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
Ariel says
You had me at pink! I love this! Can it be my office? Mine is a little cramped right now. That pink pouf though? seriously!
Melissa George says
I totally borrowed that pouf from our closet at the last minute. Now I think I need another one in the house because it works so well in both spaces!
Joni Gilmer says
WOW! This is the best makeover yet. Definitely looks like I just opened House beautiful magazine or something. Congratulations on a job well done.
Melissa George says
Thank you so much!!!
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says
Your new office space is amazing! It’s so pretty that I think I would just sit and stare in this space instead of work =)
Charlotte @ ciburbanity says
I scrolled through this last night and it’s AMAZING! I love the artwork and am so happy to see how your office opens into the new dolled up foyer! Nice job, woman. You’re a pro!! xx
maggie @ maggie overby studios says
Love the new feminine fee, and of course it doesn’t hurt that I love pink. Great work!
heather says
It’s super polished. Love it. Great palette.
Emy says
I loved your before picture so much, so I wasn’t sure that I would like this room, but I do! It’s so feminine and pretty! I love the pink pillows and the pretty curtains. And I really love the gold art by your husband!
Melissa George says
I totally get that! I was worried nothing could top that gallery wall in the old office myself. We’re hoping to recreate it in the gameroom upstairs at some point. It will be nice to have a head start on the decor in that room!
ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says
It looks amazing!! The functional part of the room fits in perfect! The artwork that the hubby made – love!! Girl, you rocked this!
Brynne | The Gathered Home says
Melissa! It’s just fabulous! It’s absolutely perfect – the color scheme is to die for! Wonderful, wonderful job my friend!
Melissa George says
Thank you, Brynne. I feel like I’d be okay if this color scheme took over my house.
Megan says
This is such a pretty space – I love every single detail. I especially love how designed it feels but also how hard working it is! You’ve given me a ton of inspiration! Congrats on such a lovely room!
Melissa George says
That’s so much, Megan! It thrills me that my plans worked out for it to be as beautiful as it is functional!
lauren | love lola says
Absolutely stunning! One of my favorites by far!!
Melissa George says
Wow, thank you Lauren!
Daraka says
Stunning!! I love all the color, what a beautiful place to work and spend your day! Amazing job!!
Oksana | FOXYOXIE.com says
You have most definitely achieved the ultimate dream of living inside Pinterest! You already know how I feel about gold and pink, so don’t be surprised if I print a few of these photos so I can stare at them when I need a pick-me-up. LOL
So very honored to have one of my prints in this beautiful room! And can we talk about the print that your husband lettered?! Not only is that incredibly special but also wow!!! Such talent!
I will just pretend like I didn’t read the part about the bookcase paper not working out – because I really, really, really wanted it to work. 🙁
But let’s end this novel on a happy note. I need those gold dry erase boards in my life, like yesterday. XO
Melissa George says
I LOVE my print/your print! The color couldn’t have been more perfect. I totally intended to have him letter that board just for the reveal, but now I think I’m keeping it just how it is. And seriously, you do need these gold dry erase boards. You couldn’t see it in the pictures, but I already had writing all over the other one. It’s perfect because it just looks pretty and gold from a distance, but from my desk I can clearly read everything.
Ugh, that bookcase paper situation was tragic. I like it SO much better than what I ended up using, but it was very bad with the curtains. Very, very bad. I tried to tell myself it was okay, but it wasn’t. Since it’s not easy to find long curtains fast, I had to ditch the gorgeous paper. I sure as heck am not giving the rolls back to Target though. It will be used somewhere in the house. Panels in the dining room, perhaps?
Brenda says
Everthing looks lovely! I have a question though…I’ve been looking for a filing cabinet, does the Ikea Nordli work as a filing cabinet or do you have to lay your papers flat?
Melissa George says
Thank you! None of the drawers are quite deep enough to be a filing cabinet. It sure would be nice if that was an option though! The drawers are about 6 1/2 inches high inside.
Tricia @ Suburban B's says
Melissa what an inspiring space to get to work in! I LOVE everything you’ve done – it looks amazing. And yay for the not originally sought after pink rug. It is amazing!!! Congrats this is a truly beautiful room!
Melissa George says
Thank you, Tricia! So glad the rug situation worked out!
Joan Miller says
This room is so fantastic! Love everything about it!
Melissa George says
Thank you, Joan!
Amanda Louise Campbell says
All the pink! Such a pretty space!
XO, Amanda Louise
Elise says
This is the most inspiring workspace I’ve ever seen!!!!!!! WOW. Love love love!! BRAVO! xx
Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says
… and once again, you nailed it. This office is a dream. I love all the organized spaces and labels 🙂 . Everything is truly stunning.
Melissa George says
Yeah! Bring on the organization! I can’t wait until I decide the best use for the bins on the shelves and get to label them too. 🙂
Maria Brittis says
Glamorous office, the colors are so vibrant and makes me happy! The pink rug is a amazing find.
Maria
Melissa George says
Thank you, Maria!