Today’s the day! My home office/craft room makeover reveal. I hope it lives up to your expectations.
This room makeover has been in the works for hmm 17 months. The process was slow. Obviously. This goes to show that rooms don’t come together over night. Remember that.
I must say I really love my office. It’s my woman cave. The place where I can display as many pink and feminine things as I want. Forget about man caves, every chick should have a woman cave.
Let’s start with the largest piece of furniture in the room– the Ikea Expedit workstation. I decided on this behemoth because it seemed like a good storage solution for my office. So in May, 2012 Brad and I made the 2 hour drive to Cincinnati, home of the nearest Ikea, to get the workstation, white storage boxes, picture frames, shelves, and some chocolate.
Brad started on the Expedit shelving unit when we got home and had it assembled in an hour. I don’t know why people complain about assembling Ikea furniture. Tip: don’t use the supplied dinky Allen wrenches. Get a cordless drill. And a beefcake husband. You’re welcome for the free tip.
NOTE: The Expedit has since been discontinued, its nearly identical replacement is called Kallax.
I’m not an overly girly person. Don’t let this room give you the impression I’m the bubble gum and rainbows cheerleader type. I’m not. I just like the color pink. I mean, our wedding colors were pink and green.
Speaking of weddings, I tried to sell my DIY wedding program box and card box after our wedding but that didn’t pan out so they’re hanging out on top of the Expedit. I had my wedding bouquet immortalized on canvas this past summer. But I still didn’t have the guts to throw away my gross, dried up bouquet. It’s in the wedding program box.
I originally bought these shelves (from Ikea) for our guest bathroom but they were too deep, so I put them in the office. The Ball mason jelly jars I thrifted a while back fit perfectly on the shelves. I also store my turquoise Ball mason jars on the top shelf.
I store various craft and sewing supplies in the jelly jars– washi tape, bakers twine, buttons, and vintage thread spools.
This wooden cart was given to us by Brad’s grandma. I brightened it up with a little spray paint. I use it to house our printer, modem, router, my greeting card box, and some of my books.
I created a little sitting area/reading nook with one of the chairs I purchased off Craigslist and a table I scored at Goodwill for $9 on half-off Saturday. The table looked a little rough, so I freshened up with a coat of white spray paint.
The blanket has made previous appearances on the blog– it was a wedding present knit by my Great Aunt. The pillow’s twin has made an appearance on the blog too.
I showed you how I tackled the gallery wall a few weeks ago. The process wasn’t as painful as I thought it’d be.
I spruced up my grandma Mildred’s sewing cabinet a year ago. And I showed you how I took the storage box from ugly green to pretty pink last year.
Thrifted tatting threads and vintage thread spools are displayed in apothecary jars.
Last year I covered my teenage cork board I stole from my parent’s basement with fabric and pushed 5,000 thumbtacks along the edge to give it a nailhead trimmed look. I get phantom pains in my fingers when I look at it. Just kidding. Kind of.
No room reveal post is complete without fresh flowers. Write that down.
I picked up these hydrangeas for under $5 at our local grocery store. Two of them were in the clearance section for $.89. $.89! And these puppies have lasted well over a week. They look pretty nice next to my DIY lucite tray, no?
I’m not opening those closet doors and showing you what’s inside. . . yet. I have a little DIY project planned for the closet. Hopefully, I’ll get to it within the next 5 years.
The C monogram hanging on my closet door is from college, and the canvas bag is my super cool Two Twenty One bag. I’m legit.
Oh look, it’s my stenciled file cabinet.
I had it under the desk, but I didn’t like how it was somewhat hidden so I put it here. It fits perfectly in this spot.
The Expedit is pretty awesome. It holds a whole lot of stuff. Which is really nice for me because my home office really is my home office. I’m a self-employed developmental therapist, and I provide in-home therapy in clients’ homes so my home office is my home base. This room also serves as the Two Twenty One headquarters and my craft room. Therefore, I have a lot of stuff. I’m able to store my work related necessities (client files, paperwork, books) along with my blogging, crafting, and personal items in the Expedit.
NOTE: Here’s an updated photo of the desk in my home office. I finally found a chair (Cynthia Rowley via HomeGoods) I liked, and I added a desktop to the space.
Finally, no room reveal post is complete without the appropriate before and after photos.
I hope you enjoyed the home office/craft room tour!
Find out more details about the makeover, where I purchased everything, and the approximate cost of the makeover HERE.
Ashli says
March 6, 2013 at 7:18 AMOH MY it is beautiful! Girly, but not too girly, sophisticated but fun!
Love it! Great job!
Lots of Love
Ashli
JaimeR says
March 6, 2013 at 7:41 AMLooks great!!! I see it pinned many times over! 🙂 I think I’d just sit in there all day and stare at it’s loveliness!!
Barb Hesselgrave says
March 6, 2013 at 8:22 AMLooks beautiful. I am going to try to use your ideas in my new home in Yorktown, Indiana, which is just up the road from your home. Too bad we aren’t neighbors so you could come over and give me ideas.
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:32 PMCongrats on the new home, Barb! You know, I’ve lived in Indiana my entire life, and I’ve never been to Yorktown/Muncie. I’ll have to put it on my list of places to visit. And if we were neighbors and I came over I’d expect lots of cookies. 😉
Greta @ Project Momma says
March 6, 2013 at 8:26 AMWOW!! It looks great! I love that you mixed “old” and “new”. The craigslisted chair is gorgeous!! I love that and mason jars with the brand new shelves.
By the way, I used to make 8 hours trips to Pittsburgh before Ikea made it to Cincinnati. I am super glad it it here, now!
Deneen says
March 6, 2013 at 8:29 AMGreat Job! Love the colors and how they flow through the room. The work you put in really paid off. Time to enjoy!
Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home says
March 6, 2013 at 8:31 AMGORGEOUS!! Loving everything about your office {and so jealous that mine is no where near yours yet}!!
Annaleis from Teapots and Tractors says
March 6, 2013 at 8:32 AMI love this! I have recently purchased the same desk and shelving from Ikea. Still working on the layout and how to store everything. So many ideas thank you
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says
March 6, 2013 at 8:33 AMLooks great! Fresh and inspiring! xo Kristin
Lauren says
March 6, 2013 at 8:37 AMLove this room! What color did you use on the walls?
