Goodness, I’m so happy with my little corner of our shared office space! Yesterday, I put it all together and except for a piece of that plastic stuff to put under the chair (it doesn’t roll around easily on the carpet) and a bulletin/pin board, I’m open for business.
The days have been dreary and cloudy, so I did the best I could with my picture-taking.
Let’s take a little tour:
It’s the classic work triangle. I pictured this in my mind for several months and it’s all come to life beautifully. The desk is the Malm from IKEA. You can place the drawers on the left or the right. I chose the left because I knew I would be moving back and forth between the desk and the work table. The desk has a very large work surface, which was number one on my list of requirements. I do a lot of research when I’m coaching which involves a lot of books and paper and I need space for it all. Part of the impetus for this space was the fact that I was so sick of trying to do that work within the confines of the kitchen table. It was incredibly frustrating.
The chair is also from IKEA – the Lillhöjden in a gray check. How could I resist those ties on the back?
The pink cabinet moved from the hallway into the new space. The girls maintained their perch on the top of the cabinet.
My birdie wall pockets are hanging on the side of the cabinet.
Framed program from the Broadway production of “Claudia” circa the Forties. Shelf unit full of miniature pottery. Lots of supplies stashed against the wall.
The wicker flower basket holds wood trims for mini making.
The vintage pink glove box was a birthday gift from Don. He thought it would be a neat bit of storage. It is.
The pottery holding pens and pencils was a gift from my friend Tina. The framed Friends motto was a gift from Lori, my friend who owns Vignettes in San Diego. And you recognize the Roseville piece, right? It’s the one that arrived in pieces and has been glued back together.
The other side of the chair.
The desk lamp is Ranarp from IKEA. I have the white version on the table by my chair in the den. It’s a great utility lamp and provides a lot of light.
Yes, we have sloping ceilings upstairs – in both rooms. So we have to work around them and every piece of furniture has to be measured within an inch of its life.
The other side of the triangle. This is the sewing machine table that was formerly in the niche in the hallway. When we decided to open up this space by getting rid of the bed, I immediately envisioned it as an extension of the desk. I can move it in to the wall when I don’t want it taking up as much space and I can move it even further out than it is in this picture, as well. The cart is the Råskog Utility Cart from IKEA. It somehow manages to corral almost everything I need when I’m working on the TSP.
I should add that normally the TSP is covered with a remnant of barkcloth so it remains hidden from my husband. I took advantage of his absence and unveiled it for the photos.
The plant is one of my overwintering impatiens.
Don’s guitars in the distance.
The view from the other side of the TSP.
The mantel and eggcups have also moved from the hallway niche to this new space. They make me smile. The card with the word Heaven on it was the birthday card from my parents that Don gave to me.
The calendar you see hanging above the desk was a $3 find from Target.
And let’s see who joined me in the office:
The lamb with the party hat. Now the space is complete!
If we ever get a sunny day again, I’ll take more photos for you. I promise.
This was done on a budget, of course. Is there any other way? Not for yours truly!
The Malm desk: $159.00
The Lillhöjden chair: $79.99
The Ranarp desk lamp: $39.99
The Råskog Utility Cart: $29.99
Total cost: $308.97
I assembled the chair, lamp, and cart. Don and I assembled the desk – it was definitely a two person job, as was moving the big pieces into the room from the hallway.
To say I’m thrilled is an understatement. I’ve wanted this sort of arrangement for the ten years we’ve lived here. The rest of the room? Still under construction. We moved out my grandmother’s trunk and some other pieces. They are now in our storage space (huzzah!) so we have much more room to play with. Don has to rethink his part of the space. He wants to clear some clutter.
And we’re thinking a vintage loveseat would be really cool in this space. We have all sorts of plans!
I hope you like the new space! Something tells me you’ll be seeing it fairly frequently.
Happy Wednesday.
Claudia, it looks functional and fun. I love how you put your personality into the new space. The TSP is coming along so well too. Can’t wait to see that final reveal. Isn’t IKEA the best? Just finished redoing my craft desk with IKEA parts. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Leslie! IKEA is great for this sort of thing – functional, not-too-expensive – I don’t think I could have done it without IKEA. Happy New Year to you, too!
Claudia, I am impressed with how quickly you did this and it looks great! Enjoy your new space, Doris
I will, Doris. Thank you.
Lovely. The chair is my favourite.
S
xo
Of course it is. It’s mine, too.
