DIY Target $100 Office Space
January has always been a time for me to get organized in my home. I love this month because it feels new and makes me want to embrace who I really am.
I still struggle a bit though, with the dark days of winter. My sister and I have 2 ski dates on the calendar, so getting above the fog in the Rogue Valley will be splendid. I can’t wait to feel the cold air on my cheeks and experience that rush of speed. I grew up skiing on Mt. Ashland (Ashland, Oregon) and Mt. Bachelor.
Skiing has been on my “to do” list this year. Many call it a bucket list (this is my big 5-0 year!). But since I’ve skied for years, it’s really not anything new for me. :)
Back to creativity. To get on top of the winter blues, I decided I really needed a more creative place to write. I’m an early-morning girl, so normally I sit in our living room bright and early, but as the days went by, I was feeling a bit unorganized.
My sons are now up at college, so there were 2 empty rooms upstairs calling my name. :)
It was time. No excuses.
Time to reclaim one of the upstairs bedrooms and transform it into a new writing space.
My budget? $100 max.
The carpet was recently replaced, the base to the futon and the hutch were already being stored in the room, and everything else was either junk, things to go to Good Will, or clutter that needed reorganizing.
Repurposed items:
Costco table (set on the high level)
Target bar stool (taken from the kitchen)
Target lamp (grabbed from the other spare room closet)
Comfort foam (single) for the futon seating
$4 yard sale pillows (for the back of futon)
Pier 1 yard sale curtains
Tablecloth (have 2 of the same color)
Pedestal (Good Will find sprayed black)
Hutch (cleaned out and organized with entertaining books, magazines, etc.)
What I found at Target:
$50 flower print
$10 clearance Smith & Hawken ceramic pot
$25 silk flowers (1 stem)
$5 waste paper basket
$10 black baskets for organizing
The sun comes in during the morning hours. The room is so light and lovely. It’s inspiring and good for the soul.
Having a new space is what we often need. Either by re-arranging our house, fixing up a room … it doesn’t have to be expensive, either.
How to repurpose a room:
-Determine your needs and write out your goals and plans
-Look on Pinterest or in magazines for ideas
-Look around your house and see if you have anything that matches those ideas
-Move those items into your new space
-Give yourself a small budget of new things to buy
-Keep organization in mind–how to make the most of the room
Your passions can provide a starting point that will help you get organized and decorate your home, don’t you think?
Oh, and don’t forget to add the best accessories you can find – LOL. That’s Haggis, our Cairn Terrier, posing for you! :)
I also have some blank walls in the room, with some ideas that involve some of my daughter’s photography. Stay tuned for that …
Are you inspired by the space where you read, write, or create?
Feel free to share a link to your space in your comment – I’d love to see!
Not to hijack this thread, but I’m interested in seeing if I’m eligible for a higher priced rental and I have no idea how to find a good, local property management firm… do you know anything about this company? They’re based out of Sacramento, CA 15 minutes from me and I can’t find reviews on them – Sacramento Property Management Consultants, 600 H St Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 282-3103.
I love how you did a whole space in such a tight budget! It really is the details that make the difference and cost the most!
Oh, the color! So bold. Love it. Everything is warm and inviting. Enjoy your new creative space!
GASP! A whole room dedicated to writing?!?! Me likey :) and I have to say, I love the flower print!
Oh Sandy I love this!! I can just feel the brightness & comfort, I’m so excited for you to have a space of your own. I struggle to find my own space in my house. Work in progress.
I love the floral picture behind your writing space. It is so bright and cheerful. I don’t really have a writing place, but my husband just got me a lap top for Christmas so I take it where there is a lot of light. We have the exact same hutch. My aunt gave it to us, and I really like it. Thanks for sharing your new room.
That is really fun, Shari. I know several friends with the exact same hutch, too!
Love it Sandy! I don’t quite have an area that is “available” but hope to one day :)
It took a few years for me to get an empty room in my house, too, Kirstin! :)
Okay, Haggis on the desk makes me smile! Too cute!!!! I LOVE having a little space to myself. I did that in my Momma office and it feels so good to make it “mine”. My project right now is to take some of my photos and turn them into square canvases to hang in my laundry room. LOVE your new space!!!
Oooh, I love that idea, Kim. Sounds really classy!
since moving into our new place last spring, one of my projects is to make a room for myself, my office – extra closet – running room (it’s rather large, and my treadmill is in there). I have had other projects take priority, but I have big plans for my space this spring… I already have many “pieces” there, now comes the fun part of setting it all up!
I love your new space – that print is vibrant!
Kristina, I know what you mean by other projects taking priority! Can’t wait to see your new space!
I’m still on paint…. then I can get to accessorizing! :) Your space looks great- the print definitely reflects you, I think!!
Tara, do you have anything cute like Haggis, to accessorize with? hee hee.
Good Morning Sandy! I’m actually working on my office space too. It has been a dumping space mostly for the last few months since we moved in. We installed new lights last weekend which made a big difference. I need to find a good chair and a trash can. It’s fun having our own space. :)
You found some great items at Target. I love that artwork. The files in the planter or dish look great too.
Stacey, can’t wait to see it. Target has some great finds. I love the clearance finds, too!
I see that Haggis is sitting on top of Real Simple magazine. Isn’t that the best magazine ever?!
It is such a great magazine. It’s been a while since I’ve subscribed … maybe I need to again! Trying to keep the magazines I buy to a minimum!
I love what you did to create your new writing space, Sandy!