This post can be summed up in four little words…I LOVE MY OFFICE!

Way back in March (I know, this post is WAY overdue) Mike and I decided to renovate our home office space. This room used to be our formal dining room, but I have used it as an office for my photography business for a few years now. I was never in love with the space, particularly the formal wainscoting and the hand-me-down furniture. I’m always reading home decor magazines – and Pinterest, of course – and I had formed a true vision of what I wanted. I almost didn’t even want to bring it up to Mike because I figured he’d call me crazy and brush me off.

BUT…

He said yes! Best husband ever!

The horizontal planking was pretty much a pain the ass. An awesomely worth it pain, but regardless, a big job. The cutting down of all the wood, the sanding, the nailing, the spacing. He did all of it, and without complaint.

(For the record, I did contribute! First, we discovered I have a hidden talent for caulking – who knew? I actually liked doing it, too. Oh, and I also did all of the priming and painting of the planks and trim.)

I still can’t believe I get to work here every day. Seriously, I am not cool enough to work in an office this cool. I am no interior decorator, but putting my vision onto paper and then bringing it to life was amazing.

My favorite things in the space -besides the planked walls of course – are the neutral color palette and all of the textures, from the bamboo shades to the wood chandelier to the seagrass rug. And my little glass bottle collection and the striped bins and my plants and on and on, haha. My least favorite are Ikea desk tops (too easily damaged) and the desk chairs. At least the white chairs kind of disappear into the room – they don’t stick out like a sore thumb. (Where did that expression ever come from, anyway?!)

It’s really a perfect fit for our whole family. On days that Mike works from home, it’s almost like I have a co-worker.

The kids can hang out with me when I’m working, playing games on their laptop (they’re partial to PBSKids.com), and Macy does her homework here as well. Even my 4-legged kid likes it – she’s constantly under my feet in here!

I’m so glad to finally have gotten around to photographing and posting this place. Next up will be 4-year old photos of Claire. Since her birthday was in February, I figure I better get on that one too! (That gorgeous dress I just bought for her is a good motivator though!)

P.S. I did do a before picture to share, but I can’t find it! Just picture sage green walls with a white chair rail and picture frame wainscoting. And mismatched ugly old furniture.

P.P.S. I have gotten a lot of emails and comments wondering about a few things in the room, so here’s a short little source list:

Desk tops/Drawer units/Cube bookshelves/Desk lamps – hers/Wall shelves – all from IKEA

Desk chairs/Rug/Window shades – Overstock.com

Pendant light – West Elm

Gray striped bins – The Container Store

Gray paint color – Eagle Rock by Benjamin Moore (I originally posted that it was BM’s Granite, my apologies!)

White paint color – color matched to existing trim by Sherwin Williams

Planks – 1/8″ plywood from Home Depot cut into 5 3/4″ strips (don’t let Home Depot cut them!)

Update: We have moved to a new home, so this home office is no more. I can’t provide any measurements or details anymore, sorry!

Before you go, check out my newborn and baby photography portfolios. If you or someone you know is expecting or has a new baby in the Raleigh area, get in touch!