We’ve decided to tackle the sunroom first.
The makeover will include primer, paint, light fixtures, plants, wall art, a work station, and window treatments. Lots and lots of window treatments.
There are 1728 square feet in this house right now, and we’d like to make the most of as many of them as possible. Because he has more “stuff”, Kevin’s going to use the spare bedroom upstairs as his office. Because I like being out in the open, we’re going to create a work station for me in one corner of the sunroom. I’m rockin’ a temporary set-up in there right now, but I’ve got a few different things in mind for my soon-to-be office space.
The first involves a comfortable desk chair with felt-bottomed feet (maybe one that could easily roll into the large closet behind it if I feel like hiding it?)
The second involves making a decision between a traditional desk, sort of like this…
…and a desktop sitting on cleats and a corbel. Sort of like this, except I’d only need one corbel and I’d use a different material on the desktop:
(pinned from here)
Since people will pass by my desk to go in to the first floor bathroom, I sort of envision the area looking more like a “entry” (for lack of a better word) than an office. More like the vibe of the Pottery Barn photo above, but a little “vignette-ish” (for lack of a better word) like the corbel photo. It’ll be for blog posts and e-bill payments, but it doesn’t necessarily need to look like I do either of those things there- yaknowwhatImean?
So. That said- which desk style would you go with? Stand alone, or stuck to the wall?
I prefer the stand alone one. And I like that you could hide away your junk in all the drawers when you are in a quick cleaning frenzy when people are on their way over…not that I’ve ever done that. 😉 And then you could always move the desk more easily if you change your mind about the location of it in the future.
Hi Layla! I love the looks of the sunroom – so much potential with the gorgeous windows! My vote goes for the second style of desk. It has a custom feel to it and I think you can be more creative with it. However, the storage in the first option is nice but I’m sure you can integrate a paper-stashing place in the design of the second! Can’t wait to see what you come up with and good luck.
Laura
http://www.happyroostblog.com
I’m so excited to see what you do with this new house!
My choice would be the desk (view 1) but only because I’m not sure I’d want to have something stuck to the wall. I’m sure whatever you decide it will turn out great.
I agree with this comment. I would prefer the free standing desk to one attached to the wall because eventually, if you decide you no longer like the style or if you want to move it to another part of the house, it would be easy. Also, I just prefer a traditional desk over to something like the second picture.
Noted! Thank you, Jennifer! 🙂
I agree too. It would also be easier to move/change if you feel the need. I love the idea of a roll top because it’d be easy to hide the stuff if necessary (I’d totally do that!) but also they are beautiful pieces. My grandmother had one that my dad now has and it’s great – lots of fun details, functional and pretty. My aunt has this gorgeous armoire with a fold down desk that she always has open in her entry way. Pictures, books, knick knacks, etc. and it looks great.
I would go for the first option. I love that desk. Right now I have on open desk and I hate that there is no way to hide all the clutter!
Here’s a plan from Ana White that is similar to the one you chose — http://ana-white.com/2011/02/grant-base-plans.html . I am thinking of making the same one! Good Luck on which ever style you choose! Love your new house!
I really like the traditional desk set-up that you pinned. Is building something in your closet an option? Maybe cute shelving and a light, and a place to tuck away the desk chair.
That way, the room will still look like a sun room – maybe put some cute casual chair out there, so that you could relax and unwind when you’re not actually sitting at your desk blogging.
I would just have to deal with “putting stuff away” at the end of each day, or when you are expecting visitors, etc.
Stuck to the wall with cool shelves above it. Maybe some sconce / library lights:)
Oh, be still my heart! I love those giant corbels! I vote for you to do something like that 😉
I love love love the corbels… but for the sake of having draws to shove things in when people come over, I think I’d go with the first option.
Happy new house 🙂
I’m such a stalker. I swear I check your blog six times a day waiting for updates! Yesterday I signed up to receive emails when you post but so far I have checked your site and found the new post, probably before there was even time to send the notification! That being said……I love the stand alone desk idea. The corbel desk doesn’t say ‘cottage-casual’ to me….it could be the glass top and the patina on the corbels both lend themselves to a more modern style but still…..I’m digging the stand alone option. 🙂 Love your blog! Love your new home!
I think in this instance I like stuck the wall the best if you want it to look more like a entry.
Stand alone! That way you can move it when the mood strikes. Love your blog!
I LOVE those corbels!!! Whatever you choose is going to be great!
I love the look of desk #2 but I have a desk in my country kitchen that has no storage and now I wish I had purchased something with some storage. I can’t wait to see the journey of your new home!
