…until now.
This is one part of my home that I have been pretty silent about on my blog. It is a very tricky space that everyone who comes into my home has to walk through, so it impossible to close the door and hide. When a modern addition was put on my 1940’s home (before we bought it), the former kitchen was left as a glorified hallway between the dining room and current kitchen. Not only does it have four doorways and an ironing board cabinet, but it has an identity crisis. It would be an ideal mud room, but it’s not near an outside door. Furniture can’t be in the middle of the room, because it would impede traffic, so it can’t be a sitting room or play room or eating area. We decided to make it a home office and “landing zone.”
The view above is from my dining room, looking through to the kitchen. The picture below is taken from the kitchen into the office. The weird paint treatment does have a reason for being there. Just picture with me…a bench, bead board, trim, hooks, and a ledge topped off with chalkboard paint and family photos. Are you seeing it? This wall will not be a dumping ground, but a place to tuck shoes and hang back packs in an orderly fashion. Right? (Is my family reading this?) Well, that’s the idea, anyway.
I recently removed our baby gate and repaired the walls around the door frame. This picture was taken while the plaster was drying, but it’s all finished now. I’d like to frame out this door in wood trim that matches the rest of the room. Notice my son’s nail gun on the chair? We’re getting him on the DIY path early. He loves “helping daddy.”
The cubby unit on the right was given to us for free by a family at our church. It’s a great solution until it’s replaced by custom built-ins that will house a printer, my business phone, the router, etc.
My husband is going to make a farm style table for a desk out of some old barn beams from my great-grandparent’s farm. It will be a work space as well as a home for the family laptop. The secretary is going to be painted and sold and replaced with another built in unit that will provide file storage and shelving.
The hubs started building the bench last week, so I am hoping to have a lot to report on in the weeks to come. My in-laws are coming tomorrow and my MIL said she would hang with the boys, so I could get some work done. I have four curtain panels, a sofa slipcover and some pillows to make, so I think I’m going to be hunched over the sewing machine for a few days! I’m not sure what I’ll get done, but I’ll give it a good, solid effort.
37 Responses
Can't wait to see your finished room.
-Danielle
I too look forward to your vision coming together before our very eyes.
The past year must have been an amazing one for you. So much of your house has been worked on. I can see why you're so highly inspired to keep on it. It's like a dream unfolding.
So glad you're taking 'lucky us' along for the ride!
Donna
I love the direction you are going. This looks like a really good space for a home office.
One suggestion I would make is to hang curtains inside the office part of each doorway. Swagged back for the most part but will give the space the feel of really being a separate room. Also when serious work is being done the curtains can be closed for a little bit of privacy. Just a thought.
Looks like a neat house to work with!
Tamra
Oh, what you have done looks great and I am sure your work in progress will be just as awesome!
Nancy
I'm in awe that you have such a clear vision for this area. I'd be stuck and have no idea what to do. Can't wait to see the transformation!
I have to say.. You are making it very hard for me to love you right now, lol. If only I had this space, sigh. I don't usually want others things, but look at the light, and the floors, and the vision, agh!! Ok, I am alright, I love you again and am happy that you have this:) Good for you btw, for starting out the diy spirit so early!!
it is going to be amazing!!! i love all the ideas you have- the desk your husband is making, the chalkboard wall…. all of it! i wish my husband could just whip up a desk… maybe if i wanted one made from suct tape and cardboard boxes he'd be the guy…
I love homes that have little nooks and crannies like this! I adore what you are doing with it…I can see your vision;)!
Enjoy!
Cathy
I'm really loving your wood floors. I want to redo mine darker, but….
You are a tireless worker, Miss Mustard Seed! Again, I am so happy I stumbled upon your blog. I appreciate so much that you are a DIY-er with a real life budget, and yet, have amazing results. Thanks also for all your tutorials and advice you give on your blog. It is so generous of you. This little space is going to be terrific!
