As promised, we’re back with the details of how we organized the six new shelves and eight new drawers in our office, along with the drawers in my floating desk and the filing/printer cabinet on the other side of the room. In other words: what went where.
It’s awesome to have so much more storage space, both out in the open and behind closed doors, so let’s spin over to the left and face our new desk/bookcase wall first.
Here are the animated GIFs that John mentioned on Monday. You were on the edge of your seat for these, right? Or were you excited about donuts? I can’t remember. Here’s the bookcase to the left of John’s desk coming together in GIF form:
And here’s the one to the right filling up in fast motion:
Between both sides of the open shelves, we managed to work in eight magazine storage boxes (from Target). We used them to hold our press stuff since we’ve saved magazines with a mention/feature of our site or any column that we’ve written. Now instead of shoving them all into various cabinets in our dining room buffet (where we used to keep them) we finally have them all organized by year with little tabs on that page. It makes it a lot easier to find things.
We also brought out a bunch of books that we had stuffed into our kitchen cabinets, and added a few decorative boxes that we already had (the blue ones are from Bed Bath & Beyond when I was in college, and the cream one is from HomeGoods last year). They’re loaded up with various office supplies that we didn’t want crowding the surface of our desks.
We also included some of our hook designs (some in the packaging, and some out) along with a few copies of our book (the English version and the Korean one) since we figured an office is a good spot to display some of the stuff you’ve made, and if we ever have anyone over for a meeting we can grab a few copies of our book or a product or two from the office shelves.
A too-pretty-to-hide-in-a-drawer stack of notebooks and post-its ended up in the mix too…
… along with an “inbox” for the magazine tear sheets that used to collect on the kitchen table or the back of the couch. I have binders with clear sleeves where I eventually file them, but now they have a drop zone until I do that, which is nice. Even got to use one of our octopus hooks as a paperweight.
There are also deceptively decorative things that are actually up there multitasking for hidden functional reasons, like the spiky yellow HomeGoods vase which is where we stash our wires (extra chargers, headphones, uploading cords for the camera, etc). It’s nice to keep those less-lovely things (like a big mass of wires) incognito, but easy to grab. And the little zebra dish holds magnets for our magnetic frame wall along with a pink vase full of dry erase markers for that zone. And we finally have a spot for my yellow horse head bookends (remember these?) which add color but also do good equine work (way to hold those books up, stallions).
There are also a few purely decorative objects in the mix, just because they make us happy. There’s my wonky little painting of our first house along with a painting by my friend Lesli of our second house (she surprised me with it as a holiday gift shortly after I painted our first one). And we can’t forget about the awesome replica of our fireplace that Lisa made us.
I also put our little bee painting up there along with a catalog tear-out from Boden that says “Squeeze the day” to add a little office cheer/inspiration – and I found a spot for our family yearbooks. I love seeing that colorful little stack of them, complete with a cup full of Young House Love pencils in every color of the rainbow (a super sweet book tour gift from 2012).
Speaking of bees and stuff that makes us happy, it was pretty hilarious to have our little bumble girl playing dress up and making bead necklaces at her little desk while we sorted and filled our shelves and drawers.
In the drawers to the right of John’s desk, we have two empty ones (room to grow = the best feeling ever) along with one that’s half full of paint decks, and one that’s full of the magazines that I love too much to throw away (like every original issue of Domino) and some catalogs that we reference from time to time.
The drawers to the left of John’s desk are where we have the more office-related things. The two that are closed in this photo are full of design prototypes that we’re currently developing/tweaking, and the top open one is full of tax stuff (receipts, file boxes of back taxes, quarterly stuff to fill out and mail in, etc). The bottom open one has back-up external hard drives, old notebooks full of info that we still need, and a large ziplock bag full of miscellaneous instruction books and warranties for things like our printer, camera, etc.
As for the printer/file cabinet, that’s also full of documents and other tax/work-related stuff. Here’s a shot of it closed (it’s the Ikea Effectiv cabinet, which they discontinued a while back).
And here it is opened up. We keep the paper and our camera case on the top left, our wireless printer lives on the top right, and all of our files are in that bottom drawer.
My floating desk by the window (remember when we found it for free on criagslist?) has four more drawers for me to use, as well as a nice big top that I’m attempting to keep pretty clear except for a few notebooks and two vases full of writing paraphernalia (we use the pencils for book edits).
I put things like my scissors, stapler, and other use-a-lot stuff in the top right drawer, filled the right middle drawer with stationery/thank you cards, and kept the skinny middle drawer and the bottom right drawer empty for “space to expand.” There’s also a cabinet on the left side of the desk that’s empty (more remaining room = happy tingly feelings inside).
So that’s our little where-it-all-went rundown of the office. Only took us a year to find a spot for the stapler and the receipts… but I gotta admit, it feels better than it probably should.
That rush you get when you have a spot for everything is pretty addicting… even if your brain knows it’s only a little while before things start to multiply/explode. I’m soaking it up while I can.
Psst- Teddy’s eight week photo is up (we couldn’t resist that Spoonflower fabric).
