Let’s take a q u i c k look at the “before” pictures of my office/studio. I say quick because we don’t want to dwell on them, and the mess, too long…
It was a mess.
The bulletin board of homasote looked either forlorn or lost or somewhere in between!
The black horizontal file drawers didn’t add a lot of appeal or character to the room with my
(read all about it here) new desk.
Those two shelves on the wall, suspended over the chair, did nothing either visually or organizationally (is that a word?). I’ve had those shelves for years and years and like them because those metal end brackets mean I can actually put books there and they don’t fall off. But they had seen better days.
Take a look at my Pinterest board for ideas I have been collecting for many months. You can see the white cabinet/dark top theme half way down on the left there. It was very helpful to have these images and “see” if they would work for me.
One of the main problems was how to create more surface area. I didn’t want to have an art table (anyway, I had just given away the two I had had for years…). I looked at all kinds of free standing tables. But I wanted the space to look cohesive! No more black file cabinet and plastic drawers…
So the solution was to have a custom built in. But how long, what configuration, how deep, how many drawers and should they be file, or series of flat or doors.
I already had the homasote board there but it surely needed some TLC.
It’s a start!
Here you have thebefore andafter!!
I love love love the white base with the dark wood top! That just might be my favorite part.
For this job I again turned to Premier Woodworks in Siler City (for all you local readers). Jeff worked with me, patiently, on this entire project. I changed my mind many times!
The last step in this transformation was the frame around the homasote board: we used the same dark wood to match the desk tops, and it looks so put together!
All the drawers and doors close ever so slowly and softly with the touch of a finger.
Accessories are fun: these “Stockholm” storage boxes are from The Container Store and are just perfect.
The boxes are sitting atop my one remaining set of flat files. Now, this is something I cannot live without; they have transitioned from holding all my paper and artwork to a combination of same plus mailing envelopes, banking, family photos and stationery. Is that versatile or what?
The canvas Giclee print is from Michelle Armas.
I’ve coveted her work for a few years…see my Pinterest board for some of her looks. Michelle’s colors fit my office perfectly, and this print is a generous 36″ x 48″ so becomes a focal point on the wall. I love the abstract, graphic look as it doesn’t distract me too much (my desk is just opposite so I see the print loud and clear all day long) but is so cheerful and upbeat.
Some details: the antique wooden plaques and the miniature ceramic container from the brocante at Porte de Vanves in Paris.
These are antique wallpaper samples, again from Vanves, which I then had matted.
The adorable yogurt jars I found in Provence!
I’ve just started painting again…which is another reason I needed surface area. Lisa: do you recognize my water “jar”? This was a set of mugs we did in my studio for a customer, years ago!
Finally:
We all have different wants and needs in our personal space. I spend many hours each day (8 hours?) in this room so it has to be right for me. And finally, it is just right.
What about your space? Do you have any quirks or something unusual you must have? I would love to hear and see.
