Pimp My Home Office- A Contest

During Thanksgiving the kids mentioned eating our celebratory dinner at the kitchen table didn't feel very festive to them. After Thanksgiving, I thought some more about what they had expressed and in light of their comment, my home office needs some serious overhaulin'.

When we moved to the DC area I converted our formal dining room into my home office. Knowing the migratory nature of our military family, I have a home office. Most of my work these days is either over the computer or involves traveling, so renting office space seemed silly. Especially since I am nocturnal by nature and often like to prowl down to my office in the dead of night if I get an idea for an article, blog post or potential book proposal. I like having the freedom to head into work at my convenience and also around my own family's schedule.

A few years ago my kids and husband surprised me with a new office furniture. While it really looks cool, it's not all that functional for the way I function at work. I have a lovely filing cabinet, but it's filled with phone chargers, Ipod earbuds and other miscellaneous cords. Why? Because I am a "piler" not a "filer." If I file away my papers, I will totally forget they exist and can't get much accomplished that way. I miss deadlines if I do that. But the problem with piles, is well, there are piles. Everywhere. On my desk, near my desk, they take over. For me they are akin to a horizontal filing system. I know what is in each pile and I can get to it.

For my family (including me) my desk has become an eyesore. I don't like it that way, but I don't have many options either. Or at least ones I can consider as I am just not that creative when it comes to decorating or organizing.

So I am having a contest for anyone who would like to participate. Here are the rules:

1. Paint color remains the same, I paid a lot to have the office painted recently, so the color is not negotiable.

2. I have material for window treatments, just never had them made. I can provide a swatch upon request.

2. Budget 1,500.00.

3. New items must be able to be moved elsewhere if we relocate. They can be attached to walls, but must be able to be moved at some point.

3. Contemporary style. The desk in the room will be put in the attic and saved for when we have a bigger house or when a child leaves for college, whichever comes first.

4. Must incorporate our dining room furniture.

5. Must include many bookshelves.

6. I would love a bulletin board with a giant calender for the entire year at a glance.

7. Bonus if you can figure out how to incorporate it as a guest room too. My parents are getting older and the stairs in our house may become a challenge one day. I like to think ahead.

Things I love about my present office:

Reading nook

Kids have their computer in my office too so we can hang out together.

Open feeling.

Things I hate about it:

Boring

feels impersonal

No place for guests to sit.

Can't use it as a dining room

The piles.

The contest winner will have their design featured on our blog and possibly a couple of other places, upon permission, where I write. I will also sing your praises to the entire effing world. And if you have been reading our blog or have met me in person, you know I am not at all shy about sharing my opinions and experiences.

Stay tuned, later this week I will post pictures of the dining room table/chairs and provide measurements of the space for which you will be designing I will also try to find a couple of other cool prizes for you to win since maybe you might like a little somethin' somethin'.

How does that sound? Any questions?