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?
Lovine the whole PB look. Like the others stated, if you need to move it at a later date, then it will be easier and no holes to patch. Also, are you going to do the planked walls again? Just LOVE the look. you both just do amazing work. I’m just so excited to see the what you will come up with. Good luck & Congratulations.
Love the wall color. What is the name and brand? 🙂 Thanks!
I like the second one maybe with a barn wood top. It doesn’t have that desk space look. I’m not a fan of hiding things but making them look like two pieces. A bigger comfy chair could be used anywhere in the house if needed. The Pottery Barn look is great but looks messy and more like a desk area. That’s my two cents but you will make an awesome space as always:)
I love and can I say again LOVE the look of the corbel but the utility of the stand alone…You have a tough choice ahead of you and by the way love you new home!!!
I prefer the stand alone one…I prefer not only the look but the functionality of it…I especially like the one pictured since can be closed up to hide the clutter we all sometimes encounter. Plus…if you have kids in your future it would be really hard to keep them away/out of the other one. I am really excited to see you transform this house into a home 🙂
I vote for the stand alone desk, it’s so much more you! With all these opinions you’ll go crazy…but I haven’t seen you make a bad choice yet so I’m sure it will be perfect no matter which way you go! Love your new house and neighborhood. Hope you enjoy many wonderful years there!
I love stand alone…because I love change. I would want something I could move around or re-purpose later. I am in love with the books on the stairs for my own home…may have to implement that 🙂
I agree with the other posts and I’m sure that you would make both “looks” beautiful. I do have to agree with the person above that talked about the mounted shelf not being “little noggin” friendly. Even at 5 my son’s head always seems to gravitate to sharp corners. Also, you could move that desk somewhere else, if you wanted to change the look.
I was speaking from experience, too, Gabbie! I think it’s a boy thing…my boys both managed to find surfaces to thump their heads on, but not my daughter! 🙂
I would go for the stand alone option! I am a changer arounder. So this would give better option then an attached set up. I would also want to be facing all those wonderful windows. Maybe you could hang a mirror above the desk and can enjoy the view that way!
I think whatever you put in will be beautiful…have you thought about an armoire style? something like
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=office+armoire&view=detail&id=DF327AA8CB35EB49959D1C623B561505E4451613&first=1
Love your new place and can’t wait to see the transformation! I vote for PB desk….it looks just like what I would expect to see in one of your spaces! Love your blog. Blessings to you & Kev in your new place!
I love the corbels, but think one would look awkward. For that reason, I’d go with the free standing desk. You’d fave a lot of storage with that one, too!!! Can’t wait to see what you do!!!
I love the corbels! Such an awesome and creative statement! I guess it depends on whether your desk tends to be cluttery or not. Mine does not – I am so OCD that I always clean it up after working at it, and I have a little cupboard to stow stuff in if I need to – but if you don’t like keeping it clean then better storage options would be better. 🙂
Maybe you could have a little of both? You could get a free-standing desk (that way you can move it later if you’d like) and make a shelf above with corbels. You can make a vignette on that and intertwine the two looks. Just a thought… 🙂
I love the free standing desk best. Lots of storage and “hidey holes”….Whenever you are blessed with the pitty patter of little feet it would be nice to have places to hide “stuff” from little fingers, Also, Kit Cat would love to lay across the top part of the desk to sun the afternoon away….LOL I know this because I have a black/white cat that does exactly that…..
If you only need one corbel, wouldn’t that pose a problem with trying to sit at the desktop ? I vote for the movable desk so it can be used elsewhere in the future.
Nope. The right side of the desk would sit on a corbel, but the left side might sit on a cleat. I say “might” because I could use a corbel on the left side too. Who knows! 😉
Though I love a charming secretary, the corbels are AMAZING. I also like the idea of a dual purpose work area – entry way and desk. The only issue I foresee is too much stuff accumulating and the area being cluttered. By using the secretary you can always close it if things get cluttered. Also if you are in the middle of working on something and need to stop, then you can close it up until you’re ready to finish. If it were me, I would have to be honest to myself, in respects to how I’m truly going to use the space. Again, I do think that you can get away with the corbel idea. Can’t wait to see what you do! You have great taste so it will be perfect.
Because I’m super frugal I’d go for the corbel option. 😉 I’m so excited to see what you do because I’m in the process of decorating my office, too.
The corbels def. make a statement however, I guess it’s gonna be about weather you want storage in your desk area.
I like the second photograph.
If you go with the corbel table, my dad just did a knock off of that table here: http://dadbuiltthis.blogspot.com/2012/09/corbel-entry-table.html
It might be a helpful reference. Good luck! They are both gorgeous options!
well just to confuse things more. I like the idea of this space NOT looking like a desk and yet you’ll need to put away the desk stuff when company is over or you’re just ready for a non-cluttered look. How about a combo of features? You can have the look and feel of something mounted to the wall like a tableau but have a drawer under the surface (top) that is concealed. You can pull out the laptop as needed, hide the cords and plugs. This would have to be custom built, but could look ah so terrific and fit your style and purpose. PB has had similar ideas on some of their desks. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll make it fab!
