How to jazz up my office?
My office at work is full of standard-issue metal furniture. I would love to make the space less utilitarian and more enjoyable. Should I add a rug? What might I add to the walls? Is there a better arrangement? Any suggestions are welcome! The space is about 15 feet log from door to window and nine feet wide. Thank you!
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sarneg
7 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (22)Hello Chris It is looking much better already. Because you plan to move out shortly then you are right to take the practical low cost approach. If you can stretch to getting rid of the paving slabs and slate and replace with 20mm light gravel/pebbles then I would be inclined to go for it because it will match the colour of the concrete and be more cohesive. The path isn’t going to take the weight of a car so you don’t have to have a heavy duty hardcore base. I suggest you dig down in a corner to see what is under the slate. If it is on topsoil then you would need to remove that down to a firm subsoil. It shouldn’t be more than 6 inch or so. Then top with hard core up to a couple of inches. You could reuse the slate you have just removed. A geotextile membrane would be good as a weed suppressant and to keep the slate from migrating to the surface but it isn’t critical especially as you plan to leave. Finish with a couple of inches of gravel/pebbles. No deeper than that otherwise it will feel as if you are walking on quick sand! To avoid buying too much or too little work out how much you need in volume by multiplying length by width by depth. Especially important if you are paying a delivery charge. You don’t want to have them back! If it is small quantities then you can buy small bags that you can collect a few at a time in the car but buying it that way is the pricier option. You could reuse a half dozen or more of the paving slabs by bedding them on concrete butted together under the front door. You can buy ready mix bags that just need the addition of water. Again any soil would need to be removed down to a firm base. It would look better if you removed a corner of the concrete so that the slabs extend either side of the door. It is important that the finished depth is 6 inch below the damp proof course certainly no higher than the existing. I imagine the damp proof course is the top of the white painted edge on your wall. Leave a small gap between the slabs and the wall to allow any rain splash to run down into the ground. All the best...See More
Judy Mishkin
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoi have a putty metal 2 drawer lateral file credenza in my office... (not sure why its not in my husbands.... ) and i've been eyeing it as well. i'm thinking of wallpapering it.
i have a plain white waterfall desk that i covered with a length of gorgeously woven fabric my sister gave me from singapore. floor to ceiling art on all walls. and i'm getting ready to paint the walls glossy green.
this is my inspiration photo.
but i want the walls to be a slightly different green, more like
or else
which best goes with all my art, the drapes and the rug.
so, long story short, think big. google home office or library and find a look that will make your furniture disappear.
sarneg thanked Judy Mishkinsarneg
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7 years agoChikka BangBang
7 years agoMaybe lumber pillow in the visiting chair? You could also use shelving paper. To cover the shelves or cover the metal cabinet. You could also use removable wall paper on one side of the room.
Spring Rain Shelf Paper Drawer Liner, 120x12, Fine Weave Fabric · More Info
Modern Ikat Ultramarine Lumbar Pillow Set · More Infosarneg thanked Chikka BangBangsarneg
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Beth
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PROKebabian's Rugs
7 years agoI am in love with rugs and that is our business, so of course I am biased. Since you brought up the idea of a rug I have given myself permission to argue for a beautiful rug 1. when it goes down the quality of life in the room goes up 2. pleasing to the eye and stimulating to the mind - like Mozart is pleasing to the ear and satisfying to the mind 3. gives a distinct location to the place, beckons you in, makes it unforgettable... Your current office has nothing memorable about it at the moment and entering feels laborious and that's before you even start getting down to work. File cabinet? Cover it with photos of places you have been and love or places you long to go to. Travel agencies have awesome brochures. Rug - get something real, handmade, something that gives the vibe you desire. Create a space where you "Enter" and are encouraged to do all things well in your work. Give yourself permission to love what you love. Final thought on file cabinet. It is an awesome "blank space" to cover with whatever you want, but I do encourage a theme - not family photos, I think they should be nicely framed and grounded... but if not places to go why not golf, dogs, etc. whatever inspires or makes you smile. Wishing you all the best as you create YOUR workspace :) Peggy from Kebabian's
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Maureen
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoI would rethink how you are storing items on the bookcases - see pic #1 with the baskets and also add a nice lamp (one below is great) on your desk. Add some personal items and a Turkish throw over the back of your chair. I might move the desk into the middle of the room and can the sides be painted (navy? - so the chairs work with the look) and then repeat navy in an area rug and some fun/whimsical art. I realize this is a commercial office, so you may not have the full range of options.
Honeycomb Fouta Towel, Multicolor, Blue · More Info
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PROChris Zec Photography
7 years agoDeco did a great job reconfiguring your space! Serene artwork with a vista is always good for opening up a small space and providing a serene focal point. We helped an attorney w a similar office do just that; she loves it! This is one of her choices...have fun!
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