'F' for Freebies Office Painting

Working on Where I Work

I’m working with Sherwin-Williams to redo my office. I’ll have a $1000 budget to use, and I’ll be trying out the new line of HGTV® HOME by Sherwin-Williams color collections and paint. I also have two giveaways to tell you about too! But first, let’s discuss the office.

I started to make some changes to it last year. I rearranged the furniture, brought in a pretty mirror and a crazy zigzag rug, but that’s where the progress stopped. I was going for a kind of granny chic look, remember? Then I found out I was expecting (and I had zero energy), and we also started on the basement remodel (yes, I still need to finish my studio and the playroom too). Then I had my baby (sweet little August), and well… work on the office kind of stalled.

The room is more than just an office though. You’ll see in the video below that it’s also where Eleanor and August spend much of their time playing, and I would like the room to feel cozy and happy. Want to see how it looks right now?

To recap, these are the main issues I’ll be addressing.

  • Either the rug needs to go, or I need to reupholster or replace my office chair. They don’t match, and since I do like the rug a lot, I’ll probably switch out the chair. The Eames Management Chair is still the chair I dream of owning, but they’re very expensive and I don’t want to buy a knockoff. I’ve been watching eBay and Craigslist, but I may have to keep looking for an alternative.
  • I need to move the redundant computer and clean up the cords on my desk.
  • Storage and organization: Yes, please.
  • I’ve had a curtain for a closet door since we moved in to this house in 2007. Our house is 100 years old, so nothing is standard. We’ll need a custom-sized door, which is why we’ve put off fixing it for so long.
  • The window needs curtains and a new shade.
  • I’ll be painting the trim white, and painting the walls. The HGTV® HOME by Sherwin-Williams colors are grouped into 8 collections to make it easier to choose colors that will work from room to room in your house (I liked the Livable Luxe and Traditional Twist collections). There are a lot of nice greens, but I’m leaning toward a light, creamy neutral for the walls, along with painted white trim.
  • It’s time for the ceiling fan to go. It’s not terribly ugly, but it hasn’t been working well lately and I’d like to replace it with a prettier light fixture.

Now, about those two giveaways…

  • Need some color and design help in your house? Enter the What’s Your Color Now? sweepstakes for a chance to win a $5000 home makeover from BHG.com and HGTV® HOME by Sherwin-Williams!
  • I also have a 4GB Flip MinoHD camera to give away (so you can make stellar videos like mine, ha). Just leave a comment on this post to enter for the camera (one entry per person). This giveaway is open to US and international entrants, and will run through June 30 at midnight CST. One winner will be chosen randomly on July 1.

Good luck to you in both giveaways!

p.s. How much do you think it would cost to reupholster an Eames Management Chair? Say, if I found one from 1986 with really awful fabric?

July 1: Congratulations to Jennifer, winner of the Flip camera! And remember, there’s still time for everyone to enter the What’s Your Color Now? sweepstakes.

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • steph
    June 27, 2011 at 1:06 am

    I absolutely love the chair! I say get rid of the rug! but my opinion doesn’t matter.. but will say this, I am sure whatever you choose will be amazing!! You have great taste!!

  • Purple Deer
    June 27, 2011 at 1:07 am

    I can’t wait to see your finished look. Congrats on the new office budget!

  • Jules
    June 27, 2011 at 1:09 am

    I’m the first one to comment? Really? Hurray for doing the office! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Cute video, too. I don’t know that I could ever do a video, mainly because I hate my man voice and when I watch myself on video I realize what an uncontrollable spaz and dork I really am. {shudder} I prefer to stay in the dark about my goofiness, thankyouverymuch.

    • Jules
      June 27, 2011 at 1:09 am

      Aha! I knew there was no way I was the first. I may be goofy, but I’m also smart. ;)

  • Samantha
    June 27, 2011 at 1:15 am

    Ooh! What a fun project. You’ll feel so good once you get a closet door on there! It feels great to take care of things you’ve been putting off for ages.

