Before we dive into our recent office progress, we just wanted to send out a heartfelt thanks to everyone who left such sweet comments on yesterday’s announcement. To say that it has been completely surreal and that we’re so grateful are two of the biggest understatements we could make. But back to the office.
You might remember on our initial planning post, we left off saying “We’re still letting the concept simmer in our heads, but we’re fairly confident that we’ll start heading in that last layout’s direction since it feels like it makes the most sense for the way we work.”
We still wanted to tape things off on the floor to really get a feel for things, and after 700+ comments rolled in with ideas and suggestions, we had fun mulling over every last alternative. After a whole lot of thinking (and debating, and sketching, and standing in the room with tape lines all over the floor) we decided:
- an optimal layout would be some sort of floating double desk so we could both be in the middle of the room, instead of sitting right against the wall (we both would have window views, and would prefer to orient it so nobody has their back to the door)
- a meeting table in the office would make that the third room on our first level with a table in the middle of it, so although there was some initial embarrassment at the thought of holding meetings in our blue-trimmed dining room, we’re planning to redo that shortly, so it makes sense to let it multitask. It honestly might get more use for meetings than formal dinners anyway – plus we won’t have to worry if our office is a mess before meetings
- a craft/photography zone would still be most useful right in the office – and would most likely work best against the back wall of the room since the sunlight can’t stretch that far (that’s where John has been sitting/working for the last nine months)
So with those three slow realizations (sometimes it takes us a while to get there…) we determined this layout might give us more function (and less wall-staring time) than the one we were initially leaning towards in our last office planning post.
We even dragged the comically small desk into the middle of the room just to picture things a little better. We both LOVED being sort of cradled by the bay window, and sitting in the middle of the room, so it confirmed that we were finally on the right path. Psst- the plants are fiddle leaf figs from Home Depot (on sale for $59 with a 1 year warranty) so here’s hoping I can keep them among the living…
Ever since we’ve been keeping an eye out for something to use as a double desk that could float in the room. We assumed we’d need to adapt it in some way to make it wider or longer to accommodate two people, but we knew a good solid piece would be just the “bones” we’d need to begin, so we’ve been hitting up thrift stores, checking out craigslist and freecycle, and even the occasional yard sale (theeeeeey’re staaaaarting up again guys! hooray spring!). After at least eight failed missions/searches, this nice big, packed with storage, solid wood desk popped up on craigslist as a curb alert.
It was sheer luck that I saw it about twenty minuntes after it was initially posted (free curb alert items don’t usually last long) and it was even better luck that it happened to be a Wednesday, because on a weekend I think it would have been gone in a minute. We dropped Clara off with John’s parents so we could fold down the seats to make room for something big, and raced over to the curb… hoping to see something on it.
Oh happy day, we made it! And it fit into the car by about two inches (if the legs weren’t removable it would have been too tall).
There might have been happy tears from this highly emotional pregnant lady. I also cry during commercials and the occasional youtube video about puppies.
Anyway, once at home we set it up on a dropcloth with four small pieces of wood under it to lift it up a few inches off the ground. The drawers were still out from our travels, and the other side was a cabinet with a faux-drawer front. There was even a pull-out thing on the right.
It was pretty beat up, so we were glad we were both sold on painting it white from the start.
We’ve been craving a clean/light/airy office from day one (we have dark walls in our bedroom, and more planned for the dining room across the hall from the office – but we always envisioned a light and bright work space). So although we LOVE a good old piece of furniture that’s unpainted, like our media cabinet, which we just cleaned up and brought back to its original beauty with a combination of this method and this method; and Clara’s dresser, which we just stained with a painted top; and this hand-me-down dresser from John’s dad that now lives in our closet…
… painting the desk a no-brainer thanks to the combination of more wear and tear along with our desire for a clean and light office.
We also removed all the hardware, drawers, and doors to prep it. That’s when we saw this tag with the maker’s info. Doesn’t “Administrator TM” sound official? I loved squinting at the old drawer lock that said 1968 (it kinda looks like 1999 in in this picture, but up close it’s definitely ’68). In fact in googling around for “Alma Administrator Desk 1968” I found one (albeit in a lot better shape) on eBay for $1000! Is that crazy or what?
