Can you believe it’s already Day #7 of Operation: Organization? We’ve had so many creative bloggers share their ideas over the past week. I’ve pinned everything, and it’s time to get to work!
Today I’m sharing my computer armoire. I decorated the inside to make it as beautiful, organized and functional as possible, because in our current home, it’s our ONLY office area.
This is a medium-quality computer armoire that we’ve had for about seven or eight years. I think it was part of the Christopher Lowell Collection at Office Max, but it’s been a long time! It’s a distressed cream-colored wood, with glass shelves.
It lives in the kitchen, in our breakfast nook, and this is what it looks like when it’s closed:
Because it’s open almost all day long, I wanted it to be pretty. Years ago, I “wallpapered” the back, using scrapbook paper in a toile pattern and spray glue.
I also found some coordinating photo, file, and paper storage boxes in toile, damask, and harlequin diamond patterns (most from HomeGoods), which I use to store office supplies, computer discs and cables, and my overwhelmingly large collection of paint chips. 🙂 The silver bowl holds business cards, and the wire basket holds notepads (I’m addicted to notepads).
I have a collection of black and white binders and magazine storage files that I use to stash school papers, bills, and other pieces of paper that I use daily (there’s a drawer down below for other file storage).
The printable that I made for military spouses is on the wall and you can print that {here}.
A few days ago, I decided to use Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint on the inside door panels so I could keep track of all of my various lists. I usually have a half-dozen sticky notes on the computer reminding me what I need to do next! I love being able to glance over and see what’s on my list:
On the right door, I painted one chalkboard section, but I already had made the bottom section a bulletin board long ago, simply by cutting cork squares to fit, glueing them in place, and then covering them with scrapbook paper.
The drawers are labeled with wooden plaques that I sprayed with chalkboard paint (I posted about them here when I used them as Thanksgiving place cards). They’re attached with hot glue.
Because the printer and paper aren’t very pretty, I made a burlap skirt to cover the bottom shelves and attached it with a tension rod. The burlap is from Online Fabric Store and was in my swag bag from the Haven conference this summer. I absolutely love having the skirt over the trouble area!
Here’s the problem area–it’s really not too bad, but it looks so much better covered up.
And since I have burlap valances on my kitchen windows, it ties it all together.
I clearly have a black and white obsession!
And a “B” obsession, too!
The scale was $2 at a yard sale–score!
I love using vintage silver sugar bowls and creamers to hold pens, cards, and thumbtacks. This one was $3 at Goodwill:
Now, on to the next project!
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You can follow the Operation: Organization Pinterest board {here}.
Here’s the rest of the all-star lineup for Operation: Organization:
I’ve been on an organizational kick too. We were snowed in for 4 days and I got a million things done! I loved it. To tell you the truth, I was a little sad when the snow plow went by. Ha! Have a great weekend.
Too funny, Danelle! Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be stuck at home so you have to get stuff done.
What a beautiful computer area! You have made such great use of all the space and the “wallpaper” and burlap make it so pretty!
-Shelley
Thank you, Shelley. I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying it now that I’ve gotten it organized!
Oh how I would love to have an amazing armoire as yours…it is not only so very functional and organized, but gorgeous too!…love the black and white!!!…
Thanks, Shirley. I think I’d rather have an actual office, like in our last two homes, but since I have to cram it all in this armoire, at least I like how it looks! 🙂
LOVE it! You’ve done such a marvelous job with the decor ~ love black & white! ~ and the organization. Would you please come here and help me? 🙂 Honestly, it’s awesome!
xo
Pat
Thanks, Pat! I’m in–just let me know when and where!
Oh WoW Christy!! So lovely! Absolutely love the black and white! The chalkboard panels are awesome too! I’d say leave those doors wide open, because you’ve got some pretty things in there people should see. I also collect silver creamers, etc. Yours is fabulous!!! xoxo
Thanks, Janis. I won’t lie, those doors are open all. day. long! 🙂
There is so many great ideas in this one post. I really need to get my office armoire organized, too. Your post is very inspiring.
*Smiles*
Thanks, Pamela! Now, go forth and organize! 🙂
Wonderful idea and i am amazed you found an armoire to fit an imac
Thanks, Glenda. We’ve actually had this armoire for about eight years, and decided to remove a shelf so that the iMac would fit. There used to be a wooden shelf and a glass shelf right above the computer; now there’s only a glass shelf. I don’t think we would have been able to do that if this was an older (vintage) piece, but since I put this baby together way back when, I knew how to take it apart, too. It works for us!
Holy cow this is soooo cute! I have this same armoire and have purchased a new desk for myself with the intention of replacing it in my studio. I just might have to keep it, redo it like you did and FIND somewhere to put it to good use, lol!!! FAB idea!!!!
Thanks, Jennifer. If it makes you feel any better, I was ready to get rid of the armoire in our last house, but now I’m glad I held onto it for this house!
I have this exact piece of furniture! I bought it from an online yard sale for my embroidery machine and sewing fabrics! I love the ideas- thanks!
For $60!
Nice score! I bought mine new (although it’s probably been 8-10 years ago) and I think it was almost $500–gulp! What a good idea to repurpose it for crafting! Another reader used an old baker’s rack for hers, but I think I like this better because you can close the doors on the mess. 🙂
I have this armoire, too (yes I paid that big price, as well *gulp*) but it has been an awesome piece! I also have two matching bookcases that flank it. My question is how did you get the chalkboard paint to adhere, I didn’t have such luck with the same brand of paint. If I remember correctly, I primed it first. Did you sand it before painting? Love your styling of the cabinet! Thanks!
I didn’t do anything before I painted (not even priming!). I probably took the can to the store and had them shake it though, because chalkboard paint tends to settle and separate quickly. Stirring doesn’t quite do the trick. Maybe that would help if you need to give it another coat down the road.
I just sold this armoire when we downsized. Another Army spouse bought it and I know it went to a happy home. It was such a great piece and we got so many years of use out of it. I’m glad you’re still enjoying yours.