Step into My "Office"

Since I've had projects & organization & punchlists on my mind, the most neglected area of our little basement, the "office," has come up on the radar. Before we moved in, it looked like this (below):I found these super-functional life-saving wall files (below) at Joanne's fabric (I didn't know they sold other stuff there) for around $13 EACH! I planned to paint them when I got the chance & they've remained this color since July! (eeeeek)

So I finally got the chance (ok maybe I forced myself because of my last few posts?? haha) to paint them. I used leftover paint we already had (remember Ralph Lauren's 'Hopsack' from the paneling?) and gave them a few coats while watching a movie. So easy & makes such a difference!!! I use them to put my current client project binders in & they keep me super-organized.Here's the pretty desk we found a couple of years ago at Lucketts. (The antique store) Fell in love with it & my in-laws gave it to us as a gift. (Yes, I know, me = lucky) So sweet of them & I just LOVE the color & the faded finish. It has worked as a console table & it's also great floating. The chair is one of my old kitchen chairs just filling in. [So this is where I'm doing most of my blogging... but sometimes I take the laptop around the house with me]

The lamp is the same navy blue lamp in the before picture. It also got some 'hopsack' and a new shade. (Much betta!)I hung my linen bulletin boards inside of some frames I had. I wanted to try something a little different to make them take up more visual space on the wall. I just hang random stuff up there that makes me happy or that I'm working on or that has no place to go. (I definitely de-junked them for these pics! ;)



I have to show you this one photo on there (below). It's of Christian asleep at the fabric store. He conked out on one of Calico Corner's beds!!! The ladies who work there (love yas!) snapped a pic. Such a good boy...

Below are some of my flea market finds. These change like everything else, but I always need a little tray or bowl or compote because "stuff" just accumulates & when it gets full, I clean it out. The little painting os one of those kitsch ones I love when diplayed irreverently.

The built-ins (below) are a godsend. My fabric sample books fit on one shelf and the canvas fabric boxes house more fabrics & other samples. There's even room for pretty things on here!!

Do you remember the beakers I loved so much from Betsy Brown's house?? Well, I found some on Ebay (below) for practically nothing. They're up here till they're needed along with a mini cloche, an antique fishing bobber from my grandparents & the "crystal ball" I got when I was younger.

I also love little boxes & containers like this old tool box (below) I found at one of my favorite thrift stores, the "Treasure Trove." I keep my thread in there.

Here's a shelf from Ikea that acts as a wall partition for the entry/ office into the living room. Again this baby is super-functional & houses more samples, catalogs, magazines, accessories and supplies.


I love these old wooden crates for storage. I found them set out for trash at our old townhouse. (People used to throw away the best things there!!! I found a skull and crossbones flag once!!! Another time I found this pretty rug at night & brought it in & then realized it was my best friend/ neighbor's who'd thrown it away because her dog had peed all over it.... ew!)

The area that backs up to the sofa acts as a console for our drinks & books & magazines. The old door knocker is from "On a Whim." (The goal was to use it as a towel hook, but it hsn't made it up yet.)

We got all these great little baskets at ikea when we bought the shelf. I always leave a couple empty for spillover. I keep the black & white photo of me as a little girl on top to hide the mess.

I totally splurged on these magazine boxes from (da-da-da-dun...) the Container Store. I fell for the texture (of course!) and the durability. Don't regret it because I have some ikea ones that haven't fared as well.
Our old neighbor worked at Trader Joe's & gave us tons of these wooden wine boxes. They make amazing storage bins. this one hides extra fabric:
This one houses my style files. These things are my lifesavers & all of the pics I rip out from magazines/ print out from blogs get filed into here under 14 different categories. (If you don't do this, I really recommend it!!)




Here are more of the Ikea baskets that can hide so much:

And, I had one more thing on my painting list & it was this very blue chair:

What a shocker!!! It got hopsacked!!! (Yes, I do own other paint, but it happened to be out :) See how much more he loves it now that it's puddy-colored?? ;) ;)


And I have big plans for these bad boys:

Well, now that I've shown you a picture of each & every thing (I know I go overboard, please forgive me! :) here's one last shot of my little office:


i hope you have a great weekend & enjoy valentines day!!!

xoxo,

lauren

41 comments:

simply seleta said...

Would it be weird if I said I covet your office? LOVE IT!!! Really really want those Joanne wall files.

I'm so happy to have found your blog! And don't worry, you're still eligable for the win. Maybe you can post a fab friday next week!

Devon said...

Fantastic post Lauren. Love the office. So serene...and the picture of your little guy on the rocking chair is priceless.

Great job!!

Fargerike Dagny said...

Lauren it looks fantastic! Are you going to wallpaper the bad boys?? ;) I absolutely love how you styled the bookshelf, it looks amazing.

I actually love everything!!
Great job!!!

Unknown said...

Beauty and organisation all rolled into one - fabulous! Love the grey/putty colour of your wall files, and your beautifully arranged shelving.

The Steel Magnolia House said...

I STEPPED INTO YOUR OFFICE AND YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT FIRED! HA HA
I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! VERY SOOTHING, VERY YOU AND VERY ORGANIZED. AWESOME, LAUREN!!!!

Willow Decor said...

Beautiful job on your office! I just love it!!
xx- Gina

My Notting Hill said...

Your office looks terrific. You've inspired me to do some organizing this weekend in my office!

Melissa said...

I am so envious of your office space and organizational skills. I LOVE the hopsack color. Your color scheme, style, and accessories are right up my alley. And I would give my two front teeth for that antique glass bobber!

Jenny at LGN said...

Wow!! Looks awesome!
I am totally crazy over that RL Hopsack! I love that you painted multiple things in your office that color. My hubbie jokes that whenever I tell him I am going to paint a piece of furniture that at least three more things will get painted the same day. I guess I sort of get in 'the painting zone.' Glad to see I'm not alone there! :)

Sarah's Fab Day said...

