains and the big bright window, so nice to have a lot of natural light in an office!
.-= RJ´s last blog ..Here I Sit =-.
I love your office space, Julia. Most of the time I blog from my kitchen table using my lap top computer….it’s not a good idea to be so close to the refrigerator! LOL! I’d love a designated space, just for myself, one day.
.-= Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti´s last blog ..San Francisco Mosaic =-.
Dave has often said that if we put a mini-fridge in my office, I’d never come out. That would be way too dangerous for me to be so close to food. Ha. -Julia
Look at that little cutie bug Lily
Love your space Julia and what a doll your hubby was to do that for you !!
Kathy
ps do I spy Wonder Woman amongst your pencils and pens LOL ??
Yep! My family threw a Wonder-Woman themed birthday party for me one year and gave me that. They seem to think I’m “Wonder Woman.” Isn’t that sweet? -Julia
Beautiful! What a thoughtful birthday gift!
So… This is where all the “Magic” happens..
Come to think of it… Work spaces would make an interesting feature( if you have already done this… sorry I missed it) ..
What a wonderful birthday gift. I really enjoyed seeing your space, thank you!
.-= Struggler´s last blog ..Style Dilemmas- Outside-Inside =-.
It looks great and what a great gift. Wonder Woman really adds to the vibe too. It looks fabulous!
.-= Jessica at Lavender and Lilies´s last blog ..Style Icon- Naomi Watts =-.
Looks like a cheery, bright, and comfortable place to write! I love the addition of the “glamorous” chandelier!
I have a Scandinavian version of your table with leaves that pull out in the same manner. It’s now my husband’s desk. Your hubby did a good job!
Julia-I love being able to picture people in their “natural habitat”
.. That was a real gift from your husband. I am quite certain that you could be creative in any environment, but how nice to have such a lovely one! I like tables used as desks much better than a traditional one. How nice that this has lots of memories for you.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..DIY Napkin Rings…Creatures from the Deep =-.
I love that Wonder Woman is there overseeing everything. What a great workspace!
.-= Kristen @ More Than Mulberries´s last blog ..Where I Blog =-.
JUlia,
I am a freelance writer too, but my space is as humble as yours. I also have a small kitchen table like yours from JC Penney, a sage green drop leaf, my hubby’s bookcase, my French country desk, a hole in the carpet left from the last owner, my kitties’ little houses and litter box. It doesn’t smell too good in here sometimes.
Julia,
I don’t “follow” you on twitter and I don’t do facebook – but I am a fan. I spend hours every day pouring over legal and financial documents…and then at noon I shut my office door, nuke my diet soup, grab my diet pepsi and log in to see what house news you are sharing. Thanks for the inspiring photos and the bad MLS laughs. Consider me hooked.
That is so nice! You made my day. Thanks! -Julia
beautiful floors!
Love it! I love seeing the behind-the-blogging-scenes posts
I’m definitely going to check out her post!
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..No-Knead Bread! =-.
What a fabulous office! Your hubby did very good for your birthday
I love the throw pillows, paint color, collection of books, and quirky touches (Wonder Woman). I like your “real desk” a lot. It has sentimental value and it’s perfectly cute and functional. My blogging space is a far cry from yours, read: any available flat surface for my lap top. Another fantastic post 
.-= Bre´s last blog ..Witchy Woman =-.
I love your darling office, Julia! The paint color is great, and the chandy is fab! This looks like an inspirational place to do your work. And your husband sounds like a prince among men!
.-= Kelly@40isthenew30´s last blog ..Really Random Thoughts- Bacon Cheeseburgers and Blue Bell =-.
I am in the process of redecorating and this has giving me a few ideas. Loving that chandelier, never thought of having one in my office, but I will now. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
.-= Daisy´s last blog ..Top 10 Movie Halloween Costumes for 2010 =-.
I only called your space humble because you did. Actually, it’s a lot more sophisticated than mine!
Wow! I just finished reading House Lust. Gotta take it back to the public library right now. I love your space! I’m trying to set up my home office, too, and you’ve given me some inspiration. I’m also a freelance writer and editor. Just between us, there’s a small typo in your post for this page. Check out your second sentence.
Funny that the typo was in that sentence! Ha. Fixed it. Thanks, Angie. -Julia
That is a great room to work at! Love the color and LOVE your chandelier. I want one like that for my walk in closet. Hopefully you’ll say it was cheap and you got it at Target, right? Riiiight??? lol
Thanks for sharing where you blog.
.-= Nancy´s last blog ..Where do you blog =-.
