Creating a Functional Office
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I’m so excited that our office is finally coming together! For months I’ve been working among chaos of boxes & papers stacked on the floor, camera equipment scattered haphazardly & my collection of art piled against the wall. It’s far from complete, but it’s finally functional & I couldn’t wait to share it with you!
Late summer I purchased a partner’s desk from Restoration Hardware Outlet. I have been wanting one ever since I saw the amazing bedroom Nancy Meyers’ created in Something’s Gotta Give. I wanted to float it in the room to allow both Chris & I to work from it.
After unsuccessfully scouring Craigslist for the perfect vintage rug, I finally purchased an inexpensive rug from Overstock – it’s traditional in a soft, neutral color palette & works really well for the space. Of course last month I came across exactly what I was looking for at a neighbor’s estate sale which reminded me that you should never settle. The perfect piece always comes along!
I completed the office furnishings with a buffet that I’m using as a credenza. I like height & need more storage than what a credenza typically offers. I wanted curves to soften the room. I kept coming across pieces that were just too beautiful to paint, but finally stumbled upon this one that had just enough nicks that I only felt slightly guilty painting it VanDuesen blue. It reads much brighter than it did on the card – I was going for a deep dusty blue, but I still love it! The original brass hardware pairs well with it!
My initial inspiration for the office was an office that Emily Henderson designed. I loved the mix of a slightly greenish-blue with a darker, bolder blue & incorporated that same mix with the curtains & buffet. I went with velvet curtains to make a statement – I’m treating the office a little different than the rest of our home.
I found the vase at Michael’s – it was originally covered in jute, but I loved the shape, so I just removed it. It’s amazing how much money you can save when you rethink items. Similar vases go for $40 more than what I paid. Can you believe I found the art 3/$1 at a yard sale last fall? The others will be used on the floor to ceiling gallery wall I plan to add to the office. The other frame was an estate sale find. If you haven’t noticed, I’m pretty impressed with my limited spending for the office. What do you think?
Sources:
Curtains | Desk | Rug | Chairs | Vase
Mrs. Shockley says
This is great! It’s funny how you mentioned Nancy Meyer’s “Somethings Gotta Give”. I was just discussing with my boss how every film that she directs has a fantastic house in it!!! The first time I saw that movie was last year! I purchased it at a flea market. When I saw the house in the Hamptons my mouth hit the floor! But I should have not been surprised. The townhouse that Helen Hunt had in “What Women Want” was to die for it and the house that Diane Keaton had in “Baby Boom” was gorgeous! Any who I can go on and on about Nancy Meyer. Love the office! Also, could you email me the measurements of you rug. I am having a hard time find one for my family room. Thank you!!!!
Julie says
I forgot about Baby Boom. She’s a design genius! It’s 5×8.
Christina says
Love, love your site! Everything you do is lovely. How do you clean/protect your RH desk? I have a dining table from them and I would love for it to look like your desk but it came unfinished (so silly–do they think people can actually USE unfinisged tables?)
Julie says
It’s crazy, Christina! I’ve written a couple of posts about our Restoration Hardware dining table and how it nearly broke my spirit! I would highly recommend using pure tung oil or wax on your table. This particular piece is actually finished. Thank you so much for your kind & cheery comment!
Julie @ Creating This Life says
I love, love, love it! That artwork is amazing.
Julie says
Thanks, Julie! It’s great to hear from you! I hope all is well with you and your family.
Lindsey says
I absolutely love that vase! I scoured my local Michael’s yesterday in search of one but with no luck. 🙁 Did you purchase it recently? Thanks!
Julie says
Last week! It’s covered it jute twine in the decor area. I just took a pair of scissors to it!
Melissa Urkevich says
I love the blue piece! I kinda want to steal it…better lock your doors!
Julie says
I’ll be watching you – your husband moved it in, he can move it out just as quickly!