A Blogger’s Office Makeover – The Beginning Stages
Here we are again, ready to tackle our next space… and this time, it’s my office! whoo hoo!
I’m beyond excited to FINALLY give this space some MUCH needed attention, so we’ll officially be calling this project:
I mean, I’m in this little room about 90% of my day, so you’d THINK that I would have something better to sit at other then a $29.99 Walmart folding table…(face plant to the palm)… BUT, I don’t.
I actually have some really great scrapbooking storage in this room on one wall, that my Mother-in-law gave me for Christmas a few years back… but since I’m not really a big scrapbooker anymore, it wasn’t serving much of a purpose. The organizational cubes are still in perfect condition, so we’ll actually be putting them into the kids’ play room to organize THEIR papers, crafts, and other art supplies!
Okay, let me back up and start from the beginning, with the big question…
Why all of a sudden an office makeover NOW!?
Well… there were a couple of reasons. But the biggest one, was this:
Yup… over 52,000 photos and videos were stored on our little, Costco bought, desktop computer. Ready for the worst part? I had NO external hard drive OR online storage backing up those babies!
(gasp!!!)
And when I say babies… I mean MY baby’s. All of the photos from our kids’ life were stored in this computer, and one day, about a month ago, that 6 year old desktop started acting really funny.
I knew that I needed to do something about my situation, but just kept pushing it to the back burner. Then one night I was working in my office and I had this punch in the gut feeling that literally jumped out at me and said… “DO something about that COMPUTER, or you’re going to regret it!!!”
It was late, about 2am, and it made me so nervous, that I quickly shut off my super-slow-dinosaur-computer, and just went to bed. The next morning I woke up early, got ready for the day and promptly notified Cason that we were buying a new computer today if it killed me! LOL.
Long story short, we ended up having to build a very specific computer for all of my blogging, photo, and designing needs.
(and before any of you ‘apple fans’ make the comment “You should have gotten a Mac”… I have to confess, I’m just a PC girl, through and through. I tried to like Mac’s but it felt like I was attempting to use a computer with boxing gloves on!… No good. ha!)
So moving forward, one of those many expensive custom upgrades I made, was having two monitors for me to work with. Yup… it sounds pretty extravagant, right? That’s what I said too, when Cason was using his high-pitched excited voice with raised eyebrows, as he convinced me that TWO monitors would “totally change my life forever!!!”. HA! I was pretty hesitant about spending the additional cash, but since Cason very rarely shows THAT much excitement… I ended up with the two monitors like he and the sales guy had begged me to suggested.
PS. It’s now been about two weeks into using my new equipment…and even though I definitely don’t think it’s a necessity to have TWO monitors…I have to say, my life HAS changed. (blush) It makes working in multiple programs SO MUCH faster and easier!
Why am I going on and on about this?… because this redonkulous computer, is what set our entire office makeover into overdrive! There was just NO way that I could spend THIS much money on something so nice, and then put it into a sad, dark, un-decorated space!!! (who’s with me?)
๐
So, the process begins.
We started by taking everything out of the room, wiping down the walls, dusting the baseboards and giving the whole room a super detailed vacuuming, to make sure there was no dust to get in the way when we started our painting process. Thank the heavens for this tiny little Oreck handheld… it made this job about a thousand times faster and easier.
After that was all done, we went in with our putty and filled in any uneven spots, let them dry and then gave them a smooth sanding.
Prepping has got to be the WORST part about any project, but I PROMISE you’ll be SO MUCH happier with the end result if you take the time to properly prepare your space. You can read more about how to prepare your painting space in one of our latest Homes.com articles!
At 10pm, we started on our FIRST coat of primer, and around 2am, we finished the THIRD.
WOW… who’s idea was it to paint this room DARK BROWN in the first place!?
if I only knew then, what I know now…
After our room was nicely primed and ready for paint, we headed out the next day to find the PERFECT shade of light gray.