How cool is this world we live in, where people leave things they no longer want on the curb and they just might happen to be exactly what someone else is looking for.
I’m sentimental these days, huh? It’s just a desk.
Anyway, next up was the “remove all the other random stuff” stage. This included using a straight razor to scrape off some paint blobs, weird raised areas of glue, and some old tape that had been stuck to the surface.
Then it was sanding time, so John donned a mask (sanding old wood can be particularly dusty) and used our hand sander to really rough things up.
Once it had all been sanded down, we applied wood putty in a few spots, just to fill in the divots and low points. We sanded those areas again when they were fully dry, and we were good to go.
Next I wiped it down with liquid deglosser, just to remove any leftover sawdust or grease/build-up that might be lurking. Then John broke out the Kilz Premium primer and applied one thin and even coat with a small foam roller. It’s what we used to paint our kitchen cabinets, which didn’t give us any issues with bleed.
One coat only took about an hour, and we did the back and fronts of the cabinet door, and the fronts of the drawers (so we left the interior of the cabinets and the drawers wood, which we did in our last office as well).
Before painting it, we decided it was probably smart to bring it into the house so we didn’t risk dinging up our paint job by moving it afterwards. We used the same dolly that came in handy for getting the fridge on the back porch a few weeks ago but this time John and I got ‘er done. The dolly did all the heavy lifting, so John pulled and I just sort of steered it, opened various doors, and made sure we weren’t hitting anything or falling off the front pathway while we pulled it along.
Once inside, we set up the same drop cloth + four scrap pieces of wood system to slightly lift the desk off the floor and used the same BM Simply White Advance paint that we used for the upper cabinets in the kitchen (it’s self leveling and specifically made for painting cabinetry or furniture). Once again we applied it with a small foam roller – using a small angled brush to get into some of the areas a roller wouldn’t reach, and then rolling over them as much as we could to blend everything together.
John did the first coat, and tagged me to do the second one the next day. If you can imagine, I looked even less graceful doing this part. Thankfully there is zero photographic evidence.
It just took those two coats to get it covered, and the following day I applied some satin Safecoat Acrylacq to the desktop just to seal everything and give it added protection – once again with a small foam roller (I did two thin coats).
We also decided to have some fun with the legs and the handles by painting the wood parts the same Simply White color as the desk itself, but once that dried we taped off the freshly painted parts (or disassembled the handles) so the old silver metal could get a subtle metallic-champagne color (I used Champagne Mist by Rustoleum).
It definitely has that light/airy office vibe going on now.
You can catch a glimpse of the legs in this photo.
Overall, we’re really happy with how it came out. Especially since it was a free secondhand find, which means we can put more money towards other things we want to do in here – like window treatments, an awesome overhead light, storage systems, nice new office chairs, etc.
So here’s how the room is looking now:
With more of a handle on our layout, we’re excited to move on to other steps, like painting the office (so far we’ve only done the trim) and working out how we’re going to make a wall of organization (we’re planning to use the wall behind this shot, since it’s hidden from the foyer (that way the room won’t look messy even if our command center gets chaotic).
As for adapting the desk to work for two people, we think it’ll be a pretty simple cut-a-hole-in-the-back-and-trim-it-out process, and we might add a wider top down the line (wouldn’t soapstone be cool?). But we didn’t want to rush into that just in case over the next few weeks as this room comes together we change our mind and want a single desk for some reason (with another desk area somewhere else). So we’re resisting the urge to rush into any decisions that we can’t undo, like cutting this baby open.
Update: Apparently using laptops for scale would have been helpful to show how two people can easily fit at this desk (it’s 34″ wide and would be 38″ if we added some sort of counter with a 2″ overhang) so here’s that pic for you guys! Our first house’s double desk was 18″ deep, and we each had ample rooms for legs and computers, so we think this plan should work well – but of course we’ll keep you posted!
What secondhand finds have you guys been hunting down lately? Have you ever actually gotten in on a curb alert before someone beat you to it? This was our very first time. Gotta say, I liked it. I liked it a lot.
PS: Wanna see another desk makeover? Check out the DIY herringbone pattern we painted on another thrift store desk.
