When I pictured my dream house, complete with a charming cottage style kitchen, the idea of having a built in desk area never entered my mind.
It definitely didn't scream 1920's beach cottage.
However, when we moved in here and expanded the kitchen we were left with an awkward hallway kind of space where the old kitchen lived.
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| The latest desk area decor. |
And when it comes to small cottage living, rule number one is leave no space unused.
So at our contractor's suggestion, we added a desk.
Complete with a laminate covered countertop.
Definitely not ideal from a decor perspective.
To be honest, though, while it wasn't the prettiest of spaces, it did become one of the most used "rooms" in the house...and in 2013 it became my official office.
As a matter of fact, I'm chatting with you, from my desk, right now.
Of course, over the years, I've dolled it up with decor and added a few personal touches to make it function better.
Look less like a generic builder grade kitchen desk...and it really didn't take all that much to do it.
First things first, let's talk storage.
To increase mine and make that cookie cutter area look a bit more fitting in this old house, I added a floral pattern, like any good cottage junkie would.
I used fabric to cover the glass cabinets above the desk.
Now, I have holiday china and crystal up there, but since the doors are covered, I could store books, papers, files...you name it...and no one would ever know.
Extra storage to eliminate clutter and good looks. That's a win win.
Then I found a wire magazine rack to hold some notebooks and papers that don't fit in the attached file cabinet and drawers.
It also helps to define the area.
Next up, I bought myself a comfortable and stylish office chair.
It blends in perfectly with the rest of the kitchen and gives me the support I need.
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| SIMILAR TUFTED DESK CHAIR |
The upholstery softens the look, while the nailheads and tufted back provide the charm.
But don't let them fool you, it swivels, adjusts up and down and has wheels, that allow me to move freely in my space. Just as a proper office chair should.
I also have great lighting, because that is essential in any work area.
In addition to a cute desk lamp, thrifted (big surprise), I also have under cabinet LED lighting.
Ours are hardwired and on a dimmer switch.
We installed them almost three decades ago when we added the kitchen. However, today, there are so many super options, some that don't require any wiring at all.
Peel and stick variations (<---like these) are very popular and just as effective.
At the time, we also installed this neat cord organizer.
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| CORD ORGANIZER |
I also didn't want to look at those ugly wires. So this inexpensive little number solved both of my problems, and while it wasn't a Kim kind of DIY, it was quick with the right tool.
And the right guy.
Although, even with that handy little gadget, my desk still wasn't really large enough for me to spread out and work efficiently. So I DIYed myself a nifty little cover for one of my desk drawers.
Complete with vintage style roses.
And problem solved.
When I need an additional flat work space, I have it. When I need to grab something in the drawer, I simply slide it back.
You can see the easy DIY here if you like. It honestly took me minutes to make. Oh and don't let that kitchen desk fool you.
You could easily use this idea on any freestanding desk drawer to increase the workspace.
No matter what room it's in.
Because honestly, all office spaces should be functional.
And charming.
Especially in the kitchen.
😉
Do you have a kitchen desk area?
Happy Decorating, Friends!
Your drawer diy is a nifty solution!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I have to say it's worked out really well. I don't know how I worked without it for all those years.
DeleteNo kitchen desk here, our kitchen is too small. I love, love, love your chair! And your idea for the drawer was brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mari!! I really needed more space, so I'm glad I was able to come up with something that worked...and I love the chair, too. It came from Pier 1. I miss that store!
DeleteKim I love your desk area. It is pretty and cheerful. I especially love the flat surface which you can slide back to reveal more storage. The magazine rack I though for sure you had thrifted.
ReplyDeleteThe magazine rack really does look like a second hand piece, Mary. I guess now it is! haha!! And thanks for the super kind words. Your comments always make me smile!
DeleteMy kitchen is too small for a desk area, but I sure love yours! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana!! Trust me, if we didn't have that awkward hallway space, my kitchen would be too small for one, too!
DeleteIt's perfect, Kim. We had several homes with built in desks and they always came in handy-although none were quite as charming as yours is. I just moved our upstairs office down to the spare bedroom (or moved part of it down). I still have to get it completely set up but the 'guts' of it are there waiting for me. lol
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful upcoming weekend. xo Diana
It sounds like you have a lovely new set up, Diana. I hope that you've had time to enjoy the space a little instead of just organizing it. Moving rooms, especially an office, when stair are involved isn't easy...and I know you already have a lot on your plate. I hope you get some time to relax this weekend, my friend. Feel good!! xo
DeleteI am actually considering making a similar area of my kitchen into a place where I can set a record player/tape deck combo. It was either that, or a bar area...I like your desk area. Its clean and neat. And yes, that magazine rack was worth it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I adore music, Gina. I have a speaker on my desk and play it loud when I get the chance...but a real record player set up in the kitchen sounds dreamy!!
