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 vote for the stand alone desk–I love mobile furniture!
what wonderful ideas! It is a tough choice, as I loooove the more original idea of the corbel, but also adore the look of that desk (and it may be more functional with regards to storing stationary etc??). I would say the answer depends on what you find, and the price. If there’s a huge difference in cost, go for the less expensive option; if you find THE perfect corbel or THE perfect desk, then go with that. Let your discoveries guide your decision. fun, fun!!!
Yes, yes!!! 😀
I not only love the Pottery Barn picture, but also the idea of a desk that can be moved. As a perpetual furniture mover, I like to be able to change my mind. Especially in a new house that you haven’t lived in for very long. Sometimes the house tells you to make changes after a while and a stand alone desk gives you freedom. Ya know? Either way, whatever you do will be stunning and I will want to copy it 🙂
I love the second option! Ever since you used corbels in your old spare bedroom, I have been pinning them like crazy and envisioning them in our space. Can’t wait to see what you decide 🙂
I like the Pottery Barn one best. Not really digging the other one, but then again you always surprise me with how you make something look so good that I never would’ve picked out.
I love the Pottery Barn desk
Although I really, really love the corbel idea, the secretary is probably more functional for your needs, as you can close it up when not in use so it will read more like an entryway. The sun room is just lovely. Looking forward to the outcome :0)
Oooh I’m in love with the corbels! Now where do I find me some of them? Either will look amazing!
I like the stand alone because something ‘permanent’ makes me nervous!
They are both gorgeous but I think if you’re going to really “use” the desk, it needs to be more the pottery Barn style. Drawers, surface — stylish but semi-concealable! Can’t wait to watch this house become your home!
Stand alone! That way you can move it when you get tired of it or need a change!
First, I love that wall of windows in that room. I’m really digging the new house!
Secondly, I don’t think I could marry myself to a desk which is attached to the wall. I’m too… fickle 🙂 I like to change it up as my mood dictates and removing the desk, spackling the wall, doing touch-up paint, etc. just sounds like a pain. I also feel like one corbel as opposed to two might be uncomfortable to design a desk around, since you couldn’t pull the chair up under the center of the desk.
I agree 100% about the single corbel getting in the way when you try to sit at the desk. I love the look of the it but have learned that in the long run, function usually wins out over form.
Oh, no, it would actually be on the right side of the desk, and a cleat would be mounted on the wall on the left. 😉 No leg bumpin’ necessary! 😀
I luv the second one with the corbels. Where can someone get corbels that large??? Luv your posts!!!!!
I love #1, but think that it is too big for the sunroom. The piano takes up the majority of that room, I’d use that corner for a big comfy chair with a reading light.
If all you’re doing is blogging, e-bills and e-mail, why can’t you use the bar in the kitchen and put the laptop away/out of sight when not in use?
Also, you and Kevin are so handy – I think if you found some corbels at a salvage, you could totally incorporate them into a less-permanent piece of furniture to create a desk.
Oh geez! Why ya gotta go making it so hard on us. You know we are going to love everything you put out there. Now if I were doing the picking and only needed it for a post and bills. I would go with number two. It’s different and I adore it. Maybe you could stash all your paper goods and what nots somewhere else. Ok. it’s done. I have talked myself into option number 2. Now hurry down here so Marc and I can take you and Kevin down to New Orleans to pick out a corbel. I will even throw in a hot bowl of gumbo and french bread. Miss y’all!! Susie Bloop~
If you want it to look more “entryway-ish”, I think stuck to the wall would take up less visual and physical space, but if you need drawers and a place to spread out, I’d say more of a traditional desk. I guess it all depends on how you like to work. 🙂
I sure am diggin’ your new place! It took us a LONG time to get used to all the new light switch places when we moved into this house, hope you’re gettin’ used to yours! 😉
I vote for desk #1. If you’re not planning on using this as your office long-term, then you’re going to want to move the piece eventually. Plus, I like the look of #1 better…I think it goes more with the feel of the home.
However…if you could do something that looks built-in (I have no idea what you’re picturing in your head!) but is similiar to the 2nd option, then I like that too. I think the built-in look is very charming in a cottage set-up. And since it would be “built-in” it wouldn’t look out of place in the space.
I think I repeated myself a few times there, but you get the idea (hopefully!)
Love them both, but the traditional would let you change it up as your heart desires.
I love the second look better, but I think you would be wanting for more storage/hiding places! Whatever you decide will be perfect I’m sure! =)
Love the look of the desktop with the corbels, but can see how that would not be practical for some storage you will undoubtedly need. Also, you said you would only need one corbe- did you plan to attach the desktop to the sorner of the 2 walls? Structurally I am sure this would work, but you would lose the effect and interest that the 2 corbels bring to the look. Perhaps you can use the corbel idea somewhere else in the house- really love this idea! So simple, and brilliant! One of those ideas I’d wish I would have come up with! Also- where in the world would you find 2 corbels that size and still be able to make the mortgage payment?
If it was me I would go for the corbel and I would also make the height
counter level. An adjustable height chair with wheels would work or maybe an industrial stool. That way there are less feet on the floor and better flow. Also when your not using it anymore it can be a sort of occasional table and you wouldn’t feel like moving it or changing it again. But that’s just me……..
Hi Layla! I haven’t commented in some time, but wanted to say congrats on your new home – it is beautiful! I think I would go with the Pottery Barn type desk just because you will be accumulating papers and such – especially when you get your little one – I think you will like having more places to store things. They are really both very nice options though!
Well….the corbels are pulling at my heart strings…but the practicality of all the storage on the first option is making it hard to choose. I am a form over function girl so I say go for the corbel option:) or at least use it somewhere else in your house!
