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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Instant Office

| By Sherry Petersik | April 20, 2010 | 62 Comments

Reader Redesign: Instant Office

When Jennifer sent over some pictures of her sitting nook turned office we just had to share the goods. Here’s her letter:

Hey YHLers. I’m totally hooked on your blog and wanted to share my recent home office makeover. It went from a non-functional sitting room (it actually did function as a laundry dumping ground which was not very pleasing to the eyes, and really served no other purpose) to an extremely functional home office space. A lot of the major stuff was already owned, such as the chandelier and the desk (moved from another room in the house). We just dressed things up a bit by creating a homemade bulletin board, craft storage using a magnetic board and spice tins, a large photo collage wall calendar, wallpapering the desk and adding some other pops of pink to keep things feeling fun and fresh. The paint color on the walls is Behr’s Ultra Primer/Paint combo in Frozen Pond. You can check out the step by step process here on my blog, where I spilled all the details of getting from point A to completion. Now that the room is so functional, we find ourselves spending a ton of time there, and it also forces us to hang up our laundry, where it belongs! I hope you enjoy. Thanks again for being so inspirational! – Jennifer

Here’s Jennifer’s formerly unused seating nook before the big office upgrade:

Jennifer RR Pic1

And here’s her new office after the budget-friendly makeover:

Jennifer RR Pic2

Jennifer Office Pic3

Jennifer RR Pic3

Didn’t Jennifer do a great job of turning a laundry-collecting chair into a fully functional office packed with storage space and style? We love everything from the high-hung floating shelf and those great magnetic spice tins to the crisp white hanging vases that hold pens and markers. And isn’t the teardrop chandelier charming too? Great job Jennifer! What do you guys think? Any favorite details? Is there anyone else out there who’s ready to give a wasted corner in their house a big office makeover?

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Comments

  1. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    April 20, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    This looks awesome!! I love Jen’s blog. She has awesome, inexpensive organizing ideas! It’s worth your time to check out her blog!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    April 20, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    Those hanging vases-turned pencil holders are a GREAT idea! Nice work, Jennifer! :)

    Reply
  3. Avatar for jennifer Fjennifer F says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    so cute…and functional. I wish my office was that clean and organized :-) What did u end up doing with that chair? I am in desperate search for a chaise for my bedroom and yours looks similar to what I’m looking for.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Jen Z.Jen Z. says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    great makeover! {clapping} I can’t wait to makeover our mess of a home office. Great inspiration Jennifer! :-D

    Reply
  5. Avatar for HannahHannah says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    I love the wallpaper on the desk–what a nifty idea!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for KristenKristen says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    I love it all!! But my favorite is the desk. So big and spacious. Way to go Jennifer!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for ChelseaChelsea says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    So cute! She did a great job, and everything is super-organized! She has a wonderful blog – I keep reading it hoping that oneday some of her organizational skills might rub off on me! :) Fab job, Jen!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Jessica @ How SweetJessica @ How Sweet says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Great makeover!!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for nancynancy says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    @ Emily, what’s her blog?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 20, 2010 at 3:33 pm

      Hey Nancy,

      We linked to her blog in her letter. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    I love it! I need to do that to my office.

    Any tips for making an office space that’s both male and female friendly? We have a baby on the way, so the “Man Cave” is going to serve as an office for both of us. I can’t say I’m too thrilled with the Man Cave look — I’d love something like Jennifer’s room — but I know he won’t go for anything too girly.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 20, 2010 at 3:37 pm

      Just use gender neutral colors you can both agree on (chocolate and slate blue, or even a light gray-blue and a steely gray) when it comes to the accessories (in the place of anything pink). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  11. Avatar for ChristinChristin says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    LOVE IT! So creative and functional! Great job!!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Mrs. MoneyMrs. Money says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    Beautiful! I love the little flower clips. She did an awesome job!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for jessicajessica says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    Great job! I love the pops of pink and the high shelf, she really used every inch of space!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Caroline @ The Feminist HousewifeCaroline @ The Feminist Housewife says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    I love seeing how FUN-ctional small spaces can be! Great job!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    April 20, 2010 at 3:55 pm

    Hey There!!

    I have been studying the floating shelves that you have used in your dining area from IKEA. What I can’t figure out is what style they are? If you would please let me know, that would be great. Also, if you happen to know the size (lengh and width) that would be even better!

