Creation of a Home Office, Sewing, Craft Room

Welcome to the 103rd Metamorphosis Monday!

It’s freezing here in Georgia and it’s about to get worse. The weather man is predicting freezing rain, sleet and snow up to 5 inches. So if you don’t see me online tomorrow, you’ll know it’s because I am without power. Really hope that doesn’t happen.

Four months ago I gave my notice at work and left the field I had been working in for 8 years to work full-time from home. My home office has been here in the dressing room located just off my Master Bedroom.

I’ve been blogging from this spot for a little over two years. It really worked well for the first 2 years, but lately…not so much. The slipper chair I’ve been sitting in apparently was not meant to be an “office” chair and it has begun to sort of sink down in the center when I’m sitting on it. Maybe it’s too many Fudge Brownie Sundaes. 😉

The “desk” was really a dressing table for the previous owner and is too shallow for the desktop computer I purchased when I began working from home. I didn’t take a photo of my current set up, but just imagine a monitor and a full size keyboard in the small place where you see my laptop. It’s a bit crowded to say the least. Also, the CPU tower is sitting on top (yuck) since this “desk” doesn’t have any holes for wires.

Since I’m working from home now, I’ve been thinking I really should consider turning my son’s old room into a home office. Where to begin this process of creating an office? I’ve planned and decorated living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, but never an office. Number one goal…a good desk, a good chair and lots of bright, happy light.

My son is grown and has flown the nest. I’ve never taken his room apart because 1. I dreaded doing it for sentimental reasons and 2. I had no need for the space. Plus, I thought if I ever moved, it might come in handy to leave it as it was so the next family could envision this room as a child’s room. But, now I’m craving an office and this room is the perfect spot. It has two good size windows and is on the south side of the house. It’s one of the brightest rooms in the house.

Before I take it completely apart (that’s what all the boxes are for) I thought I’d share how it looked for so many years. Over the years, I considered updating it as our son grew older, but he always liked it as it was so it remained the same as we completed other projects and rooms in our home.

As you can see, there’s red pinstripe wallpaper on the walls with a Braves border along the top. My son played baseball from 1st grade through 11th grade (in addition to swimming, basketball and soccer) hence the baseball themed room. Even the trash can was a Braves themed item. (In case you’re wondering, Shock is a black diamond slope in Breckenridge, Colorado.)

The wall paper and border will need to go. I had it professionally installed and the walls were primed first, so I’m hoping it will come down more easily than the rest of the paper has in this house. It’s already beginning to peel up at the seams, so that’s a good sign.

When I first put this room together for my son, he was around 8 years old. I painted a crude mural on one wall. I got the idea from an old Cargo catalog. Cargo was the store where his furniture was purchased and one of the photos in their catalog showed a wall painted this way. I did my best to copy it for this one wall in his room. The pitcher has just thrown the ball and you are the batter. Note the home plate on the floor. 🙂 I had some serious fun doing this room.

The ball is coming out of the wall…literally. A little 3-D action going on here. 🙂 To attach the ball to the wall, I drilled a small hole in the ball. Then, I hammered a nail into the wall…then just pushed the ball onto the nail. I may have used a finishing nail…it’s been so long, I’ve forgotten now. I guess I’ll find out soon when I remove it. The door knob on the door is a baseball, too…not a real one…just designed to look like one. Bye, bye mural…you’re about to be painted over, to never be seen again.

The Plan:
So, I’ve been shopping office furniture and so far the furniture I like best is the Bedford Collection (shown below) from Pottery Barn.

Ballard Designs has something similar called Southporte…see below. After visiting Ballard Designs in person today, I have decided I like the Bedford Collection from Pottery Barn the best. The finish on the Bedford collection is smoother and I really liked how it looked.

(Photo from Ballard Designs online.)

Here are the inspiration pics for my future office. I totally love the paneling on the wall here. Not sure if I’ll add this, though I’d love to. Do you think it would hurt for resale purposes down the road? The room I’m turning into an office is actually a bedroom so I’m not sure if a future buyer of my home would care for a painted, paneled bedroom. What do you think?

