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Home office makeover reveal!

Friday ~ Posted by Karen Schravemade

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal
Welcome to my brand-new study space!
As you might remember from my last post, 2 weeks ago my study nook looked like this. We did have furniture in the living room (this shot was taken pre-moving in), but the study space itself was still bare and unfinished:
I gave myself a deadline to tackle this space, because I was over all the paperwork/ bills/ keys collecting on the counter. I knew that if I could conquer this one area, the whole house was going to start feeling more put-together and in control.
Adding to the pressure of the deadline, our study desk was due to be installed in one week, and I really wanted to get in and tackle that wall while I could still get a ladder right up next to it.
After stencilling a polka-dot wall in our baby girl’s nursery at our last house, I’ve developed a bit of a stencilling addiction. I love that it gives the look of patterned wallpaper at a fraction of the cost, and because you choose the paint colour you can customise it perfectly to your chosen colour scheme. An added bonus is that if you want to update your decor in the future, you can just paint straight over the top instead of having to steam and strip wallpaper. So I knew that a stencilled design would be the perfect statement for this wall, and I’d already ordered a lovely trellis-patterned stencil that I was dying to try out.
I settled on Dulux “Pale Icelandish” for my paint colour, which is a soft muted mint tone in between green, blue and grey. I started in the top left corner and rolled the paint on in light layers using a small foam roller. It’s important to roll off the excess paint on paper towel before touching the wall, because if you use too much, the paint will bleed under the edges of the stencil. Then you move the whole stencil down and use the last row of the previous pattern to “register” the new repeat. You can see the overlap in this picture.
Here’s the pattern starting to emerge. To do the edges you just bend the stencil, but it’s tricky to get right into the corner and still get a crisp edge on the pattern. Edges are the most time-consuming part of the whole thing. I ended up painting a lot of the edge pattern by hand.
It was a tedious process, I will not lie! But SO satisfying to finally get it finished and see the entire wall beautifully patterned.
Then it was time to install some shelves. After a bit of searching around, I chose the Ikea Lack shelves for their sleek floating design and because they were the longest floating shelf I could find. I measured up the space and decided the 190cm length was perfect for this nook, allowing some space to the side for the mail-sorting system I’d been dreaming up.
Three shelves installed! The study desk was installed by our builder at this point as well.
Everyone knows that a desk (even a pretty, new one) is not much use without a chair. Our last study chair was far too big to use in this space without obstructing the walkway, with arms too high to even tuck under the desk. Besides, it was an ugly, utilitarian, black padded thing that was completely all wrong for my new light and airy space. So it got the boot and found a happy new home at hubby’s music studio. And I was chair-less.
I’ve been in love with the Eames DSW side chair for ages, but definitely didn’t want to pay a designer price tag – the real deal costs $650. Then I discovered my dream chair on Matt Blatt. Aaaaaaah – replica designer furniture at affordable prices. $69 for a design classic? Yes please! It shipped within a few days. I added a cute cushion for back support – it was just twelve bucks from Typo.
Time to accessorize and style this space! We’d had this grey mesh waste basket and pen-holder for ten years, and they were in great condition, but clearly needed prettifying.
I used Rust-Oleum Paint + Primer in Gloss Seaside to give these accessories a pop of turquoise colour. One coat did the trick, and no need to prime beforehand. Voila! Much better. Such a happy colour – it just makes me smile!
My next project was to DIY a set of mail-sorting baskets using three $5 cleaning caddies from K-mart. The “before” was not what you’d call inspiring:
But I’m completely in love with the “after”!

If you missed that post, I blogged about the transformation here. Honestly, it was such a simple DIY for such a big impact. It took easily less than 15 minutes (plus a few extra for installation.) I’m so happy with the chic industrial vibe of these little numbers. Who would ever have thought I’d be found gazing dreamily at a basket of bills with a happy smile on my face?

 A spot of Ikea flat-pack furniture assembly was next on the project list. I selected the Alex drawer unit to hold stationery supplies that I wanted within easy reach.

And on the other side, the Alex cupboard. This is home to bulkier items such as the laminator, laptop bag, and nappy bag (because it’s always getting packed at the kitchen bench and it’s handy to have it stashed nearby.)

When I designed our house plan, I included a recessed area to the left of the study space to hold a filing cabinet. This has already proven SO handy for filing away household paperwork as it comes in. It’s within arm’s reach of the desk and yet slightly tucked away so that it doesn’t command attention.

Back to those big blank shelves. They would be called upon to store everything from paperwork and stationery to scrapbooking supplies. I needed a cheap and stylish storage solution, and once more, Ikea proved up to the task. I went with the classic white Kasset storage box. At $2.50 per box, it’s well worth the time it takes to assemble them.

