Over the last couple months, we’ve been working on the girls’ office/homework/art room and we’re excited to share some after photos with you today!! We get a lot of interesting comments when we say it’s the “kids’ office” because it’s pretty grand of a space. But it’s actually just the home office (very common in our neck of the woods) that we have designated for our girls’ use. When we first bought this home, it looked like this:

And it was one of those nice-to-have spaces at the time, right on the main level of the house, with a wide open doorway, so we could peek in and help when needed. (No, we have no plans to add a door–our office is elsewhere and it does have a door). It was the perfect spot for all of the papers that come with kids and they did their homework in there, too. But it also has become a spot for creating! We keep the cabinets stocked with art supplies and paper and crafty things. But at the end of last school year, when everything went virtual, I realized we hit the lottery with not only having this space, but also being able to dedicate it to the girls for use…but it definitely started with serious serious home office for an executive (??) vibes.

Over the last couple months, we lightened and brightened it up. Added a little whimsy and personality while still making it fit into our modern cottage–it’s one of the first rooms you pass when you walk in the front door and it’s such a delight to see now. Here’s how it looks now!

We mostly worked with the major players in place (with exception of a new window that went along with our exterior renovation and new floors installed last year).

But the cabinets, countertops, molding, coffered ceiling–they just got fresh paint and new hardware in the last couple months. And then, of course, the wallpaper made all the difference!  It brought LIFE into this room.

If you missed part of the process, you can check out these posts:

The Kid Office Mood Board
Progress + Paint in the Girls’ Office
Staining the Countertop from a Dark Cherry to a White Oak Look

As much as I wanted the space to look good and feel good, we also made sure it was filled to the brim with function and functional decor. Instead of art, we went for a big pin board so they could hang their own art!

Hooks in the corner for backpacks!

And as much as I love a good shelfie, these shelves are filled with everything they use often! Below, markers and pins (in the little wooden box) sit atop the girls’ secret stash of collectables. (It’s an old Boll & Branch box they cherish!). And next to a bin of coloring books.

From a lower angle, you can see the box Chris built under the desk for all of the cords and electronics, cables and modems! It’s a hard-working hub.

I corralled notebooks and crayons and a stapler in a pretty and big basket on the right. A basket or tray is the easiest way to make things that would normally look like clutter feel intentional instead.

Let’s do one last walk down memory lane:

Here’s another fun angle:

The girls spend a lot of time in here and we spend a lot of time in here as a family, too! And it’s so nice that it now feels so much lighter and refreshing and like our family and a part of our home! All the sources below!

SOURCES:

Paint Color: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
Window: Pella Architect Series
Floors: Ingrid by Stuga Studio
Wallpaper
Sofa
Pom Pom Throw Pillow
Cream/Rust Throw Pillow
Gray Checkered Throw Pillow
Rug
Pinboard
Pennant
Sconce
Side Table
Floor Lamp
Wall Hook
Backpack
Office Chair
Cabinet Bin Pulls
Cabinet Knobs
Paper Drawers
Pen Holders
Paper Magazine Holders
Copper Canister
Faux Fig Stems
Woven Tray
Mahogany Candle
ProperTee Mug
Gold Stapler
Art