I'm in love with your office, it looks so good! The Ralph Lauren color is perfection.

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Love your office. I have been working my files this weekend... I have piles of magazines and sheets I have torn out. Do you mind sharing what your 14 categories are? They may help me be better organized! Thanks!

Tracy Watier said...

Hi! Frequent reader, first time commentor... LOVE your office. So many great ideas, I'll have to come back later for a closer inspection. Thanks for sharing.

Michelle said...

I'm also inspired to go and do something around the house this weekend!

Thanks!

Such a beautiful place to work!

Chris said...

Your office is spectacular. I have to say, you are one of thee. best. bloggers. Your post was so detailed, and it had so many pictures, I was in heaven. I always feel like people don't show enough of a space they're talking about. I feel like I really got a sense of the room/area! Great job!!

Windlost said...

It looks gorgeous - you have such great taste and great things. Having just the right things, and great storage bins, makes a TON of difference in the home office. I could spend serious $$$$$ on bins but have been holding off. Beautiful office!

xo Terri

Maria Killam said...

Have I mentioned I love the name of your blog/business. It's you!! Great post!

Anonymous said...

Such a pretty office, and restful colors. Yes, you are lucky on the desk part. It's really elegant, simple, a yummy place to blog away to your heart's content.

Blessings ~ Eileen

Karena said...

You are soooo organized! Great job Lauren. I love the desk!

GrannySmithGreen said...

I've got some organizing to do! Wow! Your office space looks great. I need to find a JoAnn's!

LindsB said...

I am so jealous of your space, it is so beautiful, clean, organized and did I say beautiful already? I love how you have everything set up and all the storage boxes are great. What a fun office you have, I LOVE it!!

DesignTies said...

Isn't it great what a big difference a couple of coats of paint can make?? :-) Well, OK, it takes a bit of time and work too, but still.... :-)

I really like how you framed out your two little bulletin boards to give them more presence on the wall.

Your style is so soft and pretty and serene :-)

Kelly

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

What a wonderfully beautiful and organized space! Perfect!! Love the calming colors!

Wonderful Job (and I loved having that many pix...I'm going to look at them all one more time!)

Michelle said...

Ok, I think I left a comment already, but your office is amazing!

I must have skimmed the first time, because I missed where you told us about printing out blogger pics, then filing them in categories.

How do I start such an undertaking? I'm off to assess :)

Anonymous said...

Lauren,
Love the beautiful blue desk, and cant wait to see what happens to your file cabs! See you TuesdayPS--your little boy is beyond adorable! Can I buy him a pony?

Haven and Home said...

I love the office!!! I am going to have to try that paint color some time. You have the best taste. Thanks for sharing with us! Hope you had a great weekend!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Beautiful Lauren. Love the space! That desk is amazing. So sweet of your IL's to gift it to you. Since I'm going to be spending more time in my home office one of first tasks is re-doing it...again...jon is going to kill me, but oh well he wouldn't be home while I do it.

Pink Wallpaper said...

you're office looks great! i just did a post of offices and i wish i had known about yours...very cool!

Anonymous said...

your office is adorable! and organized..i love the trader joes wine boxes!! :)

and post your pics from your sat with camilla!! so jealous!

DesignTies said...

Hi Lauren,
I simply love your desk. What a find and how wonderful for your in-laws to buy it for you! And, like most everyone else, I'm completely envious of your office space. :-) We've been renovating our little bungalow for the last year, but the basement hasn't be touched yet... and that's where my office will go (only hubby thinks it'll be a den... we won't break it to him yet! HaHa!). Lucky for me it's the first space we're going to gut and re-build and that work should start in the next month or so. I'm definitely going to take some of your ideas into consideration! Like Blueprint Bliss, I'd be interested to know about your 14 categories :-)
Victoria @ DesignTies

Anonymous said...

OMG I love your office!!! what a great Before and After!!
xoxo
Eddie

cotedetexas said...

this is so beautiful! I swear you got the talent. I'm laughing at your shelf of fabric books. just wait until you are 50 years old, omg - those books grow like rabbits!!! they have taken over my office AND my garage!!!!!!!
ok - I had one idea, and take it with a grain of salt, but looking at your bookcase divider - why not hang a linen curtain from the ceiling between it and your sofa? that would look so cool!!!! you could push it back partially to expose the shelf, but still get some separation. just a thought. hehe!!!!

Lauren said...

Thanks everyone so much for your great/ sweet comments & ideas!! I'm working on a post right now with my 14 different 'styles" & will put it up as soon as I'm finished!!!
xoxo

Jennifer said...

I LOVE your desk! and all of your storage is so pretty and cohesive!

Jennifer said...

I LOVE your desk! and all of your storage is so pretty and cohesive!

Anonymous said...

Your office rocks. It looks totally functional but you made it look so lovely at the same time. And those wooden crates and wall files were a major score. Can you come over and redo my office now?

Velvet and Linen said...

Lauren! I would be so happy in your office.
I love the neutral white, "hopsack", and black color scheme.
What a calm place to work and blog.
Oh I wish I was this organized!

xo
Brooke

Michelle said...

agh.....I am too jealous for words !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sealaura said...

I would love to peek into your coastal binder! The others look fantastic as well. Thanks for sharing.

American Homemaker said...

What a great office!

No.35style said...

well first off, just look at that sweet boy!! cutie! fabulous office space! i went to home depot and picked up the hopsack color chip..nice color!

Jamie said...

I love the color you chose, it really transformed your office. I was just staring at my furniture on my 'to do list' thinking I must paint. Your post is motivational and inspiring to say the least! Great work and the mini rocking chair is adorable!