We made over Zach’s home office a few years ago, and it is still one of my favorite places! Aside from the paint and wallpaper, it was a very simple project! The room consists of mostly family heirlooms, second-hand finds, and furniture we already had.
Reuse furnature
I do like the challenge of reusing things. That may be because of my impulsive nature to want to get a project done immediately but it also saves us a lot of money! I don’t want to wait that 7-10 business days for things to be delivered, and I don’t necessarily love to spend hours putting things together. I feel like shopping from my home is a very quick and inexpensive way to get the project done. In fact, all of the furniture in this room were pieces we already had that needed a new home. The library table is one of my favorites. You can tell it’s been through a lot! I love that so many years later it is still serving the same purpose.
Meaningful decor and family heirlooms
My favorite way to save money on a project is to use family heirlooms. The shelves in Zach’s office are filled with mostly family heirlooms. It means a lot to me that my family trusts me with these. The military photos of my uncle, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa had a permanent home in my grandma’s basement growing up. They not only make me think of them but also take me back to my grandma’s basement, one of the best places in the world.
brainstorm ways of diy
I for one am not a DIYer. Unfortunately, I don’t have that talent of making something out of nothing. What I mean by DIY is “what can I lug up the stairs by myself” or “how can I simplify this pin into a project I can do myself”. Without even noticing you are saving time and money by simplifying a project into something that achieves the same goal. It is the best form of problem solving and it’s so rewarding when it all comes together.
A good example of how I simplified this project, was instead of installing built in bookshelves I reused the bookcases from our living room. By putting them all together it created a similar built in look but without the labor and expense. Another good example of how you could simplify this office project would be using a chair rail instead of installing boards the whole length of the room. I have confidence that with a bottle of liquid nail, a laser level, and a nail gun I could have achieved a similar look all by myself :).
facebook marketplace and secondhand stores
Last but not least, Facebook marketplace and secondhand stores are excellent ways to save money and recycle furniture. I love Secondhand stores because the quality of the furniture is usually so good and they are most generally one of a kind! Another perk is being able to take things home with you right away. There are no floor models, or shipping costs. Saving you TIME AND MONEY! 🙂
Similar links
Antique Desk lamp option / Similar Storage baskets / Masculine Framed Art Option / Rattan lamp shades / flower pot / black floor lamp / bookcase
Before view
Here is a before view of the office. It definitely served its purpose as bedroom/office space.