If storage isn’t an issue then go with the corbel style desk/table but at my house we always need another drawer! I love that you guys aren’t wasting any time. It is so exciting to watch your process.
I’m voting for the first one. Having the drawers for tucking things away would be super handy.
Traditional! You’re gonna need doors and drawers and such to hide things when you want to present an uncluttered look.
Hmm… that’s a tough one. I like both. If it were me, I’d probably go the secretary route. More storage. And if you decorate the top surface, when you close it up, it would look more entry-table-ish. 🙂 I also think the style fits better with the house. The corbels are cool too, though… 🙂
I like the versatility of a free standing desk so that it can be moved if necessary but, what if you put some of those gorgeous chunky shelves with corbels above said desk? I think that would be a nice way to turn a work space into a vignette. So excited to see your progress on your new home.
Are you going to be posting a floor plan of the new house? Why not build the desk in the closet, I have seen that done a lot…….
Yes, eventually. 🙂 We thought about building it in the closet, but we need that sucker for STUFF- lol! 😀
I know what you mean!!
Any possibility of making the closet your desk area? Make a big opening in the closet wall for a large “window” approach, to let all the light in, but still hide clutter from guests? Other than that, I think the desk option might be easier to manage desk clutter. It gets annoying to have to keep clearing off your desk area when guests come over, especially if you are right in the middle of a project. Just a thought.
Hi Cory! We thought about that when we first looked at the house, but we really need that closet for storage. One day, we’ll add on and I’ll have a dedicated office, but for now- it’s just me and my corner desk! 🙂
Well I can’t blame you that. I’m always trying to squeeze every little drop of storage space out of my raised ranch. 🙂
Those corbels are absolutely amazing! Love love love that desk.
Although the 2nd is beautiful, I think something like the first would be best for all of the multi-tasking you will be doing in that space. You’re going to need lots of storage! Congrats on your house, so happy to be following along as you spruce it up!
Thanks, Jennifer! I should’ve mentioned this will be a minimal multi-tasking zone. Just blogs and e-bills! #NoClutterAllowed 😀
I’m sure that whatever you do will be lovely, but for me, it would have to be the stand alone that has storage and can hide the clutter and the laptop. Otherwise you’re probably going to want to put a filing cabinet in the closet to keep the paid bill receipts, etc. JMHO Love your house – so much potential!
Thanks, Lorraine! And thanks for weighing in on the subject, too. Lots to think about, for sure! 🙂
I saw a desk the other day that intrigued me. It was a computer desk where the “keyboard shelf” actually could be rotated/pivotted out to create a larger work area for when you need it. Your spot is so small, I would be sure to have some hiding, storage space planned in that would allow organizing to help keep you sane. I love your new home, especially the sunroom. I could spend many hours in there.
The desk – because you’ll want the storage, and that corner is a great nook for a desk. Why make it look like an entry when it’s not an entry? I do love corbels, but maybe in another spot. Great house!
Hi Cheryl! I should’ve said “entry- for lack of a better word”. Off to edit my post right now- ha! 😀
I love the traditional look of a secretary-type desk with a fold down top. Either way I’m sure you guys will make things look great!
Me too, Miranda. SO pretty and tidy! 😀
Layla…..
I did not hear bells go off. No ding ding ding for me…….
Can we have choice #3? I vote for the stand alone desk that could easily slide into a closet……….something with much more simple lines. I know……..I know………I love PB ……….but not in this instance.
I vote for choice 3. Am hanging my head in shame………but you asked……..and I can’t lie. Xoxoxo
LOL! No choice #3 for me, Ter’e. I’ve actually sort of got my heart set on one of the options. 😉 I just like to know what my e-friends would choose, too! 😀
I love the corbel idea because it is so unique! But, I would probably go with the traditional desk. Like other people said, having drawers to hide clutter is always a good idea! Can’t wait to see what you are going to do!
Stand-alone. Storage is everything!
i like what Shawna says. It is what i would say and good luck with the new home and make it home. can not wait to see what you do to your home.
If it was me, I’d go with the desk. I like to move things around and since you have only been there a short while, you may decide after awhile you’d like to have “your space” in a different area. I go for flexibility 🙂
But, I am sure that whatever you decide will be great!
Blessings.
I really like the corbel look. You mentioned a different top–perhaps one with a couple drawers nested right underneath? Then, you could have the best of both worlds!
