There’s one room in our house I’ve never shared on the blog before. And it’s a shame because it’s the first room you see when you enter our home. But we were never happy with it. We usually kept the French doors shut and ushered people past it as fast as we could.
That room is our home office.
But now I’m excited to share it with you.
This post contains affiliate links to the products I use and recommend. I may receive a small commission on purchases made after following an affiliate link. See my full disclosure here.
This room has gone through a pretty big transformation. First of all, it didn’t even used to be a space I used at all. It was my husband’s space. With a wall to wall desk unit, there wasn’t enough space for me in there.
When we finished our basement a few years ago, I was so excited to get an office space of my own (because we certainly didn’t need a fifth bedroom). Before that point I was using a corner of our laundry room for my office, but I shared the space with my kids arts and crafts supplies and piles of laundry.
At first my new secluded office in our daylight basement was a dream come true. But it started to feel a little too secluded when my kids started school and my dogs preferred to hang out upstairs. I kept finding excuses to work upstairs “for the day,” especially in the winter when the basement is always 10 degrees colder than the rest of the house.
Then 2016 turned out to be a very hard year for me. I suffered from chronic back pain the entire year that doctors told me was from five herniated discs. I wasn’t working much at all, I couldn’t even sit comfortably anywhere, and so I never went to my office for an entire year. Thankfully after a lot of physical therapy and mindset work, I’m doing much better now.
When I did start working again, I preferred to stand at my computer. I went through several makeshift standing desks before deciding to invest in an adjustable height desk earlier this year.
One thing I knew: I didn’t want my new desk in my old office.
So we started the process to transform my husband’s office into a shared space. He only works from home 1-2 days per week on a good week, so he doesn’t need a dedicated space.
For most of 2016, I used one of his bookcases as a standing desk for my laptop. I realized I loved working in his office. It’s at the front of the house, so I can see what’s going on in the neighborhood (which is also why my dogs love his office too).
The one thing that wasn’t working for me (or my husband) in this space was the big, dark desk unit. It went wall to wall under the three square windows. We both hated sitting or standing there with our back to the door and big window. (Apparently we despised the old version of our office so much that neither one of us has a before picture to show you. Sorry.)
We didn’t even use the computer in the desk unit. It’s our family computer. We each used our own laptops. So the very first thing we did was move the family computer to our living room (I’ll share that space soon), where our boys can have better, supervised access to the computer.
Our goal was to simplify our office. To have less furniture and more space to move around. Our new office is very minimal on purpose.
We donated the old desk unit and bookcases to Salvation Army, leaving us with just one short bookcase and my new standing desk in the room.
To take full advantage of the windows in this room, I decided to center the desk under the high windows jutting out into the room so when I work I can see out the big window.
The other advantage to this arrangement is my husband can share my desk from the other side when he’s home. The desk is 28″ deep and 60″ wide, so plenty of room for both of us.
When I got my new desk (more details on that below), I also upgraded to a new computer. For years I worked on a tiny 11″ MacBook Air. I was ready for something bigger. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to working on a tiny screen again!
My New Sit/Stand Desk
The most important thing in this room is the desk. I researched standing desks for months before finally picking this one. There are a lot of standing desk options and most of them have “sticker shock” prices. I was *this* close to settling for the IKEA standing desk solely based on price, when I found this desk with far more design options for not much more.
My desk is by Uplift Desk. I chose the white base and bamboo top. One of the things I love about Uplift desks is they come standard with the motorized keypad with memory for four different height settings. Most other manufacturers charge a huge markup to add this feature.
Three more reasons I love my Uplift desk:
- It was manufactured in the USA (Austin, TX) and shipped to me for free
- It’s height adjustable from 24.5″ to 50.5″. Many standing desks do not go this high. I am 5’10” and regularly have my standing desk height is 43.5″. I love that I can bump it up to 47″+ to get a more flattering angle when I’m using my webcam.
- You get to design your own desk choosing the frame finish, desktop, shape (rectangular or L-shape), and size.
- Bonus: You can also get just the base with the digital keypad for under $500 and add your own desktop or tabletop. A great option if you want to DIY the top or already have a desktop you want to convert.
The beautiful thing about a height adjustable desk is flexibility. Now I’m not locked into one position. Throughout the day I switch between standing and perching on a stool. Occasionally, I sit. So I keep a few seating options behind my desk (more on those below).
Have questions about using a standing desk?
Check out how I transitioned to a standing desk and see my answers to common questions, like, “Don’t you get tired of standing all day?” or “Do your legs get sore?” Spoiler alert: No. If you do it right, no part of your body should get sore.
