Friday, March 29, 2013

95 Studio Update: DIY Wood Console Desk

I haven't kept it a secret that the studio needs major love and attention.  It does not have ample storage, the colors are all wrong, it quickly gets messy and leaves me with a space that I am un-inspired to work within.  Being a blogger and someone who is hoping to use the space to someday expand my Etsy shop, an un-inspiring studio space is a big, bad, no-no.

The first order of business was to create a second work station.  My hubby often times works from home and while I work on my PC, he works on his work laptop.  I also use a Windows laptop for some programs that I haven't learned on my Mac yet, so I toggle back and forth between the two.  And lastly, it's nice to give the little guys a place to work on homework or to craft while I am blogging, so we can all still be together.  A second desk was something I have been wanting for a long time now, I just wasn't quite sure how to make it work just right in my studio.

The second part of the story is that the deep blue dresser was just too heavy and bulky in the space.  It provided great storage, but it wasn't visually "right" for me.  So we moved it to the master bedroom and I fell in love with it all over again.

So, what did we put in place of the dresser?

The goal was to bring in a nice warm wood tone, in the form of a console table that could also do double duty as a desk.  You can see my last inspiration board for the studio here, I recently made some tweaks and am getting really really excited about the direction I plan on going:



I have spent the last couple of months on every site I could think of, looking for the perfect console table.  Unfortunately, they were all far out of my budget, in the multi-hundred dollar range.  Boo.  Thrift stores didn't pan out, nor did Craigslist or HomeGoods.  It always figures that when I am on a mission to find the perfect piece, I can't.  So, I did what I should have done right away, and asked my hubby to lend a hand at building me the perfect piece.

And he did.

This way, we were able to determine the size and finish, and customize it to our needs.  Oh, and we did it for around $40.  Yeah, you read that right.  It was amazing.

{wood, melamine top, edging, corner brackets, wood stain}

My handy man and I figured out the dimensions and I wanted it to span much of the wall between the two doors {for the laundry room and utility room}.  It ended up being 56" wide and just under 16" deep.  I also checked online at parson style desk dimensions to get the right height.  Once we had our desired measurements, B cut down all of the wood pieces to the right size.

The next step was assembly, and once he got going, it went really quick.  He didn't want any screw holes visible, so he used a Kreg jig to create inset holes for all of the joints.


Here you can see it as it was coming together with use of the drill and jig.


The 2x2 wood pieces were going to act as the entire frame for the desk.  He added in some corner brackets for added support and strength.


Once it was all put together, we flipped it over and had ourselves the frame to a console table desk!


He then used the Kreg jig to add another section of 2x2's around the lower exterior of the desk, for even more support.  Then it was brought outside to be stained, I used Kona by Varathane.


The white melamine board was going to be the perfect desk topper, since I wouldn't have to paint it, and it would be ready for instant use.  We attached it by screwing up through the corner brackets right into the top of the board.  The protective finish also gives it durability and keeps it super simple to clean.  Since we had to cut it down to size, we had to add a new finished edge, with the help of some melamine edging tape {we already had it on hand from another project}.

Tada!


I don't have a chair yet, so I just grabbed the one from the other side of the room to act as a stand-in until I can redo a thrifted one I scored.

Isn't the desk a beauty?  It looks like it came straight off of a fancy showroom floor.  I love it.  But I love it even more since my love made it for me from scratch.

Here is a close up of the frame and pretty stained wood.



I really love that it adds a nice natural element to the studio and that it breaks up all of the white we have going on.


It feels so chic and elegant now, and really brightened up the studio.  It is also so much more airy than the bulky dresser.


The next order of business is to add boatloads of studio storage, but this time, I am going into that with a plan, a BIG plan.  More on that very soon.

Let's chat.  What item have you searched high and low for, that you finally just built instead?  Were you as happy with the end result as we are?  And even more excited that you didn't just give in and splurge?

