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New Home Office on a Budget

March 11, 2014

I’ve been blogging for about 3 years from my bed.  No joke!  I had a little desk in a corner of my bedroom but it was always overflowing with bills, papers, packages and Peyton’s stuff.  It was a HOT MESS!  We finally got a room cleared out.  Welcome to the new Baby Shopaholic Headquarters!

Let me start by saying, I’m no decorator.  I just go with the flow (and what’s on sale).  The room started off completely empty.  I’m doing my best to keep the cost low and use items we already have because Pinterest will have you trying to buy a new house.  I already had one desk, file cabinet, desk chair, picture frames, lamp and candle. My friend told me about a Aeron chair though as a great addition to my office when I can afford it. My friend tells me they are so comfortable and stylish.  I purchased a new book shelf, rug, small desk (all from Ikea), pillow and lamp shade.  I put my vision board (from last year) over my desk.  Mister suggested that I find a nicer one or paint the frame.  

These are frames I purchased on clearance at Target but never used.  I think they were like $1.  The candle is Nest from Neiman Marcus (on sale).  Post card in the frame from Charm & Gumption
I got a new book shelf from Ikea.  Peyton has the same one in her room.  I figured I would get the same one in case I want to use them together in the future.  Post cards in the frames are from Charm & Gumption.  I also have a “What Would Beyonce Do” picture to out up!  

My office is nothing fancy but it’s cute, clean, and comfortable.  Mister was against painting the room.  I guess I can live with it.  I’m so excited to have my own space where I can work, take photos and store product for reviews.  I’m still working on the other side of the room.  Once it is done I will share the whole room.  So far I have spent about $125.

Tips for an office on a budget:

  • Use what you got. Paint an old desk or grab a chair out the dinning room. Go shopping in your house. 
  • Add pictures.  That is the cheapest thing you can do to make your space cute. 
  • Hit up the Dollar Tree to grab a few little vases to hold pins and office supplies.
  • Shop the clearance sections first (or Ikea).  I got the lampshade for $5 from Target clearance section.
  • Get your DIY on.  I loved Mister suggestion of painting the cork board.  Hopefully he will do it for me. 
Where do you work at home?  Do you have any home office tips?  Please share!

  • Mama Fashion Files
    March 11, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    Oh love the office space. It looks so fresh and airy and I agree that photos will add character and lots of cuteness! 🙂 Those IKEA bookcases are the best! Madi has two in her bedroom. One day I’ll get started on my space. Girl I sit at the dining room table and work.

  • Brilliant Brittany
    March 11, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    Love this! I adore those bookshelves as well. Simple and chic!

    Brittany x
    http://www.BrillianceOfB.com

  • shanice barrett
    March 11, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    cute!!! Ikea always saves the day for me.

  • CurlyHead
    March 11, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    Looks nice. I was just in Ikea on Friday and scored a few items. I have those same shelves only I use mine for clothes and accessories! Keep it simple and neat, you can’t go wrong!

  • Lisa ala mode
    March 11, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    Love!!! I can’t wait to have space for a home office!
    xo,
    http://www.lisaalamode.com

  • Chicago Mom (Heather)
    March 11, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    Looks amazing!! Nice work! Love your books. 🙂

  • EW Brown
    March 11, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    Cute space! I’ve been wanting to clean out our 3rd bedroom (i.e. the junk room) for a few months now and convert it into an office. This is definitely giving me inspiration.

  • Omora
    March 11, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    Nice space Trina. I want an office so bad. Me and my hubby’s 7 yr. anniversary is in July and the modern gift is desk sets, imma see what I can make happen;)

    Loveomora.blogspot.com

  • brandingsweets
    March 11, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    I love the idea of putting post cards in picture frames! I have to do that. I have a home office and some cheerful flowers or a nice plant is another inexpensive way to make your space happy.

  • Bobbie
    March 11, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    Trina, I love you space. Simple and Chic and your cost was low. The picture frames is such a good idea. Gosh, now I feel like I want to go play in my office area. 🙂

  • melissa ward
    March 11, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    Great space

  • Rose's Daughter
    March 11, 2014 at 10:35 pm

    My office is the couch. I love your new space! I really need to work on converting one of the bedrooms to my office! It would be wonderful to have a dedicated space on a budget!

  • Our Delightful Home
    March 12, 2014 at 1:05 am

    I love your new office!

  • Cam
    March 12, 2014 at 4:03 am

    I’m in the process of re-doing my office space. It’s quite a task. My office is also the guest room/den. Ugh! Thanks for the inspiration to get it together!

  • Kim S.
    March 12, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    Very cute space. I currently do not have a designated space. That will soon change. Right now, I just work from off of my couch or anywhere I can go that’s quiet.

  • The Mrs./The Mom
    March 12, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    I love how this turned out- this is so me! Pinterest will ave you going crazy and feeling defeated when you can’t pull off a magazine style room. I don’t have a spare room in my house for a home office but I can’t wait til I do!

  • TeRea S.
    March 12, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    Very nice! I can’t until we get a bigger home so I can have my own space.

    Te’Rea
    http://www.chic-n-everything.blogspot.com

  • Laila OnlyLaila
    March 13, 2014 at 2:39 am

    Very cute, I have that same desk in white.

  • K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
    March 13, 2014 at 5:50 am

    I’m so looking forward to having an office. Right now I blog from either my desk in the living room or from bed and store all my review products in the bedroom as well.

  • Tiffany's Toy Box
    March 14, 2014 at 11:23 pm

    I love it. It looks so organized. I am a total hoarder so I need to step it up! I have that same bookshelf. It looks so good in any room.

    Tiffany
    @tiffanystoybox

  • Carsedra McKoy
    March 18, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    Beautiful space!!!

    Carsedra McKoy:
    http://www.embracingtherealme.com
    http://sweets4yourtooth.blogspot.com/

  • Kim Garcia
    December 1, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    Did you ever finish the other half of the office? I’m updating my office over the holidays …