Lisa says
I’m a “spread out and work” kinda gal, so I’d need more space – and I’m sure someone has suggested this. If not, what about extending the top (like it has been suggested), but then putting some paneling on each side so it looks balanced? Maybe add a strip of lattice to cover the seam where the new panel is, and then adding a matching piece of lattice on the existing side of the desk to balance things out? My goodness, that probably didn’t make sense. :)
And woah, Nelly, am I heading to Home Depot! Those figs are amazing!!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that idea too! Definitely could work!
xo
s
Sarah says
My husband and I went to Amish Country here in Ohio for a coupke’s retreat with our church at the end of February. My husband fell in love with a New Home sewing machine cabinet. It was in awesome condition, has 6 drawers and even the original paperwork with it. I knew we couldn’t fit it to get it home, but I went back this past weekend snd thought if it’s still there I’m surprising him and getting it, he hadn’t stopped talking about it! It was there, and thanks to some wonderful helpers we were able to get it in the car. We ended up scratching the top so we have to fix it now or get it fixed but it’s just amazing in our living room. Congrats on the find of your desk!
Susan M says
Since you plan to use the desk for crafts as well, have you considered placing a large piece of glass on top? I did that with my craft table, and I LOVE how easy it is to clean off stray paint, glue, glitter, etc. Your latest floor plan is a winner and takes advantage of your many windows. I thought your previous layout was perfect, and then you came up with a better one! A good lesson to let things marinate for a while.
YoungHouseLove says
Definitely something to think about! Thanks for the tips everyone!
xo
s
maureensimpson29 says
Fantastic job!! It looks amazing!! Did you send a picture back to the person you picked it up from? I bet they would love to see!
YoungHouseLove says
Wish I had an email! It was just a curb alert so there was no contact info.
xo
s
Cindy says
S & J – have never commented before, but read daily. You guys are amazing and such an inspiration. I just wanted to say how impressed I am by your grace and good manners when people criticize what you do. People may not like all of your ideas, but to come to your page and snark on them really makes me wonder about those individuals. I mean, everyone lives differently, uses spaces differently. It’s not like you guys are commanding everyone else to do exactly what you do. :-)
Anyway, I think your posts are amazing, you guys are amazing, and love to look at your blog for ideas and inspiration.
XOXOXO
Ruth says
I agree with Cindy. I usually read your blog at work (shh!) so I don’t take the time to read the comments. Today for some reason I did, and I was also impressed by your response to some of the critical comments that were dished with a side of snark. Nicely done.
Rucha says
Have you guys considered painting the wall without the windows a really bold color? With all the amazing light in the room, it wouldn’t be a terribly risky option, and I can just envision the white desk against that (well I guess not if you keep it as a floating desk). The combination could still look nice, floating desk or otherwise. I’m a sucker for accent walls so just my two cents!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fun possibility too! I think we lean towards pops of color for sure, so maybe some bold art or wall color over there will come into play!
xo
s
Alyssa says
Wow a lot of people seem offended by you guys painting a wood desk…in your home. I think it’s gorgeous. I’m interested to see where this room goes!
Barbara says
I would think that you would be so sick of painting at this point.
I’m staring at my sample wall (with two different paints) doing the “woe is me, I must paint” chant. How you do it every day stumps me!
Heather says
Your desk looks perfect for the office. Finding it for free makes it all the more sweet. We recently had the same good fortune. After dropping my sons off at school this past December, I found a battered bookcase on the curb with a “Free” sign attached. It was the perfect size for the “library” we had been wanting to create in our living room for our 4th grader who loves to read. My husband restored it with white paint and new trim, and backed it with colorful shelf paper as “wallpaper.” It was a wonderful surprise for our son on Christmas. Hooray for curb finds!
Christy Grap says
I have a desk very similar to that, found at the Goodwill for $8. I use the side slide-out tray for my printer. It’s so nice to not have it out in full view.
Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says
Love the results! I recently did a mid century desk makeover myself. Mine wasn’t free but for $14 at a thrift store it was pretty close. Hope you can make yours work for two. Here is mine…
http://maggieoverbystudios.com/2013/12/02/mid-century-desk-makeover/
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Craig says
Are you sure you would not prefer a cardboard honeycomb structured desk? I kid! That desk looks great and the refinished handles are quite sharp. The cupboard and pull out shelf are not the norm and add to the charm of it. great find!
P.S. Who gets final control of the drawers?
YoungHouseLove says
I think I’ll give them to John since he does more billing/accounting stuff. I just need a spot for a notebook, a planner, and a cup of pens and I’m usually good to go!
xo
s
Rhiannon says
I’m a bit confused as to how you will both sit at it comfortably? I’d think being on the side with no knee space would get old very quickly. That being said, someone will probably always bean on Bean & Barnacle duty though, right?
Rhiannon says
Wait wait wait I suck at reading. I was too distracted by the shiny white desk and those gorgeous legs on it to read the last couple of paragraphs. Nevermiiiiiiiiind.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we usually work in tandem but we also mentioned altering the desk in the bottom few paragraphs to remedy that (so there’s leg space for both of us), just for times we both want to work at the same time.
xo
s
Angela says
You guys this is SO beautiful! I’m just itching for the retro-fitting bug to hit John, and for him to be inspired to make the blank side of the desk have matching drawers. You could cut the existing ones in half, build new drawer fronts and use knobs from the faux drawers to even it out. What do you think? I’m crazy I know but that would be ULTIMATE double desk.
P.S. You guys are the best!
YoungHouseLove says
That would be the ultimate hack!
xo
s
Tamara says
What a gorgeous transformation! LOVE!!! I do think you should paint chevrons or some other graphic design on the end(s), or maybe staple some cool fabric on the end, or a poster, (oh, the possibilities!), just to make that big white end of the desk pop when you walk in the room. Just a thought!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fun idea! I think when the room comes together more with art and curtains and a rug we’ll decide if we want to add more color/pattern.
xo
s
Abby says
that desk looks great! i have a question regarding sanding…this weekend, i sanded down a teak outdoor dining table this weekend. it is a “new” table that we bought from ballard designs outlet, but we figure it was marked down due to someone having already taken it home, applied some type of clear protectant on it, and then returned it. since we did not know what they used, we decided to use a sander to remove whatever they used and start over with the teak oil, etc. this was my first time sanding anything with an electric hand sander, and i was shocked at how difficult it was to get off the clear coat. i tried the fine, medium, and coarse grit sandpaper, and none of them actually took off all of the clear coating. i figured that, of all things, would be easy to get off. i did as much as i could and went ahead and applied teak oil, but i’m so curious as to whether that is normal or maybe i did something wrong. do you have any tips about what i should have done or could do in the future? thanks for any advice you might be able to give!
YoungHouseLove says
Weird! I wonder if it was a bar coat? That’s a super thick resin you pour on. Usually with a power sander it’s not too bad to get through the poly to the wood.
xo
s
Sharon Brown says
Teak is a very hard wood. You need to talk to someone who knows how to deal with it. It is usually used on decks of boats, sailboats,etc. Good Luck!
Susan in Colorado says
You should send a picture back to the previous owners!! But maybe not.. if I freebied a piece of furniture and saw what you guys did, I could get majorly depressed.
YoungHouseLove says
Since it was a curb alert we don’t have an email or anything. I would totally love to thank them!
xo
s
Emily S. says
Honestly, haven’t been feeling that inspired from your posts lately – but this one was great. Showed the plans, the purchase (or “find” in this case), and the DIY part all in one post. Updated the post with pictures/notes after getting a ton of comments asking about the same thing. No links to crazy you tube 90’s rap videos or cheesy post titles. Bravo YHL!
And I do like this layout much better. It think using the dining room as a “back up office” type space is a great idea. Can’t wait to see how the rest of the office shapes up.
Lindsay says
WHAT?! My husband and I found the same desk on CraigsList last year, and we seriously cannot decide what to do with it! (We’re in Durham, NC) The only difference is that our top has been replaced with a vinyl kind of fake wood (particle board, maybe) paneled top. Can you still paint that kind of thing the way you would paint wood? I was thinking about maybe doing it in a different color than the rest of the desk. Any ideas?
