office desk
A few weeks ago I showed you my new office desk in it’s raw state.
At that point I was thinking I would add a skirt. But once it was sanded
primed
painted {two coats of Sherwin Williams Cashmere paint in Rushing River}
given a band of white grosgrain ribbon
and some silver nail head trim
I ended up really liking its modern simplicity.
So here she is now living happily in my office.
I needed more storage {and display space} and so I installed three rows of shelves. I put them up myself. Into studs. I am quite proud.
{one of my all time favorite photos from our first trip to New York}
{a current display of neutral ribbons}
{boxes of envelopes at the ready}
Now do you want to see my next project?
It is time to reupholster this handsome chair I have neglected for over five years.
It actually needs to be re-padded and tied too. I have never reupholstered anything, so this one might be ambitious for a beginner, but I’ll give it a try one of these days.
Questions about my office? Here are the past posts:
office {part one}
office {specifics}
office {rearranged}
painted wallpaper {tutorial}
painted wallpaper {clarified}
enjoy!
Courtney
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Your shelves gave me a great idea for my office/guestroom! I love how you decorate. If only I had some of that talent…
Shirley Clark
Wow! That’s an awesome space.
Jessica @ Decor Adventures
Hi Emily,
I love the desk, I think it works great in your space and the colors are perfect. I had a question about the paint you used for it. I find that latex paint takes a while to cure and I’m thinking about looking for another type for my furniture.
Do you find that the desk is “sticky” for at least a bit? How long do you wait before you put objects on it? Any tips for using such a light color? Thanks!
emily
Yes … the desk was sticky. I let it sit for probably a week, maybe more before putting things on it. It was so hard to resist, but I think it was worth it.
As for the light color … not sure how it will hold up with lots of use, but I figure I can just repaint when it shows wear.
You could try oil based paint if you would like something more durable. We painted our kitchen cabinets with oil paint and they have held up great – but it just takes a bit of extra effort.
Kimberly
I have been hearing rave reviews of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint & its durability. Another big plus is that it claims to adhere to ANY surface without prep/priming. The colors are lovely as well
I am planning to try it for a similar ikea desk I have , but will go with the skirting…..the legs on my desk are not nearly as nice as these! LOVE the shelves. I am determined to learn to put up my own shelves and such! Lovely space for you to work in!
Alima
I love the way you decorate your shelves! Especially the little ribbon/twine display! So fun!
Kim B
Absolutely LOVE your office. Mine has been laying in half finished mode for quite some time but seeing yours has lit the fire. My November project is officially been moved to office decor, complete, once and for all. Thanks for the inspiration and therefore motivation!!!! Happy Halloween.
Barbara
Great work! You’ve made a very “office” table look homey and feminine!
Diana
I love your desk! It is so creative, unique and special. You are inspirational!
maja trumpfheller
Hi Emily,
actually my desk looks pretty much the same. but still a bit different. I’ve found (over a year ago) this in the “treasure trove/repository” (or however u call it over there) at IKEA http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70117445/ so it was only the half price.
I sided white up, and put the table onto those IKEA legs: in white http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19849267/
And I like ur desk, these are really nice legs.
Have a nice day
maja trumpfheller
Oh yes, i wanted to say: NO SKIRT on this desk. It’s too cool to wear a skirt. And without it looks freshier and brighter.
Lili
I think the best part about your home is that, like life, it’s always in motion. I’ve always been what my dad calls a “furniture mover” meaning on any given day he could walk into mine and my sisters shared room and it could be completely switched around from the last time he’d been in there. It drove my room mates crazy in college. Anyway, I digress… Watching your home evolve as your needs have changed and your family has grown is pretty cool.
maja trumpfheller
(could u plz just delete the one, with the fault in my name?
sry, for that. and just remove this text inbetween ( ) thanx so much 
love ur blog! )
Hi Emily I love your legs
u know, i mean those from ur desk.
but somehow my longer post disappeared… so here again, what i’ve written:
Well i told u I’ve a similar desk – for a year now.
it’s this (upped white): http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70117445/
with those legs in white: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19849267/
(the other comment should’ve been a reply to my original comment – like this one)
Read More At Jones Design Co: http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/office-desk/#ixzz1cUQpQczX
Liz Cheek
beautiful job! Nice choice on the table, my husband and I used to always go to ikea when we lived near one. I loved their napkins, they always added fun to our kitchen table.
{darlene}
oh, yay!!! I loved her modern simplicity as well. Emily, it looks so glam and gorgeous. I love that chrome peeking out!!!!!!
Stephanie
Your office looks amazing and so refreshing, Emily!
I had one question – I noticed a little pumpkin nestled in a corner of your desk, covered over in paper. I just wondered how you made it? I love all things pumpkin and fall and this looks adorable.
Jeannie-JB
Your office is fabulous. I love everything about it! And, I just read your post about your oldest son calling you Mom (and not Mommy). I remember when that happened to me – the time goes by so fast. Savor it. Your a great Mom and a talented artist!
Shaunna
It looks AMAZING! I love the clean lines and huge surface space. Beautiful!
shaunna
Erin
I know this is an older post but I am currently revamping my pathetic office space and love the way this looks with the shelves. One question though, where do you keep your printer and computer tower/laptop? I am looking for a way to have the printer accessible enough to use daily but not be an eye sore, any thoughts?
Thanks!
Erin
Ailie
I realize this post is from forever ago, but I have a question for you . . . any ideas on where to find a rack for my paper like the one you have in the corner (or what you could call it)?
it's the little things {diy mousepad} | Jones Design Company | stylish custom designs for life
[...] pad, but after not using one for a few months, it was starting to scratch the painted surface of my desk. Option 1: sand and repaint the desk every few months. Option 2: get a mouse pad. I decided to go [...]
Betty819
lLove your new computer table; I wanted something like that but I still have the desktop with printer and tower and all the cords/cables i hate..I didn’t see any of that in your picture. My daughter tells me that you can now buy computers without all of that, it is built in the monitor but wouldn’t you need a printer attached somewhere? I’m not very computer savy; my computer guru died 2 years ago.
emily
With the imac computer, there is only one cord. We also have our internet modem plugged in here too, but the cords are hidden under the desk with a little basket thing screwed to the bottom of the desk. I keep my printer under the desk out of sight