95 comments:

  1. Wow, that looks great! and so much added desk space too.
    Sarah

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  2. It looks fantastic Jen! My daughter is looking for something narrow to pull double duty in her apartment. This might just be the solution. Her dad is handy, so I am sure he can put together something similar.

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    1. Oooh, love that! Sounds like this could be a really great solution! :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  3. I love this table! Perfect for a very limited amount of space.. which I will have in my entry way soon!

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  4. I built something similar in the 18 inches of dead space at the end of a hallway. With your table I think I would be tempted to put a glass top over it and keep photos and project ideas underneath, also to protect that beautiful white color from my "crafty" 7 year old.

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    1. Hi Julie!

      Great ideas! I actually did just that to my main desk on the opposite side of the room. You can see it here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/09/iheart-instadesk-update.html, I still adore how it turned out. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  5. This looks great! I love the white top against the stained wood frame. And it looks just perfect with all the desk wall accessories you have set up!
    /cammi

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  6. Your blog is always so inspiring to me and as an expecting mama I've used so many of the ideas you feature to satisfy my nesting need, and now I find myself wanting to know about the floral fabric you have featured the updated inspiration board. It's beautiful! Where is it from?

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    1. Hi Katie!
      Thanks so much! The floral pattern is actually a wallpaper from Anthropologie. Isn't it gorg??

      xo,
      Jen

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  7. Where is the basket from? Love it!

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    1. Thank you! It was a HomeGoods find from a few months back but I am always impressed with their unique baskets for the price compared to higher end stores. You may be able to still find something similar.

      xo,
      Jen

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  8. Your hubbs could go into business! That desk is awesome! I really love how the space is coming along! Your color palette, as always, is perfect. Have a wonderful Easter!

    ~Abby =)

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  9. You knew someone would ask...but I love the little clock. Where can I pick one up for myself?

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    1. Hi Nicole,

      I found it at a shop at the Mall of America called Typo: http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/typo/

      xo,
      Jen

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  10. Its gorgeous Jen, I love the "new direction" you are taking your home. After you made no ikea/target, your house went from beautifully functional to WOW what a one of a kind home!!! Can you share a source list for your accesories???

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    1. Awe, shucks. Now I am blushing, thank you!!

      What would you like to know? The clock was from Typo, the lamp is West Elm, the throw is Joss & Main, the pencil vase is Ikea, the pencils are See Jane Work. I think that covers it but if you are looking for something else, please let me know. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  11. Lovely! I'm really into white and wood tables these days. Pretty :)
    {lamourcheznous.wordpress.com}

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  12. Hi Jen! LOVE the site! just wondering where did you get the frames your wedding photo and piece of art are in? And what is that floral fabric called/where did you get it?
    Thanks SO much Jen! Your sense of style is incredible!

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    1. Thank you Wendy!

      The frames are from Ikea, they are called Ribba frames. Not sure what floral fabric you are referencing, but if you mean from my inspiration board it is actually beautiful wallpaper from Anthropologie. If not, let me know and I will try and get the source figured out for you. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  13. Jen, you must have been peaking at my searches on the internet. I've been looking into some Family Handyman books we have here for something like yours. I have a Sauder computer desk but need more room where I can spread out more. What are the demensions on your console table and did you find the plans in a book somewhere or did you just know what you wanted or needed and just built it?
    I think I would buy some ready made table legs that would go more with my furniture. I would love to built something like a console table but be able to put a side on it where I can hide the cable/cords. Haven't got brave enough yet to do away with the desktop computer and buy a laptop. I would like to be able to put my computer printer on the table so I don't have to almost stand on my head to insert paper or replace cartridges. Your console table has given me some ideas. Could you post the demensions and what type of wood you used? It would be helpful.

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    1. Hi Betty!

