Pottery Barn Bedford Home Office Update

Welcome to the 108th Metamorphosis Monday!

“Life is what happens when we’re busy making other plans.” Isn’t that how the saying goes? This certainly wasn’t how I planned it when I noodled out the creation of a home office. If you look at the list on my sidebar, “Strip off wallpaper” was much, much higher on the list than “Move furniture into office” and “Move computer, printer, etc…to office.”

But life threw me a curve in the way of extremely ornery wallpaper and a neck/shoulders that are rebelling LOUDLY at the idea of me sitting one more minute at the make-shift desk in my bedroom dressing area. Advil has become my best friend lately and I’ve been having an electric sensation going down my arm from my neck to my thumb whenever I sit at the built-in dressing table where I’ve been writing and working.

So, even though the wall paper backing isn’t down and the walls are not painted, I decided it was time to make the move before I ended up with permanent nerve damage from working at a desk that’s about 4 inches too short. But don’t worry, all the desk “parts” are on pads that slide easily as needed. So it won’t be that difficult to move to work on the walls.

I’m taking you through this process exactly as I’ve been going through it myself. I have so many plans for this space but they will have to reveal themselves gradually as they occur. So, here’s where we are today…

So far, I really love working here. It’s a light-filled, happy space.  I’m enjoying watching the squirrels running up and down the trees and the birds flying down to the feeders near the porch. On pretty days like today, I can throw up the windows and enjoy the fresh air.

 

This past week was spent moving computers, monitors, speakers, a printer and buying new VGA and DVI cables since the old ones were too short. I had no idea how expensive cables could be! It was also spent unpackaging the Chelsea chair and the Open Bedford unit which is the unit with the baskets. The chair and the open unit both arrived earlier than predicted, so that was a nice surprise. This past week, I bought a corner desktop hutch, put files into the file drawers and had the desk tops measured for glass. The glass tops are supposed to be delivered on either Monday or Tuesday. I’m being super careful right now to NOT scratch or mark the desk surface.

I chose to put the CPU unit on the left with the printer on top.

Just look at that wall damaged from removing wallpaper. 🙁 On second thought, don’t look at it. Today we are celebrating that I’m no longer sitting at a desk that kills my neck. We are going to pretend like the walls are smooth and beautiful and covered in the loveliest shade of paint. Are you with me on this? 😉

I decided at the last minute (3 days ago) to purchase the Bedfored “corner hutch” because I wanted some place convenient to store the paper for the printer and I wanted the monitors to be up on eye level to avoid any further neck strain. That’s the printer you see to the left, so this layout works really well. I’m sharing a few of the details about this layout in case you are considering this furniture for your own home office.

One of my favorite parts of the office so far is watching the light dance across the top of the desk. It really is the little things that delight, you know.

I have no idea right now what I’ll be keeping in those baskets. I just loved how they looked in the PB pictures and wanted to incorporate them somehow into this office. I put little fuzzy chair pads on the bottom so they wouldn’t scratch the furniture as I pull them in and out.

If you are online a lot like I am, I highly recommend two monitors. I love having my photos up on one screen while I’m creating a blog post on the other. It’s also convenient for some other work I do online during the day. Once you have double monitors, you think of a million ways to use them. I don’t think I could ever go back to a single monitor now. Windows 7 is programmed to automatically recognize when you have two monitors so it’s super easy to add another monitor if you have Windows 7.

The other thing I really like about the corner hutch is it provides a convenient place to charge my phone and the camera battery…two things that need charging fairly often. I have the outlet on the corner hutch plugged into a surge protector, as well as the computer, printer, monitors, speakers, etc… You can never be too safe with stuff like that.

Check out this more current post to see how the office looks today: Home Office.

Looking forward to seeing your Before and Afters!

Metamorphosis Monday:
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Please DO NOT type in all caps…it spreads the links waaaay out. Thanks!


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Comments

  1. I LOVE your desk system!! It is beautiful! The two monitors are wonderful, maybe someday when I have the room! 🙂 Can't wait to see more!

  2. tales from an oc cottage says

    I LOVE the 2 monitors! I have 2 at work, but never really thought of having 2 at home!I like feeling like Chloe in "24" too! You're a genius! WOW! {PS…the room is looking amazing too! What an awesome work space! Writing your book will be so easy is just such a room!!! ;}

    m ^..^

  3. The Tablescaper says

    Susan:

    It looks like your office is really coming along. Life does get in the way. I work off my lap top (with a big screen) but certainly not the same as two screens. Good for you.