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:36 PMThanks, Lauren! It’s Voyage by Valspar.
Jessie @ Imperfectly Polished says
March 6, 2013 at 8:38 AMIt looks great, Chelsea! Love how light and airy it is and the colors are so pretty:) You can craft your little heart out in there.
Allie says
March 6, 2013 at 8:38 AMChelsea, this is beautiful! I have the expedit also, but mine looks nothing like that! I am inspired. When we move and I get a new room that is crammed with junk, this is happening. Very nice!
Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says
March 6, 2013 at 8:41 AMLove it! What a great transformation! Thanks for sharing!
Leslie
Catherine says
March 6, 2013 at 8:50 AMBeautiful, Chelsea!! I can see why it took so long – it’s PERFECT. Love the white furniture; it’s so clean and elegant. And I STILL need to go to IKEA, though I won’t be buying any food items there! 😉
Carly G says
March 6, 2013 at 8:52 AMLooks awesome! I love how you styled the Expedit.
Mandy @ This Girl's Life says
March 6, 2013 at 8:52 AMOh Chelsea it is absolutely gorgeous! I love how light and bright it is and all of your storage solutions are awesome. When can I come over and craft?! 😉
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:37 PMThanks, Mandy! Anytime! 😉
Casey O says
March 6, 2013 at 9:03 AMGAH!!!! Love, love, LUUUURVE it!!! The pink, blue, & white just look so fresh and girly and clean! Can you come help me finish my office?? I have a lot of aqua & white, and I have been trying to figure out whether to incorporate a 3rd color. I love all of the different jars that you used to display everything, (I am obsessed with my aqua Ball jars, too!) and those storage boxes are so pretty!! Can’t wait to read more of the deets tomorrow! GORGEOUS!!
Rachel L. Ritter says
March 6, 2013 at 9:07 AMI absolutely love this post! It’s inspiring and has great timing, I’m making the 3 hour trek out to the Charlotte Ikea this weekend. I think it’s sweet that you use so many of your family’s gifts and furniture in your design, makes it so much more personalized. Thanks for all the great photos.
[email protected] says
March 6, 2013 at 9:07 AMVery pretty! And functional. I like happy woman caves!
Liz says
March 6, 2013 at 9:12 AMOh my gosh!! I love it! Great job 🙂
[email protected] says
March 6, 2013 at 9:26 AMIt was everything I dreamed it would be and more! Now I totally want my own office! Yours is amazing! I love it!
Ericka says
March 6, 2013 at 9:27 AMLove everything about it! Makes me want to make over my home office ASAP. Hopefully after my wedding this summer, I can start tackling it. Amazing job!
Bliss says
March 6, 2013 at 9:31 AMI think you get an A. I would of given you an A+ but I deducted for not getting the office turned in on schedule. I would never do that you know (my nose just grew). My favorite thing? The canvas of your wedding flowers. Why? It makes the room come alive.
Bliss
Rebecca @ My GIrlish Whims says
March 6, 2013 at 9:31 AMSuch a beautiful girly room!! love it!
Erin @ How to Nest for Less says
March 6, 2013 at 9:33 AMUmm… seriously GORGEOUS! I’m so happy you got rid of that purple wall. I can totally see your style all over this new space. And it’s so organized!! Super jealous over here. I’m in love!!
Brenda B. says
March 6, 2013 at 9:41 AMI am in awe of your office makeover! It’s just perfect.. I want to drive over 3 hrs. to that same IKEA and get that same storage unit for my wall in a spare bedroom, so that I can store all my yarn.. Thanks for sharing this journey with us on your blog! I look forward to your posts! Blessings..
Emily says
March 6, 2013 at 9:43 AMYou did an amazing job! Everything came together so nicely. It always pays to take your time, because then you’ll never be disappointed with your final project. I just LOVE this space!! 🙂
[email protected] says
March 6, 2013 at 9:50 AMThis. Looks. Amazing It actually makes me really want an Expedit for toy storage. I think you’ve sold me. Although, my way of decorating would never look as good as yours.
I also love the way you have positioned your desk in the room. Really posh. Everything looks fabulous.
Consider yourself pinned.
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
March 6, 2013 at 9:55 AMIt looks fantastic! We have an Expedit and I always have a hard time styling it – the openings seems too deep/too square/not big enough….but you totally managed to pull it off.
Brittany @ The Domestic Geek says
March 6, 2013 at 9:57 AMThis looks so amazing!! I’ve been decorating my home office in my head (it’s being built) and I don’t think I could ever make it look as pretty as yours. Everything just falls into place perfectly in this room! Love love love it!
Deb L. says
March 6, 2013 at 9:58 AMOMG – this room is perfect! I wish I could move in. VERY inspiring…my office is a work in progress; seeing your room has made me suddenly want to get into gear and finish my room. : ) Thanks so much for sharing.
Brhea says
March 6, 2013 at 10:03 AMWow, Chelsea! This is just beautiful. Makes me so happy to know that you have a gorgeous space like this to let your creativity loose! You are one talented woman, that’s for sure!
Jen says
March 6, 2013 at 10:07 AMI personally love pink and purple. I am glad you made the space your own!
Alison Schluenz says
March 6, 2013 at 10:09 AMOh my goodness, it looks great! I can’t believe I was just looking at that exact same Expedit bookshelf/desk combo yesterday on the Ikea website while I was home from work because of another mega-blizzard! Except I can’t go to Ikea because the nearest for me is in Schaumburg (by Chicago) but now I know I definitely want this office set up! Great work! I agree, it takes a long time for a whole room to come together!
Catherine Vargas says
March 6, 2013 at 10:13 AMThis is just adorable 🙂
http://www.vindiebaby.com
Vintage Inspired Fashion by Independent Designers for Your Little darling
[email protected] says
March 6, 2013 at 10:14 AMWow, you office turned out great. It is so beautiful, feminine and down right pretty! I love the Expedit and desk set up and all the simple organization to you added. You will definitely enjoy this space and be inspired in it. Great job.