I love the new space! If I ever get rid of the bed in my spare room I want to make a work space much like this. I am so in love with that chair!! I also want that cart. I think I see a trip to IKEA in the not so distant future. We need another book shelf for Tiger’s room also, so that can be the main reason for the trip. I love how you moved some of your treasures in there and it’s just perfect.
hugs,
Linda
It’s all about getting rid of the bed, Linda! When we finally decided to do that, everything changed. Isn’t that chair cool? I really love it! Thank you.
fabulous! bright, cheerful and efficient! let’s hear it for small, sloping spaces!
xo
elyse
Well, we have them – that’s for sure! xo
Everything looks lovely, Claudia! I especially like the cart and may have to buy one for me. You have given me the incentive to get going on converting a spare bedroom (we now have an empty nest with all three of our daughters grown) into my dollhouse craft room. I’m new to the hobby and have learned so much from you! Thank you especially for providing links for your dollhouse purchases. Very helpful.
You’re welcome, Sharon. By the way, it only took me ten years to make this move – due to the fact that we couldn’t get rid of the bed until we finally realized that we had very few overnight guests and the darned bed was keeping us from fully using the space.
Claudia, I love your office space. You have everything there that you will need. Plus to get to see your sweet things near by. I love that chair. :):) Blessings for a peaceful and healthy New Year. xoxo, Susie
Thank you, Susie. For once, everything I need is in the same place – or nearly everything!
It’s such fun to come up with space, re arrange and utilize it, such a sense of satisfaction. It all looks so very nice.
It’s extremely satisfying, Christy! Thank you,
Wow! It’s beautiful, and so YOU. So many of your favorite things gather together to inspire you. I can’t wait to see the rest of the room too. Did you say what you are doing with the former space at the top of the stairs?
We moved Don’s dresser out there and into the niche, as well as the wooden cabinet that functions as a linen closet. Both of them were in this room and they’re now out in the hall and they work well there.
Lovely space Claudia – you really made it inviting and crisp, but it still has a cozy feel with your colorful vintage additions and touches.
Our upstairs office – once a bedroom too – is a disaster. Too many pieces of heavy wood furniture making it dull and dreary – and a real pain to clean! Bob’s got far too much stuff – he’s hopeless when it comes to getting rid of things – so I feel stuck when it comes to making a bright and airy office space like your beauty!
Enjoy it all my dear.
We had the same problem. Now some of those pieces are out in the hallway where all the light from the skylight seems to render them less heavy looking. Don’s desk is dark wood, but it’s one of my favorite pieces (I bought it when I was single). Thanks, Mary!
Love your new office. I work at home, and my office literally looks like a bomb went off….which has to change. Outer calm, inner calm is my new mantra.
And I absolutely love the bird wall pockets. They are divine. Where did you find them?
Hope you, Don, and Scout have a grand New Year!
Elle
My friend Judy gave me the one at the top and I found the other one in a local antique shop. Thanks, Elle! Happy New Year!
Love your new furniture and arrangement! It goes to show we don’t have to spend a ton of money to make things fresh and functional. Happy New Year! We finally got our first significant snowstorm in Maine yesterday.
And $300 was a lot for me! But in reality, very little for a functional work space. We got some snow on Tuesday, but it’s already melting.
Looks fantastic! It will be so nice to have the space and everything right at your hand. You did a great job! Congratulations.
Judy
I’m loving it, Judy. I feel like I finally have my own space, not a little area in the hall, but a real space where I can do my work. Heaven. xo
This looks great. I really love the chair and the cart and the lamp and well, basically everything about this! I too use my oblong pottery pieces for stationery. I am so glad to see how you have used your wicker flower basket. I have one, but have never known what to do with it. I will now give mine a fresh coat of paint and use it for wrapping paper storage.
I am anxious to know how you and Don do sharing this space. I have thought about taking the single bed out of the room my husband uses as his office and join him! If I did that my guest room could be used as JUST a guest room, instead of a sewing/crafting/guest room. It seems every time I have a big project going, company is coming and I have to find a place to stash it.
Please keep us posted and remember, “the sun’ll come out tomorrow…”.
Wishing you blue skies and sunshine from Mississippi.
Susan
I had the same problem with the flower basket, Susan. It was sitting around doing nothin’ – now it’s much more functional. Don keeps insisting it’s my space, but of course, it isn’t. He has guitars and sound equipment and a desk – and we have the printer and the modem and the router….it’s our space, but I have a feeling I’ll be up here more than he will.
VERY nice space, Claudia! We purchased a very similar desk from Ikea for our daughter when she was in middle school. Not sure of the name of it, but one end of the desk attached to a matching wall unit with drawers and cubbies. She is 25 now and still using it! The desk has a few places where the white coating has peeled, but all in all, a great purchase. And that chair…….the best! I vote yes for the love seat!
One of the corners of one of the pieces was a bit bashed in, but I’ve covered it with white paint and it will do. Thanks, Kathy!