      The desk was just something I had n my brain after a lot of online shopping and inspiration searching. When I told my hubs what I was hoping to accomplish, we took a trip to Home Depot to come up with ideas and see what could be done for the least amount of money. He figured out the building specifics, I am lucky to have him around. ;)

      I linked to all the supplies above, the wood is just 2x2x8 from Home Depot. The final dimensions were 56" wide by 15.75" deep.

      xo,
      Jen

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  14. Hello jen ! Once again you amaze me ! The console looks beautiful ! I am definitely pinning this in a "project for later" board !! Thansk for the inspiration and cheers from France !

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  15. Love the desk! Will be thinking of trying that in my own office!

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  16. Jen - What a great job! And it really looks perfect in your room. Nothing better than customizing something for your space! Thanks for sharing - you have inspired me to get after my own space.

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  17. I have a love for paper crafts and rubber stamping and that comes with a LOT of goodies to organize. Since we couldn't find a hutch for my desk (our old dining room table) my husband built me one! It look a very long time and wasn't necessary cheap to make in the end but it isn't something you'd be able to find anywhere on the market!

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    1. Seriously, that is so great! And inspiring since we are in the market for a storage hutch in our eat in kitchen and I think it will end up being another building project. :) you are right, building something definitely gives it a unique feeling!

      xo,
      Jen

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  18. This is so great! I have been in search of the exact same type of desk so my husband and I can both work on it at the same time....I am thinking a custom made one is probably the best answer!
    ~ Kimberley

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  19. I am stunned. You and your husband are an amazing team. *applause*

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  20. Jen, I know you are an organizer.

    Buutt... My hubby would never know how to do a table himself!!!

    Can't you convince yours to put out there an ebook on the basics of DIY?

    I'd like to learn myself and although I read your blog and others too about DIY and home-decor, I'm always lost in the explanations!

    An ebook on DIY for begginers!

    --

    Your table is gorgegous btw.

    Can't wait until you share the storage space!

    xoxo,

    Em.

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    1. Love that idea! I was also thinking of having the hubs contribute or start a side blog for tips and tricks and also to share what life is like living with an organizingaholic. Ha!!

      But he totally grinned at the eBook idea so thanks for the suggestion!

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. The blog is a great idea too, but the thing is that you gotta follow it, and you may get lost.

      For me, an ebook makes a lot more sense, since he can start from the very very beginning. DIY for girls! I mean, I could make that table, but need to learn the basics first hehe.

      He can first teach the vocabulary, the basic tools, what does what, examples, etc. And then maybe even put out some projects for us to make as homework. And we can share here in a DIY link party! :)

      I know there might be other books out there (Amazon and bookshops) but is always better to buy from someone you know/trust. And appreciate!

      --

      Talking about ideas... just dreaming that you could set up a summercamp at your place. I would send my hubby to live there for a month to see if you teach him how not to be a total mess!!

      Sometimes when I get mad at him (cuz you don't imagine how untidy he can be) I say: "I'm going to send you to Jen's place for a month"

      Hehe.

      xo,

      Em.

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  21. I can answer on the "floral fabric" because I can recognize it from a mile away... it's actually wallpaper from Anthropologie. I wish it was fabric too!

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  22. Hello! Your blog is amazing :) It's so refreshing and creative! Greetings from Poland!

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  23. I love it! Will your husband make us one? :)

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  24. I love it and i was searching for similar desk!
    I am gonna make it...
    Thanks!

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  25. Seriously AMAZING!! LOVE it! I have never worked with melamine before... more details would be great!

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    1. Sure darlin, what would you like to know? It's basically wood with a hard candy shell. You can cut it down to size and then just iron on your edges. I like to use it occasionally as I find it holds up nicer than a painted finish in higher traffic areas.
      You can find it at most home improvement stores.

      xo,
      Jen

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  26. I love it! I wish I knew a handy man, first thing I'd get him to build is an under oven drawer to use up that wasted space. By the way, did you know you can have windows running alongside the Mac operating system on your mac? I have it that way as I can't stop using Windows because of my translation software

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    1. Never knew that!!! I just asked my hubby and he said, "oh yeah, you can do that". Grrrr, wish he would have told me that long ago, you just changed my life for the better. :) thank you!!!!

