There are many ways we all inevitably experience loss, and the depth and breadth of that loss...
Fix the Ick's Guide for the Office: Making Work Feel Like Play
Last year, I traded my dream home for my fiancé’s domain and embarked on a mission to infuse it with my essence. If you’re like me, you crave a space that feels intentional, clutter-free, and most of all, like home. Keep reading to see how far we've come over the last year.
Unsure where to start when it comes to your home? What if I told you it’s not as hard as it seems, especially with a solid plan in hand? That’s what we teach here at Be Happy You’re Home: loving your space, regardless of budget or living arrangements.
Prioritize Your Spaces
Before you choose your first space to tackle, list all the rooms in your home, ranking them from most to least urgent. While the bedroom might be your sanctuary, consider starting small—like a bathroom or small office—to build confidence before tackling larger spaces. It your home, and your call!
Since I work remotely, fixing up the office shot to the top of my list. I believe in making the best with what you’ve got and then leveling up when time, joy, and your budget allow.
Here's how this room started:
Tactical Touch-Ups and Temporary Fixes
I started with the essentials: figuring out the best layout (free!), selecting the right desks and chairs (definitely not free), and organizing my closet (back to free). My desk finds from Amazon were a score, and the matching yet distinctively colored chairs are seriously the comfiest office seats ever.
The makeover continued with repurposing my hefty walnut dresser from my old bedroom. It was too small for our current bedroom but perfect for extra storage in the office. Painted pink to match my desk, it now houses everything from cherished mementos to those “grab-in-case-of-fire” items.
Bringing It All Together
Once we nailed the functional elements, it was time for the walls. I opted for a gallery style to showcase the art that means the world to me. However, I’m already over the corner shelf for my monstera and eyeing a floor-to-ceiling cat tree instead.
My husband installed a room-darkening roller shade—a real game changer that complemented our new sleek, black, and walnut ceiling fan, elevating the entire room’s vibe.
It’s Not Perfect, But It’s Ours
There’s still work to do—I’m on the hunt for the perfect patterned rug and contemplating bold paint choices (pink for me, green for Rico—need to run that by him). Whether for function or fashion, make choices you can live with.
Our office now reflects both our personalities in one creative, functional space. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, this office was an empty room. Now, it’s a place where we both thrive creatively and spend quality time together.
GET STARTED:
Planning to Perfection: Step 1
Start your project by taking “before” photos. These help you appreciate the transformation later. Then, make a list of everything giving you the “ick” and prioritize fixes using this emoji system:
📷 TAKE BEFORE PHOTOS
Capture each angle of the bathroom. These before photos will help you see your progress! It doesn't matter how long you plan to stay in the space.
📝 NOTE THE ICKS
Note the Ick's: Use your phone to create a note or list titled “Office.” Walk around your space, jotting down everything that bothers you.
Step 2: Focus on What Matters
Think about what your office needs to feel complete. Prioritize functionality, then assign emojis to visually rank your tasks.
✅ LIST FIXES
If you already have ideas to fix an ick, jot them down. For example, if you know you want to update something with a new color, note that.
👀 FUNCTION FIRST
Ask yourself what needs to change for your space to work exactly as you want it? List the items you need for the space to function.
🚨SORT BY PRIORITY
Sort by Priority: Use emoticons to categorize each task. This is optional but I find it helpful!
- 🚨 for priority tasks
- 🔧 for DIY tasks
- 💲 for tasks that need budgeting
- 🎨 for creative solutions
Step 3: Plan
Get serious and assign dates. Work on quick wins first!
🗓️ ASSIGN DATES
Set realistic deadlines to tackle each ick. Start with the most crucial fixes.
🦾 STAY MOTIVATED
Check off completed tasks for a sense of accomplishment!
Whether you’re dealing with a “Decor Disaster” or just looking to freshen up a bit, remember that every small step can lead to great results. And if you’re feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’ve got a ton of resources to help you out.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Remember, every big change begins with one brave, small step. Start yours today, and keep transforming those spaces into places where love and laughter flourish. See you next time for more tips and transformations with Be Happy You’re Home!
