This past weekend, Ben and I took advantage of the final days of the Elfa sale at the Container Store to make a plan for our office closet. And then we spent 4 hours going through everything that we had previously piled into that closet. So, that was fun.
Once we got things sorted, it was pretty exciting to start seeing the space becoming more organized and useful, and of course it inspired me to think about what this room will feel like once it’s completely finished. Since it’s still jumbled with our very random assortment of things, I’ll spare you that image and share how it looked when we first moved in:
And to be honest, it still looks exactly like that. Except with junk everywhere. The bird mural is the last vestige of the original yellow paint that covered pretty much every wall in this house when we moved in. The plan is to paint this office the same high-maintenance color (Sherwin Williams Silverplate at 70%) as the other bedrooms, but before we paint we have to sand down the mural, and we just haven’t pumped ourselves up to do that yet. But when we do:
We already have the major pieces: the adjustable height desk and the bookshelves. Since there’s going to be a lot going on in this room, we kept these large pieces white to make sure the room still felt light, and not overstuffed. This desk is nice and big, so we can sit facing each other with plenty of room for our computers in between. While the room will be primarily neutrals, there will be lots of color via books and storage containers. (Blue File Boxes/Green Cubes)
But it’s not a true Jenjamin project unless we’re taking on a lot of DIY, so here’s the plan:
We’ll replace the old, dated fan with this sleek modern version. It’s the same one we used in the guest bedroom, and (PUN!) we’re big fans of it.
We’ll build pelmet boxes for both the windows, using this fun watercolor fabric to bring in a little pattern.
I’d like to have several different patterns in this space, but keep them all in the blue family, and vary the scale so that it all flows together nicely. I love Jen’s buffalo check pinboard, and would like to do a large version on the wall behind my desk. I currently have a few posters taped up and a much smaller cork board, so a huge board will be stylish and helpful here.
Just like everyone else, I’m into the felt message boards that are so popular. There are some great versions for sale, but I’ll likely make my own in a dark grey felt. I think this may end up going in the hallway, finally taking place of the great failed magnetic frame. But this is directly adjacent to the office, and the door is always open, so I feel like it all goes together.
The office also functions as our music room, so I’ll be building a simple console for my keyboard, and a flip-top bench for our music books. I’d love to incorporate a dark shibori print on the bench upholstery, and finish the bench in white so it mostly fades away.
For extra lighting, a fun geometric table lamp at the desk, and a cool adjustable arm floor lamp by the keyboard, both in white, will keep things (PUN!) nice and light.
I had originally thought to layer a hide rug over a nicely geometric sisal, but the idea of rolling chair wheels constantly moving over a pricey rug just didn’t seem like a good idea. I think we’ll stick to the hardy sisal, but maybe add a small shag under my part of the desk for when I’m standing.
We’re installing the Efla system this week, and we’ll be taking an old desk to the Habitat for Humanity Restore, which will free up a ton of space in this room. I think once we’ve done that, the ball will start rolling on the painting and projects. Sorry Ben! 🙂
