Monday, January 11, 2010

Workspace

We don't necessarily NEED a room that is strictly an office, but we do need some sort of designated office space.

Since it doesn't seem our house will be SELLING any time soon - I think I'm ready to resume some projects - only cost effective ones, of course.

I have some files upstairs, some down, some on the middle floor, some in closets, etc... I also have various office supplies piled in different drawers around the house. We have to plug in our laptop to use it because the battery is shot - so I get tired of that cord laying across the room too.

Our home has a very open and informal floor plan, so it makes sense to integrate a work space into a common area of the house. The breakfast room is a natural fit.

Actually I'm thinking of knocking out a wall and making our dining area the "great room" where we eat. So we'd be getting rid of the dining room. No one uses a formal dining room anymore anyway.

Then the "eat-in" part of our kitchen would become more kitchen/office type workspace.

The cool thing is - we already own the cabinets and window seat I want to use, so it should be a cinch :)

Here are some workstations I LOVE:

Photo from Southern Living

The floral wallpaper and busy rug aren't really "us" but I love the ample storage and the way the book cases frame the windows. I am wanting to use our window seat (with drawers) under our window.


Photo from Get Decorating

This is a pretty substantial work station, but I love the cabinets with the fabric inset panels, which offers a pop of color while still concealing clutter.

Photo from Pottery Barn

I LOVE this secretary desk and hutch. I love the soothing blues and whites in this room, and I love all the nifty little drawers. The downside to something like this is that I'm not sure I want something this small....AND I really want something that looks built in.

Photo from Southern Living

Another gem from Southern Living. I love the big open work space on the desk and the additional wall-mounted storage. The under cabinet lighting is great, and I love that the designer hung artwork on the wall between the cabinet and desk.



Photo by Sunset Magazine

I love the simple, clean lines and vintage feel to this office set up, and the small size would easily fit into the space we're considering.

Photo from Divine Design, Candice Olson

Finally, I love, love, love this basement family room and work space designed by Candice Olson of "Divine Design." I like that the half wall/bookshelf separates the space but that it's open enough for someone working at the desk to feel that he or she is part of whatever is going on in the family room. And of course, I love the shelves on the wall too.

So now the trick is - getting my hubs and my dad to start demolition :) :)

1 comment:

Julie said...

Good luck!! I love the basement pic. That gives me some ideas...