All the best,
Shelly
Sarah W. Caron (Sarah by the Sea) says
March 6, 2013 at 10:17 AMOh. Wow. I am about to embark on a massive home office project myself and LOVE yours. It’s absolutely stunning!
Melanie @ S{Thomp}ing Ground says
March 6, 2013 at 10:19 AMI love this so much! It’s beautiful! It’s funny because before reading this I would have said I don’t like pink, but now I was this space! It’s the perfect mix of girly and sophisticated. Thank you for the inspiration for when I tackle my home office! I love that you were honest about the length of time it took. Sometimes I see things like this and feel like I could beer tackle it, but I love seeing how small steps at a time can get you there. It’s truly a gorgeous space and I hope you are just loving your time spent there as much as I imagine I would! 🙂
Heather says
March 6, 2013 at 10:27 AMIt looks great!! Enjoy your new office!!!
peggy lydem says
March 6, 2013 at 10:29 AMChelsea,
This is the best re-do I have ever seen and love the color pink too! Pink is not just for girls , you should see how cute my 3 year old little dark skinned grandson looks in his pink shirt! What a great job you did on everything and your pictures were wonderful. Thank you for sharing the sentiment attached to some of your belongings, very nice!
Katie says
March 6, 2013 at 10:30 AMSeriously… love how clean and organized your craft room is… Very spacious too! I use to have the large Expedit but my craft room shrunk in size in our new home so we had to downsize to the smaller one and then stacked another smaller expedit on top. Your room is beautiful! You should be proud!
Cindy B says
March 6, 2013 at 10:37 AMYour office is fabulous!! I love how light and bright it is.
[email protected] says
March 6, 2013 at 10:41 AMEffing spectacular!
nest of posies says
March 6, 2013 at 10:58 AMohmyword – I LOVE everything! wow. so gorgeous.
carol jane says
March 6, 2013 at 11:11 AMBeautiful office. So pretty. What color did you use on the walls? Oh and the brand too?
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:39 PMThanks, Carol! It’s Voyage by Valspar.
Andrea @ This Pug Life says
March 6, 2013 at 11:24 AMI was JUST looking at the Expedit unit online last night. My only concern is that I’d like to use the table for cutting fabric and other projects and I’m not sure it’s big enough. BUT, I just had a crazy idea…would it be possible to attached two of the desk parts to the bookshelf? Make it a huge work surface instead of a desk?
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:46 PMTwo desks would be too wide for the 6×6 Expedit (the largest they make). The 6×6 is 75″ wide. One desk is 45″ so two would be wider than the shelving unit. Unless that wouldn’t bother you. The desk is 45″ x 30 3/4 ” so it’s a sizable surface to work on. Good luck!
amy tuttle says
July 2, 2018 at 6:02 PMand how did you purchase the desk? does it come that way or do you have to custom build it?
Rachael says
March 6, 2013 at 11:46 AMI just gasped out loud!! This looks so amazing and girly and just PERFECT! I really love the colors you chose. Can I please come to your office to do some work? 🙂 But seriously, great job girl!
Jenny Lynn says
March 6, 2013 at 11:50 AMI am trying not to be jealous. As the room looks inviting, homey and pretty. The pink is delightful.
Taryn Mahaffey says
March 6, 2013 at 11:52 AMYour office is beautiful!! I only wish I could steal a room out of our house to accomplish this. Great job!
Rachel says
March 6, 2013 at 11:58 AMCompletely amazing. It looks gorgeous! I want to move into that room and never ever leave. The storage shelf unit thing is awesome, and I really love the little reading nook, too. Great job!
Emily ~So Domesticated~ says
March 6, 2013 at 12:01 PMFabulous make over!!!
I’m planning on using your cork board idea for both of my girls. I heart easy diy projects! Love your bouquet photo on canvas!
Karen says
March 6, 2013 at 12:06 PMIt looks so good! Very inspiring!!
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
March 6, 2013 at 12:15 PMGirrrlllll you rocked this makeover! I love all of the little details and the upcycling of old furniture. I don’t know if I’d ever get any work done in there because I’d be too busy staring at all of the prettiness 🙂
Jenn says
March 6, 2013 at 12:21 PMThis came out AWESOME! I like all of the jars you use as both storage and decorative items. I definitely need to make better use of all of my jars and containers.
Jenn
With Luck
Reilly says
March 6, 2013 at 12:34 PMGorgeous, just, gorgeous!
I am with you, I don’t see why people complain about assembling Ikea furniture either.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
March 6, 2013 at 12:42 PMIt looks amazing! I’m fully expecting a ton of productivity to happen in there now! May I suggest that you take on a project for me? Possibly redoing a toddler room? 😉
Laura says
March 6, 2013 at 12:46 PMIt looks great! I’m so impressed!
Anja says
March 6, 2013 at 12:53 PMIt’s so pretty! Having pink in your office just makes it cuter, in my opinion. It’s nicely balanced with the white and other colors =)
Ashlee says
March 6, 2013 at 12:53 PMI love every single thing about this office!! It looks great!
Lindsey says
March 6, 2013 at 1:10 PMI love the Expedit! I really wish I had seen it before I bought my West Elm desk. So much storage! Love the room!
Diane says
March 6, 2013 at 1:18 PMLoving your,
Home Office Makeover, the lovely light and airy feel the room now has, your choice of furniture is Practical and stylish, it now looks like a very serene Working environment, inspiring even. Your project has given me lots of great top tips, to help me makeover our study. I’m no longer lost for ideas, and I have a solid place to start from now. Thank you so much for sharing all your great ideas, and the photo’s are fabulous… Dee xx
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
March 6, 2013 at 1:26 PMYou are amazing!!! Your home office is absolutely gorgeous! Wonderful job done! 🙂
Erika says
March 6, 2013 at 1:32 PMIt looks wonderful! So bright and airy. What a fantastic transformation!!
Samantha says
March 6, 2013 at 1:39 PMI love love love it! Great colors and I’m still drooling over your file cabinet makeover!
Kristina says
March 6, 2013 at 2:44 PMLooks fantastic! Love the colors and can just picture you sitting there in your chair sitting back looking around the room with a smile cause it’s so pretty 🙂 Yay for WOman’s Caves!