When I Don’t Want to Stand…
For sitting, I alternate between the Eames Eiffel arm chair that we used at our old desk and an IKEA Nilserik standing support stool. It’s an active stool, meaning it tilts when you sit on it so your weight is distributed between your feet and the stool. It’s better for your posture. It’s also a steal at $49.99. I knew I wanted to try an active stool, but most are $200+. I was so happy to find this one.
The only downside to the IKEA stool (and most other active stools) is the color options. IKEAs comes in white or black. I always choose white when it’s an option, except when it’s white plastic. The showroom stool did not look white anymore. I’d much rather have a black stool, then one that constantly looks dirty.
To lessen the harshness of the black (sorry, black is my least favorite color), I recovered the cushion in this fun gray and cream geometric fabric. I also gave my mousepad a matching makeover using fusible web to iron on the fabric.
Simple Wall Decor and Storage for Workout Gear
Instead of fighting the black on the stool and my computer monitor and printer, I decided to go with it…in small doses.
I used mostly white frames on the picture ledges, but added a few black frames for contrast.
You’ll notice the picture ledges and flag are off to one side of the long wall. That’s because I didn’t want anything directly behind the desk, so I could move freely without bumping stuff on the walls but also so there is nothing distracting behind me when I use my web cam.
The picture ledges used to be a gallery of our Air Force memorabilia, which is a little too personal when selling a home. I removed the military stuff as part of my early prep to get our home on the market. When we do officially put the house up for sale, I will swap out the pictures in these frames for generic art prints.
Underneath the picture ledges I added baskets to hold some workout gear.
For the past nine months I’ve been taking a martial arts class with my husband (while our kids take a class together). It’s been a HUGE part of my recovery from back pain. We do a lot of stick work with bamboo sticks. We only go to class on the weekends, so the rest of the week I like having our gear in the office for when I need a mental break. I can step out from behind my desk and practice my stick movements or my foot work. When my husbands home, we use the Thai pads and focus mitts for impromptu kicking and punching practice.
Minimal Office Storage
One of the reasons it took so long for us to redo this space was decluttering the old desk. It had a ton of storage. We spent weeks clearing it out, donating boxes of books, getting rid of old electronics, and getting our remaining paper files in order.
The big desk unit was an excuse to hold onto and store a bunch of junk we didn’t need, instead of dealing with it.
Now that that is all taken care of, we hardly need any storage in here at all.
Our small dark bamboo bookcase turned out to be the perfect size to hold our printer and a tray for paper. I already had the pair of jute and bamboo baskets that match the new desk. We’re using them to hold small electronics like our scanner and computer cords.
I finished styling this bookcase with a couple of teal vases (because I can’d do a room without a little teal or turquoise), books, and a wooden sphere. I like the slightly masculine vibe for this minimal space.
I won’t be doing anymore decorating in this room. One thing I’ve learned is that I work better in a streamlined, clutter-free space. In my old office, I love the style wall shelves and decorated space…it looks great, but it’s not the type of environment I work best in.
What do you think? Could you work in a minimal space like this?
P.S. Wondering what it’s like to use a standing desk?
Check out how I transitioned to a standing desk and see my answers to common questions, like, “Don’t you get tired of standing all day?” or “Do your legs get sore?” Spoiler alert: No. If you do it right, no part of your body should get sore.
Awesome! First, I’m glad you are feeling better. I bet your physical therapist is proud of your desk set-up too! The adjustable desk is THE BOMB!!! That is so cool!!!! Thanks for taking us through the thought process of how you made this room work FOR. YOU.
I finally learned something about myself…. I was thinking about our vacation, (to MN!!) what I like about, what I don’t like about it. (It is a looooong standing family tradition of going the same place EVERY year.) The following thought finally flowed out of my mind, “I just like getting back to my SIMPLE home.” Simple. I finally defined part of my style! I couldn’t wait to tell you!
Thanks for sharing, and again, I’m glad you are feeling better!
Yay! What a great observation and an important detail to know when your planning a room.
I’m glad you’re feeling better too!
Hi Jackie
Looks lovely and tranquil. Although I appreciate minimalism I could never be able to create such a space or work in it. Thank goodness we are not all the same. Great work.
I LOVE this! Just what I needed to read to kick start my office makeover……. good for you!
Jackie, from you I have received the gifts of inspiration and motivation since discovering your website (two months ago) and all the wonderful online “workshops” you provide. I had no idea you were functioning with a serious back issue. ‘So glad to hear you are on the path of recovery! Your story is inspiring!
