
My Home Office: A few of my favourite things

I’m not sure if many of you know, but I have a home office. While I have been asked to move into a number of office spaces, I really don’t wish to leave my cozy space.

I’m writing this blog as part of a blog link up or blog hop. You will see at the bottom of my blog, some of my designer besties who are wonderful bloggers and so full of knowledge. I hope you can take some time to read their blogs showcasing their workspaces and how we each have designed our spaces to run a successful business.
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Home Office
As with any client, I always start with the ‘As Is’ of the space. Here is what the entire space looks like.

The windows of my space face south and I love how the natural light streams through all three windows. I also have a gas fireplace in my office. While I do not enjoy corner fireplaces, I will often have it turned on in the winter months when our mornings are chilly!
My Home Office
I will admit, I have done very
Here is how my office is set up for me being the most productive and efficient.

Home Office – My Desk
While I am not in my office for long periods of time, I do work best in blocks of time. As such, I need a good, quality desk. I also wanted to have a stand-up desk where I could switch between sitting and standing. My desk is also the place where I have my laptop, client notes, etc. Combining a stand-up desk that is functional AND pretty is not as easy as you may think. It took me a long time to find the desk that I was looking for.

I love that it is power controlled where I can have 3 settings (although I only use 2). With a push of

My son snapped this photo of me working away (putting on the finishing touches of this blog)!

If you live in Calgary, you will also know that there is never enough hand cream! It’s super dry here!
If you are looking at some sit/stand desk options, here are a few that I’ve round up at various price points:
My Storage
My credenza is located to the left of my desk. While some days it looks as if a bomb has gone off, it really is the keeper of all things for me. It holds my active client folders, it holds my fabric samples, any technology related items. Want to see what it really looks as I work in my office as I write this?

I love this credenza as it is functional for me. I don’t know if you noticed, but I have furniture movers on the base of this cabinet. If you know me, I love to move furniture around and may have moved this around in this space at least 3 or 4 times (and it is heavy)! They are a savior!
The file folders on the top are separated into 4 categories:
- Upcoming consultations/appointments
- In progress projects that are the design phase
- Renovations in progress (the largest pile)
- Completed renovations – needing to follow up
I will admit that I’m needing a new system for all of the file folders. I like to place them on the surface so I can quickly see each one. With being able to see them at a glance, I am able to do my daily check-ins on the projects and client folders to ensure I am not missing anything.
The outside of my client folders look like this:

Credenzas, TV stands, side tables, are all a great way to contain your home office ‘stuff’ as well as being pretty. Here are a few that really caught my eye.

Home Office Essentials
Music
We all learn in different ways and our brains all work uniquely for us. My brain works best when I have music playing in the background. Not talk radio, but music. I will often change the station, I might play my playlist, or find a playlist on Spotify. As I’m a music lover, having a good sound system is important. I have this Bose SoundLink Mini that I absolutely love! It’s wireless so I can take it outside with me when I’m working in the backyard. It is also Bluetooth compatible so I can also hook this up to our TV when we have it in the backyard to watch our ball games. It’s a small unit, but it packs a powerful punch!

Art
I believe every room should have art that makes you happy. Last year, when the Mr. and I were getting some art we bought in Maui framed, I saw this in the gallery and instantly fell in love. I’m not sure if it’s a combination of colors or it just being whimsical, but I just love her! I will admit that I went back two times before I finally brought her home. I’ve named her Molly.

Here’s some colorful animal art that may make you happy.
Home Office: Personalize
On my desk, I have three items that make me smile, laugh, and give me joy.

This photo was taken by the highly talented Ruth Skiffington. Two years ago my family had professional photos taken. This one is one of my favorites with the Mr. It really does capture the two of us. Having this photo on my desk reminds me what I am working towards (and I’ll give you a hint: it’s not the snow in the background)! It also reminds me what a wonderful man I married almost 26 years ago.

This past March, we were with good friends in Maui. Adrienne spotted this in a store we were shopping and thought of me. Of course I had to get this. If you don’t know me well, you may not know how wild and curly my hair gets in Maui. It really gets wild! I love seeing this every day as this reminds me what I am working towards (are you putting two and two together?)