    – The Tablescaper

  4. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    I don't blame you for moving your new furniture in you office before it's finished!It looks great by the way! Can't wait to see the whole office finished! Thanks for hosting MM!

  5. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    That is an awesome desk! What a beautiful room to have your home office in Susan, I love the windows with the sunlight streaming in. Thanks for hosting.

  6. Pam @ Our Adventures in Home Improvement says

    You've done a beautiful job! I'm sorry about the wallpaper job, but know it'll be another gorgeous room in your home!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Pam

  7. Your office is looking great. It has been fun to watch your progress.

  8. Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! says

    Susan, you poor thing. I was almost feeling those aches and pains. I have been there. The body does some strange things when we try to make it do something it really doesn't want to do.

    The furniture is gorgeous (just what I would have chosen) and the room, even in its unfinished state is a very beautiful room.
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Sue

  9. Melissa Miller says

    WOW! Susan your office is really beautiful. Amazing job.

  10. That window is gorgeous and the light is so pretty. I love this room! Just found your blog today and linked up.

  11. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien says

    Ooooooooh…there it is! My DREAM office furniture!

    I'm dying of jealousy right now…I didn't even notice the walls…what walls? There's walls?

    LOL! 😉
    Can't wait to see more!

  12. Wow Susan! Your new office is looking great! When you get finished you will not only have a stylish workspace, but such a functional and efficient one! I can't wait to see the finished product!

  13. Hi Susan I've been following your posts on your office transformation and it's turning out great. I love the PB office furniture you choose very pretty! I am linking up to your party for the first time. Thank you for hosting and have a great week, Martina

  14. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! It's really starting to take shape! Love that chair! And I had never even considered double monitors! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  15. Kim @ Second Time Furniture says

    Susan,
    Thanks for hosting! Your office is looking great!
    Kim 🙂

  16. Karen At Home says

    I love seeing the PB Bedford Office IRL! I have the JCPenney office version with the corner desk in black. I keep thinking I need to add more pieces to it and this has just confirmed it. Great post!

  17. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack says

    What a fabulous set up! I'd love an office like that. The desk and chair are perfect! I can see why you enjoy being in there. Look at all that great light! It's really coming together!

    Thanks so much for taking the time to host! Have a Happy Valentine's Day! xo

  18. laxsupermom says

    Your office is really coming together! I've really enjoyed all the steps towards your new office. Love the tip about 2 monitors. We have Windows 7 and I'll suggest it to my hubs. Thanks so much for sharing and for hosting one of the best parties in the blogosphere.

  19. It's so nice and bright! Don't know about the extra monitor for pictures…now that you have a great view out the windows! lol! And I totally empathize on the wallpaper – we did 2 layers of 30yr old paper at our previous house. And now this house is FULL of it too!!

  20. It is coming along really well, Susan. Good things come to those who wait, you know.♥

    I love the chair you chose.

  21. A Pottery Barn dream right in your own home! Looks beautiful! Thanks for hosting.

  22. Susan, your furniture looks fabulous. I have never thought of double monitors, what a good idea.
    Of course, I see your walls painted, such a lovely colour my dear!! 🙂
    It certainly is a bright office and it is great to watch your progress.

  23. Thelittlebrownhouse.us says

    I totally agree with your decision to move in now and start using the room – you deserve it after all the work you have done already! Plus, I always find that I need to live in a space for awhile to really get a sense of where I want everything to go. Love love love the desk and chair – it is going to be beautiful!

  24. The DIY Spot says

    A Pottery Barn Dream in your own home! Looks beautiful! Thanks for hosting

  25. ~Country Lady~ says

    I love your desk system and the idea of 2 monitors is fabulous! What I love most about this room are the windows and the natural light that is casting shadows across the room. I'm eagerly anticipating the completion of this great space. Thanks for hosting this event.

  26. The light in your new office is wonderful, I could get so much accomplished if my eyes didn't get so tired at the end of the day. Great advise on the level of your monitor. I think I need to raise mine up a bit.

  27. Summerland Cottage Studio says

    Susan,

    Your office is looking inspired and your to do list is shrinking !
    Happy hearts day and thank you for sharing the fun !

    Paulette

  28. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    awesome!!! it's looking SO great! Thanks for hosting this link party. Looking forward to seeing more of the office.