  • Stef
    June 27, 2011 at 1:18 am

    Wow, that is an awesome giveaway!

    I really like the rug, esp. the color scheme of it. So maybe just reupholster the chair you have if you can’t find an Eames.

  • Lindsay
    June 27, 2011 at 1:22 am

    Just saw a commercial tonight for the new hgtv paint, def be checking it out

  • Jody
    June 27, 2011 at 1:22 am

    I’m so excited to see the end result!

  • Kerrie
    June 27, 2011 at 1:27 am

    I too have a girl and boy same age as your kids. It’s fun to read your blog, as we are both in the same stages of baby/toddler/changing home needs. Your designs are inspiring and frankly I am amazed you are able to pull it off with two young ones. Thanks.

  • Mary
    June 27, 2011 at 1:35 am

    I would love a camera so I could share videos of my life, house and husband with my family, who are 5,000 miles away!

  • alma
    June 27, 2011 at 1:35 am

    Working on my own office right now (incorporating the kids as well), so excited to see the end result.

  • Jennifer
    June 27, 2011 at 1:38 am

    Well, I feel stupid. I’ve been reading your blog forever, and I didn’t realize until now that your office and your studio were two different rooms.

    Looking forward to seeing what you do in your office (and, eventually, how you decorate your studio).

  • Anna A.
    June 27, 2011 at 1:39 am

    Can’t wait to see how your office turns out – I am sure it will be gorgeous! And thanks for the chance at the giveaway…. :-)

  • chelsea a
    June 27, 2011 at 1:40 am

    I like the rug! But I don’t know, I think it totally would fall into that granny chic category with a little less chic than you’re probably going for…?

    See if you can scout out a rug you like better and go from there. I wouldn’t worry about keeping the chair if you are considering a new rug. AND I would pick the rug and then see if the chair would work with it – not choose a rug based on coordination of the office chair.

  • Circa1972vs1906
    June 27, 2011 at 1:43 am

    There was a fantastic upholsterer in Pilsen that I used years ago. I’ll have to see if they are still there. Not sure how much the job might be, but they were reasonable then and did an excellent job.

    I need a new Flip! Mine is old and we’re expecting a new bebe! So, no blurry video of the peanut!

  • Tulip
    June 27, 2011 at 2:11 am

    I’ve always LOVED the zigzag rug.

  • Jeran
    June 27, 2011 at 2:31 am

    I NEED both giveaways. My house is almost 100 years old as well. And I’m expecting my 3rd baby and have never owned a video camera. I don’t want to miss any memories this time around.

  • Maggie
    June 27, 2011 at 2:37 am

    Eames Management chair is also my dream office chair too! I can’t wait to see the finished office because my home office is also where my 2 boys spend most of the time ;)

  • Marichucky
    June 27, 2011 at 2:48 am

    I like the rug, so reupholster or replace your chair. I’d love to have a videocamera since my first child is only one month old!
    Waiting to see your new studio!

  • Annie H
    June 27, 2011 at 2:56 am

    Love the giveaways.

    I like the rug, but it seems a bit small for the space. I know this next comment may meet resistance, but no more Ikea, or at least use it minimally.

  • chris
    June 27, 2011 at 3:02 am

    I’m with Jennifer- I thought that the office became August’s room and that you moved the office into the studio. Oops! And now I am wondering – How are the two related since they are a floor apart?
    I like the rug. A wood rolling chair might look nice with the rug?

  • Tam
    June 27, 2011 at 3:13 am

    I’m one of those *internationals* so I’d love to win the flip camera. Our video camera is from the 90s and is the size and weight of a large brick! Can’t wait to see what you do with your office space – it’s such a tricky space to furnish and decorate!

