A New Plan for the Office

Welcome to the 118th Metamorphosis Monday!

I hope you’ve had a wonderful Easter weekend. I don’t have a major “Before and After” to share for this Metamorphosis Monday, but I’ve made some pretty big changes regarding the layout of the office. I wasn’t thrilled with where I hung the wrapping paper/craft center in THIS post. The shutter being partly tilted didn’t bother me that much but it just made the window feel off balance. I hung it there originally because I wanted it to be close to a flat surface for wrapping.

I took the craft organizer down and did something really crazy. I pushed all the furniture right up to the window. The office grew more than a foot. I had kept the furniture out about 15 inches so I could open and close the plantation shutters. But really, I virtually never close them. So here’s the new plan.

I’m going to buy another “Open Bedford Unit” like the one you see circled with the baskets….only I won’t being buying the baskets this time. I will place it (along with a 2 drawer Pottery Barn file unit) at the other end of the desk where you see the arrow. Then the wrapping station will hang above that section and I won’t have to scoot Max over to wrap or get crafty. 🙂 Max is already loving the desk being even closer to the window…he can really see out now.

I couldn’t really do this before because I was short about 6 inches having enough room. But by giving up the ability to close the shutter panels, I gain the space I need. I love having the panels open all the time and rarely ever close them, so I think this will work just fine.

This solution does a few other things, too. It gets the printer off the end of my desk (see very first pic in this post) because it will fit inside on the top shelf of the new open unit. I measured and it fits like it was made for it. Got lucky there.

The open unit is actually designed to hold a printer or other office equipment. The top shelf has a hole at the back going to the lower section and the lower section has a hole going out the back. That’s just the lens cover to my camera sitting on the shelf inside.

And good news…I found a chandelier! Yay! It should arrive by the end of next week. Once it arrives, the contractor I use will come out and install it and the crown molding. I’ll ask him to help me move that giant bulletin board again. UGH. Not sure I want to attempt that alone twice in one lifetime!

Once the two units arrive, I’ll rehang the wrapping station above them. I need to wait so I can get it just where it needs to go.

I’m pretty excited about these changes. I’m not normally a “furniture lined up around the walls” kind of gal, as you can see HERE, HERE and HERE. But the Pottery Barn Bedford Office Collection just seems to dictate that…at least it’s working out that way in this office.

Eventually, I plan to add a small chest beside the green and white chair in this room and a large bookcase cabinet on the big open wall to the right of where you enter the room. Then the office will be complete…well, except for a little art on the walls. And maybe a rug. And a valance. It’s a process. 🙂

Oh, the red and green patio umbrellas came and I decided to go with the green. The red was bright red and I was concerned it would take away from the flowers I plant around on the deck, so I decided to stay with the green. I’ve already returned the red one to the local Home Depot store. That process was easy so if you are thinking of ordering online from HD, don’t hesitate.

The umbrella turned out to not be exactly like my old one. I don’t think it’s quite as nice…not as heavy as the one I had. But since it’s lighter, it will be easier to bring inside to store during the winter months.

Next up…getting the house pressure washed. It hasn’t been done since the house was painted 3-4 years ago, so it’s definitely time. Always something, right? How often do you get your home pressure washed?

So that’s what I’ve been up to this week. What have you been working on in your home?

Metamorphosis Monday:
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Comments

  1. Allison Shops says

    The office is looking so nice! Is it taking you longer than you thought or are you having fun taking your time?

    Allison
    Atticmag

  2. laxsupermom says

    I'm sure Max loves that the desk is right up against the window now. Can't wait to see the new furniture and chandy. Love this whole series. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party each week.

  3. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Your office is really coming along, Susan! I see Mr. Max has moved to the chair! I have been told to pressure wash every other year, although I think I went 3 years this time. Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  4. Kelly @ JAX does design says

    Sometimes small changes can make the biggest difference. Isn't it amazing how moving your desk 15" is allowing you to totally reconfigure your office? 🙂 It's going to be so much more functional for you. And lucky Max to have the great spot for peering out the window now 🙂

    I've gotten two projects done in the last week – just finished the desk makeover I've linked to Met Monday, and painted the family room last weekend. It feels good to cross jobs off the to-do list 🙂

  5. Red Door Home says

    Love the office. Looks like your porch is all ready for the warmer weather.