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal

I already had some nice wooden magazine holders kicking around in a cupboard. Onto the shelf with them! I considered spray-painting them white, but in the end decided the pale birch timber is a nice accent colour so everything isn’t too matchy-matchy.

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal
I already mentioned that I bought a cushion from Typo. They have lots of funky industrial bits and pieces, so on my fruitless search for the perfect wire basket to use for my mail sorting system (before I decided to DIY my own) I stopped in there to see if they had any.
The sweet chicky at the counter proceeded to empty out two wire baskets that were part of their display and had been holding pens and other knick-knacks. She told me they were getting rid of them in the next few weeks anyway as they were updating the store displays, and I could HAVE them if I gave a $2 donation to their charity per basket. Um… THANK YOU!!! How awesome is that?!! They were too wide to mount on the wall, but I knew they’d be the perfect accessories for my shelves. $2 wire baskets – how can you beat that?!
DIY Home office makeover and room reveal
The clock was a cheapie K-mart find for around $6, and I already had the china bird.
DIY Home office makeover and room reveal

The white crumple box was comparatively a bit of a splurge at $19.95 from Howard’s Storage World, but it was so cute I could not resist.

One of the things I most wanted to incorporate into this work area was some life inspiration in the form of graphic art quotes. I bought some Ikea Ribba frames and a couple of other white frames from Big W and K-mart, and DIY-ed these prints in Photoshop.
I love the “dreams” quote on the left, which is a great reminder that fulfilling a dream comes down to hard work over the long haul. The frame to the right holds my “One Word” for 2014 – FAITHFUL, which I arranged to look like an eye chart because I’m digging that look right now.
DIY Home office makeover and room reveal
On the next shelf down I created a monogram with my initial, just for fun. This is the first time in ages I’ve had a space which is “just for me”, so I really wanted to make it mine and fill it with colours and objects and art that inspires me.
One of the key verses God has given me this year to go alongside my One Word, is this:

It’s not the most usual piece of Scripture to have on display, but it’s very meaningful to me. I love the story of how King Solomon took the time and care to make his surroundings beautiful, both in the Temple and the Palace. As an interior decorator, that gives me assurance that God is pleased when I use my creative gifts to honor him. King Solomon took on a vast number of building and beautifying projects, and he completed them. He followed through and carried out his plans.

This really speaks to me as I launch out this year with this new blogging endeavour. A project-based blog takes an ENORMOUS amount of work, and it can feel discouraging to pour endless hours into something and then receive no comments on a post. But God reminds me that my task is just to remain faithful (there’s that word again!) and follow through on my plans.

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal

 I also added a charging dock for our phones and iPads, made using a Martha Stewart desk organiser with holes cut out for the cords. We also have a concealed hole in our desktop for cords to feed through to underneath.
DIY Charging dock
With the shelves filled, I had to just stop and gaze for a while. I love how all the different elements have pulled together so well.

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal

My study space is at the heart of our home. When I planned our house, I knew that I wanted this area to be right off the kitchen – for starters, so we could use it as a “command centre” to corral paperwork that otherwise ends up dumped on the kitchen counters – and secondly, so that I could snatch moments throughout the day to catch up on emails and blogging while also keeping an eye on the kids playing.

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal
The layout has worked beautifully for us so far. In this season of my life, it makes sense to have an open-plan study space, because if I was tucked away from the family, writing would seldom happen.
DIY Industrial wire mail baskets from a $5 cleaning caddy
One last before:
And after!
DIY Home office makeover and room reveal

I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of my new study space! I’m thrilled to bits with how it turned out. There may have been several nights where I was up until midnight finishing things off, and I must admit I felt pretty exhausted by the end! But it’s amazing what can be achieved in two weeks when you give yourself a deadline. It’s exactly what I dreamed of, and it feels so satisfying to have it complete.

DIY Home office makeover and room reveal

I’d love you to share your thoughts. Do you have dreams of making over a study space? How would you describe your ideal home office area?

Linking up at Get Your DIY On: Room Revamps!

Pssssst – New here? Don’t leave without your free gift! This book is for any mum who’s ever wished for a more organised, more creative life at home with kids. It’s time to stop wishing and make it happen! Join over 1400 subscribers and grab your completely FREE copy by typing your email address below.

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Lovely comments

  1. Karen says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    Absolutely love what you have done with your space Karen… So fresh. Love reading your blog too…
    Keep up the great work.

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:17 am

      Thank you so much for your encouragement!

  2. GingerSmiles says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    Looks great. I love your stencilling. <3

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:18 am

      Thanks, GingerSmiles! I was really happy with how the stencilling turned out!

  3. Megan Cuy Catellanos says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    Looks great! I&#39m going to see if I can find some of those "mail baskets" you used so I can try them out at my house. I&#39ve been looking for something similar for awhile but just can&#39t bring myself to pay the price for the real deal. Can&#39t wait to see more of the new house!