  • Amy
    June 27, 2011 at 3:16 am

    I can’t wait to see the office! I also love the Eames chair, but sadly not finding any on my local craigslist. And, as far as how much to reupholster one? Probably cheaper than buying a new one! :)

  • Maretta
    June 27, 2011 at 3:27 am

    I’m with Chris and Jennifer and thought the office moved to the basement – now I’m confused, is the office on the ground floor?

    I’m an international too and love that there’s a competition I can enter. I’m having twins in October and am actually thinking about getting a Flip so I can send movies to the family.

  • Maria
    June 27, 2011 at 3:35 am

    I’m totally international and would love to win the camera. :)

    Lovely blog, I read it almost every day!

    Greetings from Munich, Germany.

  • m @ random musings
    June 27, 2011 at 3:48 am

    nice budget – that’s like 2-4 rooms for me ^_^ Can’t wait to see what you do. Cheers.

  • CB
    June 27, 2011 at 4:52 am

    Good luck!=)

  • Amy
    June 27, 2011 at 5:15 am

    I say keep the rug – it’s fabulous.

  • trisha
    June 27, 2011 at 5:16 am

    good luck- can’t wait to see the finished product – is it sad that all i wish for at this time in my office is completed walls!?

    we are currently renovating a 1878 Victorian in which we are bringing it back to its former glory (the bones of the house will be back to it’s original state – really we have wood paneling in one of the rooms right now! what were people thinking?!) but its such a long slow process as we have completely gutted the upstairs. if i won the camera I would be able to post and show our progress which would be fantastic to have it all documented before and after!

    good luck again on your project – ive been following your progress since you bought the house and it’s coming along amazingly!

  • Gena
    June 27, 2011 at 5:24 am

    Good luck with the redecorating! Love the color scheme so far – eager to see how it turns out.

  • Ola
    June 27, 2011 at 5:41 am

    I just found your blog and it is full of inspiration! Can’t wait for the makeover!

  • Jennifer
    June 27, 2011 at 5:43 am

    I can’t wait to see what colors you do. I am wanting to paint our living room, kitchen, kitchen cabinets and our bedroom. But it will have to wait till we save up for paint.

    I hope you find the chair soon!

  • Nicole
    June 27, 2011 at 5:46 am

    Yay for redecorating!
    I love that zig zag rug, but I always love what you come up with, so if you end up switching it out, I know I’ll like the end result (obviously a large concern of yours – ha!)

  • Jennifer
    June 27, 2011 at 5:56 am

    Looking forward to seeing your color combinations!

  • Kendra
    June 27, 2011 at 5:57 am

    That’s a great giveaway! And congratulations on finally getting to decorate the office! It’s so nice to have things finished.

  • Stephanie
    June 27, 2011 at 5:59 am

    Good luck with the redecorating. I love to see what you create, it always turns out fabulous!

  • Amanda
    June 27, 2011 at 6:29 am

    I’m sure I’ll love where ever you end up!

  • kate
    June 27, 2011 at 6:35 am

    looking forward to seeing how it all comes together!

  • Sydney
    June 27, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I’m sure it will end up beautiful (you are starting from a good design). I am excited to see how it turns out :)

  • Erica
    June 27, 2011 at 7:07 am

    I LOVE your style!

  • Jenni Grover
    June 27, 2011 at 7:09 am

    I love the granny chic style. It will make such a great office.

  • Esther
    June 27, 2011 at 7:09 am

    Having just moved, I’m working on my home office now. But it has the most horrific woodchip wallpaper on the walls. I’ll be interested to see how yours goes, as I could do with some inspiration!

  • Jenn
    June 27, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Sounds like a fun project ;)

    Thanks for the opportunity to win. With a little one on the way it would be put to very good use around here!

    Blessings,

    J.

  • Amelia
    June 27, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Good luck with the makeover – you always do a fantastic job so I expect no less this time.

  • sharon
    June 27, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Ahhhhh, the art of cord wrangling. It seems no matter what I do they always look messy!!

