We are going into our 4th week in the house and I am still working in chaos. Our office is FILLED with unpacked boxes and a various assortment of THINGS.
And the biggest pain, is that there really isn’t a solution close at hand.
We needs desk(s). We need filing cabinets. Heck, we need new walls!
We need help.
So, I am entering the Staples #MakeMoreMakeover Office reno contest in the hopes that I will WIN.
Here are our problems:
1. The walls:
Now that is ALOT of wood. Every wall (AND THE CEILING) is finished in this glossy heritage plywood. Now, I am all for wood, but this is kind of taking it too far.
Our plan is to remove the plywood and gyprock the walls (and ceiling) OR cover the plywood with a nice textured wallpaper.
Whatever happens, this wood is GOING! And once it is gone, I am looking to add a little style with some useful (and pretty) storage bits!
2. The STUFF
Oh my word, the stuff. We have nowhere to pack these years of tax files, and various bits.
We needs desks, filing cabinets and some simple storage for all of hubby’s various design books (he is a landscaper/irrigation guy)
But, not OBNOXIOUS storage. I am at a stage in my life that I want storage items that actually look like furniture, not some behind the scenes warehouse storage.
I like this unit, but not exactly sure if it will fit right. Don’t know yet WHAT we are going to do about this, but do know that we need something with a few doors to hide some of hubby’s “stuff”
3. The desk
I don’t know where the drawers went when we moved, but this is what I am left with.
It makes me weep.
I don’t know if we should do two “matchy matchy” desks, seeing as we will need two work stations, or if we should go all crazy and just choose the ones we each like? We like these three, but not being a visual person, I just can’t choose!
I know I want something solid, and simple. Something with a broad top, and a simple drawer. All I need on it is a pad of paper and my laptop. I don’t think I am asking for too much.
4. The windows
They are amazing, I know, but they are painted shut. In the summer this room is bathed in sunlight, which (come july) will make it a sauna (complete with the wooden walls) I need to get out my heat gun and do some massive window repairs.
All in all, it is a beautiful space, we just need to make it work. And since this is my first office- EVER- I want to put MY mark on it. I will be spending the majority of time in there, although hubby “may” use it in the evenings. We need two work stations, lots of storage and a “feminine, yet not feminine” touch to it.
Oh, and the tech. We need some tech upgrades. Our “old printer/scanner” is a dinosaur and needs an upgrade. To get anything to print I need to send it from my mac to his PC, transfer it to a USB stick, upload it to t he desktop and then print.
Needless to say, we aren’t doing a lot of printing. I know nothing about printers, except that I want a WIRELESS one!
And pretty files, and pretty papers, and pretty pencils. All of the pretty things that make an office a ROOM, not just a workstation!
Oh, and coffee. A girl needs coffee!
Obviously we need help! Hey, do you think if we win the contest Staples will send us a designer as well?
And, if you have an office makeover on YOUR list, check out the contest Staples Canada has running right now where you can WIN $1000 in office furniture and supplies! And yes, all of these awesome office items can be found online, or in store at Staples across Canada!