office updated

 This office update required some major DIY. We started with ripping down the existing ceiling to expose the wood ceiling joists. Our house was built in 1920 so not only is it solid construction but the wood used underneath is really rustic and rough cut lumber. Which I think looks really cool and we wanted to find the balance with rustic and refined in this space.   

Next steps involved lots of trim work and finish boards. We used MDF lumber for the new ceiling boards, nailed in-between the joists, because cost was less and the boards were already primed in a matte finish. My husband is really talented when it comes to home projects and was able to whip this off in just a few days.

Once the ceiling was finished, We used wall plank to create a shiplap wall that will become the backdrop to the desk area. The plank we chose for this space was cedar, simply because our hardware store was sold out of pine. It's really lightweight and easy to work with but has so many knots! Priming all the knots and getting it ready for a coat of paint here! I ended up using my all time favorite color by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter on the planked wall. All the the other walls and trim are Cloud White also by Benjamin Moore. 

The finished result is so good! My husband made the desktop from reclaimed lumber that is actually from this house! We had just enough wood to pull this off and am so happy with how it came out! It ties in the wood beams and gives it the exact vibe I was looking for. Somehow this space just feels bigger. It really is a super small office but we used every inch of space and by opening up the ceiling and painting the walls white, it adds both visual space and light. Love. 

-T

office design plan

Our home office seems to be an outdated space that ends up as a drop zone for mail, among everything else! Definitely due for some well deserved attention and a little design! I envision a cozy space that is organized, uncluttered but updated with everything we might need to actually sit and use the space as an office. Working remotely from home this year makes an office space seem more valuable than ever.

Some challenges are room size, a window where the desk faces, 3 doorways, and a staircase making this space more like a hallway than an office. So, a carved out dedicated office area needs to be intentional yet tie in with the rest of the house. 

The Home Office Design Plan involves exposing the ceiling beams - to visually add space, planking the back wall - to add a focus wall and an element of cottage design. Open shelving for display/storage, and a DIY rustic desktop with a custom fit to use every inch of space available. Add in a linen pinboard for visual interest and Everyday Cottage design ideas, and a comfy leather office chair to the existing space should do the trick. We already have a barn door, file cabinets and bamboo blinds so will be using those.

-T

coffee station

Cream & sugar, please! This coffee station brings new life to the corner of our kitchen. We repainted the lower cabinet, added a piece of butcher block countertop and an outlet and voila! The coffee station was born. 

This cabinet was originally painted a farmhouse baby blue and had a matching hutch on top with shelving, housing decorative accessories. We were looking for more functional shelving and my husband found these at West Elm.

Reclaimed wood floating shelves available in several sizes. We chose the one that matched the length of our cabinet at 3 feet. Perfect size for holding cups, bowls and various kitchen items  that we use almost everyday. 

While visiting a doughnut shop in Providence, RI with family, I was instantly inspired by the color and character of this sidebar!  

Luckily, I found that we already had a similar paint color on hand from Valspar in Ocean Storm, that fit the bill and matched nicely with the wall color in our Kitchen. We ordered an unfinished butcher block countertop and cut it to size. Then finished with a few coats of  Minwax Weathered Oak wood finish and a butcher block conditioner both available from Lowe's.

                                                  

For accessories, I added our coffee maker, sugar bowl from Hearth & Hand by Magnolia, and a stainless cup with paper straws for the win. Coffee is served.

-T

Coming Soon!
Updating my 1920's cottage... one project at a time.