Coastal Grandmillennial Home Office

Big News: I’m Designing Full-Time! Here’s How I Transformed Our Home Office – And How You Can Too!

Hello, friends! I have some huge news to share today—I’ve officially taken the leap and left my corporate job to become a full-time designer! It's a massive change, but I couldn’t be more excited. Not only does it mean I get to spend more time doing what I absolutely love, but it also allows me to spend more time with my family.

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This new chapter has me reflecting on my journey as a designer, and one of the first projects that really sparked my passion was the home office I designed for my husband several years ago. At the time, we were adjusting to him working from home full-time in a space that was in the middle of our open concept home (this space used to be the dining room), and I knew it was time to create a space that wouldn't feel completely open and exposed, while allowing all of the light in our home to pour into and out of this space. Today, I want to share the process behind that transformation and some tips on how you can design your own perfect home office, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade an existing space!

The Importance of a Home Office That Works for You

Creating a space that works for you is essential—it’s not just about how it looks, but how it feels and functions. Whether you're working from home full-time, freelancing, or just need a dedicated spot for creative projects, the goal is to set up a space that promotes both productivity and comfort.

With that said, working from just a laptop isn't always conducive. This curved monitor acts as almost dual monitors and is attractive.

Step 1: Defining the Vibe & Purpose

Before diving into design, it’s important to clarify the purpose of the space. Is it a place for serious work, brainstorming sessions, virtual calls or trainings or all of the above? When I designed my husband’s home office, I asked him what was most important: Was it having a space to focus and be productive, or something more relaxed that reflected his personality? The answer was both, so I worked to blend function with style.

For my husband, the final design was a coastal grandmillennial vibe that works with the rest of our open concept design with some touches of his personality and things he loves (like soccer). I incorporated lots of blues and whites, warm wood and leathert, and plenty of practical storage for files, tech gadgets, and office supplies. I wanted it to feel like it belonged in the center of our home but still be an inspiring and productive space.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Furniture

Furniture is at the core of any great home office. After all, you’ll likely be spending hours at your desk, so comfort is key. He chose this leather office chair and we paired it with a spacious desk that could hold his work essentials but still maintain a clean, clutter-free look.

Incorporating a bit of personality is essential too. For my husband, I picked out a classic, coastal desk with a white and natural wood finish and paired it with a cozy leather armchair for when he needed a break (or I wanted to pop in). The armchair also served as a little spot for reading or brainstorming, making it a more flexible space.

Step 3: Lighting – The Game-Changer

Lighting is absolutely everything. For a productive home office, you'll want a balance of natural light and well-placed artificial lighting to keep you energized throughout the day. I immediately fell in love with this bamboo chandelier by Ballard Designs and knew that I wanted to incorporate it into the design. We also added the gorgeous ikat curtains to bring color into the space and they an be closed if the light pouring in from the windows gets too bright. 

Tip: Consider investing in smart bulbs or dimmable lights to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day and your needs. This creates a cozy atmosphere while keeping things functional.

Step 4: Storage & Organization

One of the trickiest parts of setting up any home office is finding a place for everything—especially if you’re someone who’s easily overwhelmed by clutter! For my husband’s office, I knew that having the right storage would be key. We added in open shelves to display books, supplies, and some personal items (like family photos and travel keepsakes). We also have plenty of drawers in the desk for tech gear and other supplies.

Remember, an organized office equals a more organized mind! A tidy, clutter-free environment helps maintain focus and keeps distractions to a minimum.

Step 5: Adding Personal Touches

Now, let’s talk about the fun part—personalizing the space! While functionality is essential, your office should also reflect who you are. For my husband’s space, I brought in touches of greenery with plants, a few unique artwork pieces that he loved, and a cozy rug to tie everything together.

Don’t be afraid to add your own personality into your office. Maybe it’s a piece of artwork that inspires you, a motivational quote on the wall, or a comfortable throw blanket that makes you feel at home. The key is to create a space that makes you feel comfortable and excited to work every day!

Step 6: Embrace Comfort and Style

A home office should be comfortable—especially if you’re going to be spending a lot of time there. Think about adding soft textiles like cushions, throws, and rugs to create warmth and comfort. I love mixing textures, so in my husband’s office, I combined a soft wool rug, a sleek leather chair, and rich wood accents to create a space that felt both cozy and chic.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to incorporate a few personal touches to make your space feel truly yours. Whether it’s a scented candle, framed family photos, or a stylish desk organizer, these little additions can go a long way in making your office feel welcoming and motivating.

Final Thoughts

Designing a home office is all about creating a space that not only helps you get the job done but also enhances your well-being and creativity. By focusing on function, comfort, and style, you can design a space that works for you—and looks fabulous while doing it!

As I embark on this exciting new chapter of designing full-time, I’m even more passionate about helping others create spaces that inspire. If you're working from home or just need a designated creative space, take the time to design a home office that reflects who you are and supports your goals. After all, your space should work for you—so you can do your best work!

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Let me know if you’re ready to transform your space, or if you want to chat more about my journey into full-time design! Feel free to leave your questions in the comments below—I love hearing from you!

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Want to know about our glass sliding wood doors and how we enclosed our dining room?  CLICK HERE 

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