Meaghan says
Hi guys. I’m a long time reader…never commented before. Just wanted to say how much I love reading your blog, and what a great job you’re doing balancing your work/life/dreams. I was wondering if you’d consider doing a post about how you’re finding work life and family life, now with 2 kiddos? As a mom of two little ones myself, I found the transition from 1 to 2 kiddos a real challange, and I’m always curious to know how other parents have adapted. Logistically/emotionally/etc etc. would love to hear how it’s all going! I love your family/personal posts!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Meaghan! That would be fun! It has definitely been a whole new ballgame with two, so we’d love to write about that.
xo
s
carol jane says
This answer might be somewhere in these comments, but I didnt feel like reading all of them. What is the wall color/brand in your room? So fresh and pretty!! Love the whole space!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! It’s Palest Pistachio by Ben Moore.
xo
s
Tonya Sanchez says
Awesome, awesome use of organization to create more storage space! I also love how you used white shelving and other furniture, and let the colors of the things you put on them really pop. That is just a great looking space that I’m sure you’ll enjoy using!
Theresa says
Your office has inspired me to tackle the beast of our spare bedroom turned junk storage room. I am turning it into my sewing/craft room and can’t wait to start organizing and tossing so that I can get to the pretty stuff. I’ve already purchased fabric for curtains and recovering a chair. Your rooms are inspiration for me to get started. I wish my room had the natural light that your office does, but will enjoy what I have to work with. Love everything about your site from kiddos to crafts to home improvement. Love it all!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Theresa!
xo
s
Dani says
Hey Guys,
I love you and I love your site it gives me so much inspiration and motivations. I fully appreciate your new more laid back schedule (having 3 kids myself). I’m just wondering if you would ever consider flipping the schedule. It appears that you have started to not make posts on Friday’s and I miss them sooo much. I don’t usually go to the site every day just 2 or 3 time a week but always on Friday’s it was my weekend motivation to get up and go and get stuff done. I understand if that doesn’t work for you guys I was just wondering if maybe instead you’d consider taking off Monday’s and posting Friday’s instead. Just an idea from a very regular reader. I will still always come back to you guys for my motivation!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Dani, you’re so sweet! Right now this seems to work well for our family’s schedule, but that definitely could change so we’re open to other possibilities as we go! Hopefully if you come every few days you’ll still find something new on Friday, like Thursday’s post waiting for you :)
xo
s
Jackie says
Do you dust every day? I love the way the shelves look, but I could not handle the dusting requirements!
YoungHouseLove says
I use a microfiber cloth for dusting (it’s like a dust magnet thanks to the static) and I just lift things up and run it under them and put them back down. Seems to be something I tackle whenever it gets bad (read: I can see dust) but don’t tell my mom that ;)
xo
s
Carla says
I think you’re going to find that the desk is just too heavy, boxy and chunky for your office, although I do love it.
It’s just not creating a nice, comfy flow in that space.
If your office were a room in the showcase house you guys did, how would you design and decorate it? I know what you would do. You’d get bold and have some fun, instead of playing it safe.
The window alcove is perfect for a pair of comfy chairs and a table between them, a place to get cozy and discuss new campaigns with a sponsor or client. Make a big rustic long table for the heart of the room and do full wall builtins.
It’s too light and airy in there. Your workspace needs to be anchored with wood and more substantial pieces. I think depending on Ikea as much as you do kind of squashes your creativity.
I know, I know. Why don’t I go ahead and tell you what I really think.
:o)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Carla! I think once we add window treatments and a rug and some art (all places we like to have fun and be bold) it’ll be a lot less safe in here. Can’t wait to see where we end up!
xo
s
carol jane says
What is the paint color in the room? It’s so fresh and pretty!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! It’s Palest Pistachio by Ben Moore.
xo
s
CHRISSIE says
I have a question that maybe you can *hopefully* address in a post?! Wishful thinking over here! But, when I look at your lovely arranged shelves and the many decorations adorning your home, I cannot help but to think… How does she keep the dust off of everything?! I have nothing on my walls, no knick knacks around cuz I fear the cleaning committment. lol. Maybe that is just me! So anyways, yes, tell us your cleaning routine!
YoungHouseLove says
I use a microfiber cloth for dusting (it’s like a dust magnet thanks to the static) and I just lift things up and run it under them and put them back down. Seems to be something I tackle whenever it gets bad (read: I can see dust) but don’t tell my mom that ;)
There are more cleaning routine posts on our projects page in the cleaning/organizing section if that helps!
xo
s
Evie says
Hi again. If you guys get a chance, could you tell where/how Clara’s supplies are stored in your office? That would be great to know. Thank you!
YoungHouseLove says
We keep some cups of markers and colored pencils right out on the desk but things like beads and paint that come out more occasionally are stored right outside the office doorway in a foyer closet that we repurposed as a toy/craft/supply “library.” It’s really handy! Here’s the link for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2013/09/who-needs-coats-when-you-can-have-toys/
xo
s
Elizabeth says
Looks great- I wish I knew how to style shelves- it’s definitly a gift some get and some don’t!! Just wondering if you have glare issues on your laptops- as you can see in the photo of the back of the desk? Or do you all work in there more at night when it’s not an issue??