I love everything about this room. I love that it got upgraded to be pretty but that you put/kept all those personal touches that make it special to you — from the table-desk to wonder woman in the pencil holder to one of the kids sitting with you. Wonderful place to be! =)
.-= Winn´s last blog ..Mean Eyes =-.
I love your home office, Julia! Your kitchen table-cum-desk is the best part. No, I take that back–what’s produced in that office is the best part! Your writing is such a pleasure to read.
.-= Richella at Imparting Grace´s last blog ..Moments to remember =-.
Quite lovely! I’m working on my office these days
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com´s last blog ..Roving Reader- World Shaking =-.
You are making me want to move my desk under the window Julia. I love your work space and all of the special touches.
-Rene
.-= Rene´s last blog ..Stairway Inspiration =-.
Love your blog and your office (and your kid’s playroom, and your living room, etc..) Have you ever done a post on the house you grew up in?? Seeing that portrait made me want to see inside! It is a gorgeous house!!
I haven’t done a post about my childhood home, but that would be fun. I’m not sure how many photos I have of the interior, but I’ll have to dig around and see. It was a great old house and I cried bitterly when we had to move… -Julia
What a great look! And, better yet, what a terrific husband!!
.-= Love Where You Live´s last blog ..Help Me Im Thinking about a New Floor for Our Cottage What Do You Think About This Look and Green Product =-.
Your office is lovely, a wonderful transformation! What really caught my eye though is the framed print hanging over your wicker chair. Is that a fill-in birth record print?? I have one just like it that my mom filled out all my info on. Very cool to see someone else with one
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Mosaic Monday =-.
Good eye! That’s exactly what it is. It used to hang next to my bed when I was little. -Julia
Wow! A room all to yourself! Your room is helping me rethink where and what I might do including moving my space to a more secluded spot when we get all moved back to PA. Thanks! And what a great gift from your husband!
Linda
.-= Linda @bushel and a pickle´s last blog ..Where I am blogging these days… =-.
my space isn’t chic or upscale, but it’s all mine so
I love that hubby was able to help you and gave u a gift you truly wanted…mine can’t even nail a board! wish I had your comfy chair and the Wonder Woman (my other nickname)…if you closely on my desk, I have Mrs. Incredible peeking in my pen/pencil vase!!
Love seeing where everyone blogs! Your office is super cozy. Love the wicker chair with throw pillows. The wonder woman pen is fab!
xo,
cristin
.-= cristin @ simplified bee´s last blog ..Decorating with Throw Pillows & Giveaway =-.
Your office looks great! I love that your kids sit in there with you while you work! So sweet! And, I checked out your playroom transformation. Wowzas!! Love all the lamps and colors!
.-= Erin @ Frundy´s last blog ..Where I Blog =-.
Julia…your wonderful post inspired me to try and go to “the party” and I just missed entering by seconds…literally! Still going “Whew”…just happened. I had less than an hour to pull it off…gave it my best effort but had a few distractions and didn’t make it… :/
Back to your post…your space is so great and the transformation that your honey made happen is so romantic, sweet and worthy of some serious clapping! Thank you for sharing the story and your special place…I love your desk and it’s meaning…I have a similar situation going on but my desk is too impractical…not for the long haul! xo J~
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Where I Blog =-.
Your office is lovely, Julia…especially the lil’ Wonder Woman popping out from your pencil box. It is quite fitting!
Have a beautiful week!
: )
Julie M.
.-= The Little Red Shop´s last blog ..Lil Gs First Ferry Ride =-.
I founs your site by accident and now I’m “Hooked on Houses”…..Love the blue… very serin…the drapes are actually great! Try getting a thicker rod and put the drapes on rings. It will make them easier to open, add legnth and very stylish. The desk is amazing it gives you space to move around(it might look great in high gloss black.) just add a desk lamp. You might not need advice but there it is.ohhhhh I am in love with the cork board …I’m going to do try that.
-from a new fan
Great advice! Thanks! -Julia
Julia, I remember the first day I found your site. I wish I could remember how….but anyway……I was flabbergasted that someone else watched movies just for a virtual “open house tour” of another gorgeous set. Stunned, I thought, “I’m not the only one?” My husband thinks that I am so weird when I watch my favorites over, and over, and over again. I just love to sit and think, “Why did the set director choose THAT picture?” or “Wow, that old, yellow, swivel rocker really adds to the ambiance of the room and to the background of the family or story.” Anyway…I just wanted to thank you again for all that you do and yes, I too am hooked on houses! Not that it matters, but my worn out faves are:
Mr. Mom
Family Stone
One True Thing
Under the Tuscan Sun (just got back from Italy….gorgeous beyond gorgeous!!)
Family Man
You’ve Got Mail
Comments on this entry are closed.