Today is the day that we chat about our Playroom Office Combo and hopefully you all will have some good ideas for me. If you remember when I posted last week about our renovation/remodel goals - I included refreshing the office/playroom space. The space is so uninspiring. When I was asked to be a part of a refresh challenge (this one is different than the $100 challenge where I'm working on my powder room), I jumped at the chance.
Seriously, how can I be creative in a space that's dark and dreary? How can I be inspired to write blog posts or do fun projects? How can I even get to my desk without tripping over toys?
Aren't you totally inspired by this gorgeous space?
If I'm completely honest, this is about how messy the space normally is.
Want to see the plan?
Too bad - I don't have a plan yet.
Well, I do have a plan but it's not a design plan. On the to-do list this week is to purge and organize.
I think I need to see what I have in here that's actually going to stay before I make a plan.
Any grand ideas that come in on the cheap side? Inspire me, please!
Hop around and see the other rooms in this challenge.
Casa Watkins Living // A Designer At Home // Bigger Than The Three Of Us // Domicile 37 // Fresh Crush // Iris Nacole // Monica Wants It // Pocketful of Posies // Seeking Lavender Lane // Sharon Joyce Interiors // This Is Our Bliss // Up To Date Interiors // Vintage Romance Style
Corinna - ADesignerAtHome
Girl, you are going to blow me away with what you come up with. Some bright white and chic storage will do wonders but that's all very generic. Banish the kids? lol... I kid. kinda 😉
Ashley Mayes
oh, I don't know! Don't get your hopes up. xoxo
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living
LMBO!!!!! Want to see the plan...too bad. LOL! now I wish I would have taken that route. I'm still on the fence with my design. 🙂 Can't wait to see how you lighten up this room. Meanwhile, I actually love the panels.
Ashley Mayes
Right, etc! Sometimes, I think I'm funny.
Jen @ Fresh Crush
This looks like a great choice for your space! I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks jen! I might have bitten off too much but we shall see.
Rachael @ This is our Bliss
I think we've been on the same wavelength with our room choices lately! I know this space is going to look so fresh and gorg when you put your touch on it. Can't wait to see you work your magic!!
Ashley Mayes
Hopefully! It's such a big space so I'm hoping that I can do something with it.
Deb
You are too funny! I think the space to start with is awesome. What a huge room with a fireplace and all!! I mean you're a design genius so it'll be amazing no matter what you do! Can't wait to see it all!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Deb! It is a great space, just very dark! I'm working with a very small budget so we shall see!
Carol @ CAD INTERIORS
Your humor cracks me up! The room has some great features, like the fireplace, wood floors, and natural light! 🙂 If the paneling isn't real wood, I'd spray the entire room a fresh new color (this alone will make it look/feel like a completely new room), update the ceiling fan/lighting, sprinkle in plants and textiles/accessories, and call it a day! Love your style, so I know it's gonna be good. 🙂
Ashley Mayes
haha, thanks Carol! I totally agree that it has good bones. The paneling is actual wood and very nice - just not my style. BUT, I don't have an specific plan for the space longterm. I know I want it to have built-ins and have more of a library feel so I don't want to paint or anything until I've decided on that. BUT, small updates ... yes!
Jessica
This is such a great space. I am a little jealous that you have a basement. When we were looking for a house, we were looking for a place with a basement (so I can turn it into a playroom) but found this gem instead. I would most certainly keep the paneling the same color, it has a nice color to it....but I would paint the bookshelf and trim a nice dark cold (i.e. black). I would personally paint the fireplace as well..that is me. If you are trying to brighten the space, you can go all white and paint the fireplace a nice dark complementary color or keep it the same.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Jessica! This actually is just the entryway level (we have a basement too but it's a dungeon - basically super dark and not renovated). I really like your idea to paint the bookcase... I'm going to have to think about that!
Sharon Williams
That's a great space you're working with! The fireplace is beautiful and such a great feature. We had a fireplace door that was identical to yours and removed it--the fireplace looked so much more streamlined and modern. I think I remember you weren't up for painting the paneling, if memory serves. If that's the case, brighter furnishings and accessories will make the paneling look modern. The rest of your house is so fresh that I know you'll come up with something wonderful in this space!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Sharon! I never thought to remove it! I'm going to go and take a look at it right now!
Iris Nacole
I know that whatever you come up with for this space is going to end up being just as amazing as the rest of your home. You have the talent girl! Can't wait to follow along!
Ashley Mayes
Oh gosh, I don't know about that. Your encouragement though is much-needed. =)
Kathryn Baugher
Oh, I know you'll do something beautiful to lighten the space! The room has a lot of character and some good pieces in it. Your style will fit the space perfectly!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kathryn! I hope to add a butt-load of plants!
Cat @ Pocketful of Posies
Ashley,
I'm really excited about your room makeover! I love your eclectic style and I just know your play room make over is going to be stunning!!
Cat
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Cat! I have so much to do still!
mavenlink login
I think I remember you weren’t up for painting the paneling, if memory serves. If that’s the case, brighter furnishings and accessories will make the paneling look modern
Ashley Mayes
Yep, that's right... no painting yet. I'm hoping brighter furnishings will make all the difference.
Monica
This space has a lot of potential! Can't wait to see what you do.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Monica! I'm hoping it's a ton better than where we started so we shall see!