Notice the white chair…it and a rattan one are the two I’m trying to choose between. They are both pretty comfortable. The advantage this chair has is it will tilt back a little…it flexes some…which adds to the comfort.

Here’s the rattan chair. Again, it sits comfortably, but doesn’t flex back at all.

I adore these windows!!! I’m hoping to keep the desk out a little from the windows so I can throw back the shutters in my office on pretty days. I designed the shutters in my sons room to bi-fold back, though due to the arrangement and size of his bedroom furniture, it is impossible to do that in its present state.


Don’t you love the wrapping station on the wall?! It’s pretty expensive so not sure I’ll be adding that…at least not right away. Actually, I’m not sure if it is still available.

So, that’s the BIG plan. I’ll be spending this week boxing up my son’s room and trying to find someone who can dissemble the bed and haul it all to the basement. Next will be removing the wall paper. I’m not sure how long all this will take but once I get a bee in my bonnet, I tend to push forward. I will definitely keep you posted on the progress.

Pssst:  See the final completion of my home office in this post:  Pottery Barn Office Renovation, The Journey.

 

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Comments

  1. Jenny Harris says

    Wow, lots of bright and pretty inspiration for your new home office. I'm sure it's going to turn out beautifully, just like everything else in your home. 🙂

  2. Decorchick! says

    Susan, your new room is going to look beautiful! I personally think the paneled walls will look great, but I am a molding guru. I don't think it will hurt resale value at all..should add value. Can't wait to see what you do and I LOVE that PB set too!

    Thanks for another Met Monday. 🙂

  3. One Cheap B*tch says

    Boy can I relate! I'm moving re-doing my craft room back into my office. I have to carefully look back through the photos you posted for some ideas. Of course I love everything but I have limited space.

    Jeanine

  4. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! The mural in your son's room is so cute! I would hate to cover that, too! But the idea of an office is nice…love your inspiration pics! Hope you are warm and cozy! Nothing here yet! I had to go buy an old-fashioned can opener today just in case we lose power! lol Stay safe!…hugs…Debbie

  5. You keep saying "do you think the future buyer owuld like it?" Are you planning on selling withoin the next two years? If not, do the wall treatment you want and they can rip it down ten years from now when the "new People" move in! I love the idea of the wihite panelling and the clean crisp white of the desk. You can throw splashes of color in with fabric and change as the mood and budget allow. I'll be watching you "transform".

  6. Your own home office is going to be such a treat for you! I love the mural that you created for your son. I'll bet that he really enjoyed it over the years.

  7. Peg @ Bloomfield Farm says

    Susan,
    I've had the Bedford desk for about 5 years. Mine is the straight desk, not the corner one. I have a 3 drawer file on one side and a 2 drawer on the other. It has held up well and still looks nice… no chipping of the finish, etc. I put the top on backwards, because on the front, the overhang is so wide that I found it difficult to get into the top file drawer. Other than that, I've had not problems.

  8. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    It must be sad to pack up your son's room. 🙁 I'm sure I'll feel the same way, someday (my lil' guy is still in grade school).

    Thanks for hosting the blog party. Can't wait to see what you do w/ the room.

    Now if you want to see the memory, you'll have photos of your son's room to look at. That's a nice memory to have.

  9. tales from an oc cottage says

    I can't wait to see what you and your Bee come up with!!! {Especially if it includes that GIANT abacus! ;}

    m ^..^

  10. That mural you did is awesome! Love the ball coming at you; very clever. It won't go away forever "never to be seen again" since it's now forever on one of your posts. That's so great. You've got a great plan for the office. Love those fans on the wall. Can't wait to see it all happen.

