If you are like most busy moms you need to have a designated office space in your home. But, as you look around and see the overflowing toys, laundry and rooms full of furniture what are you to do?
The good news is that thanks to the shrinking size of laptops and the invention of the I-Pad, the space needed to achieve your office oasis is not as large as it was just a few short years ago. Here I share with you two of my favorite small space home office solutions: the closet office and the secretary.
A Small Closet Office
CLOSET OFFICE TRANSFORMATIONS:
There is a current trend of turning closets into home offices and I love it! Whether it’s a small closet, pantry or double door closet, you can easily transform these spaces into a productive office with little effort or expense.
First, remove the closet rod. Next, decide if you want to build the shelves or bring in a desk. For no construction options use two file cabinets topped off with a piece of glass, MDF or other surface material – or simply bring in a writing desk that fits your closet.
For a custom option, make a shelf out of white melamine covered MDF that you can purchase at the local hardware store. They will cut it to size for you – just give them the exact dimensions of your closet. Attach it to the walls at desk height, using a 2×4 piece of lumber to brace it on either side.
There are tons of fun ways to organize your new office nook. Look for metal bins, baskets and hat boxes to fulfill your storage needs. The Container Store, IKEA and Target are great places to shop for such items.
The closet doors provide another valuable source of vertical space. I love pegboard kits, they are easy to install and allow you to hang almost anything. You can apply chalkboard paint or hang corkboards on the inside of your doors.
Don’t forget to add your finishing touch to your new office nook’s décor. Pick a vibrant paint color or graphic wallpaper to bring life to the back walls. A desk lamp and a mirror hung above the writing surface will also provide necessary light for the nights you work late. If your closet doors are out of date, you can hang grommet drapery panels from a metal rod for a softer look. A dainty chandelier with graphic damask wallpaper would be ultra chic.
SECRETARY DESKS: These pieces of furniture have stood the test of time and are popping up all over the design world – and for good reason, they provide a great work surface and allow you to close the lid at the end of your day with a hinged door. Whether it is a vintage piece or a modern twist you can easily add a secretary to your bedroom, dining room, living room or hallway. Check out the fun Mayfair Steamer Trunk Secretary from Restoration Hardware
Restoration Hardware's Steamer Secretary
