September 4, 2014

home office makeover - before and after reveal

The time has come. I can put it off no longer. I cleaned off my desk, took some pictures and had a few G&T's because the office is done people! Let's rip the curtain off this sucker.


The goal was to turn a corner of my unfinished basement into an office that I wouldn't mind spending a few hours a day in using ONLY things I already had. How did I do?

pink desk, home office, basement office

Remember, this space has some pretty humble beginnings. I needed an office space, I live in a small house, and this was the best unused corner available. Cue the before and after pictures.


Everything was hosed down and then covered with bright white paint on the walls and ceiling. The floors were painted Bermuda Turquoise (Benjamin Moore) and gave a great base of color. To be honest, I could have just left it with the new paint and been thrilled. But you know I can't leave well enough alone.


The metal desk was a hand me down from my dad's old office (aka FREE). I sprayed it down with hot pink spray paint and stuck that beauty right in the middle of the room. The perfect spot for my lovely lady lamps, which are the only thing that I bought specifically for the office.


The chair is one of those, 'I have nowhere for it but I really like it' purchases last fall. I believe it was $15. It was stained the most horrible shade of yuck so I stripped it off with the intent to paint it. But I like the unfinished wood and it brings some nice warmth into the space. So it stayed. Underneath the desk is an old dhurrie rug I got several years back at an annual thrift sale for $2.


Remember Elmer? I found him at an estate sale in a few dozen pieces. Well he is all fixed and standing watch under my desk. He's my trusty butler who holds my drinks so they stay off of the desk and away from the computer. (I've been known to spill things.)


When the overhead pendant didn't end up working out, I decided to leave the ceiling alone and go with lamps instead. However, I did add a swing arm library sconce over the inspiration board. I'd gotten it several months back at Home Depot with the intent of putting it upstairs but never got around to it. I'm sensing a 'putting off projects pays off' theme here.

The inspiration board serves a great purpose as...inspiration. (duh) But, it also solved the issue of having a vast white wall behind me and not being able to use a single nail (nails in my foundation don't sound like a good idea to me) as well as falling into that whole already owned theme.  I mimicked the shape of the bamboo mirror to create the shape of the board with gold glittery tape. Because if you have a hot pink desk and lady lamps, you need gold glitter somewhere.


I didn't fill it up all the way as I think that is something that should happen over time but it was a fun experience that took me back to my Teen Beat days for sure. And although Johnny Depp circa 21 Jumpstreet didn't make it onto the wall, I did pay homage to my never ending love for Moonlighting with my handmade art from way back when. Oh Bruce, you were so funny back then.

And on that note, let's move on.


Before...




After.

The paint and whatever other crap was under the stairs was removed and I put in some of the metal storage shelves we have for a bit of, well, storage. Now all my fabrics are in one place and I've got a whiteboard to keep me organized (in theory). And I'm going to have to remove all those pillows because the hubs came in and said "you have too many pillows" which just isn't true at all. What does he know.


The other rack of metal shelves (we got a few sets of these a long while back at Costco) now stores books, magazines etc.


The mirror was a CL purchase a while back thanks to my friend Charmaine who posted the mirror when she did a St Louis search. Yet another purchase I had no spot for when I bought it that has come in handy now. It was also another piece I had originally planned to paint but once I got it into the room decided I loved it as is.


On the other side of the room, the new window is a tie for 'best decision ever' with the paint for this space. That window has made a huge difference and it even opens and has a screen. Super fancy. I have it open a lot and get a nice breeze and a breath of fresh air. I'm in the basement, so any fresh air is welcome.


The curtains are leftover ticking fabric. Fabric hoarding to the rescue. The bamboo frame was a score at the estate sale trifecta.




Next to the window is the old wicker demilune table that you all helped me with. I went black and I love it. The armchair also came from the estate sale trifecta, I just removed her slipcover. The cushions need recovered at some point, but until then, a little fabric does the trick. The mats are from an Indie Mats warehouse sale last winter and they are a great solution for walls that can't take nails.




Pictures are a challenge in this room because as that sun moves at a rapid pace, so does my light. But on non picture taking days that is one of my favorite things about the space, there is always light moving thru this room so I can spend a lot of the day without lights on. A true surprise in a basement. Anyone else feel like sining This Little Light of Mine with me?