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  27. Where is the basket/ hamper from and what's inside?

    Mymartinez@aol.com

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    1. It is from HomeGoods and nothing is in it yet but I am planning on stashing my fabrics inside.

      xo,
      Jen

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  28. I built my bed and I'm loving it <3
    Jan

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    1. Wow, a whole bed? That is amazing, congrats!

      xo,
      Jen

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  29. Beautiful space!! Everything is perfect! What is the paint on the wall color? And what is in the basket hamper?

    Also and idea but could you share how you keep your car organized and clean with 3 boys? :) I have 2 boys and its a challenge to keep anything clean!! How do you do it?

    Thank you!
    Jen

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    1. Thank YOU!

      The wall color is Behr's Reflecting Pool. Nothing is in the basket yet but I plan on storing my fabrics inside.

      Thanks for the auto post suggestion, I will add it to the ol' list. :)

      Jen

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  30. I love your desk and look forward to adapting it for my space. Can you tell me where the file cabinet on your inspiation board comes from?

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    1. Hi Susan,

      It is from CB2: http://www.cb2.com/tps-mint-file-cabinet/s482978

      xo,
      Jen

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  31. Hi Jen, you are my hero organizing!! The table looks beautiful, so stylish...and you have so many ideas that inspire me everyday. Thanks for sharing.

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  32. I love the desk and the fact that it is DIY. I am currently looking for ideas for a home office when we move next month.

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  33. I LOVE that clock! Any chance you can tell me where it was from?

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    1. Hi Erin,

      I found it at a shop at the Mall of America called Typo: http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/typo/

      xo,
      Jen

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  34. You are hands down the best decorator!!! I try to find other blogs or ideas, but your style speaks to my heart! I wish I could copy everything you do!!! :) you seriously have a gift! Love you and your blog!!! Thanks for all that you do! P.s. I also love seeing pics of your beautiful boys! They are sooooo precious! Xo amber

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    1. Such a super sweet comment, thank you so much!!!

      And I agree, my boys are little sweeties. They fill my life with so much joy daily, I can't ever seem to get enough :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  35. I love the simplicity of the desk. Gives me inspiration for our work space. Is that an inspiration board above your desk? Love it! Considering creating a board to hang ideas and inspirations.

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  36. Where did you get that little blue alarm clock? It's adorable!

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  37. I'm thinking of building a small bar-height cocktail table soon...I can't find one, at any price, that's smaller than 22" wide!

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  38. WOW! $40? It looks super expensive! Narrower tables can be hard to find thrifted and you can't beat $40!!

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  39. That desk! Amazing! I really love everything about the space. So bright and beautiful.

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  40. LOVE your desk! So simple yet completely functional and beautiful. We built nighstands and a bookshelf for our son's new room and "distressed" them ourselves, since I couldn't find anything similar to what I actually wanted for the room's theme! Here's my post about it: http://managingthemanor.com/distressed-for-less/

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  41. I love everything about the space...the desk, the inspiration board, the colors. Wow to the wow! I just bought a Kreg Jig last month and have only done one project with it, but this has inspired me to make something for our living room.

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  42. Jen the desk is gorgeous!!! It feels good when you get exactly what you want...plus it was made with love. ;) I love adding a dark piece to a light airy room. Really gorgeous Jen!!! :)

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  43. Jen, this turned out so great!!! It's beautiful!! I was so excited to read about you guys using melamine & melamine edging tape. We've been stuck on a project lately bc we would love to use white melamine for drawer/door fronts, but we weren't sure how we'd be able to make the cut edges look good. We will definitely be looking for some edging tape now! You seriously made my day with this tutorial -- thank you so much for sharing!!

