00:00:37
This is what our home office currently looks like. We’re newly moved in and there are still unpacked cartons.
00:00:46
My husband has a height-adjustable desk since he works from home often. We built some Ikea Platsa wardrobes to act as bookshelves.
00:00:52
There’s so much more to do, so let’s get started! To add more functional storage to the room, I’m building some drawer units.
00:01:10
We’ve never used the Platsa system from Ikea before. I was pretty surprised by how easy the assembly was.
00:01:20
(But my fingers were in a bit of pain at the end, hehe) I’m turning part of this row of cabinets into a desk area for myself, so I’m adding height using these wooden legs I found. 3 boxes, completed~ Since our floor isn’t straight, the cabinets don’t line up perfectly but luckily the cabinets come with a connector.
00:02:09
To add some character to the cabinets, I’m first sanding the doors with 200-grit sandpaper. My plan is to add a piece of thin trim on the edges to create a thinner shaker-style door. To stick the trim, I’m applying a bead of glue across the trim. I used quick-dry wood glue since the trim is only a decorative element.
00:03:20
Before painting, I’m adding wood filler to hide the seams. I chose a creamy oatmeal color for the drawers to add some character, while staying neutral. I have two options for knobs and I love them both! Hmmmm Can you guess which knob I chose in the end? Brass mushroom wins~ To make the tabletops, we got 2-metre blocks of spruce wood and cut them down to the size we need. Before staining, sand along the grain with 200-grit sandpaper.
00:04:33
I recently discovered that staining goes much faster with a sponge. Sand again after the first coat of stain dries.
00:04:46
Then apply a second coat of stain. I want to stain and seal this thoroughly since it’s for everyday use. It’s more steps and more time consuming, but it’ll be worth it! Sand once again after stain dries and it’s time to finish this with some hardwax oil! This step is optional, but it protects the wood effectively. After applying a thin layer, wipe off with paper towel to remove excess and let dry for 24 to 48 hours. After 48 hours, I’m buffing it with 1000-grit sandpaper.
00:05:51
This makes it extra smooth and comfortable to use as a computer desk 🙂 I’m marking out where to mount the table legs and using an old lipstick to figure out the exact spot I need to screw in. Tadaaa~ I found some turned legs at the hardware store. They add a vintage-y feel that I love. Pat had to work at the “real” office this week So I could work on the home office a lot more without disturbing him but that meant I had to do a lot of the heavy lifting on my own.
00:07:17
I got a good arm workout from this room makeover, haha! To stain the legs, I’m first using one coat of the same teak stain. This was much more tedious than the flat tabletop, but was also quite a meditative process 🙂 To finish it off, I added a thin coat of dark walnut stain to bring out the wood grain and give it a warm vintage look.
00:08:07
Time to add the other half of the table. This room is right next to the front door, so I’m adding a rod and hooks for Pat’s work bag and our everyday coats.
00:08:51
The rest of the bookshelf is used for storing games and puzzles, most of our stationery and temporarily, some of my craft supplies. Now that I’m roughly done with organizing the bookshelves, we can work on the doors! I’m painting them as well, so it’s time to get sandy again 😉 To have some design continuity, I added the same thin trim to the doors.
00:09:46
For the doors, I decided to go for a cream white color. The difference on camera is very subtle, but the warm undertones of the cream will make the room much cozier! Installing these doors alone was probably the toughest thing, haha If you’re into diy-ing, consider investing in a laser level.
00:10:30
It’s useful for many things, including marking knob holes. I chose simple T-shaped brass knobs for the bookshelves.
00:11:20
We have a collection of vintage books that we want to put on display so we got two floating oak shelves to create a little “library” moment.
00:11:32
To easily find the points for drilling, I’m using some frogtape. First, mark the holes on the tape.
00:11:51
Using a laser level, transfer the tape onto the wall. I’m using a book to estimate where I want to hang the top shelf.
00:12:11
Paranoid me almost always double checks if the line is level. But of course, it’s perfect~ These shelves are solid oak, and soooo heeeaaavvvyyy~ They are probably the thing I’m most excited for in this room because we can finally put out all these beautiful books. It’s like our very own mini library 🙂 Pat is sorting out the cables below his desk.
00:13:08
He’s doing a great job so far ^^ We decided to use the light from our old entryway. It’s time to pull the rest of the room together! Next to Pat’s desk, I’m hanging a print we thrifted a long time ago.
00:13:29
It’s of a 1901 event in Darmstadt, a city that’s special to both of us 🙂 I’m happy we finally have a proper home for this piece! I made a door with a loose-weave fabric to hide my computer but still let the heat through.
00:13:52
I also added a few functional pieces like this hanging paper organizer.
00:15:52
I didn’t think that the office would be the first space we finish, but it actually makes sense.
00:16:00
I’m really happy that we have a workspace that’s cozy and inspires us to be productive It’s filled with things that represent us, and I could ask for nothing more.