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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Create Your Decor » My Eclectic Home Office Reveal

My Eclectic Home Office Reveal

by Lindsay Ballard on January 21, 2013 71 Comments

I am convinced that one of the personality traits of a DIY blogger is the super power to blindly overlook clutter.

I used to think that it was just me.  I wouldn’t put away a ladder, because I needed to use it “tomorrow” to hang a curtain rod.  The paint cans would sit for weeks in a room that I had just painted, because I needed to touch up paint in a few spots.  Little by little, it built up because I was always moving on to the next project before I finished a previous one.  My other DIY blogger friends admit to me that they have the same problem, so it’s good to know that I’m not alone.  I swear, I was not like this before I jumped head first into redoing my house.

Unfortunately, that little personality trait means that we DIY bloggers all have a room in our homes that is a danger zone.  Mine was in my home office, and it was anything but an inspiring place to work.  In fact, if I could make it over the piles of homeless toys and wayward pieces of furniture without maiming myself, I could call it a good day.  This photo shows my former office on one of my “picked up” days.

Eclectic Home Office | Makely School for Girls

Negatory, y’all.  It was painful, and it just couldn’t go on.

So, in an effort to save myself from myself, this cluttered office became the next victim as I rid my house of blah blah builder’s beige and give it some style.  It’s now a far cry from it’s sad beginnings.

Eclectic Home Office | Makely School for Girls

This transformation was my favorite yet for several reasons.  First, since it is my personal space, I didn’t have to worry about pleasing anyone else in my family other than myself.  And second, I did the entire thing myself – Tom only lifted a finger to help me carry the desk and dresser up our staircase and into the room.

My new eclectic home office space was entirely inspired by the little loveseat I found last summer. The washed out floral print on velvet makes it look like it has seen decades of use, but it’s actually brand new.  It’s smaller than a traditional loveseat, which makes it the perfect size to add a seating area to a small, square room.

Eclectic Home Office | Makely School for Girls

Where I used to avoid working in my cluttered office since I could just carry my laptop elsewhere in the house, I now ONLY want to work in here.  The mood it creates is nothing short of inspiring.  I used the rich wood tones and bold colors that I love, and I added in pops of color in unexpected places.

The rest of the room started falling into place after I finished installing the wood wall.  The desk is a vintage find from Craigslist that I refinished and the dresser is a new piece that I know will move from room to room in my house for many years to come.

Eclectic Home Office | Makely School for Girls

All along, I had planned to build a new chandelier for the room.  But, once everything else was in place, I realized that what was hanging there originally was absolutely perfect.  I think I’ll build the new chandelier for another room, though.  The concept is awesome in my head.

As with any eclectic room, the accessories add the final layer that gives the fun style some oomph.  I layered vintage and new.  I mixed brushed silvers with antique golds.  I didn’t shy away from adding bold colors in non-traditional ways, such as with the green overdyed rug.

Eclectic Home Office | Makely School for Girls

I splurged on an original Tolix A chair instead of going for a knockoff version.  There was something in me that really wanted that chair, and I’m so glad that I l listened to my heart.  The chair is actually comfortable and so stylish – and just perfect in the room.

Next week, I’ll put together a resource list on the room (Update: Here’s my list of resources!).  Until then, here’s a list of the projects I’ve already written about:

  • Herringbone Wood Paneled Wall
  • Updated Mid-Century Desk
  • Dog Themed Paint by Numbers Gallery Wall
  • Hairpin Legged Spice Cabinet
  • Faux Succulent Arrangement in Vintage Dog Planter

What do you think?  Could you get a lot of work done in a room like this?  

Let’s hope I can keep this room uncluttered.

 

Linking up to Shabby Creek Cottage’s Transformation Thursday linky party.

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

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Comments

  1. Amanda Rose says

    January 21, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    I absolutely love the wooden wall!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks, Amanda! It makes me swoon. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kristi says

    January 21, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Fabulous! And inspiring. I bought paint yesterday to finish my shutter shelf and dry erase paint for the closet doors. Can’t wait to finish my office too!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 9:57 pm

      YAY! Let me know if you need a consult — as an excuse for me to see you, of course!