    I am looking to replicate this look in my eat in kitchen. I have a huge wall and I need to fill it with something stylish that won’t break the bank!!

    Thanks for your help!

    Stephanie

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 20, 2010 at 3:56 pm

      They’re 72″ white Lack shelves. Just search “lack” on ikea and click on the longest white ones. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  16. Avatar for Ashley @ The Design ThiefAshley @ The Design Thief says

    April 20, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    This is beautiful! She did a great job! I especially love the hanging vases!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for DanaDana says

    April 20, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    $717!??!! You guys are amazing!

    The nursery looks great and you look so cute…all belly :)

    Reply
  18. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    April 20, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I love the hanging white vases, the flowers above them, the pink spice tins and the pink J! So cute and functional!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for TawnaTawna says

    April 20, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    awesome!

    can you remind me where those awesome white pop-out flower things are from? I swear I remember you doing a giveaway on them awhile back….

    thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 20, 2010 at 4:48 pm

      They’re made by Umbra and they’re called Wallflowers, so you should be able to google around for places that sell ’em. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  20. Avatar for CatCat says

    April 20, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    Where are the adorable pen holders from? I feel like I’ve seen something similar at Ikea but not exactly?

    Reply
  21. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    April 20, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    Love it!! I love the fact that she used some stuff that I’ve seen in the kitchen section of IKEA – definitely thinking outside the box!!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Mrs SoupMrs Soup says

    April 20, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    Oh man, the desk looks amazing! Gorgeous! Great job!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for JoDiJoDi says

    April 20, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    IHeart Jennifer’s new office!! And her blog! Great stuff. My favorite parts are definitely her personalized bulletin board and the rail with the hanging pots! Now I have another blog to add to my reader!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    April 20, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    It looks so good!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Nichole@40daysof[email protected] says

    April 20, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    I love everything about this! Now, I want one!

    http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/04/20/an-ode-to-all-things-turquoise-aqua-and-well-blue/

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Cassie AllenCassie Allen says

    April 20, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    I pretty much am mad jealous of this little office! I’m a work from home mom and I basically have a utility desk and…well, that’s it. Way to go! Awesome! :)

    Reply
  27. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    April 20, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    Love it! Any idea where she got that desk?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 20, 2010 at 6:32 pm

      Hey Lindsay,

      Here’s hoping she stops in with that info soon!

      xo,
      s

  28. Avatar for MichelleSMichelleS says

    April 20, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    I Love it!!!! It’s so cute and functional, it’s just awesome!! I’m totally using this when we move in to our next place. Well something similar to this. The desk I’m getting does have some more stuff on top so idk if the floating shelf would work but the really cute cork board and floating vases of pens are totally going into use! Awesome!!!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for KimbaKimba says

    April 20, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    What a fantastic makeover. That desk is to-die-for!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for anna seeanna see says

    April 20, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    Great job, Jennifer! It is cute, soothing, and functional.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for ClaudiaClaudia says

    April 20, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Love it!!!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for RuthRuth says

    April 20, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    Great use of space. I like the looks of the desk. I have been trying to figure out how to refigure my home office and this gave me an idea.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for NKNK says

    April 20, 2010 at 10:42 pm

    Love the flowers and little hanging pots above the computer screen. Are those pots from IKEA?

    Reply
  34. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    April 20, 2010 at 10:52 pm

    Hello amazing friends!

    First, THANK YOU YHL for your feature! I am smitten over the responses and comments! I couldn’t be more grateful!

    To answer everyone’s question regarding the desk, it truly is an amazing desk, I am not gonna lie. My husband and his dad took a vision I had of a large workspace with a tons of storage space and a smidge of style, and built the desk custom. They used mdf to build two base cabinets along with a separate piece as the top. I then painted it white, later adding the wallpaper for additional pizzazz. It was actually built a couple of years ago, however, the budget was small, we saved a ton building it custom for us vs buying something new. It has been in multiple places in our abode as our spaces evolved, however, it couldn’t feel more at home and fit more perfectly in the new home office nook.

    Thanks again everyone!

    xoxo,
    Jen

    Reply
  35. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    April 20, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Oh! And for additional product info and a breakdown of the budget, check out the post here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/02/office-makeover-big-reveal.html

    Thanks again everyone!

