I definitely think it’s true that “small” spaces are the hardest. I know it seems like I’ve been working in the office for like FOR-EV-ER (gag me with a spoon). Honestly the truth is … I HAVE BEEN. I’ve also been helping Richie with the staining of the outside siding. Which is going fabulous by the way.
But lets wrap up this space before I stab myself with a pair of scissors. I don’t know about you but when I’m done with a project I’m DONE with it. Well, for a while at least. Ha Ha!
The office is a tiny little nook in the studio space of our home located at the end of the main house hallway. For the many new followers here, this space was added on after the house was built so the architect who owned and lived in this home could run his business from his residence. It’s the main reason we wanted the house and we’re slowly working our way through the space. The small “receptionist” desk/office can be quite dark and dreary, but this girl is a LOVER of light. Bright spaces, white light and lots of it, makes me so happy. Sunglasses in the house are okay. It’s never too bright for me. So naturally I wanted lots of light in this small corner of the studio.
These mod aluminum pendants were in the house when we bought it and there were three total.
We took them down because of the wiring. You can clearly see that they are in bad shape and gave me a heart attack. I could just imagine the house burning down before we ever got started on it. YIKES! So they’ve been sitting in a closet waiting for someone to rescue them. My intent was to use one of the in the office to light the counter top.
I stripped them of their old and tattered parts and purchased new cords, sockets, and plugs. Making or replacing lamps and their parts is probably the easiest thing EVER. Once I do a project like this I immediately want to start a lamp making factory in my home and turn every object into a lamp and sell my creations. Okay, you get it… I get carried away. Just a little. :-) Stick to the plan, Stacey!
We needed more than just this little pendant in the office so I also purchased a new George Nelson Bubble lamp for general lighting. It’s soft easy light and the office originally had one in it but it was torn with holes so we didn’t keep it. The new ones from Modernica are lovely.
So Richie hung the bubble lamp for me and I put the aluminum pendant up. First I purchased a plumbing pipe, flange, and end cap so I could wrap the cord and hang the pendant directly over the extended counter. I’ve been dying to use plumbing pipe for a project and now I’ve used it in several places. Of course the day I bought it the threader at Lowes was broken so it hasn’t been cut. It needs about four inches cut… but I’ll deal with that another day. So things are getting brighter… but there’s even more light to come.
I don’t know if you are the same, but when I renovate a space I find it hard to keep old things. If it’s tattered, torn, or looks like crap it’s gotta go. Even the simplest things like a mouse pad. Mine was this hideous black rectangular piece of crap that looked like it had been run over by the car. So I recovered the top with some scrap fabric and cut it into a circle. So cute! I’ll share how I did it in another post. It was kind of like the lamps. Now I want to go into a mouse pad making frenzy.
HA HA! Stick to the plan, Stacey!
Cord management has been a HUGE issue for us. Between the computer, printer, cable modem, router, speakers, power supplies and all the necessary bling required to run today’s home computer and gadgets it quickly becomes a jumbled mess. AND THE OUTLETS WERE ALL ABOVE THE DESK! AHHHHHHHHHHH! Yes, just envision all those cords sitting on top of the desk. Stab me with those scissors, NOW!
Since I really don’t like blood I’ll skip the stabbing and just drill some holes in the desk and install these lovely little desk grommets. I had to laugh when I went into Office Depot and asked where I could find their desk grommets. The salesman looked at me like I was BRILLIANT! His answer back was “wow, most people don’t know what those are called… They just ask for those plastic doo hickies that stick in the hole”. HA HA HA! So funny. Anyway I never felt so smart and happy with myself. It was short lived, though. They were out of them. I did end up finding them at Lowe’s in case anyone goes looking for doo hickies AKA desk grommets for their desk.
Now all my cords are out of sight and that is OUT OF SIGHT, MAN!
Another thing I wanted out of sight was the printer. A printer is a necessity but it’s not something I use that often. Of course getting rid of it would only mean that I would need to print something every single day for the rest of my life. It’s needed… but not that much… so I didn’t want it on top of the desk. So what’s a girl to do. BRIBE HER HUSBAND, of course. So I go outside and tell Richie that if he builds me a rolling cart, I’ll paint the house while he plays carpenter. So we switch and he builds me a box according to my specifications. Using left over plywood from our first DIY bed making project, the box was ready.
I primed it and then added wheels so I could roll it out from under the desk if I need to. Besides, it’s so fun to put wheels on anything. Like the lamps, and mouse pads, I was now contemplating putting wheels on everything we own. Clearly I need to get out more.
So here she is all painted and fitting perfectly under the desk.
I also kept some of the file trays from the demo and painted them white. I have an incredible amount of storage and it’s wonderful!
Everything is back in it’s place with a bright shiny face. The drawers all lined and organized. I’m feeling good.
My desire for blinding light in my home brought me back to Lowe’s to purchase some LED under cabinet light bars. Talk about easy. This had to be the simplest installation I’ve ever experienced. If you’re looking to brighten a space this is the way to go. They’ve come a long way with LEDs and I for one love the bright white light they put out.