I think if you’re looking for something more entry table, the second one but I think the first one will function better for you.
I know…that was absolutely no help!
Go with the stand alone desk. Get one that closes up so you have a clear desktop. I got one from the Container Store that has a place for my laptop that slides out. Plus it has a little storage space for pens, etc.
Corbel type desk. It will make the room seem like it has more energy and space. The other desk is big and slow.
That said, I am not a fan of attaching furniture
to the wall. I would look for another type of leg that is standalone, and still have a clean surface with energy.
Stand alone! Both are great ideas and no doubt you would be able to rock either of them with true TLC style but I think the stand alone would “stand alone” better without a chair….Just my opinion. Can’t wait to see how you style it!
The corbels are beautiful but I am such a practical, keep the children out of my important things kind of gal. 🙂 I would choose the stand alone as I could shove things to hide them quick. I know that having the option to move things around is quite helpful especially as you add little ones into you home. It seems as if the rooms are always changing 🙂
Layla, know matter which one you will make it your own and it will be awesome. PB is my favorite just like the rest of the post. I love all the storage cubbies. I’m looking forward to you sharing your new home 🙂
i LOVE THE POTTER BARN TYPE DESK:)
I say free standing desk. Pottery barn is so expensive but I’m sure you can find something similar maybe more feminine. Like a “secretary” type that the front folds up on! Can’t wait to see what all you do with your new home!!!
I like the stand alone one !
I vote for the desk – but I love the other option too. It is a nice option to have more storage and to ‘hide’ stuff when you close the desk door…..and hey, how did you end up with such a ‘tiny’ space?!?!?! 🙂
LOVE the moveable one from Pottery Barn! I’m sure whatever you do it will look wonderful!!
what is that camel color name and brand you used? Also did you use a cream trim for your trimwork? If it is can you send me that too? I’m having a hard time coming up with a nice off white seems the hardest color to pick! If you wouldn’t mind sending those name/brand to my email? thank you!!
Oh how I love the Pottery Barn desk you show. I think a stand alone desk would be more versatile in the future in case you want to move it to another room. I also like the idea that you can “hide” stuff in the stand alone desk. With just a desktop everything is out in the open or you have to find a place to put everything when you want it cleared off. No matter what you choose, I’m sure it will look wonderful!
I love all the drawers and cubbies in the stand alone desk. The other one is very cool, but I need too much “stuff” and there is no where to hide it with that one!
I like the look of the pottery barn desk but the idea of making it look like the entry way it is is appealing as well. Why not find a dresser and create a pull out shelf for the laptop and turn the drawer fronts into cabinet fronts/doors. So when it’s all closed up it looks like a dresser/buffet type but can open to be more desk like?
Hi Layla!
If you choose a desk like the Pottery Barn one, you’ll be able to close it, so it wouldn’t look so “officy” (not sure this is actually a word!)
But I´m sure you´ll make it look good either way!
Love from Portugal!
Layla,
Although I love using architectural elements in decor, I would go with the stand alone desk. It will give you “room to grow” (aka storage that will be out of sight). I’ve taken the other route with the best intentions and it always felt cluttered. Also, you and I are both geminis who love change. With the free standing you can move it whenever and wherever you desire.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Defiantly the stand alone desk more of cottage feel to it, and the storage would be great. The other desk is beautiful but not the right feel. Good luck!
Stand alone, so you can always move it. But I am a commitment phobe! Can’t wait to see what you guys do!
How can you go wrong with those ideas? They’re both great options.
I like the 2nd choice made free standing if possible. You could use it for multiple taske cleared off. ie a table for food when entertaining. Your printer could be wireless in another area. An office in a bag could be placed in a closet when not needed.
Looking forward to seeing the development of your new home.
Stand-alone. That gives you more options for change.
I hope you find this house to be the foundation for a fantastic future.
I favor stand alone…simply because it allows options and change.
I personally like the first one the best because of the extra storage. Congratulations on your new home – it and your subdivision look wonderful and I can’t wait to read all about your updates in making it your home!
I like the free-standing desk….it looks more cottagey (is that a word?). Plus, if you are like me, just as soon as you built the desk to the wall you would decide to move it!!
Personally, having drawers in a stand-alone desk seems to make the most sense. You mentioned wanting to hide a chair for company; drawers would allow you a quick clean up too. You’re a decorator; you change things up as a way of life; makes sense to have a piece of furniture rather than something bolted to the wall. It is possible to design and build a desk with heavy-looking scroll work along the sides, right? Best of both options!
I would do a cottagey attached – old white worn corbel? maybe.
I love that Pottery Barn desk! I think it’s less obtrusive and seems to go better with your cottage style. Just my two cents. 🙂
P.S. Your new place is gorgeous! Lovin’ those windows!