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:18 am

      Megan, yes, the real thing can be up there in price. I found these popping up everywhere once I knew what I was looking for. You probably won&#39t have the exact same brand in the U.S., but I&#39ve seen similar on Amazon, so I know you guys have them. Check out your kitchen storage section – good luck! 🙂

  4. Karen says

    Friday at 1:23 pm

    Absolutely love what you have done with your space Karen… So fresh. Love reading your blog too…
    Keep up the great work.

    • karen says

      Friday at 8:07 pm

      Thank you so much for your encouragement!

  5. GingerSmiles says

    Friday at 2:22 pm

    Looks great. I love your stencilling. <3

    • karen says

      Friday at 8:09 pm

      Thanks, GingerSmiles! I was really happy with how the stencilling turned out!

  6. Megan Cuy Catellanos says

    Friday at 2:47 pm

    Looks great! I'm going to see if I can find some of those "mail baskets" you used so I can try them out at my house. I've been looking for something similar for awhile but just can't bring myself to pay the price for the real deal. Can't wait to see more of the new house!

    • karen says

      Friday at 8:20 pm

      Megan, yes, the real thing can be up there in price. I found these popping up everywhere once I knew what I was looking for. You probably won't have the exact same brand in the U.S., but I've seen similar on Amazon, so I know you guys have them. Check out your kitchen storage section – good luck! 🙂

  7. Cassandra Warmington says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    Happy blogging and everything else that demands our attention in an office space. Feed and conquer in one area of the home. Love it! It looks gorgeous!

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:17 am

      Thanks Cassandra! 🙂 LOL – feed and conquer – love it!

  8. Lynne Grierson says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    That looks absolutely amazing. Your stencilling is so inspiring. I am building in some Billy bookcases from Ikea into a downstairs TV room at the moment and you have inspired me to stencil the backs in something similar. Thanks also for mentioning the paint colour, I have been looking for a soft muted blue for a downstairs bedroom and that might just fit the bill…off to get a sample this morning! I also can&#39t wait to see more of your new house!

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:17 am

      Thank you, Lynne!! Stencilling your Billy bookcases – what a GREAT idea – and you will never guess what I&#39ve just finished doing!! 😉 I&#39ll be sharing the result in an upcoming post. It was well worth it – made such a difference to a very plain piece of furniture! Great minds think alike… 😉

  9. Cassandra Warmington says

    Friday at 9:35 pm

    Happy blogging and everything else that demands our attention in an office space. Feed and conquer in one area of the home. Love it! It looks gorgeous!

    • karen says

      Saturday at 12:29 am

      Thanks Cassandra! 🙂 LOL – feed and conquer – love it!

  10. Lynne Grierson says

    Friday at 9:49 pm

    That looks absolutely amazing. Your stencilling is so inspiring. I am building in some Billy bookcases from Ikea into a downstairs TV room at the moment and you have inspired me to stencil the backs in something similar. Thanks also for mentioning the paint colour, I have been looking for a soft muted blue for a downstairs bedroom and that might just fit the bill…off to get a sample this morning! I also can't wait to see more of your new house!

    • karen says

      Saturday at 12:32 am

      Thank you, Lynne!! Stencilling your Billy bookcases – what a GREAT idea – and you will never guess what I've just finished doing!! 😉 I'll be sharing the result in an upcoming post. It was well worth it – made such a difference to a very plain piece of furniture! Great minds think alike… 😉

  11. healthymecoming says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    Another beautiful space Karen.

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:17 am

      Thank you so much! You&#39re very kind.

  12. healthymecoming says

    Saturday at 3:24 am

    Another beautiful space Karen.

    • karen says

      Saturday at 10:31 am

      Thank you so much! You're very kind.

  13. Sam says

    Monday at 11:16 am

    I love the colours, the idea, the execution. Well done, it&#39s simply fabulous.

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:18 am

      Oh Sam, thank you!! You&#39re lovely!

  14. Sam says

    Saturday at 8:41 am

    I love the colours, the idea, the execution. Well done, it's simply fabulous.

    • karen says

      Saturday at 10:33 am

      Oh Sam, thank you!! You're lovely!

  15. Kendall says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    This blog post makes me want to break into song and serenade you with "You are the stencil queen, young and free only thirty-three" (Hope you&#39re thirty-three, it doesn&#39t quite work if you&#39re not) Hehe. xx

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:18 am

      Hahahahaha! 🙂 You&#39re so funny! Pretty close actually, 34 as a matter of fact, but I&#39ll take 33 any day! 😉

  16. Kendall says

    Sunday at 7:06 am

    This blog post makes me want to break into song and serenade you with "You are the stencil queen, young and free only thirty-three" (Hope you're thirty-three, it doesn't quite work if you're not) Hehe. xx

    • karen says

      Sunday at 4:48 pm

      Hahahahaha! 🙂 You're so funny! Pretty close actually, 34 as a matter of fact, but I'll take 33 any day! 😉

  17. Fiona @ Jackadaw says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    A beautifully pulled together space Karen. I love that it&#39s defined as a space of it&#39s own by the stencil but sits perfectly with the kitchen and living room. Also loving your little baskets sprayed black. I&#39m thinking about using some of these in our pantry. Loving your house more and more with every detail that you show. My study area is tucked in a nook in our lounge room. Built in book cases have been done (just need some crown moulding) and the desk is next on my hit list. After the epic kitchen rebuild is finally finished of course.

