A Blogger’s Office Makeover – Built-in Storage Unit – Part 1
It’s a common known fact that most of our projects, whether it be hanging photos, decorating or tearing down walls, start of with a sketch or two.
Our Blogger Office Makeover has been no different.
The first sketch, that I’m titling… “Painting Time” comes from this little chick…
I found this just a few days ago, sitting in the pile of papers in my (now crazy-messy) office. I asked Jocelynn about the picture and she said, “Oh, I made that a long time ago. That’s you, and that’s Daddy. I wanted to make it for you, so you could see what the office would look like with all the gray paint on the walls when it was finished. And see!… you’re happy, because you like it!”
ha!
PS. Those are paint brushes in our hands and paint cans on the floor by our feet. NOT telephones and stools to sit on! (blush) You would think that I’d learn after being a Mom for 6 years, that you don’t ever try to GUESS what’s actually IN the photo… you patiently just wait for the child to explain the entire picture to you first.
PPS. Only on RARE occasions do I wear my fanciest of triangle dresses to paint. She must have caught me on a good day.
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The second sketch, done by this guy… (aka: my Dad)
is one I’ve come to title: “Trying to put down on paper, what my crazy daughter has in her mind for this larger than life built-in storage nook for her office.“
I know, I know… my poor Dad.
But… to be fair, all of this DIY passion and creativeness inside me DOES come from him… so technically it’s kiiiinda his fault that I can’t just be content going out and buying an already made piece of furniture or built-in type cabinet for this space… right?
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The wheels in my head first started turning when I spotted these adorable large Alex drawers from IKEA. I wasn’t fond of the wheels, but that was no problem, because we could just choose not to add them.
I loved how far back the drawers went, and actually liked how shallow they were (drawers too deep = hard to find items and more clutter) so I grabbed two of these bad boys and had Cason help me assemble them one night.
I knew that the drawers wouldn’t be very tall, but they turned out a LOT shorter then I thought they’d be. So I had my Dad help me build a platform from some 2×4’s in a grid type pattern that they could sit on, like this.
And that’s when things got interesting.
Once I saw how much these new drawers looked almost like cabinets (now with sort of a kick-plate effect underneath) I had lots of ideas flying through my mind! With a little more sketching, a LOT of sanding and some new painting techniques… I think I’ve almost got the “look” I’m going for!
I’m just waiting on some items that are being shipped to me and have a few more finishing touches to do, before showing you more progress photos on how this cool little custom organizational unit is coming along!
But no worries, I won’t leave you in suspense for too long. While I’m waiting on the snail mail to deliver me my goods, I’m going to be putting a tutorial together on how to get MY version of an “old barn wood” look on new, store-bought lumber… so stay tuned.
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I hope everyone had a productive weekend as well!
Ruby Jean says
Oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE it all… Your Beautiful Triangle Dress… the Paint Cans and Brushes that I myself thought were Stools and a phone.. LOL!!! And how MUCH fun to be able to work along side your Sweet Daddy… What fun memories you will have.. ๐ Can't wait to see the next installment… Have Fun!!!
reFresh reStyle says
Nice drawers ๐ I need an office makeover~please come to Georgia!
Debbie
The Farmer's Wife says
You soooo need to frame that drawing and display it in your new office. Too cute!!!
Lesli @ BeautifullyCoastal.com says
It looks like you're getting off to a good start. I can't wait to see the next post with your progress.
Smiles,
Lesli @ BeautifullyCoastal.com
kelly says
so great you have a builder to make things for you! wish we had an ikea in hawaii with both those things i could have a good time!! had a very productive weekend though!
Sherri M says
Love the fancy triangle dress!
Serena says
Ugh…..I've been SICK all weekend and haven't posted a THING in about a week to my blog! I have so many thrift store makeovers on my agenda but just can't do it with achy eyes and a dizzy head!
I love what you're doing with the Ikea drawers. I spotted those a while back and loved them too! Can't wait to see the final reveal, Shelley. And how awesome that you have such a handy hubby and daddy! Jealous!!!
Miss Kitty says
I love Jocelynn's preview picture of what your office is going to look like. Can't wait to see the real thing. Jocelynn is just beautiful.
claudia b says
ooooooooh I have been looking at those IKEA drawers and wondering how big they actually were – now I know! I totally want them, that whole line is a great blank canvas isn't it?
Pine Tree Home says
Wow, I can't even imagine what you have up your sleeve. I know it's going to be amazing. I have the larger unit like this from IKEA and I can tell you you are going to love the storage.
Jennifer S. says
I can't wait to see what you have come up with! I can't make over the office….the hubby did that on his own. BUT I need to redo my son's room. I see Lego building unit coming together there. Gah!!
Jennifer S. says
I can't wait to see what you have come up with! I can't make over the office….the hubby did that on his own. BUT I need to redo my son's room. I see Lego building unit coming together there. Gah!!
Maureen says
I love your site!This is my first time commenting, but I truly love your style. I have been wanting to this with my Antonius system from IKEA and am so glad I now have something to follow!!!! Thanks!
Anonymous says
I am already in love with your sneak peak of "old barn wood!" I cannot wait for a tutorial! I know exactly what I want my husband to build so I can use your technique!
Shauna@Satori Design for Living says
Can't wait to see what you do with the drawer units. I need something like this in my office for extra storage!
Chris says
Hi there, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/
Shelley says
Darling house! Can you please tell me where you got your zebra strip rug?
Nancy@owensolivia says
I'm very interested in your future tutorial. I love the look of barn wood! And I LOVE that color gray. I wonder if you are making a desk . . .
Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) says
Simple and chic ๐ love. Happy I got meet you at the Blogger Meet Up ๐ I made some cuter cards now haha
lynlamb says
We purchased one of these units and they are great BUT…don't stuff the drawers too much. If something falls down the back the drawers they do not lift out as normal drawers do and you have to dismantle the whole thing to fix. We have a bottom drawer that will not shut fully (as something is jammed at the back of it) until we find the time and energy to dismantle the unit!
Unknown says
I wish my dad was as handy and helpful – as it is all the DIY jobs in my house are allocated to me. I get handed the tools to fix things and make things. Not that I mind actually as I quite enjoy creating things from scratch and wood is my favourite material to work with and I have the facility and aptitude to achieve something of quality.