My Plan For A Complete Desk Makeover
I’ve spent a few days now working on my pendant light to go over my desk in the studio, but I’ve also been doing quite a bit of thinking about how I want to make over the desk. For a while now, I’ve been planning to paint the desk. But I also bought some drawers that attach under the desktop to have easy access to pens, pencils, post-it notes, etc. So I also had to think through how I was going to hide those drawers.
Here’s how the desk looks right now, so you can see that if I attach drawers to the bottom of the desktop, the sides and backs of the drawers will be plainly visible.
I want the desk to be lighter, brighter, and to look more feminine. I’m still not sure about the colors. I may go all white, or I may do white and gold. I haven’t decided on that yet. But what I do know is that I want to end up with something more like this desk from Wayfair., with a relatively open back, but pretty panels on the sides.
So I plan to remove the “V” design from the back of the desk, and move the bottom horizontal support up to the top, and then add supports on the side at the same height. I’ll add plywood panels inside that area to hide the drawers, so you won’t actually be able to see through that top area.
I’ll leave the back open, but then I want to add some decorative panels in the sides.
And that’s as far as my plan has gotten in my mind. I’ve been online several times over the last week looking for the perfect wood panels to go in those areas, and I’m just having such a hard time making a decision. Here are some possibilities.
First up, I found these wood lattice panels from Target. They’re the most reasonably-priced option I found at $25 for the set of two.
Wayfair has all kinds of wood panels, like these palm panels.
I have to keep in mind that any panels I buy will have to be cut down to size, so I won’t be left with the whole design. But if I can find one that’s big enough to get both sides out of one panel, it might make the project cheaper. For example Kirkland’s has this large panel that is big enough that I could cut it in half and use each half on each side of the desk. I’d turn each half vertically so that the flowers are going up instead of growing sideways.
So that’s my vision and my plan. I’m just having such a hard time finding the right panel(s) to use. The part I’m really unsure about is whether I should use panels that are more geometric or panels that are more floral in design. I kind of like the idea of bringing a floral component to this area of the room, but I also don’t want floral overload. And I always like a geometric pattern used with a floral pattern, so that idea appeals to me as well.
Anyway, that’s the plan, and I’m on the hunt for the perfect wood panel(s) that I can use on the sides of my desk. I’m really excited to get started on that makeover. Lightening up the color and design of that desk will go a long way towards making that area look finished. And really, once I get the light finished, the desk and the chair are the final big projects for the room! I can see the finish line!
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
A couple ideas came to mind in thinking what else could be used. Have you considered fence designs or stair/hallway bannisters? You might find some designs online that you could copy.
That was my thought too. Looking more at building sources as opposed to ready made artistic wall art may give more options as well as sizes, but you may have to construct them from plans. I think you could handle that! 🙂
Also where my mind went. Take a look at The Porch Store, porchstore.com. Something might catch your fancy.
What keeps me hooked on your blog is your sure vision and the constant creativity and amazing troubleshooting to bring that vision to fruition. Our taste may not always align, but I always learn so much from the process you share. You make me a better DIYer, for sure! Can’t wait to see it all!
I so agree with this!
Another option might be to find individual flowers and or leaves (or whatever you like) that would either fit when attached or be slightly smaller and then could be made to fit with small wood beads as spacers. like, similar pieces to the individual components of the panels you like, assembled to be smaller panels. Maybe a lot of work but maybe a possibility. Or even simpler, maybe two smaller ready-made panels on each side (like if you couldn’t find one large the right size, maybe two (4) half the size!) And I think ornamental/decorative molding might be pretty in the small spaces at the top? Another thought—decorative wooden register vent covers? (Sometimes brainstorming my bad ideas has helped trigger someone else’s good idea.)
I also agree with Carol and AA…but as your sliding doors that go into your current laundry area have a geometric design…why not use that,,,one more thing that brings in elements from different part of your home.
I bet you could commission panels from someone with a CNC or laser cutter. Submit some graphical examples. The end dimensions for it to fit. Then ask for a digital preview of it scaled appropriately before cutting to verify the design. I’m not sure where or how other than a maker space (but they typically discourage commercial activities, to give equal opportunity for all users).
We had a neighbor run into a guy at a store and they created a standard set-up for homeowners to get new hanging house numbers CNC’d.
Here me out….resin panels.
You can make them to size, color them however you like or embed dried flowers in them, and they would remain visually light.
Not sure on cost, but you would have an amazing custom piece!
You’re so creative I’m sure you could make a design & with your projector to put on plywood & cut it out. Like something that you did on the music room doors.
Kristi if you love the Wayfair table and want those geometric designs you may want to try Hobby Lobby. They have circles cut in the unfinished crafts/wood aisle that you may be able to snip and create a look like this to fit your space. But there are lots of other good ideas from all the comments as well. It’ll be perfect for you no matter what you choose. 😊
I love the desk idea! I am wondering, could you use the round rings used for Cross-stitch projects and design your own side panel? I mean, you did it for the inserts on the doors in the music room, so I figure, you could use the rings (I think they are called looms) and cut them to the desired design.
I’m a day late to the party but I found this looking for arbor ideas (I went down a rabbit hole, lol)
This might be a place to find what you are looking for.
As always you are an inspiration.
https://www.amazon.com/Barrette-Outdoor-Living-73055262-Decorative/dp/B0BX4R8XSM/ref=asc_df_B0BX4R8XSM/?gad_source=1&hvadid=693128203616&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvlocint&hvlocphy=9024239&hvnetw=g&hvpone&hvpos&hvptwo&hvqmt&hvrand=7346762771867367064&hvtargid=pla-2340579789557&linkCode=df0&mcid=95c0cbce6e0738caba9f6b8063550e9b&psc=1&tag=hyprod-20