  • Jeanette
    June 27, 2011 at 7:12 am

    I can’t wait to see what you end up doing to your office. :)

  • Janelle
    June 27, 2011 at 7:13 am

    So exciting! I love makeovers – epecially when you’re doing them in your own home! :) I would LOVE the Flip for my upcoming wedding (we’re planning to have someone walk around and get raw, real, funny footage). Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Genevieve
    June 27, 2011 at 7:14 am

    Love you office and you home! Would also love the camera!

  • The Cottage Gray
    June 27, 2011 at 7:17 am

    Good luck with the office makeover! Hope I win one of the giveaways!

  • logan
    June 27, 2011 at 7:21 am

    Can’t wait to see the finished room. Love your style!

  • Robin
    June 27, 2011 at 7:22 am

    How exciting that you’re working on the office, I love your makeovers. I can’t wait to watch the video when I get home from work!

    As someone that has to sit in a PATRIK desk chair all the time, I think you’ll be happier with the Eames ;)

  • Terra
    June 27, 2011 at 7:24 am

    Computer cords are the bane of my existence!

  • Intisar
    June 27, 2011 at 7:27 am

    I say reupholster the chair. I love the rug to definitely keep it. I love the Eames chair, but the price tag is too steep!

  • Bryn
    June 27, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Awesome! You’re so cute :) I can’t wait to see how this turns out. My office is a DISASTER right now and I really need to give some attention to it. It too will function as a sort-of play room when we have kids, just like yours does. Can’t wait to see!

  • Lauren @ with two cats
    June 27, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Looking forward to all of your room designs! We always have a billion projects going on as well. Thanks for the great giveaways!

  • Kim
    June 27, 2011 at 7:32 am

    I got really excited because I thought you’d be doing your studio space! Can you tell me what you use your studio for versus your office? Either way, it’s going to look awesome! :)

  • Melissa
    June 27, 2011 at 7:33 am

    Can’t wait to see how you re-organize your office! I love that rug – is there another place in your home you could use it? It has such fun colors and lines.

  • Mary
    June 27, 2011 at 7:35 am

    I actually love your rug. But if you are going to replace it, I would wait on picking your paint colors. There might be a color in your new rug that will dictate what color the room should be.

  • Lisa
    June 27, 2011 at 7:37 am

    I am totally confused–I was thinking you had moved your office to the basement because this room was becoming Eleanor’s room?

  • heather s.
    June 27, 2011 at 7:41 am

    I love office makeovers! I can’t wait to see what you do.

  • Ashley
    June 27, 2011 at 7:43 am

    As always…I can’t wait to see what you do with your office! I seriously need some organization inspiration cause my office is a disaster due to two rooms becoming one!!! (We are expecting in October!) Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Lisa
    June 27, 2011 at 7:43 am

    I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. Very exciting!

  • Kristin Cronk
    June 27, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Very exciting, it’s nice to see your space in action. I love your ideas thus far, can’t wait to see what it looks like after the purging and paint! :)

  • Sarah
    June 27, 2011 at 7:49 am

    A flip camera would be so great right now, as we have a little one coming in January!

  • Lauren
    June 27, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I quite like your rug so I say keep it!

    Looking forward to seeing the transformation and final result :)

  • Sunny
    June 27, 2011 at 7:50 am

    Definitely get the chair recovered. I bet it could be done for about $300 depending on the fabric choice!

  • Emily
    June 27, 2011 at 7:51 am

    Why not atleast try to recover it? Better than letting it waste!

  • katie
    June 27, 2011 at 8:00 am

    definitely a good call to keep that pretty rug! :)

  • Jessie
    June 27, 2011 at 8:01 am

    I love E’s little table!

  • Joanna
    June 27, 2011 at 8:02 am

    If you reupholstered it yourself it would cost nothing! I honestly don’t know how much it would cost for a professional to do it though. The rug is so lovely. I love the red chair too but I see what you mean – not a perfect match. Nice, but not perfect! I look forward to watching what you do with the space!