  11. Oh, what I wouldn't give for a "real" desk and chair….I am so with you on this one! Thanks so much for hosting each week ~ Lindy

  12. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    Thanks for showing all of yur son's room and the decor. I, totally, understand the tugging of your heart strings!
    To give my advice in your upcoming process. .. don't install paneling. Future buyers won't like it and you'll tire of looking at nail heads. . .no matter how you try to cover them up, they still show!
    I have a few pieces of the Pottery Barn Bedford Fair desk accessories. . .love them!
    I went with a Contemporary desk chair that fit my body in my Traditional decor home. Never have regretted that decision. Comfort and function!
    Helpful tip: When removing wallpaper. Hot water, cheap fabric softener (from the Dollar General) and a plant mister bottle. Add in some old towels, a paint scrapper and it should be a "piece of cake" withouth the calories!
    I laughed out loud several times during this post. Thank you for this amazing meme you do each week for our enjoyment and sharing!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  13. Custom Comforts says

    I love the furniture you picked out and I vote for the ratan chair and paneling on the wall. Love both ideas. I can hardly wait to see it done.
    Cindy

  14. Susan,
    Love the feel of your current office, but oh, the possibilities of a new space!
    It will be wonderful.
    And I wouldn't call your mural "crude". It's terrific!

  15. I know this new office is going to be wonderful! Very clean and fresh looking. Can't wait too see more!

    It is hard to say what future buyers will like or be totally turned off by. 6 years ago there wouldn't have been a problem with white paneling because it was a sellers market. Now, it is a buyer's market and they expect HGTV perfect and are really picky!

    Mary

  16. Susan,
    The mural in your son's room is WONDERFUL, you did a wonderful job! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do for your new home office. Fun, fun! =) Thanks for hosting! XOXO ~Liz

  17. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Oh I remember how emotional it was to disassemble my children's rooms and realize they really didn't live there anymore. My thoughts are with you. Love all of your inspiration photos. Beautiful furniture and so functional looking. I would do whatever I wanted and not worry about another buyer unless you're planning on selling any time soon. Besides, the wainscoting is so popular now, I think every one would love it even for a bedroom. Hugs, Marty

  18. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    What a fabulous job you did on that mural!! I can't wait to see what you come up with for your new office, it looks like you have some lovely things on your wish list for it!
    Thanks for hosting this party every week to inspire us all!

  19. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Susan, good luck with the disassembling. That has got to be bittersweet, but hopefully you will love your office so much you have something great to look forward to with it! 🙂

    I love the way you're thinking, and my cousin had those paneled walls that went up to about two or three feet of the ceiling in his house in Martha's Vineyard. I think it was the bath, though. I'm trying to remember what was downstairs, but you might want to go through my old posts and see if he had it downstairs, too. His house was top drawer, and I think it looked great. I have no idea, though, Susan what to say in terms of resale value. I would hate to advise to do it, and then it hurt your resale value. But if you love it and make it cute, then I don't think it could hurt that much, could it? And you could actually restage it for a bedroom and make it look adorable. So, I would tend to go that way. But you have to do what you think is best.

    Hope you don't freeze. I heard y'all are really getting hit! Stay warm and safe…

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  20. Hi Susan..
    Stay warm, goodness you guys are getting it lately. Love the look you are going for.I think the paneling should add value, but as long as you don't glue it up, it will be easy to remove. I love the mural, when my kids were small I painted a freight train going through the mountains in our family room for my kids, and oh my that was hard to cover up. Your son's room was darling for him! I vote for the railroad style chair that leans back, but I have lower back issues and that relieves it.Plus I am just more of a wood than rattan person. But either look is awesome! Still working on an Italian tablescape, and the accompanying recipe. Will keep in touch.
    Hugs, Lisa

  21. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien says

    I think your wall mural was very well done! I'm sure your son loved it; thus the reason he never wanted the room decor changed!!
    But, time marches on and it's always nice to have office space.
    I have been drooling over the Bedford Collection at PB for the past 2-3 years. It's what I want for my office/craft room….but it will have to wait a few years…I hope they don't ever discontinue it!

  22. It's going to be fabulous, Susan. Good luck and don't hurt your back moving things around. I can't wait to see it completed…Christine

  23. Kelly @ JAX does design says

    Your baseball mural is awesome! Love the 3D baseball 🙂 I suspect rolling that first strip of paint over it will be hard, but just think of the beautiful office you'll be creating 🙂

    I'd go with the white chair, seeing as it tilts and you find it more comfortable.

