I can’t believe it’s real! My home office is totally unrecognizable compared to 5 weeks ago when I started the One Room Challenge(ORC).
Just like the first 5 times I took on the ORC, our house emerged this period of chaos looking better than I ever dreamed.
Equally important, the office is already functioning exactly the way I envisioned. I’m a big advocate of your home being a retreat, feeling like you, and working for you. This room checks all three boxes in a way it never has before.
PS: If you’re a new reader, welcome to Polished Habitat! You should head back to week #1 to start at the beginning of this 6 post event hosted by Linda from Calling it Home. The short version is that 200+ people are making over one room in their house. Each week, we all shared progress updates until the final reveals today! I’m one of those crazy people who take part in the event each spring and fall, even though it usually makes me cry.
Let’s do a quick history of the office I tackled for this challenge. A few years ago we painted it gray and added some IKEA bookcases.
Before #1
Then last year, we rearranged everything and added an awesome gallery wall of gig posters over my husband’s desk.
Before #2
The problem was that my husband is rarely in the office, and I work there full-time.
It didn’t feel like my space, and there was no flat surface for me to prepare Etsy orders. I also craved space to brainstorm and keep notes on the walls. We tried to come up with an arrangement that still kept a desk for him in the room, but he was gracious enough to volunteer his exit from my space. 🙂
With only one desk needed, I came up with this plan.
Functional & Fabulous Office
And today…drumroll…it looks like this!
I feel like I live inside Pinterest! And isn’t that the dream? 🙂
I’ll share the full source list at the end of the post and just mention a couple favorites along the way. Like that pink swirly art that was the jumping off point for the whole room design. I’m so thankful Minted was willing to provide it! (Original art no longer available, but this is a great alternative!)
When you come into the office and look right, we’ve got one of the old bookcases. I swapped out the backing to subtle gold dots using wrapping paper. We also swapped out the wimpy pulls using the same pulls and paint we used in the closet and pantry.
My husband is known for his ORC art projects and I fit one in this space as well.
I asked him to letter something on one of the gold dry erase boards and he came up with a quote the really resonates with my philosophy. “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs
I think the bookcase backing will change again when I find something I REALLY love that works in the space.
This isn’t bad, but I’m not crazy about how shiny it is in person. 
Spinning around from the bookcase, the “function” side of the room turned out prettier than I expected!
Look at all this glorious work space! It has already come in handy.
Right behind my desk, I fit in a kitchen cart that holds the Silhouette, vinyl rolls, AND the printer. This is probably the least pretty picture, but has already been so much less frustrating than the old set up. I’m pretty excited about the file storage on the wall right behind me too!
SO MUCH STORAGE! Eventually, the shelf bins will be labeled, but I’m still debating how to configure things and didn’t want to rush it. (Update: See the labeled bins & labeling tutorial here)
Ah, sweet, sweet symmetry. The right side files will be for personal paperwork while the left is just business. I keep adding plants to my collection and feel like they are going to be VERY happy on these shelves getting some sun every day.
Update: Since the post, I upgraded to a larger printer and from Silhouette to the Cricut Maker. Luckily the space was flexible enough that everything still looks great!
When I found white and gold clipboards in the Target Bullseye Playground last week, they became the perfect interchangeable art wall. The pink Chanel print by fellow One Room Challenger Foxy Oxie matches the room so well!
Tucked in between the dresser and clipboards, I had just enough room to add a rolling gift wrap cart. Isn’t she pretty?
I’m so glad we got the art hung in the entryway. It would have been sad to have a view of a blank wall. Boy, do I want to paint the front door now! Who picked brown!?!
I LOVE my new three month dry erase calendar system! 
Remember the window stress? I am thrilled we went with the Ultimate Header and SelectBlinds. SelectBlinds totally saved the day! I can tilt the blinds for the right amount of light during the day. Then, they get closed when the sun starts blazing in too much.
I really like that there is a single smooth header running across both blinds. It’s nice not to be on full view of the neighborhood if I’m working in the evening too.