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:17 am

      Thanks for your kind words, Fiona! Oh, your study nook sounds absolutely perfect!

  18. Fiona @ Jackadaw says

    Thursday at 8:34 pm

    A beautifully pulled together space Karen. I love that it's defined as a space of it's own by the stencil but sits perfectly with the kitchen and living room. Also loving your little baskets sprayed black. I'm thinking about using some of these in our pantry. Loving your house more and more with every detail that you show. My study area is tucked in a nook in our lounge room. Built in book cases have been done (just need some crown moulding) and the desk is next on my hit list. After the epic kitchen rebuild is finally finished of course.

    • karen says

      Friday at 12:02 am

      Thanks for your kind words, Fiona! Oh, your study nook sounds absolutely perfect!

  19. samanthakimm says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    Wow, this looks great! I&#39m sure it&#39s inspiring you to get lots of things done!

    • karen says

      Monday at 11:18 am

      Thank you, Samantha! It sure is – I&#39m loving sitting down to work in my new study space. Funny how my whole life feels just a little bit more organised now! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment!

  20. samanthakimm says

    Monday at 5:06 pm

    Wow, this looks great! I'm sure it's inspiring you to get lots of things done!

    • karen says

      Tuesday at 12:11 am

      Thank you, Samantha! It sure is – I'm loving sitting down to work in my new study space. Funny how my whole life feels just a little bit more organised now! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment!

  21. Valerie Ott says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    I love EVERYTHING about this!!! Pinning pinning pinning!

  22. Valerie Ott says

    Saturday at 2:10 pm

    I love EVERYTHING about this!!! Pinning pinning pinning!

  23. Tiffany says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    This is sooo pretty. I did the same stencil in my craft room that I&#39m working on so I feel your pain. I&#39ve been looking for some shelves so I&#39ll have to check these out.

  24. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    Haha – yes, it wasn&#39t the most forgiving pattern to work with, was it?! I&#39m really impressed with the Ikea shelves so far, they&#39re very sturdy and were pretty easy to hang. They come in a few different lengths too.

  25. Tiffany says

    Sunday at 2:25 am

    This is sooo pretty. I did the same stencil in my craft room that I'm working on so I feel your pain. I've been looking for some shelves so I'll have to check these out.

  26. Karen Schravemade says

    Sunday at 2:58 am

    Haha – yes, it wasn't the most forgiving pattern to work with, was it?! I'm really impressed with the Ikea shelves so far, they're very sturdy and were pretty easy to hang. They come in a few different lengths too.

  27. Jennifer says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    I love everything about this space from the paint color to the chair to floating shelves. Stecilling is like the bane of existance but I always love how it turns out when people do it. Fab job!

  28. Karen Schravemade says

    Monday at 11:17 am

    Thanks heaps, Jennifer! Totally agree with you about the stencilling – it&#39s always so painstaking to do that I&#39m cursing it in the middle of the job, but the end result is awesome enough that I somehow keep going back for more! Ha!

  29. Jennifer says

    Friday at 1:17 am

    I love everything about this space from the paint color to the chair to floating shelves. Stecilling is like the bane of existance but I always love how it turns out when people do it. Fab job!

  30. Karen Schravemade says

    Friday at 2:10 am

    Thanks heaps, Jennifer! Totally agree with you about the stencilling – it's always so painstaking to do that I'm cursing it in the middle of the job, but the end result is awesome enough that I somehow keep going back for more! Ha!

  31. Jill Fox says

    Sunday at 1:22 pm

    What a beautiful transformation! It’s gorgeous and functional. Bravo!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Monday at 9:20 pm

      Thanks so much, Jill! xo

  32. Katie Marie says

    Friday at 1:46 pm

    Wow! This is stunning! You’ve inspired me to spruce up my home office. 🙂

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 1:15 pm

      Yay, so glad you’re inspired! Thanks for stopping by, Katie! <3 xo

  33. Martha Murphy says

    Sunday at 1:00 pm

    I like your file boxes! I used to have my sewing paraphernalia stored in a collection of pretty tins on shelves in my sewing room, but I decided to put all them in photo storage boxes from JoAnn — all the cardboard tan color. It’s visually less cluttered and also saves space! Now, what to do with my pretty tins?