Kelly {Primer & Painted Nails} says
March 6, 2013 at 3:00 PMAmahzinggggg! It turned out so so pretty!! I totally need a lady den stat! Quick question: how did you attach that desk? Is it also Ikea?
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:49 PMThanks, Kelly! The desk comes with an attachment mechanism. Yep, it’s also Ikea.
Katie @ PPS says
March 6, 2013 at 3:12 PMWOW!! So lovely. I think my favorite part is the sitting area. It just looks so cozy – I’d love to read a magazine there!!
Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says
March 6, 2013 at 3:35 PMBeautiful office, Chelsea!! Love it!
Katherine Nolden says
March 6, 2013 at 3:35 PMThis is so lovely! I bet it feels amazing to sit down to work in there everyday! I am in total agreement on the Woman Cave!
Kelly says
March 6, 2013 at 4:15 PMHoly Gorgeous!! I bet you’re so glad it’s finished! My favorite part is the reading nook. I am a sucker for a cozy space….
Where did you find your small spools of baker’s twine? And I assume your filing boxes on the expedit are also Ikea?
Christine @ Casa-de-Christine says
March 6, 2013 at 4:52 PMLove it! This has me seriously craving a woman cave!! It’s the perfect mix of feminine and sophisticated. Well done!
Kayla says
March 6, 2013 at 5:22 PMWOWZA!!! I absolutely love this office! It’s a perfect woman cave…now if we only had the extra bedroom to make 1 whole room just for me, that would be fab! 😉 I too am in the process of creating a craft space in our only spare bedroom. I say space, because the room is tiny, therefore my crafting area will be even smaller. Sigh. Anyways, love your craft room…it gives this girl even more inspiration! 🙂
Brooke @ Design Stash says
March 6, 2013 at 5:47 PMWoah!!! This is completely gorgeous!! I am seriously IN LOVE with everything (especially those white Ikea storage boxes:) They are so totally effective and so totally cheap too! My favorite part has to be the way you displayed the progress throughout the years in the last photo collage:) How, if you don’t mind me asking, did you do that…….is it a PSD template……do share (if you want to:)
Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
xoxo, Brooke
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 6:33 PMThanks so much, Brooke! The boxes are definitely effective and cheap! I made the collage in Photoshop but I didn’t use a template. I placed the images, outlined them, and added the circles and text. You can always make collages with PicMonkey, and then open the collage in Photoshop to add text. Hope this helps!
liz says
March 6, 2013 at 6:31 PMIt’s beautiful! Where did you get the desk from?
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:50 PMThanks, Liz! The entire workstation (shelving unit and desk) is from Ikea.
Kimberly says
November 24, 2015 at 4:33 PMChelsea,
I love the desk, but I am wondering how does it stand. I can’t tell if its attached on the inside or not. It looks like it’s floating.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
November 24, 2015 at 7:29 PMThanks! It attaches to the bookcase part of the Expedit.
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says
March 6, 2013 at 6:46 PMWhat a beautiful craft room. I love all your pretty thread!! It’s total eye candy 🙂 Great tour. Your office looks so pretty now, and you’re surrounded by lots of your fab DIY makeovers too, bonus! Just gorgeous!!
Recreate and Decorate says
March 6, 2013 at 7:26 PMThat is gorgeous! I love how feminine it is!
Ashley @ Simply Designing says
March 6, 2013 at 7:33 PMYour office is AMAZING!!! It is so pretty! And it looks really functional too.
If only we had an Ikea closer to us huh?! We make the trek about 1-2 times a year with a big ‘ole list 🙂
Ashley
[email protected] says
March 6, 2013 at 9:38 PMBeautiful!!! I love everything about this room. Nicely done 🙂 Piinning to the Better Homes and Garden blogger projects board 🙂
Diana Rambles says
March 6, 2013 at 9:43 PMBeautiful!
LIsa A. says
March 6, 2013 at 10:38 PMWow! Can I move in? I think I’d actually want to “work” if I had an office like yours! You did a fabulous job!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
March 6, 2013 at 11:04 PMOne word: STUNNING! Wow, Chelsea, this really is gorgeous. I think I would just sit there and stare at it all the time and never get any work done. Seriously, amazing job. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
~Abby =)
Rachel says
March 6, 2013 at 11:34 PMYour office is beautiful. On behalf of the whole internet, I am jealous of your woman cave.
Also, where did you get the awesome (ceramic? plaster? painted plastic?) whale? It’s so fun! 🙂
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 6:27 PMThanks, Rachel! The ceramic whale is from Kohls. I got it a few weeks ago so it’s probably still available.
[email protected] Life A Top A Cake Stand says
March 6, 2013 at 11:49 PMLOVE IT!! Such a great mix of pretty and function. Envying all the bins and boxes! Just lovely!
Miss Charming says
March 7, 2013 at 12:39 AMLove how everything turned out, Chelsea! So pretty and pink. (My favorites are all the display jars.) Wonderful transformation!
Jen L. says
March 7, 2013 at 1:41 AMGORGEOUS! Some people just know how to nail it when decorating, and you are one of them!! It’s perfectly put together, so fresh and bright. I just love this space! The little jelly jars displays are my favorite!! Great transformation!
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
March 7, 2013 at 2:17 AMholy GORGEOUS, Chelsea! It’s so feminine and lovely but fresh and sophisticated at the same time. I adore it!!
Cathy Chapman says
March 7, 2013 at 4:22 AMHi Chelsea,
I’m a new follower of your blog and I really enjoy it! This office makeover reveal could not have come at a better time, I’m just doing my office, for the first time in our current house, and I absolutely love what you did! My office will be pink, white with some splashes of red. I thought about the IKEA piece too, but I had already made a desk from an old door that I love, so I had to go a different way, still in progress. Thanks for sharing such great organizational ideas and a gorgeous, happy work space.
Cathy 🙂
Michelle says
March 7, 2013 at 12:23 PMI love everything about this! I wish I had the space for the Expedit shelf. It’s my favorite!
Ian Ace Espinosa says
March 7, 2013 at 1:30 PMGreat make over job to your office, if I have this kind of office I will indeed increase my productivity and choose to spend longer hours.