    As for the paneling, if that's what you love, then go for it! It's your home and your office, and this is your chance to create your office just the way you want it. I don't think it'll effect the resale value down the road.

    Have fun!

  24. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack says

    I can understand why you'd want to keep the room the same. I would have the same issue. Love your inspiration photos for the new office. I'm sure excited to get started. Good luck! I'll be back to see what you do. 😀

    Thanks so much for hosting!

  25. The baseball room is adorable ! My twins ( now 20 ) had the same bedroom set from Cargo. I sold the desks, hutches and bunk beds when twin #2 got too tall for a twin size bed ! I still have a couple of the dressers as extra storage in closets and those things are built to LAST !

    The twins now have PB furniture and it is beautiful. I LOVE the office set up you've picked. That is also my project for 2011, redo my craftroom/office. I spend the most time in this room and it is the biggest mish mash and make do space ever !!!!!

    Thank you for hosting Met Monday – it's such a fabulous and inspirational event every week !

    gena
    http://www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com

  26. Susan, Unless you're planning on selling anytime soon, I'd do whatever you want on the walls. I agree HGTV has helped to make buyers unrealistic at times. It's like every house has to be decorated for the next owner. I really like your office furniture. I think I'd like the chair that gives a little just for extra comfort.

    I understand about being sad to see the baseball theme go, but you'll make your space beautiful. Stay safe with your winter weather.

  27. While I know how bittersweet the *transition* of your son's room will be, I know how much you'll enjoy your *own space*! Your design plans are beautiful … I can't wait to see what you end up doing. Thanks for hosting, and allowing me to play!

  28. Susan, you are going to have fun pulling an office together. Looks like you are off to a good start with the selection of the furniture. I like your choice. I personally like the idea of putting up the paneling. I don't think it would hurt the resale. Might be a plus.
    Good luck with this project. This project will brighten your winter days. Have fun! ~ Sarah

  29. I'm having serious OFFICE ENVY…that's my problem with blogging. I see so many things I want:) I'd like to have a similar room for crafts and office combined. It's not to be for awhile though because one bedroom is now for granddaughter and one for grandson when they visit. Your son's room was certainly a great place for any boy to grow up. I know he loved it and appreciated all your hard work.

  30. AshTreeCottage says

    Hi Susan! I have the re-do bug too. Can't wait to see what you create!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

  31. Susan I just love your inspiration for your new office. Although I got a bit sad looking at your son's room with all of his things he left behind. I went through the same with my daughter's room when she left. Oh, I guess life goes on. I like the white chair and I love the white paneling. I say live for you, not for who may buy your house 'some' day. Waiting for the snow and ice also! Hoping your writing and I'm reading over the next few days!

  32. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    I love those office ideas!! I have drooled over them for years! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

  33. What a fabulous space you're going to have and I'm sure you'll have lots of fun designing it. I love that mural in your son's room. It may be hard to see it go, but you have lots of pictures.
    Thanks for hosting and please be careful with that awful weather forecast.

  34. Hey New follower here! Thanks for the link party~! Looking forward to checking out your blog…you have a tons of followers wow!!! Rock on sister. 🙂

    Take Care.
    [email protected]

  35. It was a fabulous boys room but I'm looking forward to what you do with it now.

  36. STOP! Before you buy any desk chair consider getting one with an ergonomic design! (They have back support and adjustable seats, backs, height, lean, arms. You can make the chair fit you like a glove!!)

    If you spend a fairly long amount of time at your desk, as I do, you will be glad you thought about comfort for your back somewhere down the line!!

    You might have to sacrifice style, but a comfortable chair is worth its weight in gold!! A poor fitting chair is just as uncomfortable as shoes that hurt your feet! Trust me!!

    (I love the possibilities with that furniture. It is gorgeous. May I say you can never have too much storage!)

    Looking forward to the renovation.

