Custom Workspace for under $200. Boom!![]() |
There's been a lot of buzz on pinterest and the blogosphere about using every available space. Even though my house is a good size, all my bedrooms are OCCUPIED. In truth, I have a first floor master so I kind of try to avoid going upstairs. As each of you know that last sentence actually means that I have three boys and their rooms and the playroom are up there and basically I am trying my best to avoid a full, nervous breakdown every. single. day.
See! This is no joke.
![]() |
My son Nathan's room on a good day. |
But, I still have to pay bills and keep up with paperwork.
Since I don't have a dedicated room for an office, I have to use the space that I do have. And, it's going to be downstairs where I (and everyone else) can see it, soooooo
A: it needs to be pretty (paying bills is depressing enough) and
B: the lights will stay on because I actually paid the electric bill that was in a handy spot instead of tucked away upstairs.
My inspiration was this:
And/or this:
I love the open shelves, but let's be honest, nobody wants to look at a bunch of paperwork. I'm still on a mission to find some cute, inexpensive storage containers.
And one of our favorite bloggers just blogged about making the most of all your space on Friday, here.
![]() |
source: copycatchic.com |
What I had to work with was just an 80" wide by 20" deep space between my bedroom and the powder room. I can't find a before picture, but you can imagine a little nook for a console table with a couple of lamps on it. Enough room for a writing desk perhaps, if it wasn't too deep. Saw this one at Goodwill for $25 dollars, but it just wasn't quite right.......
Catherine always calls me a Craigslist troll but I'm really an equal opportunity troll. I like to frequent Goodwill and the Habitat ReStore as well. And, it's paid off more than a few times. This is one of those moments. I saw these at ReStore and yep, they're ugly but, they could be so much more!

![]() |
Here's a cool example of how to remake a metal filing cabinet. Source: Apartment Therapy |
So, we started with 2 of these bad boys from Ballard Designs (by way of CL of course!)
Added an old solid wood closet door I picked up at Habitat ReStore.
Nice right? Of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone. It bugged me that the closet door pseudo-top didn't go wall to wall like a real built-in. I also wanted to raise it up to be counter height. Visions of a cute industrial bar stool danced in my head!
![]() |
Patrick took off the base molding and made a platform for the file cabinets to sit on. Then he wrapped the whole base with the baseboard and added a cute trim piece. Total cost for the lift: $22. |
Now for the backdrop. I was thinking about a pop of color via wallpaper or perhaps a stencil. I really liked this one, but ultimately, my cheap side won out and I went with the in-stock Spanish Tile version from Lowe's.
Plus, I kind of chickened out on the teal color. Daring? Yes. Scary? Yes. ![]() |
Allen Roth Wallpaper Item #: 332822 at Lowe's |
I was inspired by this blog post about making over an ugly bookshelf. She used the same wallpaper and once I saw it, I was convinced that this neutral was the way to go. I have been accused once or twice for changing my mind about things. Sheesh!
Ugly Bookshelf Makeover by Kendra |
Surprisingly, this little space used 2 1/2 double rolls. We thought about just doing the back wall, but hey, why not go all out for the bargain price of $20 per roll?
![]() |
I took this pic with my phone so it's not great, but you can see how it came together with the paint and hardware back on. |
Don't ya love how Patrick (supreme-talented-home-improvement-supahstah!) moved the outlets up, so my electronics could plug in without me bending down under the desk?
I still don't love the DARK brown desk accessories, but we'll stick with what we have 'til I find better ones. After all, our motto is "Use what you have until the money tree comes through with new fruit."
Cleat for the floating shelf installation. |
These are my manly men cutting wood for the floating shelves. Now that's hot! |
Measure twice; cut once. |
And this is it in all it's glory! A true workspace nook that didn't break the bank and suited our needs perfectly.
I'll write more later about these awesome mirrored frames and my uber-cheap yet uber-awesome art. |
What's that you say? YOU want one of these for yourself? Well, guess what? We can help you with that. If you live in NC, email for pricing on custom carpentry.
