Hidden Office

I don't know why, in a large home, finding a spot for my computer desk became a challenge. Maybe it's because my husband's needs got prioritized (as they should, since he's the breadwinner right now), or maybe it's because I like rooms that don't have to serve double-duty. For example, I prefer guest rooms that are always reserved for guests; that way, they don't have identity crises and I don't have to move my personal stuff out when guests move in.

At any rate, I found myself in this situation when we moved into our current home. I definitely wanted my office to be easily accessible, but I wanted our home to look pretty and organized, too. Enter a brainstorm which occurred as I perused a furniture consignment shop: I found a gorgeous armoire which was intended to hold clothing or a television, but I thought it would be a beautiful place for my hidden office.

I bought the armoire, and here's what it looks like; it's in my living room:

Although the inside wasn't set up to be used as an office, all it needed was a pull-out shelf for my computer. Of course, I also added a few more features to make it even more efficient.

Here's what the inside looks like now:

You can see that I added the computer shelf. If you try this yourself, be sure you purchase an armoire with an existing shelf which is the right height for your computer. I measured at home, and I knew a standard chair would fit just under this armoire's bottom. Here is the pullout shelf, close up:

I added baskets for stationary, bills, and office supplies:

On one inside door, I added an adhesive-backed, cut-to-fit, white board:

The other inside door received a corkboard (also adhesive-backed):

The end result is a hidden office area, which is well-organized and in a central location. Happily, it cost less than $650, while "real" computer armoires at a moderately-priced furniture store were over $800, and they were not as ornate nor as well-made.

Have you ever modified any pieces of furniture to better suit your needs?

Pretty Magnets and Push Pins!

I wanted to share an easy idea with you: customized magnets and push pins. All you need are some plain button magnets or thumb tacks from the craft store, a hot glue gun, your imagination, and 10 minutes. I made these with paper flowers and flat-back acrylic gems (all from Michaels). Wouldn't they be pretty using buttons, vintage brooches, old coins, or anything else your imagination can dream up?

Here's what the magnets look like:

I made these push pins with flat-back gems and embellishments from Michaels:

 

Here's what the back looks like:

What can you come up with?

Baskets with Chalkboard Tags

Don't you just love being organized? I especially heart the baskets that come with the little chalkboards, so you can label all your stuff. I hate the price, though (about $20+ for a decent-sized basket). I just couldn't justify buying all new baskets to be able to have the little chalkboards.

Today it occurred to me: I already have great baskets, I already have chalkboard paint, all I need are little chalkboards. So I trotted off to Michaels and picked up a package of 6 wood signs ($2.99, minus $1.20 with my 40% off coupon). Then I went home and painted them with my paint (leftover from another project).  Fifteen minutes later, this is what I had! Ahh, organizational bliss*.

I even decided to add the chalkboard paint to some jars I was using for our dog supplies. I taped off the areas I wanted chalky, and then painted them:

Here is the paint I used:

*After realizing that the chalk rubbed off way too easily, I went with a chalk marker. This is a much better option if you want your labels to stay on without rubbing off. It can be removed with water if you want to change your labels later.