How to Make the Space You Crave in 5 Easy Steps

Set up and decorate a home office or hobby area by following these simple steps. — Come inside my tiny office before and after!

Need help setting up and decorating a small home office space, hobby nook, or reading corner? Follow these ideas and make the space you crave in 5 easy steps.

Look no further for inspiration to create your personal sanctuary. This list of 14 ideas for A Space Just For You will get you started.

This is the 3rd and final part of my Tiny Office post series! If you’d like to get up to speed, check out the first two posts:

The Simple Solution to Empty Nest Emotional Health That’ll Make You Cry

Try Before You Buy: Unexpected Ways to Choose Color

Keep reading to the end and watch the Tiny Office Tour video!

5 Easy Steps

Start by taking everything, and I mean everything, out of your space. I know, this is a big pain. But there really is no way to get an accurate assessment of the space and create a new vision when you are staring down clutter.

Before I transformed this closet, we used it as a coat closet/craft storage. At first, I didn’t know how I would do without having all this stuff at my fingertips. But once the closet was completely bare, I realized how little I really used most of these items.

In the end, I opted to store them in our attic, where I knew I could get to them quickly and easily.

Step Two-The Space You Crave

Since there was only one wall I could face, I needed a desk and chair that fit my very specific size limitations. We searched our local stores, but in the end, my husband scoured the internet and found just the right pair.

Take an honest assessment of the space and what needs to change in order for it to function well for you. Whatever your budget, invest in pieces that make this place comfortable and convenient. You can spend less on the next steps, but don’t scrimp here.

The chair raises and lowers, and the desk has a removable computer tray and an overhead shelf. Both work perfectly for this space, and they were great investments.

Step Three-Leave Open Space

Give yourself time to figure out exactly where everything should go. I used my tiny office for several months, and completely moved things around about three times, before I felt comfortable.

If space is at a premium, like it is for me, make sure to leave an open area for spreading out. Whether you are creating a spot for crafting, reading, or knitting kitten slippers, keep a portion of your counter space uncluttered.

Even though I organize with binders, and I’m pretty good at tidying up, I use my open shelf space for laying out projects (like this post series) so I can see everything at once.

Step Four-Think UP

My square footage is quite limited, but fortunately, the ceiling in my closet office is generously high. I’ve made use of every inch of upper shelf and wall space by using command hooks, clear bins, and stackable trays.

This step is where your color scheme will be so important. I chose organizing bins from Dollar Tree, along with things we already had, and spray painted them all to match.

Not only does color uniformity make my space appear larger, it also gives a clean, uncluttered vibe to my work space. Think of creative ways to use every square inch of wall space for storage and display.

Step Five-Bring Joy

Last but certainly not least, decorate your space, no matter what size it is, with objects that have special meaning. You deserve to be inspired and affirmed in this special sanctuary.

For Mother’s Day, I asked my daughter to create a canvas art piece with me. Using acrylic craft paints, 2 stretched canvases, and some craft glitter, we went to town.

The memory of the fun we had making these pieces lifts my spirits every time I look at them. But they also tie in with my color scheme.

I’ve added other items, including inspirational quotes, candles, and some fun greenery. None of these cost much, but each one brings a bit of fun to the space and makes me want to return regularly.

Before and After

So, without further ado, here is the official before and after! I had so much fun touring my tiny office with you and hope you were inspired to create a personal sanctuary for yourself.