Jennifer says
March 7, 2013 at 3:47 PMI have been going back and forth for a while now on if I should buy the Ikea Expedit Workstation. After looking at your office with it I am for sure going to buy it!
Angie Arthur says
March 7, 2013 at 3:48 PMThis room is gorgeous!!! I love everything about it. We have the Expedit shelving in my living room and love it!! We also went with those same cardboard boxes and were very sad when they started falling apart after a short while. If you ever need to replace them, I actually sell some cubes that would work perfect with your theme. The party punch chevron colors would look beautiful. http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/Catalog/Product/242/index.html
Again. I LOVE this!!! I will dream about having an office like this someday. 🙂
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
March 7, 2013 at 5:09 PMThis room is an example of styling PERFECTION. The way you styled that expedit is totally sending my heart into orbit. Outrageous. I am SO in love with this. Going to share on FB right this second!
haley says
March 7, 2013 at 5:27 PMlooks great but where is your computer?
Chelsea says
March 7, 2013 at 9:55 PMHah! Good question. I have a laptop and it happened to be in my living room when I took the photos.
Condo Blues says
March 7, 2013 at 6:29 PMI dream of having a wall of cubby shelves in my craft room.
Shannon Blogger Homes says
March 7, 2013 at 7:21 PMGORGEOUS office/craft room! So can’t wait to get my basement space finished!
Monique says
March 7, 2013 at 8:56 PMWow! It’s beautiful! I love the color scheme.. and I definitely feel like I need to invest in an Expedit.. good storage is definitely something I need!
Jessica @ Decor Adventures says
March 7, 2013 at 10:14 PMIt looks really lovely! Kind of like my home office, which I plan to reveal soon also. I love the colors, now work it girl!
Tonya @ Love of Family & Home says
March 7, 2013 at 10:31 PMChelsea!!! I’m so in love with this space!! Every last detail is perfection and I LOVE all the pink!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who takes forever making over a space! My master bedroom is taking so long!
Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says
March 7, 2013 at 11:00 PMvery pretty and fresh Chelsea! great job!
Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says
March 8, 2013 at 12:54 AMChelsea, this is seriously one stunning space! What a beautiful job you did. I would die for my own space like this! I love every detail.
Stacy E. says
March 8, 2013 at 3:19 AMMy favorite thing has to be the filing cabinet or your wedding bouquet canvas print. Great post, and you have such a lovely office.
Louise says
March 8, 2013 at 4:47 AMLooks so pretty. Love the colour combo and all the organisation. Love it.
Tabitha says
March 8, 2013 at 9:06 AMLove this room! IKEA has the best craft room furniture! And I especially love the feminine touches around the room! It’s the perfect place to get away with so much pink! I just redid my craft room as well!! Visiting from Crafty Scrappy Happy Link Party!
Shauna @Satori Design for Living says
March 8, 2013 at 9:52 AMJust gorgeous! Love the soft colors and clever organization!
Julia @cuckoo4design says
March 8, 2013 at 10:32 AMWell, I’m adding my name to the long list of commenters here to tell you this is a beautiful craft space. So bright!
I’m jealous! Coming over from Happy Hour at DD&D
Carol says
March 8, 2013 at 11:27 AMYour room is fantastic, Chelsea! I’m a big fan of IKEA office furniture, especially the Expedit — so very versatile and clean looking. I have several pieces in my craft room, which is going to be getting an updated reveal this next week. If I didn’t have to cook the occasional meal or wash a load of laundry, I doubt I would ever leave my “room!”
[email protected] says
March 8, 2013 at 1:03 PMYou turned the room into such a cozy girly place by your use of colours.
Chrissy Jordan says
March 8, 2013 at 1:36 PMDrooling!! Seriously. What I would give to just be able to keep items on my shelves, let alone have them so beautifully filled and organized!
haha I’ll just keep pretending that I can work in this space until my littles aren’t so little any more.
[email protected] says
March 8, 2013 at 1:57 PMThat is so beautiful! I would almost have a hard time getting work done in such a pretty room because I wouldn’t want to make a mess!
Emily @ TwoPurpleCouches says
March 8, 2013 at 5:44 PMhubba hubba hubba!!! your woman cave is amazing! i have a vision for my woman cave as well… it involves a lot of pink, orange, gray, and absolutely none of my husband’s opinions 🙂
Bethany says
March 8, 2013 at 6:22 PMThis is so beautiful! You did a wonderful job!
eva scott says
March 8, 2013 at 8:02 PMabsolutely gorgeous! i love how clean everything is with all the white and then those great splashes of color! Pinning for when I have my own craft room instead of my dining room table. 🙂
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy) says
March 8, 2013 at 8:23 PMSo pretty and well organized. LOVE it! 🙂
Sarah @ An Inviting Home says
March 8, 2013 at 10:21 PMThis is absolutely gorgeous! Great job on taking pictures of the space too…such a bright and cheery room.
~Sarah
Kristy, Life-n-Reflection says
March 9, 2013 at 9:15 AMI just had to click over and see it all! And I’m super glad I did!
Debbie reFresh says
March 9, 2013 at 9:46 AMgasp…it’s gorgeous…I’m jealous…I needed some motivation!
love it,
debbie
Steph (@imcountingufoz) says
March 9, 2013 at 9:57 AMWOW! This is SO SO beautiful! I’d want to spend pretty much all day in there, I reckon.
I found you on Serenity Now x
Jennifer says
March 9, 2013 at 10:37 AMI love this room! Where did you get the pink boxes? My favorite color of course!
Allie says
March 9, 2013 at 2:01 PMSo I featured you this week. 🙂 http://www.missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-favorite-things-thursday-10-home.html I love looking at these pics. I have some old spools like that, too. I’ve got them in a huge thing right now, but I love the design of the small jars. Also, can your aunt knit me a blanket, too? 🙂 jk. Have a fabulous weekend!
Erin {Home Everyday} says
March 9, 2013 at 6:55 PMWhat a beautiful makeover! I cannot decide what is my favorite part. I love the art on the walls, but I also love how clever you were with storage and organization. I will definitely be using some of these ideas. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Christina @ I Gotta Create! says
March 10, 2013 at 9:36 AMIt’s amazing and inspiring. Oh Wow! You’ve got my planning wheels turning. Pinned it!
