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.
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.
I think we need one good “before” in here for dramatic effect.
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.
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.
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!
You may think the second image is tidier, but I really just cropped out all the clutter.
But back to this copper glorgiousness. Obviously I can’t do anything at all anymore without a healthy dose of copper.
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?
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.
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 hang heavy shelves on horsehair plaster walls
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!
What a transformation! Your new workspace is gorgeous <3
Thank you so much Fran! I’m kind of in love with it. 🙂
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!!
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
OMG what a change! I bet it must feel so good to finally have a place to work. Love that desk and the storage boxes!
It sooooo does!! Now I only have to sit on the couch when I WANT to, lol! xoxo
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 😉
Thank you thank you, Tan!! I feel like Mr. Cumming is a really indispensable part of the look! <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 🙂
Thank you so so much, Marwa! That means a lot to hear. I love that we both have brand new workspaces for our creative projects! xoxo
This looks amazing!! I cant wait to see the copper DIY (we know I love me some copper!)
Hahaha oh I know you do! <3
It’s gorgeous! Love all the little details and so excited to see the post on that copper wall!
Thanks so much, Bre! xoxo
This is so so good, friend! Want to come over and do mine? Love how bright and pretty this is!
Haha, gladly! We would have so much fun styling epic photoshoots! <3
It looks so great! I love this little nook and how you added touches of you with plants and copper accents!
Thank you so much Sarah! It does feel really me and that’s definitely my favorite thing about it! 🙂
It looks so great, Marlene! Having everything organized and pretty is like the best feeling in the world, right? And now I feel like I need a vintage label maker. 🙂
You absolutely need a vintage label maker!!! Thank you and yes it feels so good! <3
This turned out SO gorgeous! What an amazing use of that corner space. I absolutely love the copper bulletin board too.