  29. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    So sorry to hear about your neck and shoulder problems. I, too, can relate! I was having a similar situation until I purchased the new desk chair! Although I couldn't find one to accentuate the current decor, I took comfort over vintage style. I've never regreted the decision! I can now work pain free throughout the day!
    I am following your progress. . .you may not notice the progress as much as your followers, but it is amazing what you've already accomplished. Keep working, a little each day, and keep us posted!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  30. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    btw, did you ever decide what to do about the walls? hire someone to work on it? I hate wallpaper! It's so hard to take down. I don't blame you for setting your desk up for now. Gotta be comfy.

    I used to think "who would need TWO monitors?" and then I started blogging. Well now, I drag my laptop over to hubby's desk and set up near his (larger) monitor…I could get used to that…!

  31. That set up looks so efficient! Thanks for hosting.

  32. The room is looking great, Susan. The floors are absolutely beautiful. Susan

  33. Susan, enjoy your new space. Love the light filled room and the corner arrangements. The wall and rest of the room will fall into place in time. Give the body a rest.
    Happy Valentine's Day! ~ Sarah

  34. The Decorative Dreamer says

    Who cares about those walls! You have a beautiful corner desk w/two monitors. Wow! It's gorgeous!

  35. Restoration House says

    Just gorgeous! I love it all and oh that wonderful light!
    Kim:)

  36. The Sewing Loft says

    I really do like what you are doing with your office. You are going to love it even more. 🙂 Great idea about putting pads on the underneath of the baskets so they don't scratch the furniture!

    Thanks for sharing.

    Barb

  37. Hi Susan,

    I'm so sorry to hear that you've been in such terrible pain. I can certainly see how having your keyboard and monitors at the correct height should make a tremendous difference.

    Your new office furniture looks amazing — the perfect setting for your business and creative pursuits! I know you're going to enjoy the view and the abundance of natural light.

    It's great now, and it's going to be absoutely fantastic when you finish the project. Feel better soon, OK?

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

  38. Your new office is looking great! Wanted to offer you a bit of "advice" about your arm/thumb … when I was pregnant with my daughter, I had a slipped disc in my neck and it did the exact same thing. Horrible pain in my should, and my thumb went completely numb. In fact, 15 years later, my thumb is still not quite right!

    The ortho guy my ob/gyn referred me to put me on disability for three months with strict orders not to lift anything more than 5 lbs., plus physical therapy. He said if I behaved, it would heal, but if I didn't, I might need back surgery at some point. I was good, and other than a numb thumb, no problems now. I strongly encourage you to go see your doctor so you know for sure what is going on, and what the proper treatment is to fully recover. Take care!

    Laura

  39. Frog Hollow Farm Girl says

    Hello from Frog Hollow Farm! Your office looks like a fantastic work space – I love the light and the way you have the desk set up. I have the same desk in my office, the corner unit and some of the accessory pieces, but I didn't get the corner piece that you have the monitors on – that looks like it might be a good idea to purchase. Pottery Barn has the clear plastic top cover for the desk but it's expensive and I was afraid it might scratch – I like the idea of getting a piece of glass to cover the area! Ciao, bella!

  40. Ouch on the pain, looks like you need to head out to a spa after all this is over OR.. maybe now!
    I see you are enjoying some good spring like weather with your windows open. Looks like our week will be super! What a view you have there, how will you ever get any work completed?

    (well you told us to look) The walls look like you will need a few skim coats on them but that should not be too difficult. What about bead board 3/4 up the wall, will add to the charm of the room.

    I now think I will back off on my idea to remove the dining room wallpaper. You just changed my mind for me.

    Take a day off and rest, enjoy your Valentine Day.

  41. Hello Susan,
    so sorry that you had pain. Your new working area is great. I wish you HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY and always sunshine in your garden.
    Greetings, Johanna

  42. Susan, When I tried to remove my wallpaper it wouldn't come down either. I hired a professional and he couldn't get it down. He said it was the worst he'd seen in 30 years. He ended up sanding it off. Nothing else worked. Can't wait to see the finished room! Julie

  43. Creative Escapes says

    Hi – I just posted #160 a dress up center I made out of an old armoire my kids used. Thanks for hosting, I know there is a cost now – I really love and appreciate the parties!