YoungHouseLove says
I have seen some great tutorials for painting stuff like that but never did it ourselves. I think there’s one that comes up if you google “how to paint laminate” from a site called Living With Lindsay (I think?) that might be helpful?
xo
s
Evia says
Your ideas amaze me! Such a chic desk!
Love it!!
Lisa says
Wow. Looks so great. I think you have just singlehandedly brought these big old desks BACK. I’ve had two in my life, and left them both upstairs in the houses I moved out of (where was John then??)
On a side note, you are so very kind with your responses to the same questions, over and over and over. I know people don’t read all gagillion reader posts before commenting, but still, you’re so nice about it. It’s those karmic points that are helping you find the good stuff free on the curb.
Reenie says
WOW…. what a great find. It looks fabulous ~ love what you did to the handles. =)
MonicaD says
I love this!! This is making me rethink my idea of a roll top desk for our family room for the kids. I really love the idea of making this into a 2 person desk.
Lisa says
Where did you find the name plate for the desk? I work in a law firm and my boss starting practicing in 68 and his desk looks so similar. I just looked for anything that would tell me but I don’t see anything. That would be so funny if was the same desk!
YoungHouseLove says
Both the label and the lock were on the skinny drawer above where your legs go.
xo
s
Meghan says
My heart skipped a beat when you said soapstone top – um yes please!
I also love the Fiddle Leaf trees!
Sarah T. says
That desk looks amazing!! Cannot believe you got it for free. Side note, you guys are amazing. CONGRATS on your Target line! I’m so happy for you. You guys and your blog is a highlight of my day. Thank you for all you do. xoxo
Jennifer I says
Why not make an extension piece that you can fold up as needed to increase the table top, like a breakfast bar? I think putting this on wheels might also increase its function! That way, if it is too wide to use when the extension is up, you can roll it around to a spot where it works. It looks fab!
YoungHouseLove says
Some other people have suggested that too! Love all the ideas guys. We are mulling them all over and will keep you posted.
xo
s
Danielle says
Hey guys, a couple questions for you:
1. What do you plan on doing about running electricity to the middle of the room for things like laptop cords/phones/desk lamps?
2. Do you think you’ll miss wall storage? I like a nice window view too, but I definitely need my peg board within easy reach! (you’re probably more organized than I am – I’d love to know your tips and tricks!)
YoungHouseLove says
I think we have never had wall storage so we just aren’t used to it enough to miss it, haha! As for power to our desk, we’d love to add a floor outlet. Will keep you posted!
xo
s
Danielle says
I’ve been giving this more thought. It would be a small trip hazard, but you could potentially lay a large area rug on the floor and run an extension cord from the plug closest to the window under the rug and to the middle of the desk then mount a power bar under the desk. Put a piece of furniture or decorative item in front of the outlet itself and voila a power bar that appears out of nowhere!
YoungHouseLove says
That could work too!
xo
s
Koliti says
I’m thinking an electrical cord under a rug is not only a trip hazard, it’s a fire hazard. Seems like the safest route is to install the floor outlet by the desk.
Danielle says
Hey Koliti,
You might be right, but then I wonder what makes an electrical cord on top of a rug much different from one underneath a rug or tucked between a desk and a wall? I’ve never seen one get hot.
Danielle says
I rescind my last comment – Koliti you are 100% right and I’m really glad you mentioned it – I (obviously) thought it was a safe option and it REALLY isn’t! Good catch!
YoungHouseLove says
You guys = the best.
xo
s
Casey says
The desk looks beautiful! What kind of plants are on either side of the bay window? We’re looking for something tall and lush for a vacant corner in our living room.
Thanks!
Casey
http://thedailyromantic.blogspot.com/
YoungHouseLove says
They’re fiddle leaf figs from Home Depot.
xo
s
jenn says
john, does picking up things off the side of the road make you nervous for bed bugs? i’ve had them before too and im still very paranoid about picking things up. i always see so many amazing things on the road or on craigslist. do you inspect the items first or leave them outside for a day or two? i live in a busy city where bed bugs is a pretty big issue. im afraid to risk it? what helps you?
