A little while back, I wrote a post about how to Revamp Your Genealogy Space. I’ll be the first to admit that this post wasn’t written on a whim or at random–at the time, I was actually deep into re-doing my own home office. Over time, as I acquired more historical relics, I’d found that my space was no longer functional. Working in my then-messy home office left me feeling drained at the end of the work day, not refreshed. So I decided it was time for a change, and my home office’s “renovations” are now complete. Now, I want to give you a peek at my home office, complete with some links on how to achieve a look similar to mine!
First up, here’s a wide view of my home office. While my home office doesn’t take up an entire room, you’ll notice that I’ve got plenty of items packed into one area–but I’ve done so in a way that gives me floor space and even some remaining wall space! I got my recliner several years ago from Ashley, and it’s held up incredibly well! I opted for a deep gray recliner that pairs well with virtually any other color, plus recliner arms that offer ample cushion. The blanket draped across the chair lends the space a cozy feel, plus keeps me nice and warm on the long winter evenings. In the past, I’ve also placed a decorative throw pillow on my chair to tie the space together!
Shop the look: American Flag Blanket, Ashley Gray Recliners
Next up is a closer view of my work desk! Ever since getting my recliner, these days my work desk is more to hold items than anything else. You’ll notice that I have a cane-bottom chair pushed up to the desk, with an army hat hanging from the chair. Both items perfectly complement my space for their historical and sentimental value. The chair belonged to the my great-great grandfather, while the hat was used by one of my uncles who served in the military during the 1960s. On top of my desk is a grinder that retains the original wood, which is yet another item that my great-great grandfather once owned. To keep the space functional, I added some items to the grinder’s wood that won’t harm the relics, like picture frames, a patriotic mug to hold writing utensils, and more. Hanging right above my desk? That’s my 1942 World War II poster that reminds me–no matter what task I’ve undertaken–to give it my best.
Shop the look: Brown Desk, Replica Give It Your Best Poster, American Flag Mug
One of the best ways I added functionality to my space was by installing shelving units! At the very top–where nothing heavy can be stored for safety’s sake–I placed a couple of my canvas paintings. Even if they fall, they won’t harm any of my relics (or anyone!). The shelving unit’s top shelf holds some of my antique books and hymnals that date all the way back to the early 1900s. I’ve put them in a protective, archival quality sleeve to keep them safe. I also have a historic 1936 Royal Model O typewriter and early twentieth century camera on my shelf. Adding some family heirlooms, I have a school writing slate that belonged to my grandma (and likely dates to the early twentieth century), plus a 1930s lamp that my great-great grandfather owned. Finishing the space off in a cute and classy–not to mention non-historical–way, I have a pink and blue glass bird perched atop my next-to-last shelf. The final shelf (not pictured above) holds glass bottles that date to the early twentieth century, with twenty-two of the those bottles having been found in a World War II training camp.
Shop the look: Better Homes & Garden Shelf (just like mine!), Modern Royal Typewriter, Modern Camera Figurine, Glass Bird Figurines
This part of my space honestly has no way for you to find items exactly like mine, as these are historical relics! But pictured on the walls are two of my American Civil War general signatures–Don Carlos Buell and Simon Bolivar Buckner–with a modern reprint of Civil War gear between the two relics. Beneath my modern reprint are copies of three relics in my collection: two Civil War soldier CDVs and a Civil War soldier’s envelope, addressed to him at Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh), Tennessee. As part of my Civil War gaming collection, I have an authentic Civil War domino on the wall, along with era playing cards. Right behind my chair, I’ve hung a 1945 poster that’s in near-mint condition and–as like my other World War II poster–professionally placed in a UV-protected frame. One of the few items you’ll see not hanging up is the newest addition to my collection…an authentic Civil War soldier’s knapsack! This is the hardpack knapsack style, which is early war and quite rare. I have it professionally encased and UV-protected to preserve the “13,” which stands for the 13th Regiment. To further enhance and use my space, I placed some Civil War bullets atop my knapsack’s case.
Shop the look: You can best shop this look by heading to antique shops in your area or visiting online relic dealers. Since these are historical relics and it’s unlikely that you’ll find items exactly like mine, you can feel free to add whatever items to your collection that match your interest! Fascinated by World War II? Hang up a World War II poster or group picture. Enthralled by historic art? Then hang up real or replica pieces in your space!
The final image I’m sharing with you is a picture of my other shelf, which also helped me create a space that’s organized and functional! I have a ton of books because I’m an avid reader, but not all of them are historical fiction. To match the authentic feel of my home office, I decided to put only my historical non-fiction books on this shelf. You’ll notice that, even with all my items, I still have basically an entire shelf free to store other items (more books, anyone?). The final visible shelf, situated right above the shelf’s doors, are also historical relics. The larger wooden case at right hold my Civil War cartridge box, cap pouch, and bullet mold. In the middle is my Civil War stirrup, with relics from the Battle of Fredericksburg at left. While my other shelf that I’ve pictured before in this post doesn’t have doors, I love that this one does! That gives me two shelves to store Christmas gifts and other knick-knacks that I may not want displayed, but also don’t want to part with.
Shop the look: Better Homes & Gardens Shelf (just like mine!)
I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a peek at my home office! Whether you decide you want to organize your space in a way that’s similar to mine or you want to go with your own design, what’s important is that you have a home office you can feel proud of and be productive in.
Happy Researching!
