Office Reveal {DIY Home Office and Painted Subfloor}

Our home came with a walk-out attic space, and we knew immediately that we wanted to spruce it up for use.  It’s not technically considered a bedroom, but it’s a great little spot to work, craft alongside my kiddos, curl up to read a book, and invite a guest to stay for a while.  From the get-go, I envisioned a painted sub-floor inspired by one I’d pinned to my “For the Office” board.  I had a couple of snags in the process (which included the hard labor of my detail-oriented husband and my equally-hard-working second-born, and my somewhat unhappy mistake in choice of wood-filler), but in the end, we ended up with exactly what I’d envisioned.  I also hoped some day I’d get it far enough along for my own DIY office reveal… & the day has come! 

Here’s a little peek into my “happy place:” my home office & sometime-guest-room.

My parents downsized at about the same time we bought our home, and blessed us with a load of furniture.  I sweet-talked my mom into sharing her Ikea desk and shelving unit. (We already had two in a darker color, but I knew this would play well with my dreamy color scheme and remind me of her when I work; it does!) 

I added a $20 clearance shelf/bin unit, my daughter’s armoire (a re-furb’d hand-me-down her great-grandma), and a little, inexpensive convertible sofa-futon. I eyed that futon for weeks online, waited for free shipping, a “percentage off” coupon, and a week with a little extra cash, and pounced.  The canvas of my parents reminds me every day that God, indeed, makes good on His promise to “redeem the lost years.”  Their marriage has seen hard work and faithful commitment over the years, and it sets an example for me to keep going when things are hard.

Want to know a potentially embarrassing, but really cool story?  A house nearby was sitting empty for some time.  One day, the owner sent a crew to clean it out, and without waiting a second, I met them at the front door with my brood of kiddos and an offer to cart out anything they didn’t want to have to throw in the dumpster.  That cool little wicker ottoman, along with a china hutch, an awesome reclaimed wood entry table, and an air hockey table, all were rescued and made it to our house that day!  Yep, my kiddos knelt in a dark basement with the light of my cell phone, and together dis-assembled the giant thing and carted it back to our basement.  It’s provided quite a bit of loud fun… and proved that “picking” can run in the family!

I spray-painted an old Ikea tabletop (later realizing that, hello, I probably would’ve spent less buying a new one!), which created a perfect work-space for sewing, watercolors and hand-lettering (my daughter’s current artistic outlet, and how I love when she joins me), and filing.  I placed it behind my desk so I can spin my chair around and take notes when ideas and tasks flitter through my busy brain.  A large clearance-aisle picture frame holds scrapbook paper and creates a pop of color over my inspiration board, where I post dear photos, to-do’s, and scripture to point my heart and brain to truths that matter.  And always, there have to be candles.

Worn-out, well-loved books are the best.  Books that have been loved by wise ladies before me (sometimes borrowed for a season), well, those are even better.

My favorite part of this space is the light that streams in while I work.  We used a warm grey on the walls, which are neutral, and help create a great space where I can shoot product photos, food photos, and portraits.  It turns out it also makes a great little landing-spot for friends who come to visit.  Later, I’ll be sharing the quick changes I make to create a cozy overnight space, as well!

I bought the little carved nightstand at a garage sale a dozen years ago and it’s probably been painted three times since I’ve owned it.  My husband tried to make me leave it in the driveway that day, but I grabbed it and ran before he could catch me.  I’m still glad I did.  (And someday I might get around to caulking that trim.  I couldn’t just hope you wouldn’t notice…)  Don’t you just love that little “brave wings” quote?  I downloaded it from Danielle Burkle’s sweet blog – go grab yours, too!

I promise this spot gets messy – but even then, it is a little treasure – a place to think, to read, to create.  Do you have a space that inspires you to create, to get stuff done, or to get away from the daily household duties?  It can be an office or a closet, or even an inspirational spot in your kitchen.  I’d love for you to share!