  44. Glenda/MidSouth says

    This may be a duplicate comment – having problems commenting this morning. Just wanted to say what a great space you created and you will really have a nice view when everything is in bloom.
    Thanks for hosting again this week.

  45. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Oh my heart is just leaping with happiness at your setup. I have no doubt that in the end it will all be worth it.

    I have announced the two esteemed experts of the High Tea linky party on my blog today.

    Again thank you for your willingness to help even though your life is a bit topsy turvy. I do consider you the "Queen" of the tabletops. 🙂

    Happy Valentine's Day!

  46. thanks for hosting, love the room. can't wait to see what elese you are gonna do.

    i'm having a give away, please check it out.
    http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/2011/02/give-away.html

  47. Texas Type A Mom says

    I've had a crush on the Bedford furniture for many years now. Your office looks amazing!

  48. Magali @ The Little White House says

    I love the chair… I've been looking for a desk chair that doesn't look like it's from an ugly modern office for ages, as my home office is just a little space in my living room, but I haven't found one yet. I don't believe Pottery Barn is shipping their chairs to France… That would probably triple the price!!!

  49. You're office is really coming along. I just love the big window. Perfect for a home office.

  50. Beeutiful by Design says

    Looks like command central is progressing along nicely. I love having two monitors as well, it would be hard to go back to using one, although I thought it would be confusing at first. Thanks for hosting!

  51. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says

    Well it looks great to me already! I love your new furniture. The light you get in that room is wonderful and being able to look out the window is a treat I'm sure. The wall will get there 🙂

  52. I totally agree about having two monitors. It makes it much easier to work.

  53. One Cheap B*tch says

    The furniture you chose is just perfect! I think you'll be so cozy working there!

    Jeanine

  54. A Hint of Home says

    It's coming along so nicely! Can't wait to see the next phase.
    How's your poor arms doing?

  55. I had an idea for your office walls since some were damaged by the removal of the wallpaper. I saw this idea of HGTV's Sarah's House-the Farmhouse. She used wood panels called T-11, but she turned them horizontally on the wall, painted them, and painted the wall above. Looked fabulous. I would have done the same to an apartment that we built for my mother, but it was already finished before I saw the show. I can send you a picture of the room she used it in, if you'd like.

  56. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Jane,
    Thanks for that suggestion! I've seen something like what you described on a blog called The Lettered Cottage. It is a great look. I was considering something like that or maybe something like the vertical paneling I saw in a picture on the Pottery Barn website. I think I'd rather spend money on paneling than on paying someone to re-mud all my walls. 🙂

  57. At The Picket Fence says

    Hi Susan! Your office is just coming along so beautifully! I haven't had anything to link up for awhile as my sister and I have been working on launching our new blog. We would love you to stop by if you ever get a chance! :-)Thanks for hosting,
    Vanessa
    P.S. I'm #235

  58. I am pea green with envy over your new desk unit. Can't wait to see the finished product once the walls are repaired.

  59. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    The room feels very airy and I love your screensaver.

  60. Wow! You're a lucky woman! I love your new desk (and chair) and what a great view! I"ve been watching your progress and I'm excited to see the "finale."
    Jen
    Scissors & Spatulas

  61. Love to see the progress. Am enjoying the process with you. You're right, I think the best part would be the view and the open windows, weather permitting. Just perfect!

  62. very merry vintage style says

    Love your view–how inspiring! The desk, etc… looks great & I have monitor envy… been thinking about a wides screen monitor myself and two would be amazing! I notice you are a Windows girl… me too. My college kids all have macs and have been trying to convert me! Everything looks great now, I'm sure it will be so wonderful when you put in all the pretties… {my favorite part!}
    Mary

  63. FABBY'S LIVING says

    Oh Susan…how beautiful your office is becoming…I also thought iit was a good idea what Jane said as I noticed that too, but you already know better…yeah, the panneling is a great and elegant idea, very English like, I love it! You've given me such an inspiration to do the same with my 2 girls big room, so when I start I will show it al Monday's. Thank you for sharing step by step.
    XOXO
    FABBY

  64. Kellie Collis says

    What a gorgeous work area! Loving the beautiful view! Enjoy the gorgeous day, Kellie xx

  65. Liz@http://infusewithliz.blogspot.com/ says

    This has turned out pretty nice!(I had trouble with walls that were messed after wallpaper was removed. Our contractor came in and "skim coated" the walls with drywall compound. A little sanding to finish it off and then it was ready for primer and paint). You'll be glad you put the glass on too! Liz

  66. Pottery Barn should love you! The lighting in your office is VERY nice and cheerful! I know you are going to enjoy working in there.

