Many readers asked to see photos of my small corner office in the den (our informal living room), so here’s an updated look. Before we finished the main office/guest room/playroom, this corner served as my full-time workspace. Back then it held a bulky printer, a few file boxes and my laptop. It was functional but cluttered:

We kept the desk because it works perfectly for casual weekend tasks like letter writing, shopping, or light web browsing when we don’t want to retreat to the main office. It also makes a natural spot for Clara to draw and do homework while we cook or hang out nearby, since it’s part of the living area rather than a closed-off room. After a few small changes the corner now feels lighter and more purposeful.

Visually, the space isn’t dramatically different from my former full-time office—except that we removed the phone and the old printer after switching to a wireless model in our dedicated home office, and we cleared away most of the file boxes and other bulky office supplies. Those small edits immediately made the desk feel more like a relaxed, everyday station instead of a full-time workspace.

We also swapped the botanical print for a new piece featuring a coral leaf. I liked the palm print, but the new artwork reads fresher and adds a nice pop of color to the corner. Little, inexpensive swaps like artwork can refresh a small space without a major overhaul.

The old desk lamp moved into the main office, and our favorite gourd lamp now sits on the desk. It used to live on a side table when this area functioned primarily as a guest room. We love making do with what we already own—rearranging furniture and accessories from room to room can feel like a mini makeover and is very budget-friendly.

The gourd lamp is large, but its oversized silhouette creates balance in the den because it matches the height and general shape of the floor lamp across the room. More importantly, the soft, creamy light it casts warms that corner beautifully. We often switch it on in the evenings while we watch TV, and the cozy glow makes the whole living area feel inviting and relaxed. The after photos were taken with our newer camera, which also helps capture the corner’s ambiance more accurately.

In short, our small full-time office became a convenient, part-time casual desk that fits the lifestyle of our open den. It’s now a multipurpose spot for writing cards, quick laptop sessions, household planning, and kid art or homework. Do you have a desk in your living area that pulls double duty for family tasks, creative work or correspondence? It’s one of the most practical ways to keep connected while staying in the heart of the home.

On a personal note, you might have noticed a gold-and-white leather-bound notebook in the foreground of the photos. I picked it up on clearance from Anthropologie and have been using it as a gratitude journal for two years. It may sound corny, but jotting down a few things I’m thankful for each day helps me stay mindful and appreciative of both small pleasures and the bigger comforts in life. I couldn’t keep a daily diary, but a short gratitude list is simple, quick, and meaningful—highly recommend trying it if you want an easy way to boost appreciation and positivity.

Psst — if you want to see more of the den, check the update about our new rug for a broader view of how this corner fits into the whole room.