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This year I wanted to give some behind-the-scenes of this blog. And while photo shoots still happen on the kitchen floor, coffee table, or other random places where the lighting is best, this is where I do most of this blog work. Welcome to our Home Office/Craft Room!
We've been in our house almost a year, so it's about time I finished getting our office and craft room organized, right? I also have plans for kitchen island polishing, but we first need to check the overall cost of a kitchen remodel and then decide to proceed or not. Anyway, the home office has been such a fun, but long project. I'm glad to have it finally "done". If you don't have enough space in your home for an office, you may consider building a detached office using a shipping container and visit sites like https://bmarkostructures.com/shipping-container-offices/ to help you customize the space.
My husband loves it and says he feels like he is walking into NYC. And hey, if I can get a compliment like that from him (one who usually doesn't comment on decor), I'm super happy. For more decor options and to see what else might suit your space you can check out these ideas here.
Our inspiration started with a filing cabinet I found for $10 at a thrift store. I painted it white clear back in January. Slowly we found a used corner desk from IKEA and all the rest just evolved. And ended up fitting perfectly in our narrow room. After a fresh new coat of pure white paint, we could finally get this room to a workable, practical space. Then the real fun began...decorating!
I pulled most of the decor from things I already had at home and found the rest at thrift sales or yard sales. I didn't have a lot of $$ to work with, but it made it more fun that way because it forced me to get creative.
This room doubles as a home office for my husband and as a craft room/studio for me. So I wanted to make it a place that was sophisticated and separate enough for an IT guy (hence all the monitors!), but also practical for me and my never-ending list of projects. Moreover, I wanted to optimize space to incorporate our gadgets and other work necessities. While setting up the computer system, some people may have to hire a home computer repair professional, but my husband knows it all (or pretends to!!!). Anyway, I considered everything before coming up with the design, so that we both can have some personal space while working. That's why I may need to add basic office elements that will assist me in working to my full potential. Among all additions, an air conditioner is often the highest preference, for which I may need to visit the website of an HVAC company (such as https://fsioilandpropane.com/) for booking an air conditioner installation service for my room.
Though each of us used the room for different reasons, there were some common pieces of equipment we both used. As an example, the chair and table (perhaps sourced from officemonster.co.uk/office-furniture) are shared by both of us. Hence, they were purchased keeping in mind both of our needs.
I also tried to keep everything that was used often as accessible as possible, while still keeping a clean, simple look.
I spruced up these cheap IKEA paper boxes with some electrical tape. They store photos, cards, party supplies, and holiday party stuff in them. The printer and other random office stuff is stored in the closet. It's not pretty, but that's exactly the point. Everyone has a space like that, right?
I stole the idea to use a $3 Target curtain rod to hang all my tape and bakers twine from Melissa of DesignEatRepeat . It not only adds pops of color, but is very useful.
The wall decor includes photos from our favorite trips (Europe and the San Juan Islands), plus some favorite quotes, our BYU diplomas, and family photos. Since we spend a lot of time in this room, we wanted it to be an uplifting place.
This a vintage camera from my dad's mission that he gave me and that back-2-school cross-stitch is something my mom made . I love having decor that actually means something in this room. They are my heroes. The large M was found at a yard sale.
Someday, I would love an office chair like this instead , but my $5 used one works pretty well right now. I had to be frugal, ya know?
Well, that's it. Now on to my baby girl's nursery...only a year late. I'm hoping to get all these projects done before the holidays hit!
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Jana Weaver says
What a fun space!
Mel says
Thanks Jana! It is is a fun space.
Joyce Katz says
https://sofestive.com/2014/08/19/home-office-craft-room-budget/
Home Office & Craft Room on a Budget
What size room was yours?
Marcelle says
Wow what a transformation!! I was expecting to see a yellow filing cabinet (maybe that's what was in my head...) I love how you jazzed up the IKEA boxes-so so fun! And we have no idea where our diplomas are...probably in a box, yikes! A Perfect space for the two of you and love how bright it is. Hurray for finishing the room!
Liv says
I think hanging your washi tape like that is so perfect. It's accessible and cute. My office/guest room just flooded, but I've been looking forward to finishing it since we bought our house last year. Now I get to do it all over again... good and bad I guess. I hope it doesn't take another year to finish it.
Mel says
I hope you share your space when you are done with it, Liv!
Emily @ Small Stuff Counts says
Wow! This looks amazing. I love the clean white, sophisticated feel of the room. It looks very modern and stylish, but still functional at the same time. Great inspiration and reminder that even the most boring beige little room can be transformed into something beautiful and functional.
Lacey says
Hi, I love that little plant -- it's the perfect pop of green without being too much for the space. I'm looking for something similar for our workspace/desktop. What kind is it? Love the little silver bucket/planter, too!
Jessica says
hi!!! I loved this!
My boyfriend will start working from home, so this layout is beyond perfect!
Where did you get the desks from?
Sharon E Rutherford says
I am VERY upset... why??? No longer with IKEA Linnmon corner desk top... that's my goal like yours and mine goal is have like that your room with middle of printer with long IKEA Alex drawer... so I can use one desk for computer and one desk for hobbies (diamond painting and others) IKEA Alex will be fit with alot of 40cmx30cm canvas... but one thing WHERE can i get IKEA Linnmon corner desk top??? I look at Facebook Marketplace but any others recommand to find it?
Thanks!!
melissa says
Thats super frustrating that they don't sell it anymore! I'd keep checking for used ones. Maybe they'll come out with a similar item.