    I am sick for you over your wallpaper removal. This just makes me *heart* my wallpaper lady all the more! When I hired her to hang my dining room wallpaper she told me step by step what to do for removing paper and prepping walls to take on new paper. She talked about chunks of wall coming off when surfaces aren't prepared to take on paper but I had no idea things like that could "really" happen. I hope for you that your wall will soon be smooth and ready for paint.

    I am looking forward to seeing everything come together. Enjoy your sunshine! You'll have to wear sunglasses in the summer, but thats a good thing! I love the sun!

    Mary

  67. Crown Molding says

    Looking forward to seeing some crown molding in your office. Maybe a different color than white? 🙂

  68. Hi Susan – Do you know the interior height of the “computer area” of the CPU cabinet? Mine might be too big – and I’d be curious to know before ordering! You seem to have one of those “mini” computers…
    Thanks for taking the time to measure (if you happen to respond)!

    • Perry, it measures 10 inches wide by 18 inches tall. It’s around 16 inches deep which was a little too shallow for my CPU, but the back of the unit is a sliding panel so I slid the back panel to the right which allowed me to place the CPU deeper into the cabinet. Since the back panel slides over, it helps keep really good airflow around the CPU so it doesn’t get too hot.

  69. Katie Campbell says

    I have this corner desk too and I LOVE it. I’ve had it since 2009, I think, and I’ve always wanted to add the corner hutch to my collection. Well apparently, if you snooze you lose! It looks like PB discontinued the corner desk hutch!

    • Really, I didn’t realize that. I learned one thing recently that made me unhappy. Several years ago I purchased the little accessory that holds pens, pencils etc… It’s the one that sits on a desk and spins around kinda like a Lazy Susan. Anyway, I’ve used it a ton and eventually a pen leaked a little inside it. Since they are only $40, I decided to treat myself to a new one. It came and it had a dent in it. So I drove over to the PB store and returned it and they ordered me a new one. When the new one came, it didn’t match the rest of the desk furniture like my original one does…or like the dented one did. I drove back over the store again and ask why the color was off. They told me they had changed companies and that now all the furniture was being built by another company. 🙁 So I guess a person had better buy all the furniture they want at once because you never know when they will change companies and new pieces will not match, apparently.

    • Katie, here’s a post with more updated photos of the office in case you would like to see how it looks now. https://betweennapsontheporch.net/decorate-your-bookshelves-with-a-small-shelf-size-lamp/

  70. Colleen Walsh says

    Hi! I know this is a random question, but do you still happen to have that corner desk set up? I lost the pieces to my corner piece in my move and Pottery Barn cannot help. I am trying to find a picture of the hardware that is used to connect the corner piece with the two side pieces. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    • Colleen, I just looked and I can’t find the original assembly instructions, I may not have kept those. I took two photos from underneath the desk showing the underside and how they connect. Hope this helps.
      This is the plate/assembly for the back corner leg in the first photo.
       

       
      Here’s the way it’s connected to the side units in the photo below. There are 4 of those connections, two for each side. There’s one toward the front and one toward the back on each side.
       

       

      By the way, I Googled for the instructions online because a lot of companies put their instructions online in case someone moves and loses their instruction manual, but I couldn’t find it online either.

  71. Hi, I love your very detailed explanations! I’m looking at buying a second hand Bedford corner desk which will need to be disassembled for transport. How difficult it is to undo the connections that connect the side pieces of the desktop to the corner section? Looking at your photo above, I’m guessing that I’ll need the right sized allen key. I’d be grateful for any info you can provide as I can’t find any assembly instructions online. Thanks!

    • I’m not sure since I’ve never taken mine apart. Whoever takes the one that you want to buy apart, it would be great if they took photos of how it’s put together for you so you would know how to assemble it. There may be a video on YouTube showing how it’s done or at least online. I know a lot of companies are putting instructions online these days. If you do buy it, once you get it, just take a bolt/screw to HomeDepot and they’ll be able to match it to the right Allen wrench or screwdriver. I don’t remember it being hard to assemble but I do remember that I needed help placing the top on top of the cabinets once I had it together. No way I could have done that by myself. That’s about all I remember from the process, it’s been so many years.

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