I can just see this all done girl…how fun to have an office space…good luck with all the sewing projects..How great that the MIL is coming to watch the grand babies…Hugs and smiles to ya my dear friend…Gl♥ria
I can see it! I'm sure the built in will be great. I like the idea of the ledge and hooks. It will all be super functional but beautiful I'm sure.
You inspire me. I'm actually thinking about tackling a project now. I wish I could get my husband on the bandwagon with me. I have a secretary I'd like to paint. Hope you'll show what you come up with for the one you're going to paint and sell.
That's actually a perfect spot for your kids to do homework while you're cooking dinner. You can be involved but they're not in the way. And I'm sure they'll be completely obedient and stay there, filling their minds with endless knowledge….
How lucky you are to have so many family treasures around you! Blessings!
You found such an innovative way to tackle what I agree is kind of a weird little room. We had the choice of closing in our formal living room, but we chose to leave it open to make a big play area for the kids. There are days we wish that we walled it in and added a door for a more private home office space.
Oh gosh, are ya sure you want to part with that Secretary??? It's sure is purdy. I love your vision for this space. Sounds like you will make good use of every nook and cranny.
xoxo,
Kim
Oh gosh, are ya sure you want to part with that Secretary??? It's sure is purdy. I love your vision for this space. Sounds like you will make good use of every nook and cranny.
xoxo,
Kim
How wonderful to have a little space like that. Our 40s house is tiny and it even had a small addition done in the 70s…still small.
I will be here watching your vision come to life, it sounds great!
Londen
Karen @ Garden, Home and Party
I can visualize it already! Can't wait to see it. Have fun sewing. What a wonderful MIL, right?
Ooooh, I don't know, sugar, but I kinda like the room. It would serve as my office if I had it. What you are planning sounds great though.
xoxo,
Connie
Sounds like you have a great plan for it! I can't wait to see it all come together!
I sort of like the little room. It's sort of quirky, but that's what makes older houses homey. I like your thoughts on the chalkboard, shelf wall, bench area – that's going to be a good use of that spot.
What a great space! And, your vision for it sounds fantastic. Kinda, butler's panty meets home office meets mudroom. I love it! Can't wait to see it completed.
We know from your track record that it will look great when you are finished! I think what was once awkward space will become very valuable space, since you took the time to think it through.
It already looks very good, but I am sure once you have woven your magic wand it will look absolutely fab.
Happy sewing to you!
I love seeing pics of your home and what you have done and are planning to do. I have always dreamed of owning an older home someday with all of the charm and character. You are doing a great job! Have fun with your projects while your MIL is in town. I absolutely love when my inlaws come to town. My MIL loves to takeover alot of the household tasks to give me a break.
All your ideas sound great. Can't wait to see the finished room.
I think your plan for what you want to use the room for sounds great! I can't wait to see how it all turns out!
Your plans for that great little space sound wonderful. Built ins are going to streamline everything nicely. Looking forward to your progress.
You will make it a beautiful space I am sure. Jackie
I can't wait to see what you do with it. You always have sough great ideas.
Wow, I'm looking forward to the transformation. 🙂
Can't wait to see how you transform your space! You have so much energy and ideas! Wish I had 1/2 as much as you! Have a nice visit with your in-laws.
So entirely inspirational! Its ironic, b/c I want to do the whole beadboard and ledge thing at my house too. What kind of ledge will you use? Can't wait to find out, cuz that's what's on my to-do list next! Love the idea and can't wait to see the completed result!!!
Looking forward to seeing your transformation of this little nook!! It sounds fabulous!! And what a great MIL to come and keep the boys company while you get some chores done. That is super!!
Hugs
SueAnn
I think your vision sounds fantastic and it will be very functional.You said there are 4 doors.
I'm assuming only 2 of them is needed.The door coming into the room and the other door going into the kitchen.
What are the other two doors and can you take them out? That would give you alot more wall space.We are also working on our house.I've had alot of fun with it.