Another good friend of mine, Kristal Heise, gave this to me as a gift. Have you figured out what it says? I love having this on my desk as it reminds me to laugh. While this profession can be stressful at times, I look at this paper weight and get a smile on my face every time. I think of our friendship, and I remind myself that life is too short to sweat all of the a-holes in this world. It’s a bit cheeky and I love it!
Home Office
As I mentioned at the top of this blog, once our windows get changed out, I will be re-designing my office. My hope is that I can do this during the One Room Challenge. Here is what I am planning for the new office space!

Blog Hop
I hope you will be able to head over and check out all of the other wonderful bloggers and see their office spaces. While some designers have commercial spaces, others have home offices. I can’t wait to see what theirs all looks like!
- Carla Aston Follow on Instagram here
- Jana Donohoe Follow on Instagram here
- Leslie Hendrix Wood Follow on Instagram here
- Leslie Carothers Follow on Instagram here
- Laurence Carr Follow on Instagram here
- Laura D. Muller Follow on Instagram here
Hi Sheri! Love your standing desk! I want one in my new “garage” office! We have to get up and move, don’t we? Can’t wait to see what you do with your ORC remodel. Was thinking of entering my garage studio too but I’m afraid I wouldn’t get done in time. ๐
Your garage office remodel would be a fabulous space to do for the ORC! What a unique space that would be.
Sheri,
The desk is amazing. I know your ORC will be amazing. Have a great weekend!
Leslie
Thank you Leslie. I’ve got a lot of time to plan between now and the fall ORC so I still have time to change my mind!
Sheri, I am loving your Boca desk and Molly!
What a great space. Like you I struggle with the files and paperwork, they are my nemesis.
That being said, I don’t think there is perfection out there. What looks messy to you looks normal to me, that’s just how it is when you have projects and a life!
Thanks for sharing a peek into what you do so well.
Thank you Jill. I did a great paper purge over the weekend and my office feels like it should. Crazy how busy we get and let things fall to the wayside. It’s also funny that what I consider messy and untidy, the Mr. would call that clean! LOL
Love your standing desk and a bit envious of your fireplace. I currently have a space in a design center but your post makes working from a home studio look great!
Lisa, I may end up working around the fireplace as I really do use it in the winter. Every morning I put it on.
What a great idea for the ORC. Love the proposed layout!
Thanks, Rebecca. I have a feeling the plan will change yet again!
The wine glass on your desk is a nice touch. May I interest you in a fine bottle of Sonoma red? ๐
Follow your bliss!
Susan
You have keen eyes! And yes – you may interest me in a bottle of Sonoma red! ๐
Hi Sheri,
I too am re-designing my office and am excited to get the process moving. I have a walking desk which I thought was a great idea but really, why did I think I could do anything meaningful while walking other than watch Netflix? ๐
Ha, ha Mary. I can’t wait to see what you do with your office!
Hi Sheri! I love, love, love the idea of a standing desk, and yours is the prettiest one I’ve seen.
And I love that you have chosen a Texas Longhorn for your office…all the way from Maui!
Seeing that made me smile this morning!
Yes – I love my little Molly!
Hi Sheri. Loved getting a peek into your work life and the fun art you collect. Excellent post with great recommendations for standing desks. Thx for sharing! ๐
Thanks for popping by Deborah!
Hey Sheri,
LOVE your adjustable hight desk. My first thought was, “How can I get my drawing board on top of that thing!”
As Sally and I plan next move – selling our house and downsizing, this is one idea I’m trucking away in the new office idea folder!
Cheers,
John
John, my desk is 27 1/2″ wide so I’m not sure what kind of space you need. I love, love, love my standing desk.
Wishing you all the best with getting your home ready to sell – and selling it!
HI Sheri,
I adore Molly and love that you’ve included music as an essential in your work environment! I can’t wait to see the amazing ORC transformation!
YES – I won’t be participating in the ORC this spring, but this space is on the list for Fall!
I was just looking for home office design options, because during quarantine I had to work a lot from home.
Robert, I hope this blog helped you.