Here’s one final look coming straight in from the doors. I don’t know if I ever mentioned the ceiling fan swap. I found a mod white fan that works with the room so much better than old one.
Functional & Fabulous Office Product Sources
Furniture
Pink Rug – Wayfair
White Desk
White Desk Chair (or similar on Amazon)
Pink Ottoman
Gray Chairs – I lucked into mine at Tuesday Morning, but found a similar color and shape on Overstock here.
Marble Top Accent Table
Printer/Silhouette Cart – IKEA GRUNDTAL Kitchen cart
White Dresser – IKEA NORDLI
Gift Wrapping Cart – IKEA RÅSKOG with Custom Labels applied
Windows
Curtains
Blinds (Provided by SelectBlinds.com)
Ultimate Install Header
Lighting
Floor Lamp
Desk Lamp – Target
Dresser Lamp
White Modern Fan
On the Walls
Wall Shelves (Brackets painted gold) – IKEA EKBY JÄRPEN / EKBY BJÄRNUM
Dry Erase Boards – DIY TUTORIAL HERE
Pink Art – Strawberry Crepes (Provided by Minted) (No longer available, great alternative here)
Chanel Art – Foxy Oxie
Stars Hollow Print
Friends Building Print
Wall Mounted Files – IKEA KVISSLE with Custom Labels applied
Bookcase Wall Accessories
Feather Hurricane Candle Holder
Frame with Pink Eiffel Tower Print
Leather Handle Vase – Cost Plus World Market
Clear Square Storage Containers – Cost Plus World Market
Brass Wine Glass (used as planter)
Magazine Files
Decorative Boxes
White & Gold Bookends – Marshall’s in store
Pink Pillows – At Home in store
Functional Wall Accessories
Pink File Folders
Gray and White Storage Bins – Target
Round White & Gold Box
White & Gold boxes
Gold Scissors
In addition to Minted & SelectBlinds, HomeRight was a great One Room Challenge partner. As you can see by all the gold boards, my spray shelter was in big use the last couple weeks!
We’re so thankful Linda from Calling it Home started this event and let’s us join the fun. It’s such great motivation to make fast, bold decisions and get spaces finished.
Ready for more inspiration? Here are the other rooms I’ve completed during the past One Room Challenges!
Dreamy Organized Master Closet
Jen @ The Striped House says
Holy moly, lady! This is stunning! So bright and inspiring to get those creative DIY juices flowing 😉 XO!
Melissa George says
Yes! Excited to catch up on sleep and get to the real work in here. 🙂
Emily of www.elevengables.com says
Melissa! This room turned out better than your inspiration board. It is GORGEOUS! I love every single detail! Well done!!! xox
Melissa George says
Thank you, Emily! It’s so fun watching the plans come to life!
Karen @ a house full of sunshine says
It does look like you live inside Pinterest! <3 I adore your pink and gold colour scheme! So fresh, pretty and sophisticated. Great job! It was my first time participating in the ORC too and it was a great kick to get my nursery finished! xo
Karen @ a house full of sunshine says
Correction – don’t know why I typed “too” – I know this was not your first time!! You’re an ORC veteran 😉
Melissa George says
Ha! I think we’re all delirious from last of sleep at this point! So glad you jumped in this round!
Aniko says
OH MY GOSH! You nailed it my friend! I love the pink touches and pairing the pink with white and fresh colors was an amazing choice! My fav is the rug and the pink ottoman!! Enjoy your new space!!Xo
Melissa George says
Thanks, Aniko! The ottoman was a last minute addition pulled from the closet, and I’m pretty sure I need to order another one because I can’t decide which room gets to keep it. World Market nailed the design and color on that one!
Rachael @ This is our Bliss says
Ahhh-mazing, Melissa! You most certainly created a Pinterest space that is now your own!! I love your art & accessories and totally agree on the necessity of your seating area. I’ll be right over for that coffee or wine! Enjoy your lovely, chic office full of so much goodness!! Way to nail another ORC!!!
