After a LOT of dreaming and work (4 years to be exact!), I have the most lovely dream office to share with you today…a space that I am incredibly proud of and so thrilled to have.  My excitement about this post is curbed just a little by fear of it seeming “braggy”.  But the truth is, I have worked really hard to get to the place of having it…and we worked really hard ON it, and I am just TOO excited not to share it finally!  I have also hesitated to share yet because this space isn’t done yet- there are quite a few big pieces left to finish. But if I waited until every space in our house was DONE to share- I would never get there! Truly, this comes from a place of great humility…because my first office for JGP was my beloved polka dot chair and a half in the middle of my living room. For years.  When we moved to the country a few years ago, we knew an office was a priority- but it didn’t come before kids rooms, and main living space, and LIVING for that matter.  So after a mini-flood (caused by us!) last fall, I was working again in an unfinished space- but at a desk, and I was SO thankful for that!

So when the time finally came to really build the office, it almost seemed unreal, after years of a couch office.  But it is here- finally- after a lot of trouble in the construction process- and I am SO excited and proud to share it!  But want to make it clear that I know that this is an incredible gift, and so much beyond what I deserve to have this space! After hosting my first mentoring session in it a couple of weeks ago, I just know it is meant for something greater than just a beautiful space to work- I dream of teaching so many photographers in that space!  And even more important to me, I really needed a separated area for WORK vs PLAY and LIFE…and now I finally have it.  Somewhere where I can go to take care of what I need…and then I can stop so that I can do the other things that matter even more in my life.

So, without further stalling….here it is!!!  There are many DIY pieces to this office that I would love to share in the coming weeks if people want to hear about them- quite frankly, my husband is a genius when it comes to this stuff and truly went so far above and beyond to give me the space I dreamed of. I am SO thankful Michael!  Ok I’m still talking- here it is!! 🙂

We bought this desk from Wayfair for my random basement office before, and I LOVE it- it’s huge, and gives me space for computer work and paper work! I think my very favorite part is this shelf that Michael designed and made.  It was inspired by a mix of my love for all things Magnolia Market and West Elm…so after some Pinterest searching and the most ridiculous Menards trip ever (the workers were so confused by all those pipes!), it came to life better than we dreamed!  We stained the boards a whitewashed gray to coordinate with the floors, and it is amazing! Had to include my new little succulent in my window- because I am so happy to have a window AND it will be literally the 3rd plant I have really ever owned! I do not have a green thumb…so we will see how this goes! But in that copper pot, he just felt like he belonged!

I LOVE this corner- it is so nice to have somewhere to SIT- and this is the first time I have had canvas of my work up in an office- it was so fun to pick!My favorite House of Flynn camera bag lives on the couch because it matches so well 😉 Light fixture from Lowes!

Most of the accessories (including the adorable lamp below!) are from my favorite Target…predictable, I know! 😉 Time to share about the DIY “shiplap”(ish) wall?!  I KNEW I wanted a fun wall somewhere, preferably with texture. We initially planned on white shiplap but when I settled on the very subtle Octopus Gray for the walls, I wanted a bit more statement than white shiplap would give. As I was searching, I found a little inspiration from a blogger who added some teal pieces in with other wood- and decided I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and it came out SO MUCH BETTER than I dreamed! Let me know in the comments if you want more details on this beauty- I would be happy to share the process! All of my paper items and mailing supplies and newborn props FINALLY have their own place, which is something I love about that shelving- it is all in it’s own spot but accessible now, after years of being in many different places.

Well, there it is! We could definitely share more about both the shelving and the shiplap wall if there is interest, so let me know what you think! 🙂 There will definitely be an update once the final gallery wall and a few other projects happen (there is another corner you haven’t seen yet with one of my favorite design elements!), and I might come back and ask for some advice on another canvas for the office! Thanks so much for reading- hope it can inspire some of you blush, navy, and gold lovers out there! 🙂