That’s a hard one! I love the desk and know that there is always more to store than I really want. So I would initially go for the desk. But maybe if you’re trying to cut down on the amount of paper, the smaller desk would encourage that. Tough decision!
The corbel idea is lovely, but knowing how our minds work and how busy we can get, I would think we’d eventually think we’d like to make some changes. It’s too permanent. Besides, I’m personally a sucker for a gorgeous piece of furniture.
I’d go with a console type table for a desk.–corbels or traditional legs. You can set up office storage in the closet and I like the idea of being able to roll the chair into the closet. When we had a smaller tv we used to roll it into the closet in our living room when it wasn’t in use.
I think I lean towards the free standing desk, but the corbel look definitely does look “entryish”. So fun to have all these things to think about!
I vote for the stand alone desk. I love wood furniture. Practical and beautiful. 🙂
a corner desk could be another option, or what about a ‘secretary’? the pull down desk-front would hide the “business”, and the upper cabinet could be accessorized nicely with practical & decorative items. as for your two choices, i love the glass top on the corbels.
STAND ALONE!! You always think outside the box and the “typical” desk seems so predictable. Know what I mean? I can hardly wait to watch your house evolve into a home:)
oh, almost forgot to ask – if the chair is both beautiful & functional (no wheels), why not keep it out all the time?
Oh, I just meant for when we have lots of folks over. 😉
I’d definitely pick option 1 (I just had an Income Property moment!)…& since people will pass by your work space, the storage would be a must to tuck away papers & such that aren’t, necessarily, pleasing to the eye! Either way, I know it’s going to look great because you’ve yet to do anything I haven’t loved!
One other thing, as far as the corbel desk goes…it doesn’t look very “little head friendly”! Some day soon a little one will be making their way around your office space, I’m guessing, & I see a little noggin getting banged! 🙁 Just a thought!
PB style desk for sure! It can or could be used elsewhere one day. I like that option.
Pottery Barn ALL THE WAY!!!!
Oh man! Tough choice. I want to say standalone to give you flexibility, but I love the look of the corbel. So original and would look more built-in.
I would go with a secretary desk. The tall, hutch type. It would give you a display space, a desk area that can be closed (also giving you an opportunity to do some DIY magic on the fold down desk, like cool french lettering or something graphic on the cabinet door), and you would get bonus storage drawers underneath. Not to mention that a piece of furniture would ground the area. You’ve got class, you’ve got storage, you’ve got visual appeal. BOOM!
I like #1 for simplicity. Push laptop in…close desk. 😉 If you had #2 where would you store your laptop or plug it in for charging? In #1 you could have the charger in the closed spaces. Both are beautiful but #1 makes the most sense to me for simplicity sake.
Love the furniture piece that can be moved if you change your mind. Ikea has a smaller version with or without a top. It’s a work horse in our house for bills, homework, and kid-computer time. And then I can close it up and the mess disappears! 🙂
like this: http://pinterest.com/pin/249316529341502584/
Corbels! My reasoning is that it is functional enough for what you say you will do there: a place to plug in your laptop and occasionally might use it there.
I resist the notion of more place to store things because all that gets one is more stuff that is stored. Your sunroom is light and beautiful with that stunning piano in it. I would make this area as light as possible, too, meaning not a big honkin’ piece of furniture.
As handy as you and Kevin are, you can always later take out the corbel entry-area-type desk, fix the holes, do something else.
Go with what makes your heart sing when you look at it more than something you got because it had more storage.
No doubt it’ll be beautiful no matter what you decide. It’s fun to watch what ya’ll do. Blessing!
How about a cut in 1/2 table mounted to the wall?? And you could use the other 1/2 in the entry. You wouldn’t have to cut it exactly in 1/2 either. You could have 2/3rds for your desk and use the 1/3 as a landing spot in your entry. 🙂
I like the free standing desk. The other is way to formal.
cant wait to see! I prefer a stand alone desk, because I am forever having to move mine to get to something or other
Both are great ideas but oh! I LOVE the corbel desk! My mind is doing cartwheels trying to figure out where I can put one….LOL
So much fun seeing your new home! It is beautiful~look forward to seeing what all you do!
I like the “stuck-to-the-wall” desk! We’ve used sawed-in-half tables in the last two houses we’ve owned, attached to the wall with “L” brackets. Then if you decided to relocate your “office”, it could be used as an entry table.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your neighborhood! As someone said in a previous comment, it looks so much like SEASIDE! Beautiful!
I’d go with the first desk, something that can be closed up and will look more like a foyer sideboard. There are so many great antique shops in east Alabama, especially on 280 (my fav is Angel’s Antiques in Auburn/Opelika), I’m sure you could find a beautiful antique piece to use or refresh. The ability to close things up will also come in handy when you have a little munchkin or two toddling around trying to get into all your things! I’m sure whatever you choose will be beautiful!
If children are in your future, definitely the one with the drawers. One of my favorite rainy day activities was “playing” in a desk of my parents that was full of little drawers and nooks and crannies- making all sorts of discoveries- old keys, odd change, stamps of all sorts- big fun!
Hi Layla, I can’t wait to see what you do with this house. I like stand alone furniture simply because I am always moving things around and the thought of having a piece of furniture stuck in one spot makes me nervous! I always change things up. Looking forward to seeing what you do!
I like the corbels – did it once in a bedroom as a side table and it worked wonderfully – just patched up the holes when we moved.
I agree with you on the chair idea because then you are able to look in toward the room and out the windows. Yup, definitely could see a stuffed chair snuggled up in that corner with a stack of books. Of course, if I had a stuffed chair there I would want a small ottoman to prop up the feet – hey hide your computer stuff in the ottoman! Or, if there’s no room for an ottoman, get one of those under-the-bed storage thingys and to slide stuff under the chair – of course it would need to be a skirted chair to hide said stuff.
Rebekah