DeleteYour work area is so cute. We spend a lot of our time on the computer so this space is just perfect. Cute and functional. I love the magazine rack for all your mags and books. You have utilized every inch in such great ways in your cottage home. Love it all Kim. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! It’s nice to have a designated area where I can sit at the computer when I like and/or do the bills, write my posts, look at my calendar…you know, all the stuff! In the kitchen, and covered with laminate counters, well, eh, it wasn’t my first choice, but it’s worked out well so far, and with a little bit of fabric, my favorite decor accent, I actually like the look.
DeleteHaving trouble commenting, this may come through twice!
ReplyDeleteLove how you've done this Kim, it looks so good :)
All the best Jan
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I absolutely love it! It looks so nice and kind of romantic and nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Nicole!! That comment just totally made my day, since that's the look I've been hoping for...❤️
DeleteI've cut a lot of costs associated with a desk area by using one of those foldable TV trays.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a creative DIY! I love it!!
DeleteA couple of houses ago I had a desk in the kitchen. It was always a disaster. I love the way that you have styled yours here, and I wish I could be as neat and tidy as you are when it comes to workspaces. Because I involve myself in so many things like bookmaking (actual books, I don’t play the ponies), journal making, etc., I have loads of scraps and lots of ephemera. I find it nearly impossible to keep that neat. I always figure that if I can make it to my desk without using a shovel, I’ve got half the battle one. I keep telling myself to organize my office/studio, but as soon as I do, it doesn’t last. What I really like here is that mug with matching saucer. The mug is so pretty, but I’ve never really seen a mug with a saucer that matches. I’m not sure why not, because it is an excellent idea.
ReplyDeletePattie, I hear you loud and clear. I think my lack of space is the reason all my crafts are quick and easy!! I was sewing this weekend - at the kitchen table, where I do all my crafts - and I had to stop as we were having friends over for a game night. Once they left, I set it all up again and continued. Trust me, I'm sure that if I had a designated craft room with a desk in it, I would need a shovel, too!! Also, your pony comment made me laugh. My dad loved the ponies!!
DeleteI do not have a kitchen desk, but I would like one. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd you have given me great ideas.
Love, Carla
Thanks Carla! It’s a nice addition…some days I just wish it was a big old wooden antique one, something really charming. Maybe someday, until then, this will do.
DeleteWhat a lovely work area! My desk is in my own little room, and Brian's desk is in his own room/office, so no need for a desk area in our kitchen. When we were raising our children, all the bedrooms were taken, so we did have an office area in the downstairs family room. That's where the family computer was. Complete with dial-up modem. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Melanie! It’s always nice to see you in the comments. That’s funny…a dial up modem! I remember them well and without even thinking about it, I can hear that noise in my head!! I hope you have a fabulous weekend. ☺️
DeleteNo desk in the kitchen but that's okay! I have a secretary in my bedroom, and I have a desk top computer in the office. You've made your desk fit well in that space and it's a wise use of space, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna! I never in a million years thought I'd have a desk in the kitchen, but here we are! I think a bedroom secretary is super charming. I wish I had room for one.
DeleteYour work space in the kitchen is darling Kim. We are compiling a list of things we want in our kitchen and hoping we can find someone who is willing to work with vintage materials, no such luck just yet, but this makes a lot of sense. I do not always like working at the dining room table. Makes a mess when folks walk in the door... oh well, I will admire your space, and see what we can come up with. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh Cara, I just commented to someone else, that we had to clean up my sewing project on the table when guests showed up and then had to set it up again when they left since that's my crafting area! I understand! I also understand trying to find a contractor that will accomodate our "creative" ideas!! Thankfully I have a DIY guy who can do it all, because if I didn't, well, I don't think I'd find anyone to engineer some of my wacky decor ideas!!
DeleteI love that you have a desk in your kitchen Kim. It's nice that you have your own private area for any work and blogging. I wish I had room in my small kitchen for a desk. I work on a lap top computer on the kitchen table or dinning room table.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! There are days when everyone is buzzing about the kitchen and I wish I had a designated office room in the house, but most of the time, I'm happy to be in the heart of the home! I hope you have a super weekend and a sunny one!
DeleteThank you, Jan! It's worked out well for us.
ReplyDelete