~e
YoungHouseLove says
Thankfully I haven’t had issues with glare on the screen (my body seems to shadow the screen at the time of day that the light comes in) but we might get window treatments we can draw closed if we notice any sun issues moving forward :)
xo
s
AnnaP says
Sherry, I have a question about your little succulent plants on the shelves. Do yours have little holes in the bottom? I love the look of the tiny pots, but the ones I have don’t have holes. Everyone keeps telling me the plants will rot without drilling holes in the ceramic, but I’m scared to do it!
YoungHouseLove says
They’re faux! I love them because I never have to water them or worry about killing them!
xo
s
Laura Herring says
Hey John and Sherry,
I know you’ve been having trouble with pop-up ads and that it helps to see a screenshot when one comes up. I grabbed a screenshot of a survey ad I just got but for the life of me can’t remember the email address to send it to you.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Laura! You can just send it to [email protected]
xo
s
Bobby says
Those shelves look great. Other than the chair, the whole setup is amazing. Good job.
Kristin says
I never read through comments but it’s Friday afternoon and I just got sucked in. People ask you sooooo many questions!! Obviously, you answer similiar questions with the same response. I’m so curious how you do that bc I know you have said in the past that you respond to comments on your phone. Do you copy/paste them from a Note app or something? That ‘note’ must be forever long. I don’t know why I’m so interested in how you do this; I just think it would be so frusturating to do that from a phone!!
ANNNNNND, I just realized I’m adding to the questions asked. You don’t have to answer- just know I’m amazed by pretty much everything you guys do!!
YoungHouseLove says
We have iPhones so you just highlight and click cut and just double tap to paste :)
xo
s
Alana says
I saw your book used on the anthropolgie website to show off some bookends!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-office/27210285.jsp?cm_sp=Grid-_-27210285-_-Regular_54#/
YoungHouseLove says
Ahh! Isn’t that crazy?!
xo
s
Susan says
This looks great; so bright, cheery and functional!Nailed it!
I see a quick project that will tie it together even more…
how about some of the same champagne colored spray paint on the kids’ chair frames and then some brightly colored seats and backs? Maybe a green for Teddy and Clara could pick hers.
Nice job, P’s!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a sweet idea too!
xo
s
Liz says
I just bought the same Ikea shelves with drawers last weekend and I love how you used them! Did you use the wall brackets? We have a not so pretty amplifier on the bottom to anchor it, but I think it would be ok without.
YoungHouseLove says
We did anchor them to the walls with those brackets just to be kid-safe, etc (with the drawers full of weight we never wanted to pull them out and tip things).
xo
s
Marie says
book tour pencils from 2012? Seriously? I swear you just did the book tour a few months ago :-/ where has the time gone??!?!?
YoungHouseLove says
I know! So crazy!
xo
s
Julia says
Sherry and John,
I think it is awesome that you are toning things back on your blog to make sure you have more time on your family and sanity.
Occasionally that still leaves me craving quirky DIY home blogging over my Saturday morning cereal. Any suggestions for other blogs you love to read that I might also explore?
Thanks for being awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Julia! We love so many other blogs (my feedly = 200+ reads). Domino put out two awesome lists recently (one for design blogs and one for DIY blogs – many of which we read and love). Hope these help!
http://domino.com/the-best-design-blogs
http://domino.com/best-diy-blogs
xo
s
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Love all the colors! So freakin organized too
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
I’m pretty sure this post will serve as “exhibit A” in my case for painting all trim in our house white. My husband is a die hard “if-its-wood-just-leave-it-alone-and-never-paint-it” guy. I just may win with this one hahah! Thanks guys. Looks great!
deb says
bookshelves that filled themselves while I watched…that just made me happy ;-)
IndianaWildflower says
Are the Fjalkinge drawers finished on the back? I’d like to use one as a room divider. Thanks for your help, Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
They do appear to be finished in the back, although they’re a bit inset if that makes sense (not flush from behind). You also would need to secure the shelves somehow since if you floated them in a room and then opened the drawers they’d tip over without being anchored to the wall I think. Good luck!
xo
s
Hilary says
When I moved away from my first home I got a watercolor painting of our house as a going away gift, and it’s one of my most treasures items! Now I want to get one made of every house we live in!
Maria @ Something Decorated says
When everything has a “spot,” it’s so much easier to stay organized, isn’t it? I love that you went with a white palette and added personality with accessories — I think that’s perfect for a creative space. Great job!
nadya says
Hi guys – long time reader, first time commenter (I’m a dork). Anyway, love that huge leafy beauty in the corner. Any info on the type of plant or where you snagged it? Has it been easy to care for? Who has two black thumbs but keeps buying plants anyway??? THIS GIRL!
thx,
Nadya
YoungHouseLove says
I’m that girl too! It’s a fiddle leaf fig from Home Depot. I’ve had it a few months and miraculously haven’t killed it so I’d say it’s worth a shot! I just water mine deeply once a week.
xo
s
Carly Smith says
Hi! I love the clear lamp on the file/printer cabinet. Where did you get it? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from HomeGoods a few years ago.
xo
s