    Mel

  37. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Welcome Debra…so glad you are here! 🙂
    Susan

  38. Gina@NewEnglandHomeandGarden says

    Just wanted to start by saying that I love your blog….I love your inspiration room…PB is great! To comment on your question about the paneling…I'm a Realtor and I can tell you first hand that for resale it's not a great idea because buyers are always discouraged by it…but the room should be what you want it to be and if you love the look then I would say go for it! I think that if paneling is done right, it won't be a deal breaker if you ever sell your home.
    Gina

  39. I remember you showing us your son's room a while back, and I love the baseball theme. I'm sure you will do a fantastic job turning it into an office. I like the wooden chair, and I would totally go with the paneling!

  40. Sherri Cassara says

    Hi Susan, You are going to love having a room that is designated just for you / your office. I actually like the idea of paneling and with it being in a confined room like that I don't think it will make any difference either way to a future buyer. If anything, I would think it would add value. This is your chance to get the one room in the house that is just yours so if you love the paneling, 'just do it' ;.) I am looking forward to seeing what you end up with! And definitely pick the most comfortable chair.. since I started blogging I have at least doubled the amount of time I spend in mine… and appreciate that is is comfortable!

  41. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    I can't wait to see it completed. It looks like it will be awesome!!

  42. Oh my goodness! My boys would love to have that room! It is so wonderful. I can understand why you have waited so long to change it. It will be nice to have a renewed purpose for the room and you will still have all the wonderful memories! You could always post a picture of the mural in your office to remind you of the wonderful artwork. Really amazing. Maybe you could fly to Kansas and help me out! lol

    Kristine

  43. Can't wait to see what you come up with for your office…We truly are 'kindred spirits' … We have the same china, Colburn, and a couple of pieces of identical furniture… and now those BEDSPREADS on your son's beds are just like the ones I had on my #2 son's bed!!! He has long since flown the coop too, but I did love that cute plaid! 🙂 Love your blog ~ susanp in tulsa

  44. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    Oh, you're going to LOVE all that light! Fantastic room for an office. Definitely add the paneling if you want it — and buy the chair that tilts! (That's the voice of experience…)

    Good luck packing up your son's room this week. Be easy on yourself! If you decide on the paneling, please just panel over that great mural. Someone who removes the paneling 100 years in the future will love the surprise!

  45. I can't wait to see the finished product! As for removing wallpaper, try a steamer. The last time I removed paper borrowed a steamer that is used to steam wrinkles from clothes and it worked very well. The paper all came off in large pieces and made the work and clean up go much quicker. It took just a few minutes to determine how long to steam. I just kept going over slowly until the paper started to bubble a little. If you already have loose seams that's a great start.

  46. What a great mural! Sad it is going to be covered over, but I'm sure you have lots of pictures and, more importantly, your son has lots of memories of it!

    As a former home officed worker, I'm glad you will have one of the brightest rooms in your house as the office. It's very important. Positioning your work surface so you can look past your monitor through the window to the outside is critical. It will make the hours you spend there so much more pleasant.

    I'll be following this room transformation. Anxious to see your progress.

  47. Hi Susan. I loved the mural and yes, it is sad to say goodbye to childhood memories but just think how fabulous your new office will be.
    I am sighing because I had a similar desk in my office in the last home and a place for crafts in another room. Since we downsized my husband made me a computer desk in the den, but I miss the space.
    Re panelling, I guess if you intend to stay there awhile, go for it but if you are thinking of selling any time soon, people tend to be turned off if they think they have extra work to do.
    I have that kind of panelling in the en-suite and thinking of the three quarter in the laundry room, but I would hesitate at the bedroom unless it is the traditional kind which I have in the dining area.
    For years we have had to think of re-sale value when we have built houses, no more, so I can do what I want, it really is freeing.
    I know whatever you do, it will be fabulous. I just love your site, I am a follower and it is my daily visit.
    I have a question for you. I do not have a blog as I run two private sites, but would love to send you photos of an afternoon tea I hosted. Just wondering how I could do this to join in the tablescaping.
    Happy D.Y.I… ing
    Meg

  48. Sandy @ Cottage Style Decorating says

    Susan, you're going to just love having a separate office space. I wanted to get the PB set when I re-did my office, but couldn't swing it. That set is so pretty!!