I’m delighted to receive this report on your multi-purpose home office as I am in the middle of a similar project; a lovely basement room with two sets of French doors which open to the garden. This room must fulfill the functions of casual seating/TV viewing, two separate his/her desk areas, a craft and sewing area for me, as well as a place to do exercise routines while watching the DVD on the TV. It’s a tall order, but I now know it is possible with your gentle nudges. We recently purchased two Caribbean blue recliners and a red sofa! These color choices are definitely a departure from the rest of our home but you assured me, in your color workshop, that this choice is OK and instructed me how to do it so the room relates to the rest of the house.
I, too, have been going back and forth in my mind as to how to incorporate a standing/sitting desk. You have inspired me to consider going in that direction. I need to decide if it will be dedicated to the desktop computer or if I want the option to use it for sewing and crafts.
One major thing I am concerned about is the proper ergonomic position while using the computer. It is important, whether in a sitting or standing position, to have one’s arms at a 90 degree angle relative to the keyboard and to have one’s eyes facing the screen directly without bending one’s neck. This is why laptop computers are disastrous for one’s posture and back health. I think I can easily solve this issue by placing a small stand or stack of (decorative) books under the computer screen and to have the keyboard on the desk surface.
I love learning about the “leaning stool” as I had no knowledge of such a thing. As far as desk seating I had only been considering a traditional or vintage wood “office chair”. You have opened my eyes to other possibilities.
Your note about storing all the office paraphernalia was encouraging. I fully realize that I save far too much “stuff” and am now constantly “paring down” rather than putting off the task. As a result I can see that it is possible for me to live in a beautiful, functional space. Fortunately, while my house is small, we do have many small hidden places for storage of things that really do need to be kept.
I’ll keep you posted on the progress of our “Family Fun Room”.
Jackie, I’m glad you’re feeling better too!
I appreciate your ability to create such a beautiful minimal home office. I specially like your desk with the motorized keypad with memory for four different height settings. That will be really functional and handy, you’re lucky to work in your new home office. I also like your stylish details like matching cushion cover and a mousepad in neutral fun fabrics.
Your minimal home office looks really harmonious, but I’m not sure if I could work in such a space. I used to have lot of things around me that inpire me to create new things and I feel most tranquil when I’m listening classical music.
I’ve been wondering about these desks, and have back pain, too, been wondering what my options are besides the ongoing struggle to adjust my regular desk with (too many) breaks to alleviate pain; I do a lot of writing & photography work. I checked the Uplift site and, though a desk is more $ than one at an office store, if it’s healthier & more comfortable, saving up for one makes sense – glad it helped you, and thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Hello Jackie,
I’m glad you are feeling better!
Thankyou for sharing the room with us and being so honest about the room but being done before.
Good luck with your move!
SS
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for sharing your journey into a minimalist office space and finding a good standing desk. I am on a similar quest!
Unrelated, but wondering, what color paint do you have on your walls in your office space? In all these pictures, I kept admiring the grayish-green wall (in addition to the standing desk and uncluttered minimalist office).
Thanks!
Sharon
Thanks Sharon. We love this gray son much we used it in this office, our two story living room, and as a focal wall in our bedroom. It’s a discontinued Martha Stewart color called Zinc. Here’s a site that matches the color formula in other paints.
Hi Jackie
Great site. It’s pretty cool that you have a science degree and a background in IT/Software, how did you discover your knack for decorating?
I’m definitely interested in your standing desk experience. I recently got one at work (from Uplift) and am adjusting to using it. Working my way up to 4 hrs per day standing time. Some questions for your next post:
How long do you typically stand at a time?
Experience using an anti-fatigue mat, and which one you like.
Do you use a monitor arm or platform to get the computer in the right place?
Thanks!
Hey Dave,
I just posted the answers to your questions and more here. Plus, I shared several different positions you can rotate through to extend your standing time.
Yeah for functional work spaces!
This post reminds me of a space in our home that needs some attention/makeover that I’ve been avoiding…my hubby’s office in the corner of our garage. This dedicated space was initially designed when he was working from home full-time. I designed a desk on hinges that could lift and “close up” and latch into the hutch at the end of the day. However, my hubby thinks any flat surface is an opportunity to put stuff on ;-). So the desk is never clear enough to put away, narrowing the walkway to get from the house to laundry room! You’ve inspired me to redesign the home office to a “minimal” workspace… perhaps with a tiny writing desk or wall mounted fold down desk, etc. to have minimal surface space to clutter!
btw, my hubby uses a standing desk at his work and loves it!
Tonia, Such a good idea to rework his work space. My family is the same way…if I let them, every horizontal surface in my home would be covered with stuff. Removing a horizontal surface that just collects clutter is the best way to stop it. I just removed the table from our laundry room for that same reason. Now my laundry room always seems clean and open. Now, if only I could remove the kitchen island…haha.