Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Steamer Trunks & An Office Makeover Update

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Just guess what I've been up to! You've got it -the home office makeover- painting, painting and more painting! Isn't it funny, I've had a nook in my bedroom that I've been using for twelve years- it's been a little crowded at times but it has worked. Now I have an 11x13 foot room, all to myself, and I can't figure out where everything is going to go. Before I show off the new shelving unit I made to help solve that problem, I want to show you some amazing old and new trunks. I love the vintage-y feel of old luggage and trunks. Even though they were originally meant for lugging around our belongings, they don't scream out - "Hey, I'm storage! when you use them as part of your decor. While they hang out in your room looking pretty, they can hold an enormous amount of stuff!

Ralph Lauren Home via saks.com

horchow.com




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danmartydesign.com

This last one is the one that has really inspired me. I love the wood tones with the white. If I was a really good blogger I would have thought to take a picture of my trunk when there was actually some natural light in our room. I'll spare you a bad pic- trust me, it's getting a makeover before it goes into the office. 
{I promise I'll remember to take a "before" pic.}

Speaking of the new office....

I have to tell you I could not sleep a few nights ago trying to figure out where everything is going to go and feeling frantic because the house has been turned upside down by this little project AND we are having one of those big family parties in two weeks! {My youngest was born on Halloween} I've always had stuff in about five different places in our house and when working on a project I would have to go upstairs, downstairs, in there, under there and so on but now...YEAH, it will be in one place! I hope! 


The bottom pieces are all painted and I added the few pieces of molding that were never added when I originally made them. Later this week I'll show you them from the back so you can see how simple they were to construct. I'd show you now but again with the bad blogger thing- no pic on hand ;)

The enormous wall section was put together on the floor using 1x12's and screws. We're not talking fine cabinetry here! That's what is nice about a "lower level" office! I just cut the pieces to size with a circular saw. The ends have a very simple curve at the bottom that I made using a jigsaw and a plate for a template. 



I had some storage boxes that I kept in mind when figuring out how to section it off. All of the wood we had on hand from other projects. I just screwed the pieces together with drywall screws. My husband mounted a couple of ledger boards onto the wall- making sure that they were level and securely fastened to the studs because, as you can imagine, this thing is heavy!



See all the shiny white furniture :) It's getting there!

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14 comments:

  1. I have an old steamer trunk I bought at auction many many years ago for $5 and I still use it as a coffee table!

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  2. Awesome job! You make it sound so easy putting that shelving unit together - that takes a little bit of talent and craftsmanship which you have. I need to get more adventurous with that sort of thing. I'm thinking of putting some built-ins in the problem area in our dining room -I Just need to figure out the design first.
    I saw some trunks recently at a consignment shop and thought they were so cool but didn't have a place for them.

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  3. I am obsessed with steamer trunks! you picked some nice ones here. If only they are less expensive! You did a wonderful job putting the shelving unit together. Looking forward to see the finished room.

    By the way, I am hosting a fabulous giveaway. Come by and enter for a chance to win a stylish travel bag (worth $75) by Scout when you get a chance! Don't miss out!

    Have a great day!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  4. Wow, I think it looks great, but I'm really impressed that you are cutting and putting this together yourself! My birthday is also on Halloween ~ a Happy Halloween Birthday to your youngest. : )

    Visiting from WUW.

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  5. Love the progress you've made. Everything looks great. A steamer trunk would be a fantastic addition.

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  6. I am totally obsessed with steamer trunks, thanks for the round up.

    The office is looking fab, I'm loking forward to seeing the finished product!

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  7. That shelving unit is a huge step towards making an office a productive space. I'm so impressed that you designed, cut, assembled, and hung it yourself! Is there anything you can't do???
    Looking forward to seeing this room continue to take shape!

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  8. Looking GOOOOD...love your beautiful wide plank floors!

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  9. Your office is looking so nice! I love the ceiling!!!!! (and the floors).....

    The shelving unit rocks out loud! So...when do we get to see your trunk?

    xoxoxoxo,
    Ricki Jill

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  10. HAVE A SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN!
    Enchanting Decor & Creations.

    Love your make overs...

    Please fly by my party when you can...
    Hauntingly Yours, Lyndy >^..^<

    Princess Diana's Wedding Ring Giveaway & Halloween Party:
    http://todaysgold.blogspot.com/

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  11. No simple job for you....now that is more than a project. Great job and I love the layout. Yes I agree those trunks are wonderful and so useful in an office. Can't wait to see the finished project, Kathy

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  12. Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I love what you've done with the shelving especially the crown molding. It looks like everything is coming together beautifully. I'm now a follower.

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  13. Michelle, you are my hero! It's pretty sad that I live across the road from you and I have to see your new office on your Blog! lol
    You are so talented! It looks great. I'll be over to see it in person.
    You should post my office pictures that you designed and decorated for me.
    I love surfing through your Blog. There is so much to see. Mary Ellis

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  14. Good luck on the project! And those storage pieces? Nothing but awesome! :)

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