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Monday at 9:00 am

      Ah yes, the storage shuffle. 🙂 You can never have too many pretty boxes and tins! 😉

  34. Sam says

    Thursday at 11:40 pm

    Wonderful! it’s so nice to read a post from a fellow Aussie (who understands the pain of Amazon shipping limitations!!) am planning to copy you 🙂 2 questions – how thick did you go for the wooden desk top, and how high does that make your desk from the ground? (Does the height of the Matt blatt replica chair work well with that height?) thanks!! Sam Ps sorry if this posted twice!

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Tuesday at 9:43 am

      So sorry I missed this, Sam! I’m afraid I don’t have those details handy anymore because we moved out of that home almost two years ago now. I’d suggest sitting down at the chair you intend to use and then measuring what is a comfortable height to work at. Your cabinetmaker could also give you a standard measurement to work from. xo

      • Sam says

        Tuesday at 10:56 am

        “I’d suggest sitting down at the chair you intend to use and then measuring what is a comfortable height to work at”. Brilliant idea, for some reason I would never have thought of that (have only ever had pre-built desks, that’s prob why) but it makes perfect sense, thanks! I copied your industrial baskets makeover the other week (but with Howard’s Storage baskets as I couldn’t find anything like the KMart ones you used anymore) and it worked absolutely perfectly btw so an incredibly belated thank you for this post! 😉

        • Karen Schravemade says

          Tuesday at 11:40 am

          Oh yay, you’re so welcome!! 😀 xo

  35. AMY Vancouver says

    Wednesday at 7:25 am

    Love this. Is your home office located in the kitchen? I still haven’t figured out the best place to locate my home office…

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Saturday at 12:25 pm

      Yes it is, Amy! It’s off to one side, so the walkway in between creates a bit of a buffer between the busy kitchen zone and the office space. If I had all the room in the world, I probably would have chosen a less high-traffic spot, but on the other hand, I loved having our family command centre right there near the kitchen. It suited how we used the space. xo

  36. Erana Breitmeyer says

    Monday at 7:05 pm

    What a wonderful, beautiful and inspiring post! Yes, I’m about 4 years too late here, but such is the way of life! LOL. I just came over from Pinterest… Totally inspiring visually and aesthetically, but when I saw that you had a faith – it adds a whole extra dimension that I needed! I’ve just finished my first year of my second degree, and now that I’m through to the second year of my Law degree, I’m acknowledging that my home study area needs improvement. So much inspiration here on so many levels – thank you so much, and blessings from New Zealand!! 🙂 xx

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Sunday at 9:34 pm

      So great to have you here, Erana! Thank you for those sweet words, and I wish you all the best with completing your law degree! I would need a pretty study area to get me through that for sure… 😉 xo

A blog by

Karen Schravemade

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Hi friends! So glad you're here! I'm Karen, Aussie stay-home Mum to four littlies, former teacher of Creative Arts, agented writer and interior decorator. I'm on a journey to bring beauty to my home and enjoy a more creative life with my kids - I'd love for you to join us. (Curious? Read more here!)

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5 years ago, I was struggling with social media ad 5 years ago, I was struggling with social media addiction.⁠⠀
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It's totally online, and our aim is to bless you with help and encouragement for your 2020-wearied soul! ⁠⠀
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Even better, registration is FREE until the conference begins on November 7th, so make sure you hold your seat today! Just click the link in my bio and choose "SELF CARE CONFERENCE".⁠⠀
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Hope to see you there!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
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P.S. Swipe - do you recognise one of those Day One speakers...? More on what I'll be speaking about, very soon! It's a goody!! 😉 😍⁠⠀
⁠⠀
#selfcare #selfcaresistersociety #2020⁠⠀
It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right now my heart is so heavy with the injustice in the world that I’m struggling to even find the words.

Knowing that I’m inherently complicit in that injustice because of my privilege is sobering. At times I’ve been silent when I should have spoken and at other times I've spoken when I should’ve shut up and listened to the only voices in this narrative that really matter - the voices of those who’ve experienced this sort of prejudice from inside their own skin.

Racial injustice has always grieved my heart, but there’s a difference between empathy and kindness. Having empathy is important, but it’s not enough. Kindness speaks and acts. And right now I don’t really know what to say but somehow I feel it’s important to say something anyway, however imperfectly. Because there is nothing as deafening as silence in the face of systemic suffering.

I don’t know a lot. But I do know that Jesus was always on the side of the oppressed and marginalised. And the Bible tells us that one day, the last will be first and the first will be last. To me that means that in God’s new restored kingdom, these corrupt systems of the world will be turned on their head. In that day, those who’ve benefited from a system of white supremacy (myself included) will be the least. Those who’ve been oppressed and mistreated in this life will be honoured and elevated with the nobility they deserve. What a day that will be!! 🙌

But it’s not enough to know that someday it will all be made right. I hope to see heaven come to earth. I hope to see more black leaders, politicians, policy makers, authors, artists, influencers, CEO’s, entrepreneurs, bank managers, lawyers, judges, scientists and professors. The system is unfairly stacked and our privilege is self-perpetuating. I pray for it all to be turned upside down within our lifetime.