<3 Christina @ I Gotta Create!
Wildly Original link party is open.
Vel says
March 10, 2013 at 9:51 AMSuper adorable space! You guys did a terrific job! I also think you styled it perfectly! Thank you for sharing this!
Lauren {L'amour chez nous} says
March 10, 2013 at 12:31 PMPretty! I love how that you went all out and made it so feminine. Good point on the side table from Goodwill! I see those all the time, and think about what they could look like, but I always worry they’ll be too dated with the undulating legs (stands? posts? I’m not sure what to call those). Clearly I was wrong!
Tracie @cleverlyinspired says
March 10, 2013 at 3:09 PMSimply spectacular….love it all!
Debbie says
March 10, 2013 at 4:01 PMHi, I’m visiting from Design, Dining + Diapers. Your home office makeover is absolutely beautiful! I love everything about it. Great job! I’m pinning it to my dream sewing and craft room board. Have a great day!
Debbie
natasha {schue love} says
March 10, 2013 at 5:03 PMThis is SUCH a gorgeous space!! I’m just drooling over every detail! Love what you did here!! Cheers to an amazing job!
Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage says
March 11, 2013 at 12:05 AMThis is simply devine! Well done!!
Laura says
March 11, 2013 at 10:34 AMI love your new woman cave, almost as much as the fact that you called it your woman cave. I am also considering ikea’s expedit for my future craft space – you make it look stylish and not canned. Awesome job.
Kris {Driven by Décor} says
March 12, 2013 at 10:38 AMLove the new woman cave so much! How heavenly to have a place for everything (and a space that’s beautiful to work in!).
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
March 12, 2013 at 3:22 PMMy hubby and I share our creative space. My side is all filled with crafty stuff and his is all filled with hunting and reloading equipment. I am still trying to find a balance between making it girly enough for me, but not too girly for him! It is definitely a work in progress! Your room is gorgeous. I love the colors and how organized it is. What a great space to work in. 🙂
The Style Sisters says
March 13, 2013 at 2:05 PMI love this while makeover..so clean, fresh and cute. I love your color choices. Come link up to my party on my blog The Style Sisters http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/03/centerpiece-wednesday-and-wrap-up_12.html
Karin
[email protected] says
March 13, 2013 at 9:36 PMLove this transformation! I just found a couple of vintage spools of thread from my grandmother and was thinking about putting them in a jar. Yours looks so beautiful that I think I am going to have to go for it. What an inspiring space!
Webby wonder says
March 14, 2013 at 7:06 PMOMG it’s simply gorgeous!!! I was at ikea just yesterday, good thing I didn’t see your post before that or I would have purchased the whole furniture despite not having room to place it!! Haha thanks for sharing!
Love from Italy
Ww
Illeanna knapp says
March 16, 2013 at 2:26 AMHi ! This is amazing and something to be so proud of! We are currently in process of building my dream craft room…it is a step by step process and not a quick one. Once it is complete it will be my little oasis!…thnks for sharing your room! It’s beautiful!
Jesy D says
March 25, 2013 at 9:40 PMHello! I stumbled upon your site via Pinterest while i was looking for a curtain tutorial (thank you). I also have an Expedit setup, but I thought I should urge you to check out the drawer, paper sorter, and cabinet door options for the cubbies. I especially enjoy the drawers for easy access to pens, pencils and the like. Look forward to keeping up with you.
Cassie says
March 29, 2013 at 11:35 AMThis is beautiful! I have been dreaming of that same desk for a few months now for the same type of space! It is good to see it in a room! I must get this desk…the closest Ikea to me is also 2 hours away (Minneapolis.) There need to be more Ikea’s in the world…it would be a happier place! Great makeover!
Lindsay says
April 3, 2013 at 9:32 AMChelsea, your blog is awesome! I am a self-professed Pinterest addict and normally I’m not much of a blog reader, but I am actually bookmarking yours! Your ideas are actually doable and affordable, and I love your sense of humour! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Kerry says
April 16, 2013 at 3:05 PMYour office is darling! I had to visit a fellow Indy Girl blogger via Thrifty Decor Chick, and love what you did — plus I totally agree that a girl cave is a must . . . especially living in my house with three boys!
laura stutzman says
April 16, 2013 at 5:08 PMThis makeover looks great! My sister and I just put together a bunch of those bookcases and they aren’t hard at all but you are totally right about the tiny wrench thing! I discovered this on Thrifty Decor Chick! I am a new Indiana blogger! And an IU alum as well:) We live in West Carmel now. Your site is awesome and very impressive! It is so much to learn, this blogging world. Can’t wait to follow you along. Stop by and say hello! It am so excited to learn about other local bloggers!! BTW, love the color combo for your wedding attire. I saw the green dresses in your picture wall! So pretty!
Laura
De
Ana says
April 21, 2013 at 12:19 PMLove love love your room. Very nice and tidy and neat and organized. Love the colors you used. Beautiful. TFS ana
Marcie Smith says
April 21, 2013 at 2:40 PMWow, beautiful room. I really like the shelves!!! will have to check those out. They really look sturdy, witch is hard to find these days. TFS
Marcie
Danielle says
April 24, 2013 at 11:10 PMWOW! This office is absolutely gorgeous!! I love the Ikea shelving and the crisp & clean look of the whites paired with all the pink and other bright colors!
I too have that little gold polka dotted glass votive holder from Target. We’re twins!
Danielle at Framed Frosting
Christine @ Practical Decor says
July 8, 2013 at 7:28 PMWow, I love everything about this! It’s absolutely beautiful!
mapetitevalisette says
July 12, 2013 at 11:04 AMlove the color of the walls and averything else to be honnest !
Chelsea says
July 20, 2013 at 2:30 AMwhere did you get that lovely desk chair?
Carlton says
August 10, 2013 at 10:23 PMReally informative, look forward to coming back.
Jackie says
August 11, 2013 at 1:48 PMThis room is the biznass. So fantastical!
