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11 Magnolia Lane

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Operation: Organization 2014 ~ Christy’s Organized Computer Armoire

January 10, 2014 By Christy 21 Comments

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2733 shares
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operation organization button

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.

computer armoire chalkboard bulletin board

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:

cream colored computer armoire

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.

scrapbook paper in computer armoire

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).

toile photo storage boxes

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}.

bill and file storage

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:

chalkboard doors computer armoire

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.

computer-armoire-right-side

bulletin board inside computer armoire door

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.

file drawers chalkboard labels

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!

burlap skirt computer

Here’s the problem area–it’s really not too bad, but it looks so much better covered up.

computer-armoire-printer

And since I have burlap valances on my kitchen windows, it ties it all together.

DIY-burlap-valances

I clearly have a black and white obsession!

computer-armoire-notebook

And a “B” obsession, too!

computer-armoire-basket

computer-armoire-Bs

The scale was $2 at a yard sale–score!

computer-armoire-scale

I love using vintage silver sugar bowls and creamers to hold pens, cards, and thumbtacks.  This one was $3 at Goodwill:

computer-armoire-cards

computer armoire black white

computer-armoire-closed-table

computer-armoire-organized

Now, on to the next project!

*****

You can follow the Operation: Organization Pinterest board {here}.

Here’s the rest of the all-star lineup for Operation: Organization:

Friday, 1/3:  Janis at All Things Beautiful
Saturday, 1/4: Amanda at Dixie Delights
Monday, 1/6: Samantha at Simply Organized
Tuesday, 1/7: Amanda at Burlap & Denim
Wednesday, 1/8: Julie at Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss
Thursday, 1/9: Debbie at reFresh reStyle
Friday, 1/10: Christy at 11 Magnolia Lane
Saturday, 1/11: Jenn at My Fabuless Life
Sunday, 1/12: Terry at 11 Magnolia Lane
Monday, 1/13:  Amy at 11 Magnolia Lane
Thanks for stopping by!

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Filed Under: Burlap Projects, Chalkboards, DIY/Projects/Tutorials, Furniture, Operation: Organization Series, ORGANIZATION, Organization

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Danelle says

    January 10, 2014 at 8:04 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 10, 2014 at 4:46 pm

      Too funny, Danelle! Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be stuck at home so you have to get stuff done.

      Reply
  2. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    January 10, 2014 at 10:28 am

    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

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 10, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      Thank you, Shelley. I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying it now that I’ve gotten it organized!

      Reply
  3. Shirley@housepitality designs says

    January 10, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    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!!!…

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 11, 2014 at 12:49 pm

      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! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Pat says

    January 10, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks, Pat! I’m in–just let me know when and where!

      Reply
  5. Janis@All Things Beautiful says

    January 11, 2014 at 1:41 am

    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

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks, Janis. I won’t lie, those doors are open all. day. long! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Pamela says

    January 11, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    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*

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 12, 2014 at 8:50 am

      Thanks, Pamela! Now, go forth and organize! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Glenda says

    January 11, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    Wonderful idea and i am amazed you found an armoire to fit an imac

    Reply
    • Christy says

      January 12, 2014 at 8:53 am

      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!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    February 6, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    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!!!!

    Reply
    • Christy says

      February 7, 2014 at 8:09 am

      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!

      Reply
  9. Mary-Elizabeth says

    August 16, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
  10. Mary-Elizabeth says

    August 16, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    For $60!

    Reply
    • Christy says

      August 17, 2014 at 8:30 am

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Debbie says

    March 22, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Christy says

      March 22, 2019 at 11:30 pm

      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.

      Reply

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  • MEET CHRISTY & AMY
    • IF YOU’RE NEW HERE…
    • WORK WITH US
    • 11 MAGNOLIA LANE 101
    • DISCLOSURE + PRIVACY (the fine print)
    • BEST OF 11 MAGNOLIA LANE
    • Back
  • TOUR OUR HOMES
    • TOUR OUR HOMES
    • CHRISTY’S MAGNOLIA COTTAGE
    • CHRISTY’S MCC HOUSE
    • AMY’S NEW HOME BUILD
    • HOLIDAY HOME TOUR SERIES
    • SPRING HOME TOUR SERIES
    • Back
  • CELEBRATIONS
    • EVENTS + ENTERTAINING
    • GIFTS
    • HOLIDAYS
    • RECIPES
    • Back
  • HOME
    • CLEANING
    • DECORATING
    • ORGANIZING
    • ROOM BY ROOM
      • BATHROOMS
      • BEDROOMS
      • CLOSETS
      • CRAFT ROOMS + OFFICES
      • DINING ROOMS
      • KIDS’ ROOMS
      • KITCHENS
      • LAUNDRY ROOMS
      • LIVING + GREAT ROOMS
      • OTHER SPACES
      • PANTRIES
      • PLAYROOMS + BONUS ROOMS
      • PORCHES + OUTDOOR SPACES
      • Back
    • TIPS
    • Back
  • SHOP
    • SHOP OUR INSTAGRAM
    • SHOP OUR AMAZON STORE
    • FRIDAY FAVORITE FINDS
    • 11 ML ETSY SHOP
    • 11ML ORGANIZING SHOP
    • Back
  • PROJECTS
    • CRAFTS
    • DIY PROJECTS + TUTORIALS
    • FURNITURE
    • PRINTABLES
    • WINDOWS, DOORS, + WALLS
    • Back
  • LIFE
    • FRIDAY FREE FOR ALL
    • HEALTH
    • SIMPLY ON SUNDAY
    • TRAVEL
    • Back
  • CONTACT
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
2733 shares
  • 11