So there she blows. And I have pictures to prove that at one time, this room was clean.

Have you ever made a 'room' out of corner before? Do you keep a stock of items on hand for those 'just in case' times? You should. I'll testify that it is worth it.


59 comments:

  1. I am in love and have office envy, for sure! I can't believe it is the same space. What a painting ordeal, and I remember how hard you worked on that chair. Great job! No excuse not to get any work done, now?

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  2. Job well done sister, now get to work!

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  3. Those lamps are fabulous! You did such a great job!

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  4. Oh I love it, love it, love it!!! Completely blown away on how you pulled it off using what you had. It's so good. As is that picture of you and Bruce ;)

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  5. Looks fabulous and useful. It appears that your electrical outlet is behind your desk. Any tips for how you manage your cords for your computer and lamps? Great idea to use your elephant for drinks, etc. You must be very happy with how your office space has turned out!

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  6. Fabulous! Oh my gosh, what a change!
    Love that red desk!
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  7. YAY! it looks fabulous! and i love that the wicker table is black! :) LOVE it, elizabeth- the inspiration board is one of my favorite elements!

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  8. There are so many amazing things happening in this space! What an inspiring place to work! I love the shelving and storage solutions. I also love a pair of fun lamps on a desk. Love the color, too! Great job girl!!

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  9. LOVE IT! Great job. Those lamps are beautiful.

    www.designsbykaty.com

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  10. This is an amazing makeover! I am still so in love with the hot pink desk, and the entire space is really happy now! You will get lots of work done in this area (do you need an assistant? I'm available, haha)

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  11. I bet it is so nice to have this space to work in! That mirror is AWESOME! XOXO

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  12. Awesome! I'm stuck on the number of crazy bargains represented here ($2 rug?!). Love the lamps, love the chair, and of course the black wicker table. :) Great job!!

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  13. You did an amazing job!! Love everything and that chair is amaze balls! Love the personal touches too:-)

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  14. I'd be ecstatic to have this space!! Seriously love that you achieved a charming office space working with what you had. Can I bring over G&Ts so we can gab about Johnny Depp, uh I mean work.

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  15. You rocked this! I love every detail and your explanation for things. So fab!

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  16. You did awesome my friend! It has so many elements that are so you! I love the tape inspiration wall and all that fabulous organization. On another note please tell me how to strip something- I have a project in mind!

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  17. Wow! Really, really amazing job--especially considering you used only things that you already had! Love! Really cool. Really well-done. :)

    http://www.thesparklylife.com

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  18. Very well done kid!! I'm inspired to paint my floor...

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  19. Oh my Elizabeth - I adore you and your decorating self. Seriously. I love whatcha do. The fact that you turned an unfinished part of your basement into a room that is lovely and fresh is astonishing to me. I am seriously ditching all projects that are in the queue round here and painting the unfinished part of my basement pronto. You are so inspiring not only with how you gave that space life and beauty, but purchased almost nothing besides paint! *my hero*

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  20. PS love it all but the full length curtains on basement windows is my favorite part. Who says those little windows can't be fabulous? Love love love.

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  21. so cute!! Good job and I'm sure you glad to have an office space all to yourself!

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  22. Love the space. That is the best $2 rug ever!

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  23. What a fabulous (and inexpensive) transformation!

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  24. What a great transformation! Love the table, lamps, pillows, mirror and the storage area! You did a wonderful job.

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  25. Wow, what a fabulous use of the space!!!
    MC carried home from Viet Nam 2 of those "Elmers", back in the late 60's. They are now in a container ship on their way back to the States. Our son had them in Asia for years and he's now moving to TN, so they will also. Wonder how many pieces they are in??We were able to find 4 more in mostly white from old neighbors at our last house. Love them!!!! I have one in our walk-in shower!!!! Better than garden stools!!!

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  26. Very cute and full of personality!! You can tell a lot of TLC went into that space - great job!! I particularly like how you incorporated the silver racks - so functional and look so nice with all your fabrics and pillows!!

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  27. so amaze! What a fun and inspiring nook!!!!