  6. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    The office is totally taking shape and I love the green umbrella! Good to know that the return process at HD is easy! Oh and I can't wait to see the new chandi!!! 🙂

  7. Much better, I had wondered why the desk was away from the wall/window. Once you get the "fill" in the rest of the room, it won't feel like "furniture up against the wall" at all. Very nice…well done Girlie!
    No pressure washing here…too DRRRYYY! Will let you know how the move progresses…
    Hugs, Lisa

  8. What a lovely space this is Susan!! I'm so jealous!

  9. More floor space is always a good thing! Your office is coming together so nicely…can't wait to see your new chandelier!
    Thanks for the party!
    Cindy

  10. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Your office is looking great!

    What a great collecton of ideas. Thank you for hosting.

    I hope you had a very Happy Easter!

  11. Hi Susan! Your office is looking great! Hope you've had a wonderful Easter.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  12. Your office is coming along. It takes awhile to figure spaces like this out. The space is being used for very specific jobs. I love how it is coming along. Lots of good ideas here.
    Sherry

  13. I like the idea you have for yor office. I can't wait to see it. Thanks for hosting!

  14. Mary Ellen says

    The office is coming along nicely! You are so organized and know just what you want and how you want things to look. I so wish I was like that! Working on front room and went down to all my oops paint. HMM do I want it a robins egg blue color or more of a tan…..

  15. I'm not sure I have a real before photo – I'll add one tomorrow. I made this for my hubby's birthday using an old book and a clothes hanger. Looking forward to see what everyone else has transformed.

  16. I like the new arrangement Susan. Looking forward to seeing the chandelier. I see Max found yet another space in which to curl up! 🙂

  17. Farah Muzaffar says

    Love your chair very much Susan… I t looks so nice and happy… I am linking up too in your party…
    Hope you would like to pay a visit to me at
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

  18. So much better pushed up against the window…It seems like that was what it should be doing…and I know it gets Max closer to nature. Well done on that front. Like the idea of moving the wrapping station too!

  19. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    Looks like your new office is really taking shape! I know that soon it will be EXACTLY the way you want and you will be humming along with Max enjoying your hard earned space.

  20. Ahh…Good decisions! You will like it better I'm sure! I agree the wrapping paper unit will serve it's purpose better over where you are going to move it 🙂 Mr. Max is one lucky dude! I think he should be named King Max!! He looks quite grand on your chair! I bet you just love coming in this room now and having such a nice work area 🙂 The chandi will add that special touch and crown molding will look awesome!

  21. Little Brick Ranch says

    Thanks for hosting yet another fabulous week!! I was running last week which made me a little behind this week but in honor of Earth Day I linked up a few cheap repurposing tips! Hope you like em!

  22. I like the desk against the wall better, and it certainly gives you lots more room. What do you have under the desk chair? I will be tearing up carpeting in my own office to expose the wood floors, but I need something to roll my desk chair on and I hate that plastic stuff. Thanks Lana http://www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com

  23. The office looks like it "clicked" into place. And I love that Max is closer to the outside. Smart move letting the contractor hang the center…abandon all politics when upper body strength is on the scene!
    Good new about Home Depot online/store conx. I was the one who had the miserable experience with them a couple of years ago. Glad it went smoothly. Question…does your little lamp get wet when it rains? My porch table seems to get soaked every week and I would so love to put a lamp out there but just hate getting shocked. What's your advice?

  24. I like this set up much better. I know I would always be picking stuff up that had fallen behind the desk otherwise. And the fact that kitty can be right up close to the window is perfect. Kitties like that.
    We pressure wash every year because we get a lot of rain here and that leads to a lot of green on the buildings and patios. My 2 year old paint job on the deck needs to be redone already. Ugh.

  25. FABBY'S LIVING says

    That move was perfect Susan! Wow, so much more space…and yeah, you don't need to ever close the windows with such beautiful view! I love the way your office is coming along! You're doing a great job everytime!
    Happy week.
    FABBY

  26. Such a fun blog. We've redone a few houses ourselves. We are missionaries and I teach scrapbooking. I'm following here and hope you will follow on my blog(s) as well.

    Coleen, an American experiencing the artsy life in Ukraine

    http://www.vintageterrace2.blogspot.com
    http://www.franksukraine.blogspot.com

  27. Thanks for hosting! Ive linked up #159, a waterheater pan to chalkboard:)

    xoxokara

  28. Cass @ That Old House says

    Sometimes it just makes sense to put the furniture against the walls! And I think that is absolutely the case in your office … which is going to be fabulous!
    Love the green market umbrella — that color's classic!
    Cass

  29. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    Loving how the office is coming out. thanks for hosting every week.