In the (paraphrased) words of MLK, let’s not prefer a negative peace which is an absence of tension (aka passivity, complacency, complicity, silence), over a positive peace, which is the presence of justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
‭‭Amos‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬
We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. Sc We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. School closures will last at least five weeks. I will not lie, I was anxious about how I would cope. But we are slowly finding our rhythm and perhaps one day in the distant future I’ll even have time to start scheduling posts to Instagram again. For now, this is a random mid week check-in to say, how are you surviving, friends? I’m thinking of you! Wishing you an oasis of calm in the midst of everything, whether it means getting up half an hour earlier than the kids for a morning walk alone, or locking yourself in the bedroom at night with a good book while hubby puts the kids to bed. #doneboth #wewillsurvive 💗
Easter iso style - camping on our land! When so ma Easter iso style - camping on our land!
When so many are feeling hopeless right now, we are thankful for the hope Jesus brings. 💚🧡 Happy Easter, friends!
There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠ There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠
⁠
I've felt led to share some hope and peace with you this week. That doesn't mean you need to put any extra pressure on yourself if you are struggling to tap into peacefulness right now.⁠
⁠
I'm an Enneagram 4, so I am well accustomed to getting trapped inside my own feelings. For the feelers, the weight of the world's problems can sometimes feel intense and overwhelming.⁠
⁠
I was on the beach the other day, praying for a "4" friend who is struggling with this exact thing. And all of a sudden, all of these butterflies started flying from the sand dunes toward the sea, and out over the waves.⁠
⁠
It was a windy day and they were being buffeted around. But I was so intrigued that despite their fragility, they stayed on course, flying directly into that strong wind to get to where they were headed. It started with one, then two, then dozens upon dozens of them. None of them were blown into the water or whipped out of sight. They just flew straight on, above the waves.⁠
⁠
And it made me think of the sensitive souls of this world. Our "butterflies", who bring so much beauty with their creativity, perception, and deep compassion for others. ⁠
⁠
Our butterflies are being extra buffeted right now by the winds of change and pain. That doesn't make them weak. In fact they have within them a surprising strength, to stay the course and to fly above the waves.⁠
⁠
The thing is, you don't have to change who you are to be strong. You don't have to be something you're not. Your sensitivity is not a weakness - it's designed into your DNA by God. With so many people hurting and afraid at the moment, we need your compassion more than ever.⁠
⁠
If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to not be okay. Just trust that even if you feel buffeted by the winds, you are lifted by his grace above the waves, and you will not be drowned.⁠
⁠
And even if you feel like you're flailing around out there, you never know, someone else might just be watching you, admiring your beauty and your grace. 🦋
I was reading a random little story the other day I was reading a random little story the other day from the book of Numbers, in the Bible. ⁠
⁠
A king was scared of the Israelites and so he paid a prophet to curse them. Except every time they tried it, the guy spoke blessings instead. This is what he said:⁠
⁠
"God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king." (Numbers 23:20-21)⁠
⁠
Even the curses of the enemy will be turned into blessings for the people of God. ⁠
⁠
He has given us an inheritance that cannot be shaken. ⁠
⁠
💜 What blessing are you thankful for today? ⁠
⁠
I'm thankful for the leadership of my local church, who continue to minister to peoples' needs both spiritual and physical. Our pastors have their own families and needs, yet they consistently look outward to care for their flock. ⁠
⁠
Let me know yours below! Let's name as many BLESSINGS as we can!⁠
⁠
xo Karen
Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠ ⁠ For famil Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠
⁠
For family and a home and a table to gather around with our loved ones.⁠
⁠
Thank you that when so much else is changing, you remain the same.⁠
⁠
Thank you that you are for us and not against us. That your heart is toward us. That in you is all we need, now and always.⁠
⁠
We pray for those who are lonely and isolated and anxious and unwell. For those whose jobs and livelihoods are lost or threatened. Give us creative ways to reach out with kindness, that we can be salt and light in a dark world. ⁠
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Let kindness for others not feel like a drain on our limited resources, but a natural outflowing of your continuous, abundant supply. ⁠
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Shelves may be bare, but you always have more than enough.⁠
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Every blessing comes from your hand and we are grateful.⁠
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Amen
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind an “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27⁠
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There is truly nothing like God's peace.⁠
⁠
The world can offer mindfulness and yoga and candles and calming diffused oils and self-help. Nothing wrong with any of those things, in fact they can be beautiful tools - I use all of them. ⁠
⁠
But I can say from genuine experience that the peace God gives is not like the peace the world gives. It's on a whole new level. ⁠