Oh, Claudia! It looks so nice. If it was a cloudy day when you took these pics, I imagine on a lovely sunny day it will be even more amazing!! The chair, I think, is my fav. I wondered what you did with your former space, but see you explained above. Great compromise to put things there, and still have handy storage. I am sure the new “annex” will be used to its fullest extent, as well.
Great changes to start the new year! Sounds like you will feel more productive in your new space than on the kitchen table. Organization always makes me happy! Yay!!
I can’t WAIT for a sunny day! The afternoon sun brightens this room as it’s facing west. Some day! Organization makes me happy, too, and I have a lot more of it to do here but it will probably have to wait until I get back from Hartford.
Your new chair is fabulous! I wish our offices at work looked as pretty as your new space.
That chair makes me very happy!
Lovely!
A Happy and Healthy New Year to you and Don and Scout.
Thank you, Mary – the same to you!
Claudia, to say I am “bustin’ my buttons” for you is an understatement. I love, love, love your new space. I have a big smile on my face thinking of the big smile on your face.
Aw, thank you, Beverly! I’m smiling as I write this! I’m so happy with this space.
Wow, it looks so nice. I can picture you sitting in there working and enjoying the new space. I really like the blue cart. Now this will inspire me to start reorganizing my craft / sewing room! Have a wonderful day
hugs
Good! I’m all for inspiration, Nancy! Thank you.
It’s lovely! A perfect place to work…fresh! I was curious about your former space…I understand it’ll be well used too. I am surprised by the size of TSP. I’m seeing it next to real sized items…and it’s much larger than I thought! This work spot is so you…from the dolls, to the repaired pottery…the egg cups, and the little lamb with his hat. It’s nostalgic, but efficient! ;)
Yes, the TSP is rather large, Donnamae! Especially for one room.
I like ‘nostalgic but efficient’- perfect description!
How nice! And so wonderful to have a “play” spot of your own.
Yes, it is! Thank you, Ann!
It all looks great. I’m glad you were able to get this much done. It will be so great have a dedicated work space. Enjoy!
I plan on it, Tammy! I’m sitting here as I write this reply. It’s the best!
Your new office is WONDERFUL Claudia! It appears to be light ,cheerful, and filled with the things that you love to look at, however I suspect that you will never wish to leave it because it IS just so dog gone pretty! :))
My Congratulations on now having achieved an Inspiring and Workable, workspace, while staying on budget and now for the best part – ENJOY! :D
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! It makes me smile, that’s for sure!
You’ve created a charming and functional room. I love the pink cabinet and sworn over it. I’ve been working on converting a bedroom in to a craft room using what I have on hand or found thrifting. Having a designated spot is a good thing!
It is, Cathy. I’ve been waiting for this a long time. I’ve had little spaces here and there throughout the house, but not one space that works for everything. This is a real treat!
Your space is beautiful and functional!!! I have been living in a cramped bedroom and hope to get a larger place soon, so will be thinking about creating a nice area like yours!!! I would also be shopping at Ikea, love that place!!! Happy creating and working!!! And Happy New Year!!
IKEA is terrific for things like this. It’s worth the three hour round trip drive to get this stuff. Thanks Lori!
I love it! It looks so feminine and yet so practical! I hope your creativity flows there!
Fingers crossed, Laurie! Thank you so much.
I don’t know anything about IKEA. We have none near us. I heart that utility cart! You planned the space so well; it’s inviting to work there and be there, and you have a lot of lovelies all around you to gaze upon when your eyes/hands need a break. It seems like you have a lot of good light in there! I have home-office envy now. Great job, Claudia; great planning. I use a computer desk and it’s a table not a desk, so that I have NO DRAWERS and it’s lovely but not functional, so I have to reconsider it as I organize my own home in this coming year.
I know there’s one in Orange County, Vicki – too far from you?
I saw some lovely tables, but I wanted a couple of drawers, which is why I opted for this desk.
Thanks for the tip; I just never think about IKEA because I never SEE an IKEA. Your prices are really good on the four pieces you highlighted. I will check IKEA out online, too; I do know that IKEA is very popular.
I’ve looked at your office like three times(!) today. You’ve arranged it all so expertly and it’s so cozy/friendly. I know you are going to LOVE your new space; thanks for sharing it with us. You’ve given me some ideas! When things are workable like this, it makes for much better productivity. (And a lot less frustration!)
Did you paint the mantle to match the new utility cart or what? I can’t remember the mantle’s color from before…
The mantle was already painted that color. Since it’s my favorite color, it makes sense that I’d pick it for the utility cart, too. Thanks, Vicki.
What is the square footage of your office, Claudia? I think it’s terrific that you and Don can share space. My husband and I could not. He had an overwhelming amount of CDs and music memorabilia and I have an overwhelming amount of yarn, fabrics, patterns, craft supplies….you get the picture…. We were fortunate enough to have separate rooms but next to each other. However, after seeing your space, I’m determined to declutter and make my sewing room more useful.