If you’ve ever had to pick out gray paint before, then you probably understand the drama that goes along with it. Finding that TRUE gray, with not too much blue, or even worse… purple! bleehk.
We knew that we loved our medium grey in the front entryway, which was Wood Smoke from Glidden…
but it was way too dark for this basement office. I wanted a bright, light, airy, fresh gray. (seems like a lot to ask from a paint color, eh?) Nevertheless…armed with a sample swatch of Wood Smoke AND Autumn Haze from Glidden (our houses main color) we headed out to Sherwin Williams, and with the help of a friendly paint expert, we found our PERFECT light gray in no time flat!
REPOSE GRAY – by Sherwin Williams
Ahhhhhhhh… can’t you just feel how much more relaxing and happy this space is already!?
I love it!!!
So this is the stage we got to after one weekend. Pretty good, considering those sick kids and ridiculous amounts of primer… grrr.
Since then, I’ve been scouring the internet and stores for some inspirational pieces to get my creative juices flowing, now that it’s time to do “the fun stuff”.
If you’ve been following along on our Facebook page, then you may be aware that I’ve been on quite a shopping kick lately.
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. A few items that have sparked some new, different, creative ideas for this soon-to-be sanctuary of mine ๐
Vintage Wire Baskets – Willow Group on Amazon
Spring Floral Mouse Pad – Gilmore Creations
I’ll be talking some more about where I’m pulling my space inspiration from in our next post.
This office makeover will DEFINITELY take a while, but I’m hoping to bring you along on the journey the whole way! We’ve got plans… BIG plans… like, House of SMITHS plans.
(which really just translates into projects that take lots of time and energy, because ‘SOMEBODY’ has all of these ‘super specific’ visions that have to come across juuuuust right) ha!
I can’t wait to show you more of my ideas and other office developments soon! till then...
Have a Colorful(wink, wink)Day!
Emily says
I have two monitors and I'll never go back to one. LOVE them!
Kara says
A couple years ago my hubbie convinced me that I needed two monitors. I am sooo glad I listened to him! I am so used to having two that I can barely function when I have to use only one. LOL!
Love the new color BTW, and can't wait to see how you spruce up the space.
Erika M says
Looks wonderful so far!! I can't wait to see the finished room!
Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants says
Ok how funny, Jen (TT&J) posted that same design but in a fabric and asked what color to paint her office. I suggested gray and directed her to my niece's office. Guess what color it's painted Repose Gray! I LOVE that color! Can't wait to see what ya'll come up with! And has anyone told you what a lucky girl you are to have a man that will paint until the weeee hours of the morn with you??? ๐
Jenn says
Looking good! I can't wait to see what you come up with. I just bought a vase today at Safeway that has the exact same material around it as your mouse pad – love the colors!
LauraLee says
Love it! My craft room is sponged 3 different colors of light grey and I love the relaxing open feel to it. Plus you can decorate it with different pops of color without changing too much. I have a lot of silver pieces, white shelving, desk, etc and some black accent pieces with a couple brighter colors of pink at the moment. Can't wait to see what you do with your space!
Funky Junk Interiors says
I LOVE it already! Ohhhhh man that grey is sooo light and airy!
So… are you done yet? (ducking quick!) ๐
Donna
Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says
So exciting! I'm totally jealous that you have your OWN office! I've got to finish my entire basement before that will ever happen…. talk about an office makeover ๐ I can't wait to see what you have planned out!
Ilona says
I love it already!!! Great color and it looks so bright now! Good for working ๐ Can't wait to see more! btw: I LOVE YOUR BLOG AND ALL YOUR WORK!!! Thank you!
Femke says
You made a great start with the makeover! Good luck with the remaining work ahead! I'm sure it will turn out beautiful. The shade of grey you picked is beautiful; currently I'm looking for a similar color for my entryway/stairwell.
Also, what product is your husband using to paint the corners? It looks so handy, I've never seen it before *blush* No more painting over the lines onto the ceiling, etc. ๐
Anna says
It's going to look ace! I've just made the mistake of painting a wall Dove Grey and it's a little purple. ๐ It's not so bad, so think I'll leave it like that for a while though.
