A Vintage- Inspired Workspace Refresh

One of my design goals this year has been to refresh my home workspace. I’ve been dreaming and scheming since January and earlier this month the process started.

A few weeks ago I got a new computer to help manage the upcoming needs of my family and Pine Daisy House. Next on the schedule was a desk and office storage update. So let’s dive right in, shall we?

(Disclosure: Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Read about affiliate link usage here.)

A New Life for My Vintage Desk

I’ve had my desk for several years. It was a craigslist bargain and came from a sweet mining town in Colorado. I’ve loved using it, in its original state, for all this time but I was ready to switch things up in a big way. So I chalk painted it!

I used Waverly chalk paint upon the recommendation of a favorite of mine on Instagram. I’m not new to the world of chalk paint but if you are, here is the quick run down.

I only wiped and cleaned all the surfaces before I started painting, I didn’t sand the piece at all. So once it’s clean just start painting. Chalk paint is thick and a little goes A LONG way. I did three coats on all the surfaces except the top. All in all I only got through 3/4 of the 16 oz container of Waverly paint that I had.

Once it was painted and dry I sanded, by hand, the corners and few of the drawer fronts to lightly distress the desk. I used 120 grit sand paper.

After another quick wipe down with a damp rag I clear waxed all the painted surfaces. I used Annie Sloan Clear Wax and after one or two coats I buffed the surface lightly with a dry rag.

Finally, I reassembled the desk with the drawers and hardware. Then placed it back in a small nook in our front room.

A New Shelf and Some Styling

After measuring I realized that I needed a counter height cube shelf. It’s a place to store my camera gear, Intentional Living Tool supplies, and household finances. My desk sits on a short wall with a very small nook for storage beside it. I jokingly call it my cubicle, ha! So storage is at a premium and I have always struggled to make it all work.

My son kindly built the shelf while I sifted through my desk supplies and purged all the unnecessary clutter.

I set up a new lamp, several thrifted items, small decor accessories, a small desktop organizer and was almost finished. Oh, and can I just say, I’m in love with the faux Ranunculus I found to place in my white pitcher. Also, I placed a beautiful leather file caddy on the floor under my desk then had only one thing left to do. My wall decor.

A Shiplap Frame and Some Vintage Florals

Recently, a friend was clearing away some clutter and didn’t have a use for a beautiful handmade, shiplap backed, wall frame that matched my new desk perfectly. I centered it and hung it be the focal point of the entire mini-office nook. It was after all the inspiration for the desk redo.

After a quick internet search I found this blog with free Vintage Floral/Botanical prints. A few went perfectly with my decor. I printed them on cardstock at 50%, cut them carefully, then hung them on the sweet little picture hooks within the frame. It was the perfect finishing touch to the entire small space.

The Final Workspace Reveal and Sources

The final product is just gorgeous. I couldn’t be happier. Adding the sweet vintage floral touches, and the yellow Ranunculus just makes me so happy. I love working in this sweet teensy space.

• 6 Cube Shelf
• Desktop Organizer
• Bird Vases
• Small bunch of Jade Stems
• Faux Leather File Sorter
• Collapsible Storage Bin
• Magnolia Wreat
• Square Wire Basket
• Desk Lamp
• A Favorite Candle
• White Ceramic Pitcher

No matter the space you work in spending a few minutes and even dollars to really make it a place you are proud of is worth it!

For you and your intentional home,

Edi