From an Unused Dining Room to a Useful Home Office
See how an unused dining room became a useful home office, with before-and-after photos and practical ideas for rethinking your own space.
A room can keep its original name long after your needs have changed. In this project, a dining room that wasn’t being used for meals became a much-needed home office.
Before: a room without a useful role
The dining table had become a holding area for mixed household belongings. Books, supplies, and keepsakes shared the surrounding shelves, but the room didn’t offer a clear place to sit down and work.
After: space for everyday work
The finished room has a desk beside the window, an office chair, and a clearer working surface. The bookshelves still hold books and personal collections. The result is a workspace that makes room for both practical needs and the belongings that make the room feel personal.
What this project shows
Organizing starts with how you want to use a space. Before choosing storage or buying more containers, ask: What do I need to do here? What needs to stay within reach? What belongs somewhere else?
A home office doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. The goal is a space that supports your work and fits your life.
Ready to rethink a room?
Explore Home Office Re-Motivation or paper management and filing support. I offer in-person organizing in Huntington Beach and Orange County, with virtual support available.
Book a Free Consultation to discuss your space, priorities, and next steps.
Lazy Susan: Your Kitchen’s Hidden Organization Hero
Most kitchens are designed to look nice, not to stay organized. That’s where I come in. Every person’s relationship with their kitchen is different, and the right setup should complement how you cook, clean, and live.
One of my favorite tools for making any kitchen more functional is the Lazy Susan. With a quick spin, you can see everything you need—simple & clean! These can even outperform pull-out drawers in many cases. No more digging through clutter or forgetting what’s hiding in the back.
They’re perfect for:
Oils and vinegars in the pantry – or with a 2-tier Lazy Susan, you can keep them on the counter and still have it look uncluttered.
Spices you actually use – and easier access to the ones you only need occasionally. Multi-packs often come in 8", 9", 10", and 11", which fit most cabinets—just measure before you buy!
Baking supplies – if you love baking, keeping all the small containers on a Lazy Susan can totally change your baking game.
In the fridge! Yes—especially on those deep shelves. Stop losing the sour cream, salsa, or other items that always end up hiding everything else.
Deep corner cabinets – those “black hole” cabinets no one understands? A large (18–25") Lazy Susan makes them feel customized for you and changes the game.
When your kitchen supports the way you move through it, cleanup is easier, mealtime feels smoother—and you actually want to cook! That’s what I’m all about: helping you create a home that supports your best life.
I’ve pulled together my top Lazy Susan picks (and other kitchen tools I recommend to clients) here:
👉 simplecleanwithlaurajean.com/kitchen-pantry-tools
Most kitchens are designed to look nice, not to stay organized. That’s where I come in. Every person’s relationship with their kitchen is different, and the right setup should complement how you cook, clean, and live. One of my favorite tools for making that happen is the Lazy Susan: your kitchen’s hidden organization hero.
With a quick spin, you can see everything you need—simple & clean! Lazy Susans can even outperform pull-out drawers in many cases. No more digging through clutter or forgetting what’s hiding in the back.
They’re perfect for:
Oils and vinegars in the pantry – or with a 2-tier Lazy Susan, you can keep them on the counter and still have it look uncluttered.
Spices you actually use – and easier access to the ones you only need occasionally. Multi-packs often come in 8", 9", 10", and 11", which fit most cabinets—just measure before you buy!
Baking supplies – if you love baking, keeping all the small containers on a Lazy Susan can totally change your baking game.
In the fridge! Yes—especially on those deep shelves. Stop losing the sour cream, salsa, or other items that always end up hiding everything else.
Deep corner cabinets – those “black hole” cabinets no one understands? A large (18–25") Lazy Susan makes them feel customized for you and changes the game.
When your kitchen supports the way you move through it, cleanup is easier, mealtime feels smoother—and you actually want to cook! That’s what I’m all about: helping you create a home that supports your best life.
I’ve pulled together my top Lazy Susan picks (and other kitchen tools I recommend to clients) here:
👉 simplecleanwithlaurajean.com/kitchen-pantry-tools