      Reply
  3. Natalie says

    January 21, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    This room is so awesome, love it as much as your master bedroom transformation….now instead of coming to your site every couple of days, you are forcing me to come for daily inspiration….love that you are color courageous….so am I 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:01 pm

      HA! Thanks, Natalie! We colorful gals have to stick together.

      Reply
  4. Angela says

    January 21, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    Amazing wall, area rug and furniture–absolutely love it all. (And I’m posting this from my work in progress, cluttered mess of an office/homeschool classroom.) You have inspired me!

    Angela

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      Thanks, Angela! It feels SO nice to have a clutter free area to work (as for now).

      Reply
  5. avilynn says

    January 21, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Those are not traits of a DIY blogger, those are traits of a DIYer in general. I laughed at the sight of the ladder & paint cans sitting in the very room I’m sitting in.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca says

    January 21, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    this looks wonderful. i’ve followed you on facebook for a while, but this is the first i’ve clicked over to your blog. 🙂 it’s great!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      Thanks, Rebecca! I’m so glad you clicked over!

      Reply
  7. Catherine says

    January 21, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    WOW! What an amazing transformation! I t looks lovely and I would definitely see myself working there!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      Thanks Catherine!

      Reply
  8. Jenny says

    January 21, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    That looks fabulous! I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan of the wood wall at first, but now seeing it all together with the furniture & decor – this is just amazing! Another good job!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:03 pm

      Thanks, Jenny! It does look a lot more intentional with the furniture and accessories.

      Reply
  9. Kathy C. says

    January 21, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Oh my goodness.. I’m in love with that wood wall. It’s so striking and warm at the same time!! You did an amazing job…truly amazing!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks, Kathy!

      Reply
  10. Kelsey Hill says

    January 21, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Ahhhmazing. I love how it all turned out!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you very much, Kelsey!

      Reply
  11. jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says

    January 21, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Oh my word I am loving this herringbone wall! How fun!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      Thanks, Jessica! I’m so glad I took the leap and just went for it.

      Reply
  12. Jessica @ Decor Adventures says

    January 21, 2013 at 5:46 pm

    Really nice! I’m glad you have a space all your own, it feels good right? Great colors, I think it is sophisticated and fun at the same time 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      It feels awesome – if only I could keep those pesky kids out of there! ;D Thanks, Jessica!

      Reply
  13. Linda Weeks says

    January 21, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    my sentiments exactly! It’s so nice to know what you want and go about creating it! I’m not sure where or how to begin in my eclectic home office! Good work, again!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:10 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda!

      Reply
  14. Holly says

    January 21, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    I love how different we all are … my first thought was love the colors, the organization but I don’t dig that wooden wall – at least not in chevrons and that dark and the first comment is how much she loves it! 😀

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      Yep! You know, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun if we all loved the same things.

      Reply
  15. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    January 21, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    I would get nothing done because I’d be staring in amazement at the fabulousness of it all!

    Love that you got an original Tolix and that loveseat is perfect! Of course the wall and the paint by number gallery wall are amazing too!

    Furiously pinning!
    Kelly

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      Awww, thanks so much Kelly! So sweet!

      Reply
  16. ange says

    January 21, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    Great job on this room, I love it! My favorite thing is the paint by numbers framed on the wall, I have been lusting after paint by numbers for a year now at least. Have fun creating in this amazing room!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:12 pm

      Thanks, Ange! I am obsessed with those PBNs, too!

      Reply
  17. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    January 21, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Congrats on your “just for you” space. How wonderful to have a place to create that inspires you. The wee love seat is super darling. I can see how it directed the design 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:12 pm

      Thanks so much, Shannon!

