If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen the chaos during my recent home office update. It was a lot of work, but the renovation is finished, and I’m delighted with the result.
Read on to see how the space transformed from cluttered and chaotic into a tidy, efficient, and cheerful place to work and create. You might pick up a few ideas for updating your own home office into a workspace you’ll enjoy.
How My Home Office Update Started – New Projects And An Old Problem
We moved into a 1970s rambler two years ago and immediately began remodeling. Early on, we combined two small bedrooms to create a bright sewing and writing studio. That change was a big improvement, but it took living in the space for a while to understand what I truly needed.
Since that first project I rearranged the furniture several times. It never felt quite right, and I had mostly resigned myself to the compromises—until a mix of good and bad news made me rethink the setup.
The good news: I have several new writing projects coming up. The bad news: my chronic back pain had become worse, and sitting for long stretches was unbearable. New chairs and various cushions didn’t help. I realized my back didn’t hurt as much when I stood, so I followed a long-standing suggestion from my doctor and bought a standing desk.
That desk purchase became the domino that set off a full reimagining and reorganization of my home office. A new desk was only the beginning. I needed better storage and a workflow that worked for both writing and crafting. If you’re going to spend long hours in a home office, it should be pleasant, efficient, and inspiring.
Home Office Update – The Before
Looking back, I’m glad I took on the project, but during the early stages I questioned what I had gotten myself into. This was a “go big or go home” moment—rearranging the furniture wouldn’t be enough.
I opened every drawer, examined every shelf, and dug through boxes, including some left over from the move. I asked myself: do I really need or want to keep this? If not, it was donated or discarded. Purging items that have outlived their purpose is the most important step in any office update.
For the things I wanted to keep, I had to decide where to store them and how to find them easily. It didn’t take long to realize I needed more storage and a better organization system—if only I could figure out where to put it.
Home Office Update – Making The Space Work
In the first layout my sewing table and desk were placed against the wall to hide and avoid tangles of electrical cords. The outlets were in the walls, so furniture went there by default. But positioning them against the wall prevented me from adding the storage I needed and made the room feel closed in. Even a pretty quilt can only do so much when you’re looking at a wall all day.
The After – A Prettier, More Productive Home Office
Turning my desk and sewing machine to face the center of the room gave me a more pleasant, inspiring view and freed wall space for storage. My sewing area now has ample room for fabric, notions, works-in-progress, and books. I even added a cabinet dedicated to yarn and knitting projects.
Previously my crafting supplies were scattered throughout the room. Now they’re grouped in one area and labeled, so finding what I need is quick and straightforward. I kept a large ironing board and cutting table but added smaller, convenient stations next to the sewing machine for quick tasks.
This layout helps me get more done and makes quilting more enjoyable. I applied the same principles to my writing area: moving the desk away from the wall allowed me to add two bookcases and double my storage.
The result is a bright, pleasant space that looks good and functions well. Creating a useful home office is about more than appearance—it must support productivity. Below are some of the products and ideas that made my office more efficient.
My Fabulous New Desk!
This update began with a standup desk to help with back pain, but I also knew I needed the option to sit comfortably. I wanted an adjustable desk with a generous work surface and a few drawers. After researching, I found a model that fits my needs.
The 63-inch surface holds my computer, papers, research materials, and coffee. It has five drawers for frequently used supplies, and the height adjusts at the push of a button. The desk is sturdy with a metal frame and rolls on four smooth casters, so I can move it easily. I can raise it for standing work or roll it over the treadmill for a bit of light exercise while I answer emails.
Assembly took a few hours, but for the price it was a great investment. Even during the short time I’ve used it, it’s quickly become my favorite desk.
My New Bookcases
Ikea Brimnes bookcases added a lot of storage. Each unit has two wide 24-inch drawers on the bottom for files and supplies and adjustable shelves above for books and decor. Assembly was required, but the result is functional and neat.
Little Touches That Made A Big Difference
Beyond the desk and bookcases, small changes improved both appearance and efficiency. I hate tripping over tangled cords, so I replaced bulky surge protectors with a streamlined power strip that fits behind furniture and has a long cord. Running it behind the bookcases keeps cords out of sight.
I also installed cord covers in a color that blends with the floor. They come in lengths that can be trimmed to size, conceal cables neatly, and eliminate tripping hazards. Finally, a label maker has been invaluable for identifying drawer contents, files, sewing notions, and boxes holding in-progress projects. Clear labels save time and reduce frustration.
Labeling drawers, boxes, and shelves made a significant difference—finding what I need is now fast and predictable.
Getting Back to Work In My Updated Home Office
There are many other small details I could share, but the point of this update was to kickstart new writing projects, so I’m getting back to work. Thank you for taking the tour. I hope these ideas inspire you to make your office a more productive and pleasant place to work and create.