Over the past year, we’ve been trying to fit in a little desk somewhere for me. Not only am I the CFO of our family (bills, bills, billz), my workload for the blog and other projects I’ve taken on has expanded and I really needed a place that wasn’t the dining room table for my laptop and wasn’t the top of the microwave for paperwork. We initially thought we’d work a little counter desk in with the kitchen remodel, but once we drew up the plans there was no room really. Plan B was to fit a desk in the master bedroom, but the more I thought about it, a desk in the bedroom didn’t sound all that romantic. And honestly, it would probably collect more clothes than I’d like to admit. And then it dawned on me, could we fit a slim desk on the empty wall in the study?
Aaannnnddddd, I just searched for 20 minutes for a “before” photo of this wall opposite the wall to wall shelves with no luck. I did find a semi-before photo (before we painted the room super dark green) from a shoot I did for Cleansing Cry. This corner usually had a chair stuffed in it, but that’s really it.
The wall measures in at less than 40 inches from corner to doorway trim and once I started looking for space saving options, I came across this leaning wall desk from Crate & Barrel that was just under 28″ wide. I loved the extra shelf storage above, the fact that it had a drawer, and it was under $200. I slept on it and ordered it first thing the next day.
We put it together and attached it to the wall a few weeks ago, and it has been perfect! I love this desk! I love the height it adds to the wall! I love that there is storage space, but not too much other space that it can get cluttered–you know! I love being right next to all the windows in the study. I love being near the front door so I can open it before the fedex guy knocks and Charly barks and the whole house wakes up. I love working late at night at my desk while Chris reads cookbooks on the adjacent couch. How did I not think to put a desk here before?
The desktop easily fits my laptop and a little linen lamp I also ordered from C&B on clearance. Since the room has no overhead light, that lamp is as functional as it is cute once the sun goes down. I am currently using one of our spare dining chairs as my desk chair, but I ordered a modern black windsor one that will eventually go here. The ironic thing is now I’ve grown to love the way the shell chair looks here and I already know it’s comfortable. Maybe I should have just gotten another one? Ha! We’ll see how that all plays out in the coming weeks.
The shelving holds: My camera + lenses (I used my sister’s super nice camera for these shots and what-a-difference-I-need-one-now!), a white file box for paperwork to be filed, a big brass M (a steal!!), a sweet grapefruit candle you don’t even have to light to smell (in a good way), a framed photo of Charly sleeping (it is a constant reminder to me that I want our house to feel comfortable), a change dish, a rhino letter sorter for incoming mail that needs attention, a swanky gold stapler and an absolutely fake, but good-looking, plant in a cement planter. (note: links to all the sources at the bottom of the post.)
Next to my desk, my tripod fits just right and is completely out of view when I am not using it. Admittedly, that was a complete accident–but a happy accident for sure.
In fact, the entire set up in general is pretty out of view. It’s a pleasant surprise when you turn the corner and you see the hint of something extra.
So this is where it all happens now. It’s made my work so much more enjoyable–even bill paying? Even bill paying! Not to mention, the project itself has been so rewarding. Quick! Functional! Beautiful. –I’m definitely looking around for more of those around here. Sources below!
Wall Color: Clark+Kensington Pine Grove | Sawyer White Leaning Desk: Crate & Barrel | White file box: Ikea (similar)| Brass M: Crate & Barrel | Sweet Grapefruit candle: Lulu & Georgia | Gold photo frame: Target | Change dish: Pier 1 | Rhino letter sorter: Target | Gold stapler: Target | Faux plant: Target | Linen lamp: Crate & Barrel | Beige shell chair: Wayfair | Wicker trash can: Target (similar) | Make It Happen desktop wallpaper: Breanna Rose
Where did you get this desk???!!!! I love it!
Crate & Barrell! https://rstyle.me/+WOFL0CAkNa4B8uOk67tZog
hi Julia,
how do you recommend we hang our wall decors without having to commit to one space? I would like to be able to move wall hangings around.
thanks!!
-JO
Hi Julia,
Not sure how you hang your wall décors, but I need some tips. I want to be able to move around paintings and other wall hangings without having to commit to one space. What do you recommend.
-Jo
Command hooks may be your friend!
Gorgeous little office!!! May I ask you which model of camera does your sister have? These pictures are fabulous!
It’s a Canon 6D. It’s officially on my wish list!
Thank you Julia!
Can you share where that art is from in the first picture? Sorry if it’s posted somewhere else, haven’t found it.
I actually painted that. :) Prints available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/178536237/cleansing-cry-fine-art-giclee-print-8×10?ref=shop_home_active_7