My Creative Workspace – Redesigned

The Big Idea
We had this extra “room” in our bedroom that was designated as the sitting/reading room right off of master bedroom. A cute idea, but honestly it felt like wasted space. The idea of sitting and reading together, sounds lovely, but unrealistic. I’m our home manager, managing our family and 4 kids schedule, our school schedules, carpools, vacations, doctors appointments, meal planning and everything else. Oh, and my own design fun!
I’ve been using our kitchen desk area to work, but this year has changed a little with our oldest needing more of a desk space for middle school home work. It was a perfect time for me to think about moving operations of Case de Sullivan to this area in our bedroom…. where it has amazing natural light and room for me to have quiet time, without the distraction of kitchen tasks… a place that I could focus on creative work too!
changes
We repainted all the walls in our home to Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray and brightened up the trim and doors with Benjamin Moore White Dove. When we changed the trim color it created a “problem” with the previous wood blinds that were off white wood blinds. The colors didn’t match. One of the first things we did was switch to more of a natural textured blind… we choose these beautiful greyish/natural woven wood blinds. We added a privacy liner on the back, which we didn’t do in the other living areas. The privacy line lets light in, but they can’t be seen through at night… They are sometimes called light filtering or privacy liners.
Side note, in the kids rooms we added a blackout shade on these same woven wood blinds. Amazing! They are beautiful, and they keep the room nice and dark.
I knew I wanted to add romantic drapery and found a light soft sheer belgian linen at Pottery Barn that we liked. I wanted soft and light.
Then there was the desk. It was left with the home and was in a finish of dark cherry. Nothing wrong with it… we just wanted to brighten it up and have it look/feel more natural.
I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey that we purchased at Haley’s Cottage (my in-laws store, they ship 🙂 ) and painted it first then I put a dark wax on top of it…. to give it a reclaimed wood look. I love it…and it works! I like my neutrals and it may be boring to some, but its simple and easy. I like to have basic neutral pieces and then add color with fresh flowers and seasonal decor and textiles, like pillows or throw blankets.
Lighting
Maybe I should’ve started talking about lighting. 🙂 I think the lighting is the beginning of the project… and often I start with lighting then back-fill all of the other elements. The window coverings in large part deal with lighting too…
I love lighting and beautiful lighting makes me swoon! I wanted a soft, wood beaded chandelier and found it at Pottery Barn. It adds the perfect eclectic look to this space. It really doesn’t emit a lot of light, more of a sparkle glow, but that’s okay. I love it!

Check out this beautiful little desk lamp! It is so pretty!

Soft Touches
When it comes to design and decor I lean towards simple, soft touches. With my desk area, I don’t keep a lot on it. Too much “stuff’ gives me an anxious brain and I can’t think clearly. I know… it’s how I’m wired. My hubby is the complete opposite. His office is piles of paper and boxes… I’ve tried to purge and clean for him, didn’t matter. It was a hot mess soon again. I keep his door closed… haha! As for my space, I want it to reflect calm, pretty and tidy. I love fresh blooms, music and a lit candle… Ahhh, It’s the best.
Here are the few of my go to items.
1. Pillows
2. Florals/greenery
3. Crates/storage baskets
4. Lamps
5. Candles
6. Window coverings
7. Paint on walls and trim
8. Art work


Before Pics
Here are some before pics of this space from the previous owners. They had it set up as a sitting/reading area… but I didn’t think that it would get used in this way with our family. In our last home, we had a lot of spaces that we didnt use and with this home we really wanted to make sure all of the spaces are functional… and pretty. I’m so glad with my hubby’s push we decided to re-design this corner of our room and I love how it turned out!


When it comes to usable spaces I think it is important to make a space that allows you to be creative and effective, while being rested and calm. This space isn’t 100% complete, there are some things I’d like to add…. shiplap (duh), hardwoods, a side table, etc….. but it already feels like such a retreat! Where’s mom? Oh she’s snuggled under this cozy throw. haha.
As we enter into this week of Thanksgiving… reminding myself of all that I’m thankful and grateful for. I’m thankful for our family and friends and for this house to call a home. It has been a fun year of creating and re-purposing and I’m thankful I’m venturing into this. My design background has been dormant for about 10 years while I’ve been staying home with the kiddos and I’m slowly easing into a couple projects and writing and sharing our remodel process.


Thank you for reading friends and hope you feel inspired to create a space that allows you to be creative and still.

Sources: Click here to see all of the sources for this project
Paint Colors: Agreeable Grey (SW) and White Dove (BM)
Desk Paint: Annie Sloane Chalk Paint, Paris Grey from Haley’s Cottage (360) 863-2009
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Hi, I’m Stephanie!
Wife. Mother of 4. Designer. Sharing styling inspiration and home decor tips. Thank you for stopping by, and please say hi if you have any feedback!
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