I like both ideas! But if I had to pick, I would take the first picture. You are committed with the built in desk. What happens if suddenly you don’t like it in that exact spot (or maybe it is just me with my re-arranging craziness!!). Whatever you decide it will be awesome, just like the two of you!!! Love you guys!!
Stuck to the wall! You can dress it as a console, buffet or a desk. And I LOVE the corbels!
Layla, The desk is beautiful, and perhaps the more functional of the two choices, but I love the corbel & glass top idea! AND, if you had a spot in the closet to store the office-looking items, you could pull out decorative items when company’s comin’, and create a totally new space. Also — if you use a glass top, you have the advantage of the room still appearing visually large, rather than floor space being “eaten up” by chunkier furniture!
A total win with the sun room. Lucky girl. While I have the cute pb desk and really like it, I am smitten with the corbel choice. Either way …You have the sun room!
I’m going to go with a regular traditional type desk. It would allow more possibilities in terms of storage and stash-space and can always be moved should you want to instead of being stuck in place more permanently. I know I will love whatever you choose though as always 🙂
That corbel one is gorgeous!
stand alone would certainly be easier to move if you need to or decide to rearrange!
I like the stand-alone option. Better to have the storage and not use it right away than stick it against the wall and decide you need storage later. Plus, it doesn’t necessarily have to hold office storage. It could be off-season decor or dishes or shoes or something…
For me, I would choose the piece of furniture–a smaller drop front desk/secretary style painted white. Or that great Pottery Barn one! The photo looks like you have limited space so you probably can’t go too big with the desk. I do like the corbel idea–but since this is out in a more public space in your home I would go with a more furniture look to the area. What ever you do will be wonderful, as always, and we can not wait to see what ideas you put in place…
Since it will be a real working desk (my husband and I both office from home), I’d go with the Pottery Barn style. You’ll find it more functional with drawers and doors and it will be nice to close it up or quickly shove things in a drawer if you want to make it look spiffy in a jiffy. I like being able to shove everything I’m working on it a drawer when company comes calling.
Actually, it’ll be more of an e-working desk. Just me and my laptop! 😀 I love your “spiffy in a jiffy”!
I think you got the better end of the office deal – I’d love to have my work area tucked into the corner of a sunroom!
Thank you! It’s been a fun place to write and pay bills! 😀
I vote desk as well. I just like the idea of some storage in it. The corbel desk is very modern in spite of the traditional corbels.
And as far as window treatments, there are awesome, affordable faux wood blinds on the wal-mart website, their brand (Canopy) and lots of my friends and I have them. Great for privacy, and a nice beginning for pretty windows.
Got it, Laura. But for the record, the corbel-y desk I have in my mind looks more cottage-y and acts a little more storage-y. 😉 Thanks for the tip about the blinds! We’ll definitely check those out!
Ballard Designs also has a nice secretary desk that you could close up to hide any mess. http://www.ballarddesigns.com/ProductSearch?storeId=10052&catalogId=10551&langId=-1&searchTerm=secretary+desks
Thanks for the link, Mary! 😀
I am LOVING option #2!!!! I get the storage thing everyone is thinking about, but you have enough wall space to put a cute cabinet that could be storage. Also, if you ever decide to move your office you could then make that a drink or appetizer station for parties or just a cute and super unique nook.
Oh yeah! I should’ve mentioned that we’d eventually like to add on to the house. Oops! 😀 I LOOOOOVE the appetizer station idea, Megan!
I vote for the corbels…love that look – and then it can be cleared off and used for other purposes when needed…like a bar or serving station during a party…
You know what, every fiber of my being would say go with the Pottery Barn style desk. But that particular photo of the desk on cleats makes me REALLY happy and I LOVE IT.
I think you should choose one in that vein 🙂
To me, it would look fantastic with the grand piano. Way more fantastic than a chunky desk without such interesting lines.
I tend to not vote for storage just because I love really clean table tops, and I don’t keep a lot of junk around. What I do need can go in a closet, especially if it’s sort of a secondary office.
You’re inspiring me to maybe do something in my own sunroom. Hmmm!
I’m with ya 100% on the clean table top thing, Angela. I’m a stuff-free surface kinda gal, too! 😀
First let me say that both are equally beautiful! I think I would pick the first option though, the desk from Pottery Barn. I love that stand alone desk style. Can’t wait to see what you do with the room!
Since u love the corbels more i would do that and then maybe add some sort of shelf thing above it with doors so u could store things in it. Nothing big…,more like long and slim. Kevin can come up with something 🙂 . Maybe a basket on the floor beside or under it out of the way.