Melissa George says
Come on over, the coffee and wine are waiting!
Sarah says
The room is FANTASTIC!!! I can’t pick my favorite part. That gorgeous rug or the complimentary art. Or all the sweet little accents. It’s completely stunning!
Melissa George says
Thank you, Sarah! I was SO SCARED I was going to hate the rug after I ordered it online and it turned out perfect!
Jessica | Petal + Ply says
Stunning Melissa!!! The colors are peaceful bun so pretty and fun. I really love your new rug, art, and accent chairs!!!
Melissa George says
Thank you! I wanted it to somehow being energizing and calming at the same time and I think it worked!
Evelyn B says
WOW! You really hit it out of the park. What a wonderful room to work in. You’ve made it your very own and I love all the extra things you’ve done with it. The dry erase boards, especially the calendar – I always struggle with that and love the idea of using post-it notes on them – easy to change. Love, love the gold lettering, the white and gold boxes – um so rich and regal looking!! The window worked out absolutely great and those plants are going to love it as well as you – so practical and so pretty at the same time. Your whole scheme when completed is beyond anything I imagined you’d do with it. Love how well the whole room functions but all the beauty you’ve put into it. Who would have thought you do all that with a pink picture as your inspiration!! Such talent you have girl!! WOW!
Melissa George says
Thank you so much, Evelyn! Aren’t those white and gold boxes stunners? I couldn’t believe they are just intended to be Christmas gift boxes. I totally lucked into Target stocking them last week! I’m pretty excited I wont’ have to wander around the house wondering which closet I stashed the tissue paper in anymore. 🙂
Nadia | Preciously Me says
Totally in love with this office!!!
The pink and grey combo is one of my favorite!
Beautiful, bold, glamorous…!
Congratulations
Lisa | Shine Your Light says
Melissa, it’s all just beautiful, starting with that rug and ending with all your divine organization. Your ORCs are always amazing!! Congrats on finishing another one, it’s stunning!
Melissa George says
Thank you, Lisa! I’m so glad I figured this one out. I almost didn’t participate this round!
Erin Spain says
It’s beautiful! What a wonderful and inspiring place to work.
Leslie says
So many gorgeous details! Love that you described is as living inside Pinterest. That does sound like a dream!
Melissa George says
Thank you, Leslie! It’s pretty dreamy!
Carissa says
Melissa this is absolutely amazing! Ok I love everything but I think my favorite is all the little details…the perfectly styled bookshelves, that extra long gold hardware on the bookshelf, the pictures on the clipboards…you didn’t miss a single thing! Can’t wait to see it in person. Let’s plan that get together girlfriend!
Melissa George says
You’re so sweet! I’m still not sold on the bookcase styling, but the ORC waits for no one! And yea! I’m totally coming over next week. Can’t wait!!!
Holly - hcb interiors says
Your office looks great, and very functional at the same time! Congrats on finishing another round of the ORC – looking forward to a weekend of rest now that it’s over, hope you get the same!
lakbir Mahajan says
Melissa, I am swooning over your glamorous office. I love the gold bling really brings a lot of pop and elegance.
So much careful detailing into such a functional space is going to make it a super fun place for you !!
Colette @ restyle it wright says
its so beautiful, bright, cheery, and chic! My favorite is that pink rug though!! SO gorgeous!!!!! Congrats!
Tee @ Beauteeful Living says
Absolutely gorgeous, Melissa! I want your office! It’s just so perfect. Love those floors as you know :). Congrats on an incredible transformation! It’s been so fun following the progress of this space. Enjoy it!
Iris Nacole says
This is such a wonderful makeover Melissa! It’s so spacious, and functional, and of course, beautiful! Congratulations & Enjoy! 🙂
Emily says
Melissa, I adore your new office! It’s so beautiful! All of of the pink & gold accents are so pretty; and I love your filing systems and organized carts!