Danette says
September 1, 2013 at 3:42 PMI really love this work space but I have to ask where did you get the pink storage bins like your whitre ones from ikea? I am having to take my office/craft room and put it into our bedroom and i think this is very compact and will work great in our room!
Danette says
September 1, 2013 at 3:43 PMI really love this work space but I have to ask where did you get the pink storage bins like your white ones from ikea? I am having to take my office/craft room and put it into our bedroom and i think this is very compact and will work great in our room!
Betty819 says
September 3, 2013 at 12:01 AMWhat a beautiful room! The colors are so soft and pretty and gives such an elegant yet relaxing look to the room. I know you have to love working in there; it’s so pretty. I keep seeing this Ikea Expedit unit popping up in many decorating blogs. Does that table/desk come with the book shelves? We went to Ikea about a month ago but it is such a hugh place and on a Sunday, it was swamped with people. They’ve got the place laid out so you have to go into every dept. whether you want to or not, it’s like a maze! My husband is not very mobile and we didn’t see wheelchairs till we were on our way out. Finally had to ask an employee how to get out of the store. We had gone up/down on the elevators trying to find an exit. We weren’t the only ones as there were others trying to do the same. Finally the young lady told us to follow her and she used a keycard to open the exit door for us. Did you already have the beautiful chair or buy it after you purchased the bookcase work station? Does everything come in a box and you have to put it together or is the bookcase delivered like that?
Shirley says
September 10, 2013 at 9:07 AMI love, love, love it. I think anyone could work in this room. Thanks for sharing!
Melanie says
September 12, 2013 at 6:26 AMThat’s an amazing make over! It might be very pleasant to work in this room 🙂
Melanie ~ http://www.iheartsharingthings.blogspot.fr
jackie says
November 14, 2013 at 5:18 PMBEAUTIFUL!!! Love how all the colors look together!
Jodie says
December 28, 2013 at 1:18 AMLooks terrific!! And great post! Look forward to reading more,
Jodie
Connie Boyd says
January 17, 2014 at 11:14 PMLove it, but curious where you found the pink storage boxes? Hope you can help.
Lori says
January 18, 2014 at 11:24 AMThis room is beautiful and inspirational and now I know what to do with my loft space that I use as an office/craft room.
Kuchyne Na Mieru says
January 22, 2014 at 5:02 AMYou may have studied at a famous culinary school, may even have the degree and skills to
show off that you are a good chef, and may even be appointed as the head chef by the management, but do you
have what it takes to be a good leader. Certain tiles like
granite floor tiles tend to accent a kitchen well. Price
can greatly range when shopping for kitchen materials, but choosing the cheapest materials won’t always save you money as they might wear
out prematurely.
Kori says
February 4, 2014 at 8:08 PMI love the your DIY office… looks gorgeous! Can you please tell me where you purchased the pink storage boxes?
Thank you!!
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
February 4, 2014 at 8:40 PMThanks! Hobby Lobby.
Diana says
February 6, 2014 at 11:12 PMAll I can say is wow! I am looking for a file cabinet where did you get yours?
Thanks!
Katie @ Made to be a Momma says
February 14, 2014 at 9:10 PMThis whole room is gorgeous! The wait was worth it! 🙂 Our nearest Ikea store is a few hours away too 🙁
LaToya says
February 18, 2014 at 11:15 PMVery pretty! What color did you use to paint your walls?
jasmine says
March 26, 2014 at 3:33 AMVery nice. I am torn between an almost identical layout for my office and using 2 Expedit units starting from the corner, with a small desk along the wall in between, with a second desk perpendicular to the first. Sort of making a corner desk with space above it for a magnetic whiteboard and open shelves. Been thinking it over for 2 years now so I know what you mean when you say it takes a long time for a room to come together!
Mrs Bee says
March 31, 2014 at 1:17 AMFound your blog when I was looking for office ideas using Ikea Expedit. What are the storage bins you are using here? I like the look of Expedit, but the big square bins that go with it are huge and a little too big for what I want. You seems to have a variety of different sizes.
Elianne Naut says
March 31, 2014 at 11:09 AMHi,
I love the office make over. I’m the process of updating my office and I just love the paint color. What is it??
Thanks,
Eli
Marilyn says
April 2, 2014 at 3:46 PMLoved, loved, loved it. The blanket from your great aunt it gorgeous. Would she be willing to share her pattern or where she got it? Really great that it was all one color…shows off the stitches so well!
Simone says
April 12, 2014 at 6:16 PMLOVE this office!! Makes me really sad that Expedit is being discontinued. They have something like it but no 5×5 yet or a desk extension. Maybe they’ll have it later down the line
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
April 16, 2014 at 12:31 PMThey replaced the Expedit with the Kallax. It’s nearly identical. Here’s the 4×4: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30275861/
Erica says
May 22, 2014 at 2:20 PMHi there! I absolutely LOVE your makeover! The colors and airyness of the space are absolutely fantastic. I’ve featured this post in my Home Office Makeovers Round-Up – check it out here: http://www.dwellbeautiful.com/home-office-makeovers-round/ Thank you! 🙂
Lizzie says
May 30, 2014 at 12:25 PMLooks great. I LOVE the Expedit collection. Did you still want to sell the wedding program box and card box? I might be interested!
Email me? 🙂
Natalie Stephenson says
July 31, 2014 at 4:45 PMHi there Chelsea,
I am the Social Media Manager for Nufloors Flooring in Canada… I also write their blogs for them. I want to let you know that we chose to feature one of the Makeovers posted on your website! Our blog will give you full recognition and have LINKS to your website.
Please let me know if you are ok with this extra exposure?… If so, I will also send you a LINK to the Blog once it’s LIVE later next week!
Thank you!
Natalie Stephenson
Brent says
September 23, 2014 at 2:29 PMHi! I’m Brent. I’ve heard that the French tutoring, German tuition, Spanish tutoring and 11 Plus tuition at bespoke languages tuition are the best around. Can anyone confirm this? We’ve been told they’re global?
Debi Willhoite says
October 23, 2014 at 2:06 AMI absolutely love every stitch of you new home office! Love the color pallet! Beatiful job and worth all the months in the making! Beautiful job girl!