      Reply
  18. Lisa @ On Manor Drive says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:09 am

    This office is spectacular! I love the wood wall with the blue walls and the loveseat. Where did you get it?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:14 pm

      Hi Lisa,

      Thanks! The loveseat is from Four Hands Home – http://www.fourhands.com/ Luckily for me, they are headquartered here in Austin, which means that their outlet store is here. It was originally marked $1700 – GASP!! I paid like a teeny tiny fraction of that for it.

      Lindsay

      Reply
  19. slipcovers by shelley says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:26 am

    STINKIN’ BEAUTIFUL!!!! I love it! Love the bold herringbone wall. I love mixing things that don’t necessarily “go” together and the eclectic feel of it all. GREAT JOB!!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks so much, Shelley! I love mixing items together, too.

      Reply
  20. Kim @ EverythingEtsy says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:40 am

    Oh my gosh…it’s amazing!!!!!! I love everything about it and I’m sure we will be seeing your lovely makeover featured in magazines! You rock!

    ~Kim

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks so much, Shelley! I love mixing items together, too.

      Reply
  21. Laura Donnovan says

    January 23, 2013 at 10:14 am

    The room looks amazing. I loove the wall and how you have arranged everything! The color is also realy interesting and the pictures of the dogs too. Great job, you really have imagination for decorating!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks so much, Laura!

      Reply
  22. christine | The Plumed Nest says

    January 23, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    wow! that is a wonderful transformation. i mean that wall! holy smokes, i love it, a lot. the sofa, the styling. . . sigh.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 24, 2013 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks so much, Christine! I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  23. C.A. @ How To Be A Heroine says

    January 28, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    WOW! I am blown away. That accent wall is BEYOND. You have truly inspired me!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 30, 2013 at 9:28 pm

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

      Reply
  24. Traci (@beneathmyheart) says

    January 29, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Lindsay,
    I just LOVE this space! The wall is amazing, and I love how you accessorized.
    Such an awesome office!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 30, 2013 at 9:31 pm

      Thanks so much, Traci!

      Reply
  25. Grace @ Craftadon.com says

    January 29, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    While my boyfriend’s out of town all next week, I want to surprise him with a bit of design in his office (which looks worse that your before pictures here!). I think that wall color would be PERFECT with a flat grey. What color blue did you use?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 30, 2013 at 9:34 pm

      Hi Grace! That blue is called Blue Blazes by Glidden.

      Reply
  26. Kassondra says

    January 29, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    wow! that’s all 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      January 30, 2013 at 9:35 pm

      HA! Thank you, Kassondra!

      Reply
  27. Samantha says

    January 31, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Beautiful room! Where is the mirror from?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      Thanks, Samantha! The mirror is from Home Depot.

      Reply
  28. Julia Kendrick says

    January 31, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Oh My Wow!! I love how your office turned out! I love everything about it especially the accent wall! Great job!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      February 6, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks, Julia!

      Reply
  29. becca says

    February 8, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    Hello,
    This is a nice transformation from the builder beige.The colors of both the earth and sky are good for daydreaming.
    I think you should push it a bit more by painting the ceiling. Try a few shades lighter than the walls. Look on the paint chip for inspiration. What are you going to see when you are on the couch thinking or daydreaming? A white ceiling.
    it will take a day of prepping and painting, but it will be worth it.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      February 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Thanks, Becca!

      I’m a white ceiling girl. The brighter the white the better. 😀

      Reply
  30. Anat Itkin says

    February 17, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    wow!!! that’s DRAMATIC!!! breathtaking, just SHOCKING! marvelous! thank you!!!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      February 18, 2013 at 9:37 am

      Thanks so much, Anat!

      Reply
  31. Ame says

    June 11, 2013 at 10:31 am

    AMAZING!!! I LOVE IT. The colors are great, and that feature wall….holy crap! GREAT JOB! Do mine next 😉

    Reply
  32. jill says

    September 6, 2013 at 7:30 am

    Wow! It’s like looking at the old set of the Brady Bunch!

    Reply

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About Makely

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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