YoungHouseLove says
Heck yeah, I’m a stickler for looking things over, and I’m thankful that I know what to look for. Before we put anything in the car I give it a scan (there are usually signs of them in cracks of upholstery or wood seams if they’re there) and we also tend to leave things outside (this desk lived in the garage for a few days while we sanded and primed, etc). Thankfully we have purchased a bunch of secondhand furniture and have never encountered any bedbugs (or signs of them) in Richmond since moving here 8 years ago, so I think they were more prevalent in NYC.
-John
Jessica H says
Love this! The mid-century look of this desk is amazing! We just found a dresser ( http://lovejessicaanne.blogspot.com/2014/03/found.html ) on the side of the road and I was ecstatic! It was pretty adorable, the old man whose curb it was at was outside and he just smiled as we eagerly loaded it up. It made my heart happy we were giving it a new life :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s such a sweet story!
xo
s
Becky says
That is one sleek-looking piece of…desk! I have the West Elm (knock-off) like you do, and really wish it were bigger. Maybe someone will cast something to the curb in my neck of the woods!
(I have been a lurker on your blog for years now, and have to day…this may be my first comment. You guys really are something else. I was over the moon when I saw yesterday’s Target news!!!)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Becky!
xo
s
Laura in Mississippi says
OMG I Looooovvvvvveeeeeee a good furniture makeover post! Especially when said furniture if FA-REEEE! Inspiring. I wish there was a way you could send a picture of the refreshed desk to it’s original owner, I bet they would love it! :)
Erin says
I work at home, too, so hope you don’t mind if I give my two-cents worth. I’ve found one of the easiest-to-use desk/storage configurations is to have the desk out in the room like you have yours, but with bookcases and filing cabinets behind me. So what if you: go back to your original layout, but instead of the long wall having your two desks and storage, make it storage and craft area, leave the desk where it is, but spin it 180 degrees so you’re looking out the front windows. Then either extend the desk with a longer top, so you’d both have access to the drawers or put another desk next to this desk so you’re both working side-by-side looking out the front window and watching Clara. It’s easier if you have chairs which swivel and roll. Really efficient to be able to access any supplies you need. Just a thought. And belated congrats on Target. You guys are amazing!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Erin! That’s definitely another way to go! Love all the ideas guys. We are doing lots of mulling today :)
xo
s
Kristina says
I love the layout! It’s always cool when you guys throw something that’s kind of out of the box. I do wonder how you’ll get power to your desk without having cords running across the room. Do you have a plan for that?
Congrats on the Target deal as well! That’s awesome.
KW
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks KW! We’d love to add floor outlets! We hear it’s not too hard or expensive, so we’ll keep you posted.
xo
s
Carla at Loves Moose says
Very, very clever. I’m in love with this desk you found!
As much as I adore your designs and great craftsmanship, I wasn’t a fan of the long desk at your last house that had you sitting with your backs to the doorway. This one is a much better setup, and I’ve always been in love with partner desks. You found the perfect piece to transform into your ideal setup!
One question about foam rollers: Do you roll and then go over it with a brush to smooth out the texture? Or does the self-leveling paint take care of that for you? I never get a smooth surface when using a roller of any kind. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually like the roller to be the last texture, so in areas that I paint with a brush to get into the crannies, I then roll those as well as the rest of that plane and leave it alone. The paint seems to settle and look nice and smooth that way (no brush strokes, etc).
xo
s
Maria says
I absolutely love your website and book! I have recently purchased my first home and have become so inspired by you two! Other than craigslist, do you suggest any other websites or shops to find items/furniture for sale/free? I’d love to try to repurpose some furniture rather than spending my paychecks at the nearest West Elm! Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
There’s Freecycle.org as well, which is great! I also like finding local thrift stores and dropping in a few times a month. We usually leave empty handed, but it only takes a second to slip through and over time you can find some really great deals.
xo
s
PrairieGal says
I suggest you add a top and cantilever it out “wrong” side. Support the cantilever with two legs. That way you have plenty of foot room without cutting a whole and you can still access the drawers from the “right” side.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fun idea too! Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
xo
s
Laura says
You guys seriously have such a gift! My jaw dropped after seeing the handles! I never would have thought of that and it’s such an easy change but makes such a huge difference!!
