Hello lovely friends! So we’re back today with our studio all finished up ready to share with you guys!
If you remember, this was our veranda… (see: me using pretentious names for our home) but once we finished our back yard redo we were ready to make this space full time functional for our family beyond a sitting space. We realized we didn’t really use it as much as we should, and I truly needed a workspace of my own. Deciding to home school really kind of threw us out of whack (I’m pretty sure between that and trying to throw two rooms together, we’re just glad we didn’t die) and we knew we needed the space more than ever. Not only for keeping me organized, but the kids as well. I was able to share a sneak peek of sorts a few weeks ago (there was much hissing and gnashing of teeth) when the blue stripes came down… and we were ready to finish this space. You’ll be pleased to know we still kept some of that glorious blue.
This room, once an outdoor porch, is long and narrow. We went back and forth with a few ideas, but in the end settled on this one: a simple, fun space for work and play. We’re really thrilled with this one of a kind space. So without further ado…
I knew I needed a little practical storage, and a desktop space with lots of room to work. We scored this amazing vintage brass desk at a local flea market and thanked the lucky decor gods for the find before returning home.
Just kidding.
We totally had our welder friend help us make this, and then I lost my ever loving mind and decided to gold leaf the entire thing before topping it with glass. If any of you have ever gold leafed anything before, you know that I truly am crazy. The only thing is, I’d never gold leafed anything in my life… and therefore I nearly stabbed out my eyeballs after I glued myself to said gold leafing for the 555,555,555 time in 2.5 days. Also? I brought a whole new meaning to the words Walmart feet. As in glued on layers. But more on that, and other adventures in idiot decorating, coming up. ;} Stay tuned.
We made this giant board from planks of wood, and after painting it, topped it off with plexi glass. It’s my very own gigantic inspiration board, where I can write reminders, to-do’s and tape up the things I love. When it has nothing on it? A fun little piece of art.
This glorious kilim rug was an ebay score, and I want to roll around on it and wear it like Joseph and his coat of many colors. Only it kinda smells like a market somewhere in Turkey and so I won’t and I’m still looking for my Febreze that’s been lost somewhere.
Shelves that keep it simple and neat with practical storage underneath.
And my favorite part about this desk. That you can look down, and see what’s in it. Practical? No. And yes. I wanted a work space that inspired me. So it feels a lot like it’s own little work of art to me, makes me stay organized, and keeps it pretty.
The lighting in this space is truly fantastic, so if we want to pull up that rug and break out the paint, it’s the perfect area. Or sketch out a few ideas on the roomy desk… so be it. If the kids want to play some games on the computer, they can do that, too. Versatile and useful.
Remember this chair? And everyone needs their own furry orange pillow, no? And in the morning, that wonky mirrorball (Emerson has adopted the other one) sparkles and shimmers and the entire room is alive with fun.
Maybe I need to get out more.
I lined this entire piece with polkadot oilcloth, and it may have been on par with the skill level that it takes to gold leaf my face. Measuring is hard. But oh so worth it to have that little glimpse of fun when that door opens.
This piece came with beautiful clear knobs, but they weren’t working in the space. I love them so I’m holding on to them for something else, but in the meantime? I loved the look of some that I found online, but not the price. (Around fifty bucks a pop were not in the budget) I gold leafed some fun chunky pieces I had, for a fun punchy look on this piece. It fits.
We made these crates, and with felt on the bottom, they slide easily in and out of the compartments for the desk. Like massive sliding drawers.
We love this fun space. It’s secretly for me, but friendly for the entire family. We’ve been hard at work on this space and the new playroom, and we’re just super relieved to have our home back in working order. Mostly. Now of only someone could tackle that laundry for me…
Stay tuned for the playroom reveal next week, and we’ll have the sources coming up very soon.
Have an inspired day, friends!
Riverbend Home says
What a transformation. This looks like a great space for productivity and play.
Nice work!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you! ;}
Beth @ Design Your Dwelling says
Oh my goodness – it is such a great space, I love it! š
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Beth! We’re excited to have a space dedicated to work ;}
Anna @ A Good Home says
Wow lady, that is glorious! I’m totally in love with your desk! What a great space š
Tanny S says
That rug is amazing! Where’s it from? Such a great update to a unique space. Awesome work!
Tania says
Oh. My. Stars. This is hands down, my favorite room you have ever done. I love EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. I love that rug (I want to wear it too!) and I love the desk, especially the gold leafing so so freaking much. I love the ceiling color and the wall colors and the lack of stripes and just about freaking everything. It’s gorgeous and brilliant and makes my eyes smile.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Tania! Your sweet words mean so much! You should see it when the sun is hitting it in the morning, and there are sparkles ;} It makes me happy. ;} We’re just glad to have our house back in order!
Amber says
The space looks awesome, so bright and cheery! I just found your blog yesterday and I’m loving it. š
Kathryn says
Wow!! The space is gorgeous! That chandalier is something else! I love every single thing you did in the space! xoxo
Erin Billups says
OMG! (I never say that so I really really mean it! Although I’m in the oh my gosh fan club) That board! I’ve been looking for inspiration for something to go over our couch and just haven’t seen anything I love. . .until now. I am so going to draw up something similar to make. I love bright colors so I’m thinking a pattern with yellow, white and wood. Thank you thank you! Love everything y’all do.