Anonymous says
Your decor and wall color will be so beautiful together! I laughed when I read what you wrote about the Walmart table because I am just really getting in full swing with my blog and just bought one of those for my work space. Haha! I hope my day will come to upgrade as well.
createyourdecor.blogspot.com
live and luv says
I'm so very excited for you. I can already tell it will be a super fab space. The mouse pad…I might have to steal that idea! Not only do I love the colors but the hummingbird reminds me of my momma. She adored those little creatures! Can't wait for updates!
Michelle says
Ooooh love that gray!! Can't wait to see more!! ๐
Jennifer Spadaro says
I just finished my office makeover about a month ago, it feel so great to have a place that reflects me, while I work. Can't waist to see the finished project!
Anonymous says
I can't wait to see what you all have up your sleeve! Your transformations are always amazing!
Unknown says
Ah dear Shelley! I totally get the photo storage crisis. I actually lost quite a few some years back when a power surge (imagine that in Florida (rolls eyes) – killed my computer even WITH a surge protector.
Since then I've been storing all my photos online w/ a pro SmugMug account. They keep everything, promised they will never raise my annual fee of $49 and store all photos and videos in full size, high resolution format.
Alas I switched to Apple a few years back and have been an addict every since. Once you get the hang of it, it's funk-diculously simple and NO VIRUSES!!! (queue angels and heavenly lights).
I love the grey you're painting the office – amazing how it brightens it completely up!! Can't wait to see the finished result – waiting with baited breath – but hurry – I'm starting to turn blue! ๐
Anonymous says
We just bought a home and we're about to start tackling painting. So I can't help but ask — what is the tool that Carson is using to do the edges and cutting in!?
shelley k says
You and your husband seem to work so well together……how do you do it? Mine would complain the whole time. From start to finish! I LOVE your blog and look forward to reading it every day.
Erin says
Love the color!! Question about those wire baskets…I want some to store fabric in. Do the baskets snag? Do they have exposed pieces that may pill on fabric? Sorry if that is confusing ๐ thanks!!!!
Melissa says
Shelley~you and Cason are genius at picking out colors. LOVE the wood smoke and can't wait to see the the final repose gray. My husband has 2 screens in his office and he can't work any other way now ๐ I just read your previous post and we can SO relate. I swear, their immune systems just get worn down and then they catch everything at the same time. Hang in there~spring is COMING!! ๐ xo
Kalli says
Oh no… You've really gone and done it. We will be moving into a new house soon, which for me means my very own office. I've been trying to be prudent, the existing desk I have is fine, I don't need to decorate extra fancy, etc. And then I saw this. I want my sanctuary, too! (Right now my "office" is the corner of my bedroom.) Can't wait to start the process! And can't wait to follow yours!!
Anonymous says
can't wait to see what you do with this space! and that mousepad – OMG. I. MUST. HAVE.
kristina proffitt says
Hi Shelley!
SO happy you are doing this makeover because we are starting to makeover our dining room into an office for me and I am SO excited and LOVE your style so you are going to inspire me SO much! LOVE that gray! I'll for sure be checking out the progress along the way and getting inspiration from you! Oh, and I totally understand that whole two monitors, thing! My husband is a software developer and uses two at work and he told me how much two would help me and it totally does! I'm a PC girl, too! ๐ Anyway, just wanted to pop in and thank you for the inspiration! Thank you so much!! BIG hugs!!
Serena says
The gray looks fabulous!! I have taken a fondness to gray as of late, and I've got some awesome thrift finds that I am planning on graying up! You've done the research, and now I shall borrow shamelessly ๐
Can't wait to see the final outcome!