Hannah says
What an amazing transformation!!
Kathryn says
I have this desk too! A $9.99 Goodwill score – it had been marked down three times; I guess no one was brave enough to stuff it into their car. We had to remove the top and feet to get it up our tiny 100-year old stairs. My husband was super pumped when I then decided to move it back downstairs. It’s the best sewing table though- super deep and very sturdy.
My mom had suggested cutting the base in half and then putting the top back on to make it a 2-way table. The Grand Marketplace here in Portland (near Rejuventaion) has a 2-SIDED one! Drawers on both sides! It’s humungous! Or, as my daughter says, hue-ormous!
YoungHouseLove says
Love that story! Can’t believe it went up and down those steps!
xo
s
Stefanie says
I LOVE THE DESK. I have a hard time convincing my husband to work with second-hand furniture that doesn’t come directly from family/friends. Argh. Because that desk is GORG.
Also – LOVE the plants. Outdoor use?
YoungHouseLove says
In warmer climates I think they can be outside (like Florida) but here in Richmond I think they’re indoor except you can bring them out in the summer.
xo
s
Myamogabi says
Congratulations on the find! I like the way you did the handles and legs that gave it a lot of character and personal touch!
I always look for free stuff on Craigslist, but often pull myself back. We are in Chicago and have had serious cases of bed bugs, so I am always worried if there are things hiding in the furniture, etc. What is your take on bed bugs, or things like that, in second hand buys/finds?
Btw, love the fig trees you got from Home Depot. At first I thought you photoshopped that because they look so lush and wonderful. Really want one for myself.
YoungHouseLove says
John’s entire apartment in NYC got bedbugs and it pretty much ruined his life for that period of time, so thankfully he’s very thorough and knows what to look for (there are a bunch of signs of them, and the bugs themselves are visible to the naked eye). I would google around for photos/what to look for articles. They can be really helpful!
xo
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Stefanie says
I LOVE THE DESK. I have a hard time convincing my husband to work with second-hand furniture that doesn’t come directly from family/friends. Argh. Because that desk is GORG.
Also – LOVE the plants. Can they be planted outside?
YoungHouseLove says
I think in warm climates like Florida they work outside, and in places like Richmond they can go outside in the summer, but come inside for spring/fall/winter.
xo
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Laurel says
So cool!!! It looks like it cost a bundle. You are so good, but how do you two not burn out on the projects? Seriously, there is only so much sanding, painting, finishing and then going on to do the same sort of thing again i can take. I really, really admire you.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Laurel! We’re just really excited to get this office going – and extra motivated to try to knock some things out before this baby comes too ;)
xo
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Lauren says
Hi! Now that you’ve replaced your idea of a table in the middle of the room with a desk/double desk, have you thought about if this changes your Christmas tree plans? What are your thoughts about gathering around a working desk (with pens, work items, etc.) while opening presents? I’m just wondering, since I always think about where my tree goes when furniture arranging/decorating my own home and I’d like to get some perspective from you guys. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’ll probably find another spot for it – still thinking about where, but grateful to have nine months to figure it out!
xo
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Rhody says
Facing a wall is no fun–feels a little like a time-out– unless there is side light. Love this solution because, really, how often would you use a conference table for a conference? The best real estate in front of the widow would be covered with projects all the time b/c there is no incentive to clear away a little-used conference table.
You are making an old fashioned “partners’ desk”: shared top with lots of interaction.
You two are excellent at managing projects.
Lauren Nicole says
So, you’re going to name the desk Alma, right? I think her given name suits her well.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, done!
xo
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Ashley@Biggerthanthethreeofus says
Love the fiddle leaf figs! I went to Home Depot after you guys posted on Instagram, but didn’t have any luck. Apparently, HD gets shipments of fresh trees from different suppliers. I’m in the midwest so our supplier is from Texas. Anyways, to make a long story short… East Coast gets shipments first, then a month or so later…midwest gets them. Interesting right? Or is it creepy that I asked so many questions. lol. The office is coming along great guys!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! Now you can be on the lookout next month. Hope you get the very first ones that arrive ;)
xo
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Erin says
That looks amazing! I love it!