⁠
It's the peace that he gives when you're in the middle of a storm and the world is turning to crap all around you and you're at the very end of yourself and self-help has begun feeling like trying to drag yourself from a pit via a rope around your waist that you're tugging on with your own two hands. ⁠
⁠
We can't always lift ourselves out of anxiety or fear. So drop the rope. Stop striving. And ask God for HIS peace. He has an abundant well of supply for you to draw from. ⁠
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Fear is trying to hold tight to control in a situation we can't control. ⁠
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Faith asks us to let go, to repent of our fearfulness and surrender it all to God.⁠
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How do you find this miracle of peace? In the letting go.⁠
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We were never meant to carry this burden anyway. ⁠
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How are you doing today? Let me know how I can pray for you. ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me th I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me that it's time to make a transition. Instead of being a person who looks for support from others in times of stress or uncertainty, he wants me to offer support TO others. ⁠
⁠
I've often felt like I don't quite have it together. I'm sensitive, I feel things deeply, I tend to get trapped in my own head and in negative thought spirals.⁠
⁠
But I felt like he was saying that I have something to offer, anyway. Just because I've always been a person who views myself as needy or weak does not mean God views me that way. He can see the strength that is in all of us and he delights in calling it forth. I love how when Gideon was hiding in fear in a winepress, God's angel greeted him by saying "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."⁠
⁠
He was the furthest thing from a mighty warrior at that point. But God knew the battles he WOULD win in his future. He saw what did not yet exist and spoke about it as if it was already a reality. He saw Gideon's true identity and spoke directly to that buried and hidden place within him.⁠
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So. Maybe all I need is a shift in perspective. From looking inward at my own lack, to looking up at him. HE is the source of any hope and help I can offer. And if he wants me to share that, it would be my privilege to obey.⁠
⁠
So let me know... is there anything you're particularly struggling with right now? If you're feeling anxious or burdened, I would love to support you in prayer. 🙏⁠
⁠
xo Karen
We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but I know many of my American friends are stuck at home right now. Either way - sounds like a good chance to do "one thing for the home."⠀
⠀
If you're feeling anxious, it can really help to get out of your head for a little while and do something practical. We can't control anything in the outside world right now, but we CAN complete one concrete task to make our immediate environment feel calmer and function better. And sometimes just having that one little win is all we need to break us out of a negative thought-spiral and restore some equilibrium. ⠀
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If you're feeling a bit helpless and panicky, I hope this helps. It's one thing you CAN control. And doing something with your hands will give your mind a much-needed break. ⠀
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🌟THIS MONTH'S PRIZE: A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD! 🌟⠀
⠀
Here's a reminder of how to play:⠀
⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun!
I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux or stress my tendency is to withdraw and process. (I’ve learned this is very Enneagram 4 of me.) I also feel major reticence about adding to the current noise. I feel there are enough voices talking loudly all at once about the same thing and you don’t need one more.
So I give you instead a prayer for peace. If you are feeling anxious, let this be your exhale today. 💙
Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... 😉⁠
⁠
What are you up to this weekend, friends?⁠
⁠
xo Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⁠⠀
⁠⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythingandeverythinginitsplace
We are getting closer on the home build front... a We are getting closer on the home build front... after two years of sketching dozens upon dozens of floor layout ideas and ultimately trashing all of them, I finally have a plan I LOVE!! ⁠
⁠
It ended up being a highly collaborative effort between our architect and myself - he came up with a general concept and gave me external parameters to suit the contours of the block, and I then designed the internal layouts to fit. ⁠
⁠
Turns out that is exactly what I needed - some guidelines! Amazing how much better our creativity flourishes within constraints. It was way too open-ended before our architect came on board, and I was flailing around in all that freedom like a tadpole in the ocean. Within a day or two of having a blank footprint to work within, I actually had a decent plan. We've tweaked it a little since then, but it's virtually the same.⁠
⁠
I love it when something you've struggled with for the longest time suddenly just clicks. Has this ever happened for you?⁠
⁠
Now we just need to draft it up properly and then see if we can actually afford to build it. Lol. ⁠
⁠
One step at a time... 😆Celebrating progress today!⁠
⁠
xo Karen⁠
⁠
P.S. Let me know if you'd like to see a sneak peek of our plan in stories!!
So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on f So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on from yesterday's chat! This is just off the top of my head, so please take it with a grain of salt - there is SO MUCH more to each type than what I can sum up in a sentence.⁠