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  44. Love it! This was EXACTLY what my husband and I were looking for. I'm so excited.The wood stain is fab.Also, is the flower diy? Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.

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  45. I love the desk. I can't seem to find the awesome blue clock at Typo. What brand is it. That might help.

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  46. I love the desk! The stained wook looks amazing and really gives it some personality!!!

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  47. Oooh! I love how that turned out! You guys did a great job. It looks perfect in that space.

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  48. I love the end result! Where is the aqua file cabinet from in your inspiration board?

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  49. WWWWWHHHHHAAAAATTTTT?!?! You guys MADE that?!?!?! Incredible...looks amazing!

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  50. Love, love, love this. I showed it to my hubby straight away. We are going to make one for an awkwardly narrow space in my son's room where we thought we could not fit a desk.

    Your studio updates are looking beautiful!

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  51. I have been looking for a table similar to this to eat up the space behind my sofa to the wall! Most are too expensive for the dimensions that I need (65-70wide by 24 inches deep). But this is an AWESOME idea! It looks easy enough that I am going to try it this weekend.

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  52. Have a question: How many pieces of wood was used? Thanks.

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  53. We were able to do the desk using four total pieces of 2x2x8's. :)

    xo,
    Jen

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  54. Awesome! Chad and I love to do this type of stuff together too. Having a handy husband around is a great thing. Chad and I worked with melamine board this weekend, we converted our hall coat closet into a pantry. I'll have a post on that soon. Great job, I may just have to steal your idea.

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  55. I handed over the office to my husband, gave my son the desk from our bedroom for homework (I turned his closet into a workspace after seeing your closet makeover!), and now I need a desk for my projects. This is perfect and definitely seems simple. My husband will be busy this weekend for sure :)

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  56. Love it! I want to do something similar in my bedroom for my little workspace. Now - the details! Where did you get that awesome clock, lamp, and bulletin board?

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    1. Thanks Rhonda!

      The clock is from Typo, the lamp is from West Elm and the bulletin board is a DIY from an old thrift store frame, some cork and fabric. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  57. where do you get the cute art work within the white ribba frame??

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    1. Hi Nina!

      It is a Michelle Armas print: http://www.michellearmas.bigcartel.com/

      He work is awesome!!

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. Hi there! You are one talented Chica! Recently stumbled upon your blog, and wow. I love everything DIY (gutted 46' cottage in two months!), but the handy man part doesn't come so easily for hubby nor I. So, I found this project and thought it would be a perfect starting point, bc who cares if we mess up, right? Anyways, I am using this for the open wall in our master bedroom, and I want it to double as a console and desk. That said, can you offer some advice on ideal height? Also advice on width and length (I do have plenty of space). Thank you!

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    3. Hi Ashley!

      First, thank you!

      I always cheat and look at the standard dimensions of prefinished furniture online. If you find standard desks, you will notice a similar height. Same with coffee tables and dining tables. I trust the larger retailers more than my own guessing. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  58. Thank you, Jen! My hubby and I made the console this a.m. and it went quite well! I am having a very hard time finding the stain you used (home depot no longer carries it). Suggestions for a similar looking color from another brand?

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  59. Hi, love love love it! just curious-where's the rug from?

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    1. Thank you Nancy! The rug is from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60050172/

      xo!

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  60. Love this! Just wondering what height you built it at?!

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  61. Amazing table. Question, is your wood frame the same size as your table top, so that the legs are flush with the table top? or is there an overhang of the table top?
    Thanks

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    1. Hi Jennae,

      That is correct, the top is flush with the base. :) I find it gives the piece a nice and clean look.

      xo!

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  62. How does the edge tape hold up? We're thinking of using it on a desk. :-D

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    1. We have used the tape for quite a few projects now and it has always held up really, really well. I love that there is a clean way to finish projects and inexpensive wood edges. Best of luck with you desk!

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