I tried to take some pictures of the project both at night and during the day. It’s now a really nice space that I love spending time in. I have enjoyed the project but I’m ready to move on. There are so many teeny tiny details in small spaces that it makes you nuts. We still have to install trim around the ceilings and desk… but that’s Richie’s job.
Here’s a shot of all the lights. You can see it’s 11:21 at night and bright as can be! I should be in bed by now!
See that paneling in the hallway. Hopefully it will be gone by next week. (please Richie, please)
And for fun… here’s a little treat Richie made me. I love the Eames Elephant. It’s such a great design but more of a child’s item. I made a few out of paper but Richie wanted me to have one that wouldn’t crumble.
He made this one out of metal for me. He’s too sweet! It now sits on my desk where the paper one use to be. If you follow me on instagram then you’ve already seen my little elephant. He loves peanuts! Oh wait, that’s me.
Here’s great little video called “A Gathering of Elephants“. It’s pretty cute to watch if you’re into Eames designs.
And more pictures during the day. I’m really happy with the results. Of course I still have to deal with the concrete floors at some point but until then I threw down a few left over Flor squares to fool my eyes into thinking the space was done. HA!
So there it is. Finally Finished.
Now it’s time to pay bills and write emails… and print something out. :-)
I know I said that I was done… and for the most part I am… except for one more thing which I’ll share when it happens. A purchase that I’ve dreamed about for years and years. Unfortunately good things MAKE you wait. So I wait, patiently and with excitement.
See previous office renovation posts:
> OFFICE WORK
> OFFICE DETAILS – AFTER MIDNIGHT
hi Stacey – I love every part of your office nook and love that you used one of the former pendant lights too. Y’all are so imaginative and creative with the casters and plumbing fixtures and diy grommets. That part about the office depot employee made me laugh :) –diane
Hey Diane! Are you burning up over there in Houston? OMG, it’s so hot and we’ve been painting outside. I was wondering how your beautiful garden and yard were holding up. Ours looks pretty shabby. Anyway, thank you so much for visiting. I love this little space and I’m happy it’s bright and clean and most importantly FINISHED. I no longer frown when I walk back to my office but smile and feel like it was all worth it. Yep, that guy at Office Depot made me laugh too. I swear he stopped in his tracks and just looked at me for a good 20 seconds like he couldn’t believe it. Love those little moments!
oh my word. it’s STELLAR, stacey! i love, love, LOVE it. i would work all day long just for the hell of it if i had a work nook like that. you did an outstanding job. and it will only get better when your special something arrives in the mail. i can’t wait to see what color you chose!
way to go, richie for making that box, but especially for that eames elephant. it’s the most adorablest thing ever. and i had never seen that video before – it’s pretty great (plus that’s my hood, yo!). jordan and i still haven’t been to the eames house (embarrassing). i’m dying to go (but also know it may put me in a funk and i won’t be able to talk for the rest of the day – i love ray and charles so muuuuuch).
i can’t wait for the mousepad tutorial. that fabric pattern you chose is rad.
high fives all around, stace. you’ve outdone yourself….again. now i’m going to go back and look at all the pretty pictures again.
Thanks Tamara! So I get home the day after Richie made that elephant and he’s made another one. So apparently we are starting a herd. I think he’s trying to goof off and get out of painting the house. HA HA! Poor guy. All he wants to do is make stuff and he has to slave away on this house. (makes me sad!) But yes, cute little elephant, isn’t it!
I had a feeling you were located somewhere close in that video. Wasn’t that fun to watch.
OMG, I just got an update on my order and it’s going to be about 3 more weeks before it gets here. I’ll surprise you with the color. (I was about to tell you…)
I’m so excited I could split in two. XO
The whole thing looks great – and I think any mouse would be proud to perch on that pad…
I am even digging the Flor squares…
HELLO HOME TOME! I’m so happy to hear from you, J. Thank you so much… my little mouse is quite proud. It hasn’t even tried to run away!
I love the Flor squares but I’m learning over the years not to buy them for big spaces. Once you do you have a huge carpet of stiff squares and you
can’t move it or roll it up. You have to take it all apart. UGH! Buuuuut I do love the options for size, color and design. And for now they’re
making me feel all warm and fuzzy by covering up that hideous concrete. I’m happy it’s done for the most part. Thanks for looking!!!
Love, love, love. It is so pretty and bright. It must make working there much more fun. I need to carve out an office space in our basement. The good news is that progress is FINALLY being made in the basement!
Progress in any part of our homes is worth celebrating, isn’t it! Yes, definitely… you should create a nook in your basement. I really enjoy having a dedicated space for that.
Thanks, Jessica. BRIGHT IS BEST!
I love your office space. The lighting is perfect, and that natural wood edge around the cabinet is great. I really like your choice of gray for cabinet and drawer fronts rather than a bright color…so much more serene. You have just the right amount of color in there. The printer box and the metal elephant are spectacular. Yay, Richie…again!!!