Love that chair. I sewed chair covers for my less than pretty, very utilitarian “typing chair” on which I sit to sew.
HNY by the way…I’ll be away from Internet through the new year day so won’t be commenting on your posts. I’ll catch up on reading them when I return.
I’m not sure what the square footage is. The entire room is probably 120 square feet – 12 x 10, though two of the walls are half walls and there’s a closet that takes up space in the corner.
Hello, Claudia
Your new space looks wonderful and I’m sure will be the centre of all sorts of creativity. I happen to be sitting in that style of chair (the white cotton version) as I write this. I like it very much; it took me a little while to realize it that it rolls only when I sit on it.
My belated condolences on the passing of your father. I hope the new year holds plenty of joy for you and Don.
Thank you for your kind words, Karen. It’s been a tough time, which is why I couldn’t even think about putting this space together until a couple of months had gone by.
Hooray! :D Now, make a mess!!!
Oh, I will, Brae – I will! Thanks!
Oh, Claudia, you have done it again — I just love your new space. Efficient, inviting, just full of loveliness. I am in love with both the chair and the cart. I see a trip to Ikea in my not so distant future. Enjoy your space. I can’t wait for more pictures!
Have fun at IKEA, Dottie. There’s so much there!
What a great new work space, you did good girl :) and at a bargain price too. Isn’t it nice to get everything under control and organized just the way you like it again?
It is. I expect I’ll be tweaking things as I figure out where things should go, but for now – I’m very happy with it. xo
Hooray – I love it! Very functional space, plus looks lovely with all your pretty touches. I’m on the hunt for an office chair, too but I don’t want one with wheels. I’ll have to see what IKEA has next time we go there.
Good luck on the hunt, Melanie. Thank you!
How nice to have such a bright and pleasant space to work on all of your projects. I like the desk and the chair is beautiful. Fun! Thanks for showing us around.
Blessings,
Betsy
You’re very welcome, Betsy! Thanks for dropping by.
Very nice. For a long time I had an extra bedroom that was rarely used. I finally made I into an office space too. I love how you made your space into an office and craft space too.
There never is enough space for “projects.”
You’re so right, Kay. Never enough space!
It is definitely you Claudia…I want one of those IKEA carts…and that office chair is adorable!
Those carts are pretty neat, Nancy! Thank you.
What a great spot you’ve created Claudia – I love it! It looks like a wonderful space to work, and create, in. Do you have plans for your old space? It might a good spot for more book cases. Can’t wait to see what Don does on his side.
I’ve been very absent from commenting lately – but I read the blog every day. I had some minor surgery in November which, for some reason, sort of spun me into a strange funk. But I’m here :) LOVE that amazing sofa for the TSP … it is definitely perfection for that space! Happy to hear you’ve acquired a storage space, it will free things up in every way. Now I can stop stressing each time you mention things stored in your shed … the things mice love :)
The old space now holds Don’s thirties-era dresser (in the niche) and a cabinet that we use as a linen cabinet.
Hope you’re feeling better, Debbie! Surgery can bring about a bit of depression, that’s understandable.
I love your new office space, Claudia…so charming and full of whimsy! IKEA always inspires me, too!
It’s evolved so much over the years, Linda. I used to visit the very first USA IKEA – outside of Philadelphia – when I was in grad school. I got inexpensive shelving there, which was great for me.
LOVE the new space! It is so full of charm due to the moving in of bits and pieces of your collections that you love. I like the color of the shelf and the cart. I just saw that cart featured on another blog so I know it is a best seller for IKEA and useful as well. I may have to spring for one myself for my sewing room. Happy New Year to you and yours.
You should get one, Lynn Marie. Very, very handy! Happy New Year!
Claudia it looks great just getting here for the tour!!! I love the chair and the desk. All the collections make for a happy place to work. It reminds me of your housing when you stay out of town for work– tidy ,crisp, and simply. I’m curious what the studio landing looks like now! Empty?
Do you have new plans for that…?
No, it’s not at all empty! We moved Don’s waterfall dresser from the thirties out there and it’s now in the niche where the sewing machine was. And then we moved the cabinet that serves as a linen cabinet where the pink cabinet was. We don’t have quite enough spare room to leave the hallway bare, unfortunately! Interestingly, the pieces look very nice out there. Now you get an idea how jam-packed the spare room was: all of that, my grandmother’s trunk, a desk, two chairs, the bed and all Don’s guitars and equipment. It looks positively spacious right now!
It looks perfect! Absolutely perfect!
Hugs,
Mere
Thanks, sister! I’m so happy with it! Now we can talk on the phone when we’re both in our creative spaces!