    As for the paneled wall. I used to consider what would be best for re-sale. But the thing is, if you are choosing what you think the next person might want, when will you get what you want. I say, if you like the paneling…go for it! By the way, I used bead board in my office and I enjoy it every day.

  49. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Meg,
    Thanks so much for your suggestions. Email me at [email protected] and let's talk about some possible ways to get your pic linked up for a Tablescape Thursday. I know everyone would love to see the tea!
    Susan

  50. Infatuated with Homes and Gardens says

    Hi Susan ,I have just linked up to my first ever Metmorphis Monday and my second party ever ,so I am really new to all of this but I am enjoying myself immensley.
    I have worked from home now for 8 years and you really need to get your office just right ,I lob=ve the PB wicker chair and the rug just georgous.
    ~Sharon~

  51. I have no project this week, but I am intrigued with your proposed new office. I think you will be very happy with the quality of the PB furniture. It is much better than the other one. I have that white chair, and it is quite comfy, although it does need a thicker cushion than the one which PB offers. I have the great big desk (I think they called it Aris) rather than the modular sections, but I may add some of those when I move my office next year. Good luck with the wallpaper removal!

  52. House Revivals says

    Thanks you for hosting another Met Monday! I know it is sad to redo your son's room. I felt a little sad just reading the post, as my boys as very similar furniture from Crate and Barrel in their childhood room! And they are in college now, and have the furniture, and the old house is sold….

    I think paneling, if it is good quality, will be fine for resale — it's a classic. Your new office will be wonderful, and proper furniture will save years and wear and tear on your body!

    ~Amanda

  53. Loved the decor of your son's bedroom. But the office sounds great. what fun to redo a room completely into something different than it was. Can't wait to see the finished product!

  54. Susan can;t wait to see your new office!! I know it must be a bitter sweet decision but I am sure in the end it will be wonderful to have your own home office!

  55. {Bellamere Cottage} says

    Things are reallllly tiny here at the Cottage, so my home office is actually in a double closet in the den. I used the Pottery Barn Bedford Collecton in it… I LOVE it! And, it's holding up really well.

    Love your son's room. What a labor of love! I can't imagine painting all of those people in the stands. It's sad to paint over it, but your son will have many happy memories of the years spent there and you'll have lots of pictures. 🙂 It's just perfect for an office.

    Warm blessings,
    Spencer

  56. Marianne@Songbird says

    Oh that office is going to be a beauty! Looking forward to seeing what you will do with it.
    And that mural: wow!

  57. My Cottage Charm says

    Hey Susan! I linked up a wrapping station I built just so you could see it! 🙂 Thought if you didn't want to buy one, you could build it..mine isn't too hard and you could adjust the sizes to meet your needs. 🙂
    Have a great week and hope you don't lose electricity…we're supposed to get 5" of snow too!
    Hugs
    Missy

  58. Another alternative to paneling that would be pretty would be beadboard 2/3 or 3/4 up the wall. Home Depot and Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality also sells beadboard wallpaper. Then you could add color above it. I love those windows too.
    My sister & I looked at the PB Bedford collection and like it's looks but be careful, sometimes the veneer was coming off or chipped in places. Need to really inspect what you get. I also like the Christopher Lowell Shorebird collection at Office Depot.com Has a white beachy inspired look.

  59. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    Best of luck with your office reno Susan, I'll bet it turns out great:@)

  60. You will love the Bedford desk collection. I have it in black in my voice studio in my house. It goes well with the piano and is very sleek.