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  28. So awesome to have your own space and amazing that you were able to make such a transformation using only things that you already had. Hoarders unite!

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  29. Yeay!! It looks so, so great! Love it! Those lamps really are sensational! and I love the desk. Congrats!! Now you can be even more inspired!

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  30. That space looks great! It really came together - and looks like a totally comfortable & functional office space. Great work!

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  31. Woop woop. I have always said, hoarding has it's privileges. The mister never falls for it either but I see that you are reaping membership benefits. Also, tell your mister, no such thing as too many pillows. Happy TG&TF.

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  32. Lovely! How did you hang the large mirror and the frames?

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    1. The mirror is on the only little piece of drywall I have down there (luckily the stairs are on the other side of that wall). As for the frames, all of the indie mats are on removable stickers that come with the mats. The old frame under the window is hung with a 3M command strip. ;)

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  33. I love your office!!!!! It never ceases to amaze me what a difference white paint can make! Especially paired with you talented eye at finding the most beautiful things! Love it!

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  34. Looks amazing - I love a good transformation. You're Great at it!

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  35. Elizabeth those lamps are so stunning! What an amazing transformation. Must feel nice to work down there, and have a dedicated space all to yourself. Especially loving the hot pink desk!!

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  36. I spy with my little eye the lumbar pillow you bought from my Etsy shop! I consider that a MASSIVE honor to be in such a cheery, resourcefully-decorated space.

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  37. Oooh what a transformation! I am so in love with the hot pink desk & lady lamps - sexy, classy, feminine and fab! So glad you went black with the little wicker table - every room needs a bit of black, right? Love that bamboo mirror as well, it's perfectly fab! Well done on your work and I'm in awe of how much gorgeous stuff you have that wasn't be used - if you are hoarding any other fabulous finds, I'll be right over to take those off your hands ;) xxx

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  38. Love it Elizabeth! So you, lovin' the eclectic feel of everything! Enjoy!

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  39. Awesome job! Love it all. What is the name of the red fabric on the pillow on the chair with the zebras on it? I am obsessed with it!:)

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  40. Love it! Great job. May I ask where you purchased the red pillows that are on the chairs? So cute!

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  41. It looks so nice now and I can't believe you found the rug for $2. Nice score!

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  42. Real decorating at its best! Love your style with everything you do! Your office is awesome!

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  43. Elizabeth, I absolutely love this space. It is so lovely, and resourceful and glamorous and real. I am just planning to create my own office space out of a corner of my living room (for now) and you've given me some great inspiration to get on it. Beautiful job!

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  44. This is SO good my friend!! I love that it doesn't feel/look like a basement at all, and can we talk about your thrifting addiction, amazing scores, I love the chair and mirror!! Thanks for the basement inspiration, I have a new outlook on my ugly area!

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  45. Great job! How bright and fresh and all yours! Love your space and all the inspiration around it.That ceiling painted white is amazing. I am rethinking my basement! Love how is just blanks out the old look. xo Nancy

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  46. I can't believe the before and after. It's so good!!!!

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  47. This is a very happy place for sure!

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  48. What a beautiful space you created! I love how you used things that you already owned, as well as all of the bright, happy colors you used! I adore your painted desk and floor!! - Anna (www.annaeleeinteriordesign.com)

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  49. What a fabulous makeover! I love the design of your board behind your desk. And the desk- that color is so fun! Fantastic job.

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  50. What a transformation! I adore that pink desk. So fun, so punchy!

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  51. Dayum gurl. You got busy and got it done. I look at my office.....slash.....laundry room and really really want to give it a little makeover and then I turn on an episode of Real Housewives and that idea disappears. It's obvious you have more energy and "sticktoitness" than I do. It's a swell space and I could get some work done there!!!

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  52. SUCH a great space!!! All that room and happy feel. I love it.

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  53. WOWWWWW!! Elizabeth, I adore what you've done! You have to be so happy working in this space!!

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  54. Warehouse ceiling paint matters. Opt for durability and safety. Make a wise choice for excellent outcomes.

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  55. Your home office color palette is fantastic! It looks to be both enjoyable and productive. Could you explain why you chose those particular colors? Your opinion would be great as I consider revamping.
    HomeOfficeCornerDesks

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