Check out this amazing blog for more DIY madness:








Thanks for the link back Jacki. Glad I could be a small source of inspiration (or sanity). Your desk looks awesome, and the wallpaper is just so design friendly. Now following :)
ReplyDeleteI have created two cloffices in my home and love them! Yours turned out fabulously! Found you at ECC link up. The wallpaper is so pretty, I stenciled the back of my cloffices twice, who knew I could score some cute wallpaper so cheaply? Enjoy your new space!
ReplyDeletevery Help Full Post. Look Some Different here at UPSC Exam
Deletethose file cabinets don't even look remotely the same! love it! how did you adhere the tabletop to them?
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning, Catherine! Thanks for sharing at Give Me the Goods!
ReplyDeleteRachel @ Maison de Pax
I've always wanted to make one of these, but due to my small amount of storage space, I don't have a closet to sacrifice!
ReplyDeleteYour little nook is very neat and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo, so beautiful and quaint. I would live in this work space of yours if I had it! Thanks for the inspiration. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI am looking throughout my house to find a space to transform like yours. I can't say enough how much I love it!!!
ReplyDeletewow this is stunning! how fantastic
ReplyDeletethanks for linking up with #MagicMoments
OH my gosh. I actually did a double take when I saw the room. I would avoid going up there too. Jut the thought of having to remind them constantly to clean up their rooms. Too much for one day. It's a nice big space though ;-)
ReplyDeletethose file cabinets don't even look remotely the same! love it! how did you adhere the tabletop to them?
ReplyDeletethe more tidy it is, the more beautiful it is. keep it cleaned .
ReplyDeletekeep your home with XMeye for pc
very good. keep sharing.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post.
ReplyDeleteAOL Tech Support
You should check to make sure drivers and the CaptureOnTouch software utility are both up-to-date. Canon Support
ReplyDeleteAmazing post.Thanks for sharing among us.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post.Thanks for sharing among us. Norton customer support
ReplyDeleteTechnical support may be delivered by the different technologies depending on the situation. For example, direct questions can be addressed using telephone calls, SMS, Online chat, Support Forums, E-mail or Fax.
ReplyDeleteWindows tech support
Awesome post,If you have any issues that are related to Hp printer so you can contact me because we provide the solution to your issues.
ReplyDeleteHp printer Support
Thank you.
ReplyDeletevery nice post.
McAfee support customer services
amazing post best dating apps
ReplyDeletevery Help Full Post. Look Some Different here at upsc exam
ReplyDeletevery Help Full Post. Look Some Different here at upsc syllabus
ReplyDeletevery Help Full Post. Look Some Different here at upsc syllabus
ReplyDeleteI really love these all thing that your webpage contains, thanks to making a part of that info with me. Here we are providing the more about some help of the Windows 7 Customer Support for the worldwide user
ReplyDeleteThanks For Your article that’s great. Here are the amazing computer or PC Tips
ReplyDeleteHere is so much security need if you are daily internet visitor of surfer you have to know internet security tips for sure your system from the hackers or other errant users that can harm your system.
ReplyDeleteVery rapidly this site will be famous among all blogging visitors, due to it’s good posts
ReplyDeleteEpson error code 0x69
If you have any problem related to Laptop.Our support team will help you to repair your Laptop by providing Laptop technical support within a short time and at an affordable cost.Call us: +44 800 048 8653
ReplyDeleteWe are providing instant operating system support Number so just call now our operating system support Phone number:+44 800 048 8653 and take solution right way Laptop Support is here to help.
ReplyDeleteamazing post.
ReplyDeletebudget hotel
Indus Valley Mukteshwar constructed & delivered several deluxe cottages & apartments in Mukteshwar, Nainital. Contact for more information.
ReplyDeletecottages in nainital for sale
This is really a great information. keep sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteAVG Antivirus Support
I admire the creativity here. Excellently put together: https://www.frylus.com/best-air-fryers-under-200/
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! You are sharing appropriate information with us. I am a big fan of your writing skills and appreciate your work. Vehicle tracking system
ReplyDeleteCPA firm in India
ReplyDeleteIn today's challenging business environment, an increasing number of companies are outsourcing their accounting services requirements to expert vendors. An outsourcing partner can deliver superior results and minimize costs, while allowing you to focus on strengthening your focus business areas