Anyway, this office update is nothing spectacular... No room rearranging or even furniture painting. But it's a room I haven't featured on the ol' blog before, so I decided to share.
First up was a quick reworking of our bookshelf. I love to read, and I love to purchase said books, so I can go back and re-read them later. That habit, in conjunction with my current school books, quickly made our bookshelf into a less-than-eye-pleasing spot.
Before, cluttered & too full:
After, organized & cleaned out:
And, of course, I couldn't stop there with our quick update. Unfortunately, I don't have any 'before' pictures (bad blogger), but just imagine the current set-up with our purple couch (from the 'before' living room pictures), dark brown rug, and guacamole walls... yikes!
Here is the 'after'...
We used our old mantel as a wall shelf above the newly slipcovered couch, and managed to negotiate a trade with my younger sister for the tan colored rug (from her old college apartment... traded for a doggie bed). For some reason, the shelf looks disproportionately high in this picture, but I promise it's not.
I also have mixed feelings on the use of a slipcover, but the purple on green was not working in this room, and I'm pretty happy with how much brighter it makes the room feel.
Finally, I rounded up a few new desk accessories...
Before, plain & plastic:
After, with a new lamp shade and desk storage:
Including a new purpose for one of my favorite milk glass vases:
Again, nothing too crazy... But it was all done with items from around the house and on the Whittaker-friendly budget of $60 (slipcover: $30; lamp shade: $12; baskets & white desk bins: $18).
I feel like the lighter colored accessories helped with the dungeon-feel our office had before... I'm still thinking about painting the Ikea bookshelf white and plan to make a table skirt for the console table (not pictured, in front of the sofa).
For now though, I'm happy with the finished-in-one-night (just in time for my visitors) updates!
Cath it looks awesome!! I can't believe how big and bright the room looks! I need to get our office in order big time!
ReplyDeleteYay! I can't wait to visit. Can we have Fro Yo as blogged about by Amy?!? Love the renovations and love that good ole todum pole is still getting use. I loved him - yes, I'm assuming it's male - in our college apt/house.
ReplyDeleteHey! I just posted pictures of the skirted table for you. I stole a picture of your office ;) It looks great!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://weheartmostart.blogspot.com/2010/06/not-art-wellthat-depends.html