Evolution of My Home Office - Part 3

Here we are at Part 3 of the Evolution of My Home Office!  In part 1, you saw my office in very raw form shortly after we moved and in part 2 you witnessed me going a bit crazy with a can of gold spray paint.  Since then, I've purchased a "meeting table" and chairs, reupholstered seat cushions and a lampshade, hung curtains, refurbished an old bulletin board, and painted my desk a high gloss black!  Here is the final look:

The idea to cover the lampshade came after last month's post about burlap.  It was so simple, easy, and cheap! I'm very happy with the results.  Click here for instructions on how to revamp your old lampshade.

 

 If you have the option, I recommend positioning your desk in front of your window.  Taking in a view from the outdoors is much more enjoyable than looking at a wall. If you are a nosy neighbor like I am, this is the place to be!

 

 

If you like these ideas, you may want to read my previous post: 7 Steps to Styling Your Bookcase Like A Pro.

Here are the above-mentioned reupholstered seat cushions.  Originally covered in a cream microfiber, the chair had the shape I desired, but it desperately needed a punch of color.  I purchased a yard of the Saralisa fabric from Ikea for $8.99, cocked and loaded my staple gun, and went to work on every chair in my office that had a cushion.  Click here to see how.

 

I am finally at point where I feel comfortable with the look and feel of my new office.  There are just couple of items on my list, such as purchasing a new office chair and perhaps creating a gallery wall opposite my desk. In the Spring, I will paint, switch out the curtains, and reupholster the seat cushions. Aside from these things, it's on to Ava's room.  SIDE NOTE:  I can't wait to show you the piece I scored on Craigslist! It's going to be adorable when I'm done!

So what do you think of the new office space?

Evolution of My Home Office - Part 2

Here's a quick update on the evolution of my home office. If you missed part 1, click here to get caught up. I spent the better part of my Sunday afternoon spray painting like a mad woman. Prayerfully, the fumes didn't fry too many of my brain cells in the process. I'll explain in a minute...

My first priority was to take inventory of items I currently own and figure out how I could work them into the design plan. First up, an outdated lamp that previously belonged to my grandmother. I'm sure in its "hay-day" it was a fashionable piece. Without some sort of makeover, she (the lamp) and I surely could not coexist.

I picked up a can of Rustoleum Professional Grade paint in Safety Red from Lowes along with a trigger attachment and gave the old gal an extreme makeover. I also used Wipe-On Poly when the paint dried to add a high gloss.


I'm currently shopping for a new shade. I really love the clover shade on this lamp.

Candidate #2 was an Eiffel Tower lamp I purchased years ago from a consignment shop. I'd just returned from my first trip to Paris and was enamored by all things Parisian! The lamp was silver, but like Granny's lamp it had a date with destiny. I spray painted it with Valspar Metallic Gold paint and gave it a new home on top of my bookcase.


Armed with gold paint in hand, I gave this letter tray from the Ikea Dokument series the solid gold treatment.

...then glammed up these magazine files with more gold spray paint.


By now, with my affection for turning everything into gold, my husband began calling me "Queen Midas." To his good fortune, I ran out of paint.

I then wrapped a couple of mini paint cans with pretty paper I purchased from JoAnn's.
The only items I've purchased so far are these Merete curtain panels from Ikea and a curtain rod from Target. With the curtains hung high and wide on the picture window, it now brings attention to the ugly mini-blinds purchased by the previous owners.


I contemplated purchasing a new desk, but my current desk is both functional and very sturdy. Maybe a coat of paint in a high gloss black will do the trick!

Feeling like buying a can of spray paint now? Why not? It's the perfect time for outdoor DIY projects. What's on your "to-paint list?"

Evolution of My Home Office - Part I

It's been a long time coming, but I finally have a dedicated space to call my own! Previously, I've operated my business from the corner of a 525 sq.ft. condo, to the junk room sunroom of our previous home, and now from the "study" of our current home. It's been almost 3 months since we've been here and I have yet to hang one picture on the wall. I've got to get started especially since a few clients have already come to the house for meetings. My space is a total embarrassment.


The space is quite generous measuring at 15 x 10. The ceilings are about a story and a half. I'm playing with the idea of painting or wallpapering accent walls, but can't seem to make up my mind.

There is so much wall space that I could do just about anything: hang a framed bulletin board, stencil a inspirational quote, or design an art installation.

My husband has claimed this chaise lounge for his domain once we finish the basement. Until then, it remains here and is the perfect spot for taking a power nap or reading with the kids. It looks a bit shabby in this photo, but is actually in good shape.


The only thing I think I am committed to in this room is this mirror. It belonged to my Grandparents and I just love the detail and its scale. I'm open to spray painting it. Do you have any suggestions on what color?
I know my office design will not be completed overnight. Patience is a must. Please know that I am open for suggestions as well. Journey with me through the process, let's learn from each other, and delight in the final reveal! Any thoughts so far?