  30. Hi Susan, so nice to be back – I haven't done MM for a few weeks. 🙁 Yes on moving the desk to the wall! Guess I didn't notice it away before. I love inside shutters – but I only close them for privacy and it seems like you won't need it at your desk. As I watch your progress I'm making mental notes for when I make my work room – will be getting the craft wall unit for all my ribbon! And no worries on the small change this week – sometimes we have to make several small changes to get it right! Have a good week!

  31. Your office is so amazing. I think the way you arranged the desk up against the wall & windows looks great. I love that you've made a special place for your cat. I have a cat & she always has a place (she kind of changes often) to hang out in my space. Can't wait to see the new chandy.
    CAS

  32. I like the changes you have made…moving the wrapping station to the other wall….great idea. Will you lower the bulletin board? Like the desk moved back too. Personally I like windows covered at night especially when I'm hanging out in my office. Is this room on the ground floor or upstairs? If on the ground floor, my only thought is of not being able to cover the windows is the vulnerability of someone seeing your computer equipment in the day if you aren't home….lure in a burgler. Just a thought. Otherwise it is coming together beautifully.

  33. CalypsoInTheCountry says

    Love that Max! The office looks beautiful! Thanks for hosting today!

  34. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Toni,
    Actually it's 3 stories up because there the first floor and the basement below. So it's really private, especially with leaves on the trees. Once winter arrives, I may consider some woven shades that I could hide under a valance, but all that might look weird with the shutters on either side. It is a tad creepy sitting in front of open windows at night, even on the third floor. lol I do love being right up to the window during the day, though…and Max really loves it. 🙂 You are a love to think of those things…thanks for mentioning it!

  35. Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says

    Love love the new arrangement, it looks just perfect, I am excited to seethe new chandlier….I love it all planned out to make it so easy and useable….love it…power washing…My dh bought a power washer from sears or costco and he does it around once a year or two….pretty easy with a one story house lol….Phyllis

  36. con-tain-it says

    Hey Susan…have you thought about moving the entire right part of the desk over the to other wall now that you have room? Then you could put the smaller printer cubby under the window with maxes bed on it so he can still see out the window…yet you'd end up with a bigger desk to use all the time? Also this would allow you to close one shutter if needed. Just a thought! Can't wait to see your chandelier. Fondly, Roberta

  37. Looks like your kitty got to keep his steps! LOL. I like the new layout and am glad you are moving the bulletin board. It looks a bit too high…but what do I know,…….

    . Enjoy your blog and try to check daily. Thank you. Robin

  38. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) says

    Hi Susan, it is so much fun to see your room being transformed! I like the desk against the wall. Hopefully things won't fall off of it as often. I have an ongoing love/hate relationship with my plantation shutters in my kitchen. I love the way they look and the flexibility of having some privacy, but I hate the amount of space they take up when they are opened! Will you consider removing yours now, or will you keep them up for the nice sculptural element in the room? If you do remove them you won't have the issue with them fighting with the bulletin board shutters. Whatever you decide about the window coverings, I think the room is shaping up nicely. And I see that Max has claimed the pretty chair for himself! Linda

  39. Love the office changes! Everything is really falling into place.

  40. I love how everything is coming together. That sun room of yours is gorgeous and is one of my favorites. Always so tastefully decorated.

  41. I love how your office is coming together. I'm looking forward to seeing the final results. I love looking at your beautiful home.
    We just purchased a pressure washer and I'm hoping to use it for the first time this week. Our screened in porch is already completely covered with yellow tree pollen so I told my Hubby I may have to leave the pressure washer out so I can clean it frequently. LOL!

  42. Your office is looking great. So smart to push the desk up to the window and gain that space. So funny, I just left two messages for power washers to get a quote to power wash our house and pool deck. It's that time of year. We've lived here 11 years and haven't had it done so it's way past time.

  43. Little Brick Ranch says

    O – one more thing – I am linking up my low fat (but SUPER tasty) Spicy Black Bean Dip – it's PERFECT for Cinco De Mayo next week!! I hope you like it!! 🙂

  44. I love your office, and actually, like the units against the wall and windows better. Looking at the way you have it set up now, I think some fabric Roman shades would be nice or some woven wicker blinds like the baskets. That way, if you work at night, you could have privacy. I know that Max is happy to learn he will not be disturbed when you want to wrap a package…..LOL!

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