May 14, 2014

home office makeover - the beginning

We use every inch of our house and that is how I want it to be (I've talked about that here). Occasionally though, it does result in some creative thinking when it comes to carving out a new space in our little cottage.

Case in point - I need an office. I've worked from home for almost a decade now and originally I had a huge office. Then Amelia and Eve came along and over time my whole office was eaten up to make room for a family room/play room. So for the past few years, I've been a nomadic worker. Thanks to my laptop I could work at the dining room table, on the couch in the family room, outside on the deck, even in bed (shh, I know that's 'bad for you').  But a nomadic office leads to traveling office papers in every corner of the house. Things were getting lost, and colored on.

Then several weeks ago my computer went to the big help desk in the sky and I got myself a shiny new desktop. "Uh, Elizabeth, that was kind of a foolish decision - you can't carry a desktop around the house with you." I know, but it was like when you buy jeans a size smaller to encourage you to loose weight. That desktop was the push I needed to get started on the office I've been meaning to tackle for a long, long time.

There is a spot in what we call 'the basement basement' (aka - the unfinished portion of the basement) that makes for a natural office. It gets great light in the afternoon, has a closet and is screaming make me over.

So because we are friends, I'm going to take you into 'the basement basement', a space houses guests are never allowed, in order to show you the frightful before.





Totally screams office, don't you think? Me too.

So the plan is to spruce this space up and create a space that I will want to get, well, creative in. And if that wasn't exciting enough the plan is to use only what I have in my stash. This is partly due to the fact that I have a million and one estate sale purchases that need to be put to good use and partly because I don't want to spend big money down here.

Goals for the space:
- brighten it up
- fix and paint the floors
- do something with the exposed ceiling
- replace the window to let in even more light
- girly this place up to create a happy, adult work space
- add more light
- use what you HAVE
- get organized girl!

How long will this take? Good question. I'm guessing as long as it takes me to get annoyed with having a desktop at the creative station of the family room.

What do you think? Can I create something I'll want to spend any time in without spending the earth? Ever feel like showing your 'family only' space is a bit like posting a picture of your underwear drawer on Facebook?

29 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see how this unfolds! I love your designs!

    ReplyDelete
  2. we have a space like that but it's 10 times worse...... maybe you will inspire me! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh this is going to be good. Can't wait! By the way I have bought jeans a size smaller many many times and never learn and it has never worked either ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I see nothing but potential here! I would say this is an 8-12 week project but because it's summer and no school for the kids it might take a bit longer. But knowing you you'll be pulling out reveal shots left and right before I even empty my dryer.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This will be a great space for an office! And honestly, when I had a basement, it looked much, much worse. This will be cake.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Is it odd that I am super jealous of this project?? This space looks like it has so much potential and I cant wait to see what you do with it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. love that you're going to paint the floors!! Can't wait to see what you do - it will be fabulous! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. This will be good - I'm sure of it! Especially since you'll be incorporating all of your great vintage finds. Looking forward to following along!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is an awesome space, I cannot wait to see how it turns out, I am sure it's going to be amazing!!! I just started working from home too and am working on sprucing up a little space to be my designated "office".

    Xo-L
    simplylowcountry.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. It will be perfect for an office, such a great space, and how lucky that it gets great light! It will be the envy of all of us that have basement basements! We have a beverage fridge in ours and my husband has taken people down there to let them choose what they want.' I about knock them down the stairs racing to bring up a selection before they get a glimpse!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have a fun, great project to tackle. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are so lucky that you have a space like that! In California, it's called a garage! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ooooo...I cannot WAIT to see what you do with this space!! I know you love a good challenge, so I have no doubt you'll knock this one out of the park :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. oh wao!! This will be fabulous! love it! it's so big!! There are so many things you can do here. It's like your own little ORC!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have NO DOUBT how fabulous you can make this space into - wether be it an office or a bedroom, knowing your talent Elizabeth, I just cant help but get excited seeing your progress, no matter how long it'll take! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I can't wait to see what you do with this. I'm sure it will be amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Can't wait to see what you do with it!! Next time I'm in STL, I want to tour your house, my friend:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. You can totally transform this space. I have total faith! Haha! Can't wait to see what it ends up looking like!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Elizabeth, I think you have a problem. Only design addicts cannot be satisfied with a six week One Room Challenge. The first step is admitting that you have a problem. We are here to help.

    LOL! Can't wait to see this!

    ReplyDelete
  20. i am in the process of doing the same thing! and by "in the process of" i mean i have a table top on saw horses and a torn rug… but a computer! can't wait to see what you come up with! maybe it will inspire me to get moving...

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh dang girl, that looks like an intimidating project. One that will be so worth it in the end. I know you will love it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. How exciting!! I cannot wait to watch you transform this space! I know it will be absolute perfection!

    XOXO,
    The Glam Pad

    ReplyDelete
  23. If anyone can do it, you can! I totally believe in the potential here--are you thinking painted concrete floors? What are you planning for the ceiling? Oooooh, I can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Exciting! Replacing the window sounds the most expensive. :) If it were me, I would just have someone spray the ceiling white. Or a fun color could be interesting. I think an office of a designer should shout their style and not be too serious. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lol! I love the name - basement basement. If anyone can pull it off, you can. I think the window will make all the difference in the world with it being a true useable space. And, I'm ubber excited to see how you'll be using only what you have.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I can't wait to see it finished, I'd rather show my underwear drawer than some parts of my house. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love the "basement basement" designation. Ha! And I so look forward to seeing how you transform the space. I'm jealous. We have a basement but it gets no natural light AND water gets in when it rains hard....

    ReplyDelete
  28. I know I'm so behind on your blog so very late to the party here but YAY!! Can't wait to see what you do and considering I just revealed our own 'befores' of our soon to be office, I'm feeling a sort of camaraderie here for ugly places in our home. ;) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  29. How are things going, in terms of your achieving your goals for this space? It seems you’re faring well with the renovation. Is it done now? I guess you could take all the time you need, since you’ll be working in an office inside your own home. Good luck!

    Hubert Cole @ Pear Workplace Solutions

    ReplyDelete

I love it when you sweet talk me! It makes my day!
And please make sure you leave an email address so we can keep the convo going.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
09 10 11 12
Blogging tips