Serena
Thrift Diving
ThriftDiving.com
The OCD Lifestyle says
Love the progress so far… I am also in the beginning stages of my office creation. I finally know what I am buying and the layout. Now, to the paint color, which is also a gray from Sherwin Williams. I just haven't decided which one, but I am loving the one you chose. May have to use that one. ๐
Kristin
theocdlifestyle.blogspot.com
{annie_loo} @ The Farrar Four says
WOW! I love this! My house is all browns and neutrals- warm feeling…but I really do love grey. I always thought grey was so modern and that we couldn't do it, but this looks doable…and your house doesn't feel modern. There are modern touches, but with vintage too. That's what I like. But good grief, we'd have to get rid of everything to go grey…furniture, couches, everything…OH DEAR! Maybe I'll start with my craft room! ๐
BluBabesCreate says
Oooh! I can't wait to see. And hey, there ain't nothin' wrong with those folding tables from Wal-Mart! In fact, I'm typing on one of those super stylish things right now!
Valtastic says
I bought a mac after people telling me too.. After 3 years I still hated it… I just sold it on ebay over the weekend and sold it for more than my replacement laptop. PC's are WAAAY better in my opinion.
Love your new gray walls! ๐
cheril says
Can I be a sister wife…your husband is amazing! LOL!
Unknown says
I am excited to see how it turns out. I notice you don't use any tape…do you have a special brush that helps get clean corners? Looks really great so far!
macmomdaly says
Great color and space to create! Melissa Daly @ macmomdaly.com
Amber says
I'm in LOVE with those wire baskets. (And the final paint color you chose!)
Ready for the journey of your office makeover. Seatbelt is buckled. And, I'm ready to go! ๐
Jill @ Craft in a Northern Town says
It's going to be soooo pretty when you get done! And I'm in love with those wire baskets!
Lisa says
I like that color so much better. It is just lighter…I need some external storage, too. Just sayin'
Nancy@owensolivia says
Hmm, I think I know what color I will be painting my living room! Thanks for doing the hard for me girl!
Rachel @ The House of Burks says
Beautiful colors! I love that grey is the new neutral. Our dining room is going to be painted a lovely grey in the near future and I can't wait!
Lani Derrick says
Looks great so far! I am a huge fan of the grey colors:)
Kacey says
It's looking lovely! I love Repose Gray – it's a great color! Excited to see how it all comes together. Cute mouse pad!
Lil Mama Stuart says
lol, who starts painting at 10pm!? You guys are hardcore. Love the backstory and can't wait for the journey!
Unknown says
I love reading your blog, you have such a distinct 'voice'
The grey you choose is very pretty and I love the vintage wire baskets
Unknown says
I just love how refreshing and colorful your spaces are and I've also been looking at some wire baskets for our mudroom area.
Danielle says
i have repose gray in all the main spaces of my house…it is the perfect light gray!! can't wait to see the finished project ๐
Unknown says
Love the color choice. You are definately opening my eyes of to new color options. Can't wait to see all the details.
mommysguiltypleasures.blogspot.com
Jessie says
Good for you! I love the gray!!
Natalie@Endless Crafting says
How fun! I am excited to see the progress! It's going to fab like all our spaces!
DIYbyDesign says
Can't wait to see what you do.
Nana says
After 5 years of no children in our home (empty nesters), I decided to finally change one of the rooms into a "craft/sewing" room. I'm right in the middle of the change and I'm telling you…..my room looks like a tornado hit it! I've been thinking about painting it a gray color and the color you picked is perfect! Can hardly wait to see the transformation! I'm sure it will be awesome!
Kim @ Plumberry Pie says
yay for that gray! I am on the hunt for the perfect gray. I will have to look into repose gray:). I actually painted my guest room in gray, which I love, but I'm finding as I try to accesorize…it has the "purple" undertone, ugh. So I'm having trouble w/it. Anyhow, thanks for sharing. I'll probably leave the guest room, but wanting a gray like your office for my family room, so thanks for sharing your find! cAn't wait to see your office adventure!
Christine says
We just moved our girls into the same room and are going to makeover one of the rooms as an music room/office. I am wanting a nice warm grey color, as my husband is going to use it the most for his music.