⁠
Here are the 9 types:⁠
⁠
1 - The Moral Perfectionist: self-critical, organised, driven by the desire to make things right and good⁠
2 - The Helper: relationally driven, people focussed, places others' needs ahead of their own⁠
3 - The Achiever: success driven and ambitious, gets things done, image conscious⁠
4 - The Romantic Individualist: creative, driven by the desire for uniqueness, feels things deeply⁠
5 - The Investigative Thinker: introverted and analytical,  detached from emotion⁠
6 - The Loyalist: community minded, a team player, driven by the need for security and anxiety about the future⁠
7 - The Entertaining Optimist: positive, energetic and playful, driven to squeeze as much fun out of life as possible⁠
8 - The Protective Challenger: a natural leader, confrontational, confident and determined⁠
9 - The Peaceful Mediator: conflict-avoidant, gentle and steady, driven to seek inner peace⁠
⁠
I'm a 4 wing 5, married to an 8 wing 7. They do say opposites attract 😆⁠
⁠
Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
ENNEAGRAM⁠ ⁠ Where are my fellow Enneagram fan ENNEAGRAM⁠
⁠
Where are my fellow Enneagram fanatics??!⁠
⁠
I've only recently "discovered" the Enneagram, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a game changer. ⁠
⁠
If you're not familiar with it, it's a personality typing system.  I've always been interested in personality differences and human behaviour - that's probably the novelist in me. But none of the other systems I've come across have resonated with me as deeply as the Enneagram.⁠
⁠
It is so accurate, it's almost uncanny.⁠
⁠
Basically, there are 9 types, representing 9 different ways of looking at the world, each with different motivations, behaviour traits, strengths and flaws.⁠
⁠
I'm an Enneagram 4. That's the "Romantic Individualist". It's an artistic temperament driven by creativity, love of beauty, a desire for uniqueness, introspection, and authenticity.⁠
⁠
I guess it's no surprise that when I had to ask my friends and readers to sum up my strengths for an assignment I was given, the two words that came up most frequently were "creativity" and "honesty".⁠
⁠
Enneagram 4's feel deeply and are very connected to our emotions. We'd  much rather have a meaningful conversation about deep feelings than make small talk about trivial things. ⁠
⁠
Each type can pull a little more to one or other of the numbers beside them, giving a different flavour. I'm a wing 5 (the "Investigative Thinker") which means I tend to be less temperamental/ moody, and more steady, reserved and analytical. ⁠
⁠
I'm also daydreamy, a big-picture thinker, and despise administrative details. My "fatal flaw" (each type has one) is comparison and envy. Ohhhhh yep, that certainly rings true. Because while we want to stand out and be special, which can be prideful, we also struggle hard with insecurity and feeling like we never quite measure up.⁠
⁠
Yes, yes and YES.⁠
⁠
If you haven't done the Enneagram test, do a search online - it's honestly so interesting and self-revealing.⁠
⁠
If you know your type, what number are you? xo
So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I f So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I feel less like a whiner - if I get sick I usually shake it within a couple of days, so I was starting to feel irritated with myself for still being crook after three weeks!⁠
⁠
Anyhow, could be worse, and I do feel like I'm starting to pick up again now. ⁠
⁠
This buffet in our living room holds a changing arrangement of mostly-white vases, with a bit of blue glass and green foliage thrown in for good measure. ⁠
⁠
Are you a chronic re-arranger, or do you prefer to leave things as-is? ⁠
⁠
To be honest, I've always been a "get it exactly how I want it then leave it like that forever" type of girl, but I've been loosening up and playing around more with my décor this past year, and it struck me that my buffet has gone through several style shifts now. I actually like it a little bit better every time I make a change! ⁠
⁠
Hope this new week will be an awesome one for you, friends!⁠
⁠
xo Karen⁠
BLACK vs WHITE⁠ ⁠ Let's talk kitchens! Our hou BLACK vs WHITE⁠
⁠
Let's talk kitchens! Our house build is on my mind, and even though we're only at the plan stage, I'm trying to nail down my ideas in a general creative direction. ⁠
⁠
The last three kitchens I've designed have been all white, with accents of grey. I really want to use black in my next kitchen. I love the drama of it (as we already established, I like a bit of drama. Ha.) I keep veering back and forth between all black, or some combination of black and white. ⁠
⁠
I'm interested to know... what would you choose? My guess is that white-on-white is still gonna be the most popular choice, and black will probably be controversial, but I could be wrong! ⁠
⁠
So let me know - I'm keen to hear your opinion!⁠
⁠
1. All white⁠
2. All black⁠
3. Black + white⁠
⁠
🖤♡🖤♡🖤⁠
Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⠀
⠀
You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⠀
⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⠀
⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⠀
⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⠀
⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⠀
⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⠀
⠀
xo Karen⠀
⠀
P.S. You can decorate, declutter or organise anything you like. No task is too small! Tackle a drawer, a shelf, or a storage tub. Do that niggly little job you've been meaning to get to. Hang that picture. Paint that stool. Sort through the kids clothes. We’ve all got that “one thing” - let us know yours! xo⠀
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#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythinga
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