Tuesday, December 27, 2011

38 Basement Progress: Studio Desk Part 2


Last week, I shared the plans I created of my dream deskThank you all for your sweet comments about Excel, I will definitely see if I can whip up a quick tutorial on how I made the diagram.


Although the holidays were in full swing, I had to get a little project time in.  Just. Couldn't. Wait!

And you guys guessed it.  Some EXPEDIT bookcases were involved in my vision.  The main reason is because my kiddo's school paperwork boxes fit them perfectly.  They have deep shelving and are so versatile.  I love that I can later add drawer and cabinet fronts as well, making them even more functional for my office, yet easy to "hack" and DIY for the hubs.  Win win for us!

While Preston and I finished assembling the bookcases, Bryan got to work installing the wainscoting.  We purchased two 4'x8' pieces that we cut down to size and air nailed to the wall.


Once nailed, we caulked the holes and taped the outer edge so I could get started painting right away!


I wanted to paint the wainscoting to soften the finish a bit and add a little visual interest.  But I didn't want it to get too dark since there is no natural light, so I went with a really soft gray.  In fact, I adore our laundry room gray walls so much, I went just one shade lighter, and used Behr's Reflecting Pool.

Can you tell?


It's so subtle in photos, and in person as well, but it's pretty perfect in the space and I LOVE the slight contrast against the white bookcases.

We installed a floating shelf {also from IKEA}...



Popped a piece of melamine board on top and pushed it all together to get a visual of how it's coming along!


We are going to add base trim to the bottom when we wrap up the trim in the lower level, I tossed a scrap piece down just to see how that will look also...


Just seeing it all pushed together {not yet affixed to the wall} makes me beyond excited to push forward with this project!  It's so much fun to bring the vision to reality!



We have a plan for the desk.  We actually sold our other one to my bff who just moved into a new house, so I am "deskless" until we get this project finished.  Fingers crossed we keep moving along without running into any problemas, and hopefully I will have another update with a completed work surface soon!

Am I the only project crazed gal that snuck away for a quick fix over the holidays?



38 comments:

  1. oh wow! this is going to be awesome!

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  2. How funny! I needed my project fix as well and snuck away to deal with a tiny laundry room project. I LOVE it so far. I have such a deep love for the Expedit as well. You always have such great vision.

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  3. I have been floating ideas around in my head for a desk and this looks fantastic!!! I may have to steal a few of your ideas!!

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  4. Ooohh! I didn't know you were going to get started so quickly! I love it so far and can't wait to see what you do with it next! Fingers crossed everything goes well!

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  5. Wow! So far your desk looks great! I work with Excel all the time and I would've never thought of using it to make a diagram like you did! We really need that tutorial. :)

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  6. Would this also be wide enough to put a twin bed in and use it like a super-sized headboard?

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  7. Love the desk idea and how its turning out so far. I wish I could come up with ideas and then use some kind of floor planner, but I am so inpatient and lately, my mind doesn't seem to be working! Like I asked in another comment, when did you say you are coming to Raleigh?! = )

    ~ L.

    PS. The projects we have to tackle this week are: finish the deck, redo the storage room (organize them), and build a wood holder thingy for all our firewood (we are using our insert as our heat source so we are getting free heat!)

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  8. I purchased 4 expedit 2x2 units a few weeks ago they were only $20 each and love them! never heard about ikea much less expedit before reading your blog, i know i live under a rock :) things looking great so far..i've designed our kitchen renovation lay out using excel too, i found the planner on ikea too complicated... so much easier on excel .. mind you my plans don't look as pretty as yours! lol I can't wait to see what develops!

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  9. I am now an expedit lover. I just purchased two and am in the middle of assembling for my craft sewing room.

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  10. Our project wasn't a "quick fix", but I'm loving how our new backyard is turning out. A couple weeks ago, we rented a rototiller and got the entire backyard prepped for new sod and landscaping. Last weekend hubby starting builing a retaining wall/planter at the end of the patio. Tuesday layed the new sod and installed the edging. Friday after work, filled the new planted with top soil. And Monday, rented a wet saw to cut and place the capstones on the planter wall.