Can I borrow Cason to cut in? So jealous of someone that can stand flat footed and cut in! I cut in at our house and I am constantly moving that silly ladder!
It looks gorgeous so far!
Pitter and Glink says
I can't wait to see what all is going to happen to this blank canvas! ๐
Jenn Batey says
LOVE this…I am the Floridian who just asked you 3 days ago to share your favorite 'gray' advice! LOVE IT! Thanks.
Kelly Marie McKee says
Good luck! Can't wait to see how it turns out!
Stephanie says
I jumped on the two monitor band-wagon with the hubby's suggestion too. I didn't quite get it at first but YES being able to move quickly between several programs is a time-saver. Although, about a month ago, the older monitor keeled over NOOO! Let me tell you it is much harder to go back to one then to make the jump to two. Grr, but we have decided since we are looking to move back East we will just wait and make the new purchase after the move (and hopefully I'll get an office out of it too).
Gloria Fox says
Love the color you chose. Much brighter for that room. I have two monitors at work and wish I had them at home to blog with. It would be so much easier.
Denissa says
Love the wire baskets, I need to check those out! ๐ Can't wait to see what you do! Our office/computer room needs a makeover so bad, but I don't even know where to start!
I know EXACTLY what you're talking about with the pics/videos. I've been saying that I'm going to get an external hard drive or make books on shutterfly..have I done it? no..thanks for the little extra kick I needed! lol ๐
xo
Unknown says
Can't wait to see what you come up with! Lovin' all the recent House of Smiths redo!! love your new bench/entry! Been procrastinating on getting ours done. We have a different layout than yours but it gives me the will to really get it done!
Also, have you considered using tinted primer? I hired a painter and he used tinted primer and therefore could use less coats. Used the leftover to paint another room. I guess the only disadvantage is that you could have many buckets of random primer rather than one huge, ginormous bucket of white primer that you have ; ) Just read that you put 3 coats of primer in the middle of the night in your office.
amy
Deanna @ TheChangingHouse says
Amazing!!!
Tori Bella says
I need that mirror! Where did you get it?
Also, generally, I'm a super stalker and don't comment but you look amazing! I can tell all your hard work is paying off!
kelly says
we are renovating a house right now and i love your style, i can't wait to see how you do your office, we are going to do one too it will just be in a smaller space.
i LOVE those wire baskets, sadly they don't ship to hawaii!!
please keep posting on this!
CoLiE-O says
Couldnt help but notice you weren't using a drop cloth. You replacing the carpet or do you just have mad skills ๐
Michael and Emily says
I love your blog and your style! I'm wondering too, what tool your hubby is using to cut in at the ceiling. If it works better than cutting in with a plain old brush, I want to know what it is! Can't wait to see the finished office.
Michael and Emily says
I love your blog! I too, am wondering what tool your hubby is using to cut in at the ceiling. Can't wait to see the big reveal!
Kirby says
Hey Shelley! I've been on a blog-reading break for about 6 months and I'm just tuning in again…and YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!!! Seriously. Just wanted to encourage you to keep up the hard work…the results are amazing!!
Laura and family says
Hi Shelly, I love your blog! I wanted to ask what fabrics your pillows are. The Dwell fabric is my master bedroom curtain and I have one throw pillow in it. I love the fabrics you paired it with though. Could you send the names my way, and is the back one yellow or green? Thanks!
Laura and family says
Hi Shelly, I love your blog! I wanted to ask what fabrics your pillows are. The Dwell fabric is my master bedroom curtain and I have one throw pillow in it. I love the fabrics you paired it with though. Could you send the names my way, and is the back one yellow or green? Thanks!
KT says
A newcomer to the blog, I've been scouring the Internet for a perfect gray for our basement. Thanks for the suggestion of Repose Gray — love it!
Unknown says
Hi there – I know this is an old post, but I am using Repose gray and I am deciding between Eggshell or a Satin sheen – what sheen did you use? Thanks!!!