Hey Dana! Thank you so much. That means more than you know. I’m a gray girl for sure. I guess I play it safe but in the end I’m always happy so it must be okay.
Richie makes my little ideas happen and I’m so happy to have a guy who’ll stop what he’s doing so I can have what I need. (I’m a spoiled brat, huh!)
Today we celebrate 23 years of marriage and you can imagine how grateful I am to go through this process with a spouse who is cool with my craziness. He’s a fun guy….
with mad skills. HA HA! Thanks.
Happy anniversary to you two! You’re a match made in music and DIY heaven! :)
Stacey — The office space looks great! I love, love, love (functional) built-ins in a space and the way you’ve modernized it with paint is really well done. Also, metal elephant = awesome. Cheers – CT
Thank you, CT! I do love the built-ins in this house but it has tortured me somewhat. I never know if I am ruining them by painting. In this case I know it was the right decision.
I couldn’t be happier. It feels like a clean organized space. I’m enjoying it. And that little metal elephant was just the perfect finishing touch. Richie is a keeper!
Wow, nice and bright and tidy! You could perform surgery in there! :) The under-cabinet LEDs are fab. We have them in the kitchen now and I LOOOVE them. That little elephant is so sweet! (Please come organize my house.)
HA HA HA! I just burst out laughing, D’Arcy because I HAVE performed several surgeries in there. Well, splinter removals and bleeding boo boos. That counts! There’s been plenty of that going on during this. YAY, another girl who loves the light. I will have no problem when I die. I will go directly into the light. HA HA HA! I do love a bright space. Glad to know you are having a good LED experience too. Some people don’t like them but I really do. Sending you good vibes on completing your “WEEKEND” project. Thanks for looking!
Hi!!! Nice work! Hmmm what do I love. I love the white cabinets and counter-top. I love the under cabinet LIGHT (and gawd said)! And I love the rolling printer tray. My printer is taking up valuable desk space even now. I can see how much work you put into the space. It is the tiny complicated rooms that drive you nuts. And offices are typically complicated. NOW, about your stabbing issue. I suggest you stop. Immediately.
Yep, those tiny rooms are killers! I’m happy you like it, Rebecca. I went in the office last night to pay some bills and it didn’t hurt at all! HA HA! It definitely made the experience much more enjoyable. I’ll try not to stab anyone including myself. Blood would not be good for my white countertops. (laughing)
It’s amazing how much motivation I get from working in a well organized and comfortable work station. I’m definitely going to take some of your ideas and rearrange some things in my work room. Love it!
Oh me too!!! It changes my whole attitude. The hard thing for me is putting things up. I’ll drag out something and it’ll just sit on the desk and before I know it things are “lost”. It drives me nuts. I’m definitely going to work hard to keep things tidy. I think a clean, well-planned space is much easier to maintain … and you feel that sense of pride so you do it.
Happy rearranging and have fun. Thanks so much for visiting!
It is simply amazing how many things you are doing to your house are SO similar to our re-do. I am a light person too and your office looks terrific!
Now, with all the storms we keep having, I am waiting for the huge tree to fall on the house or lightning to strike. Then I will rebuild with floor to ceiling windows similar to yours. Can’t have enough light to suit me.
I meant to email you and thank you for the link to your house. LOVED IT! (sorry, sometimes I’m a loser with my communication). But I did look and LOVE what you did with the place. So much work, my dear. I have such an appreciation and feel a kinship to people who take this on. It’s not for the faint of heart. You did an amazing job. So the nice compliment means a ton!
OH NO, NO STORMS!!!! HA! Storms scare the crap out of me. But I do understand the dream of windows. Yes, I do. Let the light in!!!! Thanks, Karen.
My office needs a makeover. It’s to the point where I’m tired of seeing the same thing day after day. This has inspired me to get to work on the remodel.
Sometimes it only takes changing a few things to make a big difference. I love fresh flowers and sometimes just putting a small vase with flowers in a space can make everything seem special and new. Have fun and thanks so much!!!
Um yeah I need to move in. Seriously stunning work Stacey! I know is strange but my fav detail is how you guys hung the lights from the pipe. It’s modern looking. We have a chandelier issue in my kids room where we’re waiting for the kinks to work out of the wire in order to clip them better and I wish we could do something like that.
Everything about this room rocks!~
Ummm, yes, you do need to move in. I could use a fun chick to hang out with! Richie is grumpy (laughing) but I think he’s just tired. He’s worked his butt off this summer.
Thanks, Alex. That pipe was just one of those things I wanted to do but probably wasn’t necessary. I mean I could have just put a hook in the ceiling and draped it but where’s the fun in that. RIGHT?!! This is why I adore YOU. You get that. :-)
Love it, love it, LOVE IT! It looks amazing. You guys did such an incredible job of updating the space and keeping it true to the original style.
I’m so happy that cute elephant keeps you company while you work. And I had to laugh over the desk grommets. We just installed some in Tyson’s bookcase and I may have googled “desk doo hickies” to figure out what I needed for the cords. They are awesome!