  61. I'm sure your new office is going to be warm comfortable and beautiful…. Waiting for pics in progress…hugs, Flavia

  62. Susan, Love what your going to do in what was your sons room, It's so bitter sweet when they leave home,I can't wait to see the room when you are done, I tried to post on you before and after party and I must still be doing something wrong, A big apology to everyone 🙁

  63. getgrounded says

    I did something similar a few years ago, and want to add my two cents worth. I started working from home, and converted a bedroom into an office. I also looked at the PB office furniture, because the cottage style is so awesome. But I found that I could add semi-custom cabinetry from Home Depot cheaper than the PB furniture! And before you think "I don't want to build anything in", it's only a few screws and leveling, easy to remove and take with you. I love the built-in look. I used their "higher end" cabinetry (Kraft Maid, I think?) and put a granite-look formica top from their pick-it-out-and-take-it-with-you area, very cheap. It looks fabulous and is very functional. Just thought I'd mention it. Get a coupon online before you go!

  64. Condo Blues says

    I like the wrapping station in concept but in practice I have more than three rolls of wrapping paper. Seriously, why do they make those stations so small?

  65. Marias Hörna says

    Hey look in to see how you have it. Here in Sweden with me, right now gray weather. Up north, it is well still cold and much snow. Have a good day now / Maria

  66. Susan, you did such a GREAT job on your son's wall mural. Thanks for sharing that. Covering it over will definitely be bittersweet. I like the office furniture you have chosen. On that chair issue…while I definitely love the look of the rattan, since you are going to be spending so much time in that chair I am thinking that COMFORT should be tantamount!
    Do you actually think you will be leaning back enough to warrant the white one? I ask that because I find myself leaning back in my desk chairs to stretch/relax my back, so I do it some and think the white would work best for me. Whatever you decide, I know it will look wonderful! Can't wait for you to finish this project and share the big reveal! Good luck & God bless!

  67. Carmie of the Single Nester says

    I am looking to redo my office this year. Or at least make it one. It is currently a spare bedroom that is now just a catch-all.

  68. Simply Bungalow says

    I love the office ideas. I dream of a super organized office space. Yours is going to be beautiful!
    ~Heidi

  69. Cyndy's BEACH HOUSE says

    Susan,
    You are going to have so much fun creating and designing. Consensus is the sadness of our grown children and what to do with the room. And yes, your mural is awesome. If you follow fung shui at all as you place the pottery Barn desk up against the wall. Place a mirror to reflect the door. This is so you can see behind you and not have your back to family and friends.

    I replaced my daughters room with a beach look with fun elements from a chandelier to beach linens to a painted cabinet a beach sea turquoise for all their collectibles & dolls. A closet full of games & dress-up clothes. We have an antique rosewood queen bed which I needed to work with so I added a fun funky fur turquoise comforter with pottery barn kids beach linens & oodles of fun beachy pillows. A large cottage chic vanity desk with a leopard print covered matching stool flanks the bed. Found a 3 ft high open book a cabinet for their TV, stereo, videos & books. All colors of the sea including the must have purple and pinks in accents.

    So keep those grandkids in mind as time passes. They get so excited to run up to "their" room.

  70. Summerland Cottage Studio says

    I'm looking forward to seeing the "after" on your office.

    As always,
    Thank you for hosting all the creative inspiration !

  71. I've always loved that desk set……maybe someday I can save enough money to put it in my office! It would make working there much nicer for sure!
    I posted a link to my blog about creating and restoring (my soul!) today. Thanks for the linky parties! Always fun for me to go visit the links before and after what I link!
    Hugs, Heidi

  72. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    Have fun decorating your office. Can't wait to see it. Thanks for hosting. Stay warm.

  73. HiSusan,
    Super that you found photos to inspire your desires.

    If putting up paneling you'll save hours removing wallpaper-Just cover it with primed bead board!

    The chairs in the photos look aesthically pleasing but if you plan to spend hours sitting, check out a chair that is ergonomically correct like Herman Miller's Aeron (new they are around $700 but you can ck online like craigslist for around $400) Your body will appreciate it in the long-run.

    Also the flooring – with casters include a chairpad. The back of the carpet will delaminate quickly with constant rolling. The slick advertising doesn't show protection, but it's a must have.

    I'm not a fan of the corner computer nook as shown in the advertising because the room isn't enough for your knees. You'll whack them a lot on the angled placement of the file drawers – there needs to be a bit more empty space before the file cabinets.

    Happy renovating!