    I haven't done a post on it yet, but will soon. It's looking fabulous!

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  11. Yay! It's awesome! I actually have a good way to paint the Kassett boxes if you're interested. It's on my blog...I'd post the link but I don't want to seem "spammy". (: It just got posted on Ikea Hack this weekend.

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  12. Looks good so far....I am amazed that you can do these upgrades on your own. I love the Ikea products and you make them look so much better! :)
    Sue

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  13. That is so cool! I just assumed it would be one free-standing piece. I love that it's not! I think maybe I could do something like that (very encouraging!). Now, if only the nearest IKEA was less than 6 hours away... :)

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  14. WOW! That is amazing that Ikea products can add up with creative desk that really quickly! Cant wait to see the complete project!

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  16. Is this kinda a fraternal twin to the one in your play room? What did you "learn" the first time that you're changing this time?

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  17. I'm in awe of what you can accomplish! You gave me an amazing idea for my daughter's room - I'll keep you posted. :-)

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  18. It looks beautiful Jen!! I'm soooooo excited that you're thinking of doing an Excel tutorial. YAY!!!

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  19. Jen, I thought of you when I saw these chairs, couches and storage ottomans on sale. http://www.hautelook.com/event/12054ltdedthomaspaulfurniturehda
    Peace,
    Rachel

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  20. This is SO smart! I wonder if the beadboard could be attached to the back of the unit for people who are renters...

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  21. It looks fantastic...I can't wait to see the finished product!

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  22. My son has those Ikea towers so I'm going to try to make your desk in his room. I love the way yours is turning out.

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  23. Holy cow awesome idea!!! I wish I had the room for a desk unit like yours! It's wonderful & I can't wait to see the finished product:)

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  24. I'm loving it! You are so great at giving us inspiration, I'm only bummed that the closest Ikea is almost 6 hours away! Can't wait to see the Excel tutorial, though, maybe I can finally convince hubby to let me get Excel!

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  25. I love your ever creative use of Ikea! I am always prepared for slight fits of jealousy when I read your post for the day as I have no Ikea within 250 miles!! I too, had project time during Christmas (kids get toys, we get project time) as I am in the process of redoing our master bedroom. I can't wait to see your desk reveal-oh and the bead board, classic Jen. Always taking it up a notch or ten!!

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  26. I'm love love loving the planning!

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  27. I just have to say that you are such an inspiration to me. I love reading your blog and love the ideas you come up with. I also have to say that I had never heard of Ikea before coming across your blog and now I have traveled over 4 hours to the closest Ikea 3 times! I heart Ikea and I heart your blog! Keep up the great work!!

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  28. Looking really good! Can't wait to see the finished product :)

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  29. What did you use on the very top of the desk to keep the shelves togther? and after the floating shelf in the middle what are you using for a desk? another the table part?

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  30. @Anonymous, the top piece is just some melamine board from our local home improvement store, cut down to size. When we install the desk, that piece will get screwed into the top. I will absolutely share those details on the blog when we get that far, as well as the installation of the desk piece itself. The "floating" looking shelf is attached with metal brackets sold at IKEA {http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39864148/}. Stay tuned! xoxo!
    Jen

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  31. Really looking forward to seeing all the storage and pretty things you choose for it. Looking forward to an update soon.

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  32. Hi Jen
    I love the desk so much that I want my husband to make it but he thinks it's too girly :P somehow he is agreed to make it in christmas day offs but ikea doesn't have same bookshelf available anymore but I found this http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30279784/#/50263838
    do you think it's a same item? I want to put (future) all in one printer in the shelf like you but no idea if it will fit into it. how would you proceed forward if you were to decide?
    Also, we have wainscoting and molding till 3 feet, will it come in a way of desk?
    Thank you so much!

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  33. Hi Jen,
    this post is inspiring me to do the same four living area. however instead of having a desk, we intend to fit in our upright piano in that space.
    may i know which floating shelf did u purchse from ikea? tried clicking the link but it no longer exists i think?

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    1. IKEA has since re-labeled this type of storage as the Kallax, but I don't believe they still sell the same sized tower. IKEA is still a wonderful resource for storage towers, however.

      Best of luck with your project, Lin!

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