    Jen

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 20, 2010 at 11:35 pm

      Thanks for stopping in with that info for everyone Jen! We’re so glad everyone’s digging your office makeover as much as we are.

      xo,
      s

  36. Avatar for dinahdinah says

    April 20, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    the last two pictures are so awesome! what a great idea~ loved the pail instead of the paint can!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for The Virginia HouseThe Virginia House says

    April 21, 2010 at 4:06 am

    Wow, she did a great job. I would, love, love to have a space like that!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for HollowSquirrelHollowSquirrel says

    April 21, 2010 at 7:47 am

    I want to give my messy office this type of makeover — and I think we already have the right blue on the walls! LOVE the pens that are out of toddler’s reach!

    BE02
    4000

    See what I mean?

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Elle SeesElle Sees says

    April 21, 2010 at 8:29 am

    I am a sucker for details! I love how everything is in its place. Def. inspitation. And the colors are so dreamy.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for TinaTina says

    April 21, 2010 at 9:11 am

    That looks great-it even inspires me to clean my office space today. I turned our ‘dining area’ into my office a couple of years ago. Right now, its a big mess!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for JoshuaJoshua says

    April 21, 2010 at 9:33 am

    I tell ya….you guys are my role models :)

    I love your entire house….. + the nursery….oh man is that not amazing, you guys are the most amazing decorators and I just love your style. Kudos on the way under budget…hope you have a great little bit of time left of being pregnant that you have…and a great delivery :)

    Reply
  42. Avatar for joshuajoshua says

    April 21, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Just realized I posted on the wrong post :( sorry lol

    p.s. great office makeover jen :)

    Reply
  43. Avatar for hollyholly says

    April 21, 2010 at 10:06 am

    Nice job! I love the size and style of the chandelier; where did it come from?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 21, 2010 at 10:12 am

      Just click the blog link supplied by Jen (a few comments up) for more info on items in the room (like that lovely chandelier)!

      xo,
      s

  44. Avatar for AngelaAngela says

    April 21, 2010 at 11:19 am

    I love how you used and personalized the magnetic containers and the magnet board to get things off the desktop, but still have them close at hand. My desk doesn’t have any storage space so I have been looking for a way to store paper clips, staples, and all of those other little necessities and this is perfect. Your new space is lovely and thank you for sharing your before and after!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for katiekatie says

    April 21, 2010 at 11:54 am

    those pen/pencil holders are SO cute. i’m obsessed with ANY kind of organizing tools and especially when they add the overall design of the room. I can’t wait to redo / create our office!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for PamelaPamela says

    April 22, 2010 at 9:16 am

    Holly, I didn’t see info on Jen’s chandelier on the supplied link, but the Washington Post is featuring one that looks very similar in today’s (Thursday, April 22) “House Calls.” It’s a crystal teardrop mini pendant from http://www.lightinguniverse.com.

    Sherry, you guys would be perfect as guest decorator for “House Calls.” I know they use local Washington area decorators, but they have done a feature on online decorating services (you were mentioned back in the pre-“younghouselove” days) and you are certainly accessible for anyone.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 22, 2010 at 11:01 am

      Aw thanks Pamela. That sounds like a good time to us.

      xo,
      s

  47. Avatar for BeckyBecky says

    April 22, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    OK, it looks amazing!
    But one question….what did they do with the chaise lounge? We’ve been looking for a comfy one for awhile!
    ;)

    Reply
  48. Avatar for JenJen says

    April 22, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    Hi Becky!

    We actually moved the lounge chaise to another location in our home {http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2009/12/office-makeover-part-1.html}. But it desperately needs to be recovered! Another project to add to the list!

    Happy hunting for your lounge chaise!

    Oh, and to answer about the mini chandelier, I found our chandelier from HomeDepot.com originally, however, I haven’t seen it on there recently, but I did find the same one here: http://www.lightinguniverse.com/mini-pendants_439.html?psku=819910&af=1525

    Jen

    Reply
  49. Avatar for SallySally says

    April 24, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    Jen, You ROCK!! You are such a great decorator! Sally T

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Leah McFarlandLeah McFarland says

    April 26, 2010 at 4:23 pm

    I absolutely love your office!! I am wondering… how did you make the pen/pencil holders? I would LOVE to have something like this in our office!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      April 26, 2010 at 6:15 pm

      Hey Leah,

      If you scroll back through the comments or click over to Jennifer’s blog you can see where she got those pen/pencil holders. We believe they’re from Ikea. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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