Angela says
November 15, 2014 at 8:40 PMI love your Home Office! I am recently redoing my office/craft/homeschool room and looking for ideas online. I have boys so I may not do pink, but I love it in your space. Very gorgeous. Thank you for being inspiring.
Libby says
November 26, 2014 at 9:06 AMSo beautiful designs! I want to make my office space at home just like this one. Thanks a lot for sharing these ideas! I will definitely use them all. Regards!
Kara Smith says
December 31, 2014 at 4:38 PMI love the room especially the white and pastel colorsl. But where is your computer?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
January 1, 2015 at 11:58 PMThanks, Kara! My laptop was my sole computer at the time, and I would work on it while sitting in our living room a lot so I forgot to put it in the office for the photos (doh!). Since finishing the office, I got a desktop computer that I work from most of the time. Here’s an updated post about the chair I added and it includes a photo with the my new desk set up, which includes the computer. https://www.twotwentyone.net/2014/02/home-office-update/
Elaine says
January 12, 2015 at 4:05 PMBeautiful room! I found you while searching for lighting ideas for my craft room. What kind of lighting do you have for night time?
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
January 12, 2015 at 10:59 PMThanks, Elaine! I use a floor lamp that’s behind the blue chair in the corner. I just realized you can’t really see it because of the shots I posted. Anyway, it’s nothing fancy. I wish our house had overhead lights, or at least hook-ups, in the smaller bedrooms but it doesn’t.
Tina says
January 14, 2015 at 12:03 AMI love it! I may steal the printer organizer idea. We were going to build one but I would rather upcycle. The entire room is beautiful.
Sharla says
January 25, 2015 at 11:57 PMHow do you like having the natural lighting behind you? I am looking to replicate this using the Kallax system but I am afraid the window being behind me will make for an awkward lighting position. Advice? Love the entire setup!
Elizabeth Gray says
January 28, 2015 at 4:10 PMThis looks lovely! 🙂 You have inspired me during my own office re-design. Thank you!
Ed says
May 27, 2015 at 3:54 PMLove your woman cave Chelsea! I love pink too, and not overly girly, just love them. Thanks for sharing your very inspiring room!
Katforever18 says
June 7, 2015 at 2:32 AMHey Chelsea, I wanted to tell you what a beautiful room you have. I love your black & white chair. My husband & I are getting ready to sell our home & I hope to be able to find a home where I can set up a sewing room. I have all of my stuff divided between 2 rooms, 1 upstairs with no A/C & 1 down, & neither were ever really set up or organized. Anyway, I’m sorry if you’ve answered this before, I didn’t read all the previous comments, but did you stencil your filing cabinet yourself & if so how long did it take & were you wishing you had never started it during the middle of it? I have 2 filing cabinets that I have a huge old desk top on & I would love to stencil them but if 1 was a PAIN I’d hate to get started with the first one & then not want to do the other. Plus, do you remember where you got your stencil, I love the design? Again you have a GREAT Room!! 🙂
Seng says
June 27, 2015 at 12:44 PMThis is gorgeous!
Where did you get the banker’s boxes for the storage unit?
Thanks so much!
Seng
Donna says
January 27, 2016 at 6:20 PMI especially like the desk. How does it attach? Where did you purchase it? Does it fold out of the way? Please send info on the desk!
Beautiful job on your woman cave! Bravo!!!
Cabidor says
February 1, 2016 at 1:30 AMThis is really neat for a home office. I mean, really neat! This is cool!
Henry David says
March 17, 2016 at 5:57 AMWoW!! Really beautiful post.. All ideas are awesome. I like your idea of change storage box color green to pretty pink last year.
Tina Keil says
October 15, 2016 at 12:48 AMDid the desk and shelves come together? I would also like to know does the table fold up? It’s so pretty and organized awesome job.
Maja says
November 5, 2016 at 4:06 AMI am completely in love with your room, colors,design, everything..Wow!! All the best from Croatia!
Sara Borgeson says
December 11, 2016 at 12:07 AMEverything about this is so pretty! Do you know if they make the Kallax workstation this tall, with 5 cubbies by 5 cubbies? Everything I see on their site is 4 by 4 cubbies, only 5 feet tall. I really want one as tall as yours. I wish they still made this same one. I’m four hours from an Ikea so I’m planning ahead.
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
December 11, 2016 at 12:17 AMYep, they have a 5×5. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70301542/#/70301537
Betina says
January 2, 2017 at 10:40 AMLove you room! Can you tell me if the table folds up or is easy to remove/put in place? I’d like to do something similar, but would want to be able to add the table only when needed to save space in the room I will be using.
Judy H. says
March 25, 2018 at 4:38 PMHi Chelsea,
I’m late to this post…about 5 years late! 🙂 So goes the way of browsing on Pinterest. Late as I am, I could not leave your beautiful, creative and smart office/craft room without telling you how much I enjoyed browsing every last detail. Your delightful choice of colors, fabulous and pretty methods of storage and attention to detail in your space are an absolute invitation to inspiration! If I attempted to list each delightful detail, I’d still be commenting five paragraphs down. You have given me some great ideas (I’m in the midst of craft/office space makeover). Our last child has moved to another state to attend law school, so we’re moving my space to another floor of the house. A daunting project, but I’m excited. Thank you for your help and creativity! Have a peaceful Sunday!
Cathy says
July 4, 2018 at 7:24 PMI LOVE it. This is just about perfect. I am going to ‘borrow’ your idea for my home office. Thanks!
Jennifer Collins says
August 21, 2018 at 11:43 AMHi, I have been scouring the internet for a home office / craft room and stumbled across your blog. I’m pretty sure your home office is as close to what I have “in my head” so far! It’s beautiful! (Bonus: I have an Ikea only 45 min away from home, YAY) One question — how big is your room? ie., what are the dimensions?
I like that Kallex wall-o’-shelves but am afraid it might dwarf the room. Thought I’d ask if you wouldn’t mind sharing. Thanks in advance for your help!
P.S. Your entire website is really pretty — I am getting alot of inspiration from it! Thanks!
Marnie Ungeran says
March 29, 2019 at 2:27 PMI so love this… how did you attach the desk to the cube thing and where did they come from… I assume the cube piece is Ikea… but where is the desk from?