The Great Office Remodel Conclusion

It has been nearly one month since I first began this project, and I am happy to say it has turned out far better then I even imagined. To go back and see where it all began, click here. You can also click on any of the hyperlinks for full instructions, materials, and costs of each project.

I began by building my pallet shelves. These were made from all scrap materials, and didn't cost a dime!

(First pallet shelf before stamps)

(Completed pallet shelves installed)

Next, I started working on my 'picture' windows. These were the most time consuming since the windows were in pretty bad shape. I had to scrape, and sand, and peel, and glue these before I could even get started on turning them into frames! The end result was well worth the extra effort though.

Since these were made from the old barn windows I salvaged, and extra 8x10 glass I had on hand, the total cost for all three windows was also...free.

(one of three picture windows)

(window hung with photos)

When I first started on my floating shelf, I was very excited. The farther I got along...the less I liked it. When I had it finished it almost didn't even make it into the room! I decided that since I took the time to make it, I may as well try it out, and it turned out that I LOVE it! I think it is such a fun idea.

For a cost of $8.10, it was well worth it.

(Finished shelf without glass)

(Floating shelf installed)

The old fan globes were frosted glass. I found cage lights at Menards one day, and knew they would be perfect. I simply cut off the hangers, and lightly painted each one with black spray paint. Price for four lights plus paint: $12.96.

The sliding doors were my big project. This was a big undertaking for me...but I knew I could handle it (thanks to my mothers confidence in me). Distressing the wood was so much fun, and it was nice not having to make something perfect. They were really simple to make, and are very useful as well.

My husband now refers to his office as his 'zombie room'. In the event we are attacked by zombies he can slide the doors shut to keep them out. The large doors were the most expensive part of the remodel, and totalled $127.67.

Once all my projects were done, it was time to paint. Since I have a problem with paint not looking as good once I get it home...I have come up with a new trick. I found that Menards has a great paint sale once a year where you can get up to 5 gallons of white paint free after rebate. I get the free paint, and then use my rebate later to but pints of solid colors. To make the color for the office I used two gallons of white with one pint dark blue, and one pink black. Total cost for paint: $15.96.

Once the room was painted, it was time for the fun part! I hung the sliding doors on bypass door tracks. This was the least expensive option I could find to hang the doors while allowing them to close. 

- A warning to children -



The antique scale and mine box fit nicely on the newly organized desk. The box provides a place to hide extra computer cables, tissues, and anything else that would otherwise clutter the space.

I found someone giving away old spools on Craigslist...so I went and picked up a few! This one sits in the corner along with an old wooden chair to create a separate work area.

The long cannon ball box I found at the antique fair site on end in a corner to provide additional storage. I plan to add shelves inside later to make it more organized...

...but for now our two year old fits nicely inside.

So that's it! It took me nearly a month to build everything, paint, and install by myself. Had I not had a three month old, and a two year old I could have finished this in a matter of days. The grand total for this room came to $271.09.

This has inspired me to move into other rooms in our home and see what else I can do with a little creativity, some inspiration, and a whole lot of time!

Before & After:

I stacked two wooden spools together to create a small side table. I plan to cover these with fabric later to be used as ottomans.

A table (spool) and chair in the corner give the room another work area.

The printers were moved to the closet to free up space under the desk.

New shelving can be used for files. Now paper word, bills, and mail can be easily organized.

The wall before had nothing of interest.

Now there is room to show off several pictures in one place that can easily be changed out as often as we like. The extra seating gives me a comfy spot to visit with my husband while he works.