  74. Linda Higgins says

    that sounds like a wonderful plan! I think that the paneled wall would be just fine for re-sale. If you use P-Board and go 5 feet instead of 4 feet up with a decorative railing then you can paint the room a lovely sunny color! The paper station would be such an easy thing to replicate! for just dollars! Thanks for the vision…I will have to give this pic to my hubby to make for my DIL! Can't wait to see the progress.. did you ever finish your formal living room or library with the fireplace and book cases?

  75. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says

    Your office is going to look wonderful Susan!!! I can wait to see it.

    I borrowed a picture of your stairway wall for my post today and linked back to you. I hope that is ok….
    Hugs,
    Penny

  76. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    I can't wait to see how it looks completed. I love the office furniture…so clean and bright. You are going to love this when it is done!

  77. Sandra Evertson says

    Great blog!
    Sandra Evertson

  78. The Painted Cottage says

    Love the plan you have for YOUR office! And love the look of the PB office furniture!

    Can't wait to hear how this week goes!

    – Lauren

  79. Anne at Bird/Like says

    I love your office ideas! The wicker swivel chair is SO cool! and i like the old fashioned drawer pulls on the Ballard furniture too. Look forward to seeing what you do with the room!

  80. So impressed that you painted that mirror. Love that desk collection at Pottery Barn. They also have a nice desk in their PB Teen line that is pretty similar. Congrats to your son for getting engaged. How fun that you get to help plan a wedding! ;O) Bet you're enjoying that snow about as much as I am.

  81. Supper fun boys room!
    I love Pottery Barn look too,
    Your home will be all put together
    for the coming new year!
    Sue

  82. lvroftiques says

    Susan your new office is going to be gorgeous! I love that bedford collection. Tough choices between the two chairs. I don't think I could pick. And it will be sad to bid adieu to that wonderful mural in your sons room but at least you have it chronicled here.
    I'm hookin' up for my first Met Monday! Yippee!! I finally changed something! Lol! I'm number 4962! ….No I'm kidding, but I am 277! This is one popular party! And I wanted to thank you for hosting it. Vanna

  83. Lady Katherine says

    I love your son's room! I need his bed, with grandchildren here now. I love the Bedford Collection. Love the wicker chair, but when I worked at a Corporate Office in accounting. I can say the tilt back chair would be wonderful! Have fun, I know your going to love it. Not sure if I would panel in a home as yours. In my old home I do have some walls paneled and painted. Most is gone to sheet rock now. Looking forward to see your new office. We got the store/cafe, lot of work to be done. Hoping for a Tea Room later on. I loved seeing your plans.

  84. sol_searcher says

    The PB desk you're drawn too is beautiful but I'd be concerned that both sides (returns) have shallow depth. By the time you put your computer and peripherals on it you might find there's little room for other things like your important working papers or even comfortable room for note-taking. Just envision a standard 8-1/2" x 11" piece of paper sitting on the desk surface. Consider checking to see if PB offers the desk with a 30+" deep return. You won't regret it. I work from home and spent months looking for a desk with at least one deep return and am so glad I held out. I finally found one that's both beautiful AND functional.

    As for the chair, both the back and seat should tilt independently and you should be able to raise and lower the chair. Adjustable and stable lower back support is especially crucial. In order to have unobstructed movement at my desk and to sit with good ergonomic posture at my keyboard I chose a chair without arms.

    I'm looking forward to your progress and am sure I'll learn much from you. Thanks for sharing with us.

  85. Summer for Swede Collection says

    I think you should purchase real office furniture from a company in that business. A relative purchased the Pottery Barn items and found they were high priced for the low quality of manufacture. I also have a PB Outlet in my city and you can see how pieces are poorly made when they are broken apart. You also need a real ergonomic office chair. Such a fun project and an opportunity to make the room beautiful just for you.

  86. Luncheons at the Junction says

    There are so many comments on this topic, I hope you see that there is a wrap station project amoungst the links here! Your selection of the PB desk is perfect, and my vote is for the wooden as opposed to rattan chair. I'm sure whichever you choose the room will be outstanding!

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