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Scandinavian Workspace Makeover — The Reveal

06.01.16
This post is sponsored by IKEA Stoughton, but all opinions are entirely my own!

Last weekend I went to a wedding where I contracted some sort of awful plague. As I write this, the remnants of two boxes of tissues are strewn around me, I’m binge-watching Frasier, and my throat is so hoarse I sound like a 50-year old chain smoker who just ran a mile.

But I don’t care because my Scandinavian workspace makeover is FINALLY finished.

I’ll skip the usual apologies and reasons and blah blah blah let’s just get to the pictures.

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace.

It's so easy to create a Scandinavian workspace in your rental apartment.

Insert squeal of delight here.

In case you missed the rest of the workspace makeover saga, I’ve already published a whole heap of embarrassing before pictures. The short version is that everything was cluttered and dysfunctional. Too little work area in one room, too large a desk in another.

Nothing a trip (or three) to IKEA can’t solve.

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace.

I think we need one good “before” in here for dramatic effect.

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace.

After years of hunching over the coffee table with a hot glue gun or typing away in a dark corner of the bedroom, it feels so good to have this bright, open, plant-filled and neatly organized corner all to myself.

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace.

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace. Some of my larger craft stashes are still in boxes under the bed (it’s not hoarding, it’s being prepared), but the bulk of my tools and supplies are tucked away into accessible TJENA boxes that I labeled with a vintage-style DYMO label maker.

Scandinavian Workspace Reveal with IKEA @idlehandsawake

Any overflow can go into this beautiful NORDEN folding table which has transformed the other side of the living room. Look how much better that is!

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace.

Scandinavian Workspace Reveal with IKEA @idlehandsawake

You may think the second image is tidier, but I really just cropped out all the clutter.

Love this Scandinavian workspace makeover with white open shelves, plenty of storage for craft supplies, and a gorgeous DIY copper inspiration board.

But back to this copper glorgiousness. Obviously I can’t do anything at all anymore without a healthy dose of copper.

Scandinavian Workspace Reveal with IKEA @idlehandsawake

It’s a DIY project involving an inexpensive IKEA product and you’ll never believe how easy it is to make. I’m intentionally trying to build anticipation for my next post, so play along, ok?

Love this Scandinavian workspace makeover with white open shelves, plenty of storage for craft supplies, and a gorgeous DIY copper inspiration board.

It's so easy to create a Scandinavian workspace in your rental apartment.

Love this Scandinavian workspace makeover with white open shelves, plenty of storage for craft supplies, and a gorgeous DIY copper inspiration board.

I feel just a little more grown-up now that I have a real DESK and STORAGE and ART.

Now who wants to place a bet to see how long it takes me to clutter it all up again? Loser has to pay for the next trip to the plant store.

See how I turned a cluttered corner in my living room into a dreamy Scandinavian inspired workspace.

Sources:

+++ desk shelves – ALGOT system (see this post for the complete shopping list and step-by-step tutorial on how to install the shelves)

+++ storage boxes – TJENA

+++ lamps – HEKTAR

+++ black plant pots – SINNERLIG small and large

+++ wood plant stand – SKOGSTA

+++ terra cotta plant pot – INGEFÄRA

+++ chair – CB2 (similar)

+++ throw – TEJN

+++ folding table – NORDEN

+++ copper inspiration board – DIY (coming soon!)

+++ leather handle storage box – DIY

+++ pineapple candle – Target

+++ copper bulldog clips – Urban Outfitters

Art:

+++ watercolor peacock – Squirrelly Minds Paper Shop

+++ black and white print – Celine Printables

+++ botanical print – Amber Alexander

+++ portrait – Kristine Brookshire

+++ “I Hope We All Win” quote – Good In Store

+++ photos by me, printed by Artifact Uprising

+++ wood photo holder by The Crafted Life (Rachel’s Etsy shop is on break, but you can still visit her beautiful blog!)

Read the whole series:

Scandinavian workspace inspiration for renters

Scandinavian workspace makeover — Before

How to shop IKEA like a pro

How to hang heavy shelves on horsehair plaster walls

DIY Copper Inspiration Board

This post was generously sponsored by IKEA Stoughton, but my words and opinions are my own, pinky promise. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that keep Idle Hands Awake blogging!

Author: Marlene @ Idle Hands Awake

Maker, baker, cat momma, total nerd, perpetually covered in glitter/sawdust/paint. Blogging DIY and design for modern creatives.

22 comments on “Scandinavian Workspace Makeover — The Reveal”

  1. Just stunning and that copper magnetic board…. show stopper! I love all the layers of organization you now have without it looking overly utilitarian. Bravo friend!!

    1. THANK YOU! I was a little worried the open storage might look cluttered but I think the boxes make it work. Also I think my new DIY mantra is to wrap everything in copper foil. 😉 Thanks so much for your kind thoughts, friend! xoxo

  2. This looks INCREDIBLE Marlene!!!! My gosh! I love the storage bins underneath that section of desk. Such a genius use of space! And Mister Cumming the peacock looks mighty fine there 😉

  3. Wow! I just finished my workspace but I am swooning over yours. Every piece is well placed and fits in well as a whole. Those planters are beautiful. All that storage is so needed. Well done Marlene!! Really really happy to see your beautiful workspace! Very well designed 🙂

  4. This looks amazing!! I cant wait to see the copper DIY (we know I love me some copper!)

  5. It’s gorgeous! Love all the little details and so excited to see the post on that copper wall!

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