Brie says
Looks AMAZING Ashley!!!! SO creative, LOVE the dry erase board, tutorial please?=)
I have NO idea how you get all this done! Homeschooling my 3 keeps my days pretty full=) You are my hero
hugs,
-Brie
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! We’re absolutely exhausted. ;} We just wanted our house back, so we put all our energy into homeschooling and putting spaces together. Over it! But glad it’s together!
Ash says
For a second there, I thought you stole Emerson’s disco ball. :::eeek:::: HA!
Mirinda says
Love this space. I thought I was in love with my workspace, but now I’m rethinking it in the best way. Inspirational.
Stephanie says
Ohmygod, girl, I love this room! I totally want to try to gold leaf something too, so now after seeing that desk I absolutely will. Message about glue feet duly noted. Love those crates, and I’m sure (pretty please?) a tutorial will be coming. Also, thanks for the tutorial on the shelf brackets. Love them too! Awesome – i know your family will really USE that space now.
Kitty says
Well done!! I love your new studio space. It makes me happy just to look at all of those sunshiney colors. I know you must be thrilled š
Ashley@BiggerthantheThreeofUs says
Love everything about the room! I hope you’ll share a tutorial for that wall art…seriously gorgeous! Do you mind sharing the seller on Etsy for the rug? Love that as well!
Kim says
You are un.BE.lievable in all things decor related š I may or may not have a teensy lady crush on you (but not in the freaky, stalker kind of way, I swear I’m a normal NYC mom of 2 littles). I love everything about this space. Period! Well done!
Jess says
you have now just made me laugh out loud twice reading random posts. I’m hooked. But will you please put an arrow to your next post or something so I don’t have to keep going back and up and all around, so that I can review all the hilarity in succession, pllleeeaaaseee? (There is a very good chance that you have done this and I just can’t find it, so, if so, my apologies as I can for sure be computer challenged)
Lucia says
I would also love to know who this ebay seller was,if you recommend him/her. Have been looking for a kilim for a good long while now, but afraid to take the plunge, esp. on a large international purchase. If you would share your experience that would be fantastically helpful, but totally understand if not.
Lucia
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yes! We have all those sources coming up soon! ;}
Lisa says
Looks soooooo good! I am having a mild heart-attack just thinking about if the desk lamp hits the glass desk though…maybe only with my children though š
holly newel says
Ohh da lolly! Love it, and the sparkly bits reflect your personality. Well done.
Kristin says
Absolutely love it! Thank you for sharing all of the pictures too. Such great ideas!
jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says
Love this! Perfect color coordinates, fun and lively š
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Jessica! ;}
Kelly McDonald says
It looks amazing! I would love to know where you scored the chandelier. I can’t wait for a post with some of the other sources.
laura says
This room is unbelievable! The rug is so awesome!!! I am in love with it! the colors are stunning! The desk is so creative with the baskets and labels! And I love the triangle artwork! Great great work!!
Laura
Laura @ Finding Home says
looks so great – love the rug!
Krist E says
Love that desk! It is so unique! and the colorful rug, etc., what a fun area you have created. Great Job!
Randi Froug says
OMG, I loooooove the ceiling color soooo much! Can you source that for me right now?
Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says
Truly inspiring! LOVE it all! My 13 year old daughter found your blog and I almost didn’t get her to school on time this morning for her soaking in all of this beauty! She says, “Mom, they are so my style!” And, I have to agree with her! Just the right amount of playful with sophistication. I’m going to talk to my welder friend and see if we can’t get a similar desk made. And, even though I have never gold leafed anything, and even though you said it was exasperating. I think I want to try it anyway š Life to the full! Melissa
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe how sweet! Thank you so much! And go for the desk. Totally worth the work!
Jennifer Talley says
Beautiful updates! I always love your ideas!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Jennifer! ;}
Michelle @ Ten June says
Wow… girl, you’ve officially got me on the gold leaf train. Grocery store feet and all! : ) This space is incredible. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing work product that comes out of this room. So inspiring!
Christie says
I love it!! And your style is changing, and I love that, too. = )
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you! ;}
Abbie (M is for Mama) says
Um, YES! That rug is the BOMB (dated? yes, but still true). Seriously, woman. Y’all outdid yourselves. And kudos to you on hanging in there with the gold-leafing craziness. I might have gone to the looney bin!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you! And I still use Bomb and Rad. So whatever. ;}
Judy says
The desk is indeed stunning. What I love the most is its originality. I have never seen anything like it. It just goes perfectly with the “rug of many colors.” Great job and thanks for the tutorial.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Judy! ;}
Sadie says
Hi! Love this studio, just sent the link to my Dad, because he can weld, and you better believe I’m hoping to have a similar desk one day! But I was curious, what happened to the adorable Teepee that was in here? Because I loved that too! I’m sure whatever design you’ve created is perfect, love every space in your house! Keep posting! š
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Sadie! It’s stowed away and we bring it out around the house randomly so it never gets old! ;} Thanks so much for your sweet words!
Leah says
What is the ceiling paint color? Iām trying to find the perfect happy-summery seafoam and I love this look š is it just like the pictures or are pictures brightened?
ashley @ the handmade home says
I believe it’s Robin’s Egg from Benjamin Moore. I hope that helps!