  • michelle@decorandthedog
    June 27, 2011 at 8:04 am

    The rug is very you (well at least blog you)..it’s a keeper! Excited to see what you do!

  • Jody
    June 27, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Love the video!! I also like the rug, perhaps a lighter tone chair?

  • Lidia
    June 27, 2011 at 8:07 am

    I absolutely love your rug, please let us know if you decide to list it on Craig’s List :)

  • Rebecca
    June 27, 2011 at 8:08 am

    I’m excited to see what you come up with for this room :-)

  • Lisa
    June 27, 2011 at 8:14 am

    We recently purchased a home and need to paint every room PLUS decorate several new rooms as well. I love taking inspiration from some of your rooms to help my creativity get a jump start. I’m drooling over your office rug!

  • Margaret
    June 27, 2011 at 8:15 am

    Great giveaway! Can’t wait to hear your tips on organizing office stuff.

  • Amanda
    June 27, 2011 at 8:18 am

    I say the rug is definitely a keeper!

  • jenn
    June 27, 2011 at 8:19 am

    I am a fan of the rug too. If your current office chair is comfy, I say recover it. Although I know how it can be when you have your heart set on a certain piece of furniture… so maybe recover current chair while searching for the perfect deal on the Eames one. This site is great for organizing tips and lots of organization inspiration: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/ I’ve also pinned a lot of office inspiration for my mom since we’ve been saying we’re going to makeover her office forever! I can’t wait to see what you end up choosing.
    http://pinterest.com/jennnash/mom-s-office/
    http://pinterest.com/jennnash/studio-office/

  • Ashley
    June 27, 2011 at 8:20 am

    I love the rug. Keep it!

  • Crystal
    June 27, 2011 at 8:32 am

    I love that rug!

  • Jo
    June 27, 2011 at 8:33 am

    love the rug and love the flip video cam!

  • Lori
    June 27, 2011 at 8:34 am

    Can’t wait to see how the office turns out!

  • Marie
    June 27, 2011 at 8:34 am

    I would love the flip camera and I think you should keep the rug!

  • Janny A.
    June 27, 2011 at 8:37 am

    I also love the rug. A flip camera would be nice to have. Can’t wait to see your plan, you are such a great source of inspiration for me!

  • rachelle
    June 27, 2011 at 8:39 am

    I say try and reupholster the Eames Chair, depending on how much you get it for it could be totally worth it. It’s an Eames Chair!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  • Katy
    June 27, 2011 at 8:39 am

    Good luck with your makeover!

  • staceys
    June 27, 2011 at 8:42 am

    I love seeing your makeovers, I can’t wait to see what you do!

  • Risa
    June 27, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Great job with the video. I love that rug and I would keep it, but if you want to get rid of it, please let me know.

  • emily
    June 27, 2011 at 8:47 am

    cant wait to see what you put together for your office, as well as the rest of your rooms. and i also cant wait to see if i will be the lucky owner of a new flip mino!

  • rachel
    June 27, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Great ideas and I love that chair!

  • Suganya
    June 27, 2011 at 8:49 am

    That rug is fantastic btw. Can’t wait to see what you do!

  • Adventures In Babywearing
    June 27, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Oh I can’t wait to see how it looks! Would love to win, too, thanks!

    Steph

  • Grace @ Grace Hester Designs
    June 27, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Just entered the sweepstakes! Oh boy do I need a $5K home makeover. ;o)

    Now entering for the Flip camera too. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • Anna
    June 27, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Looking forward to seeing the results of your office redo – and the basement when you get to it! Can imagine you are rather busy with your 2 lovely little ones… :) thanks for a great blog!

  • leigh
    June 27, 2011 at 9:04 am

    I too have an old house and hate the non standard doors

  • Wendy
    June 27, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I love seeing a good makeover! Looking forward to see all you do. Especially since office storage is always so hard for me to figure out!

  • Laura
    June 27, 2011 at 9:07 am

    Keep the rug!

  • kristina
    June 27, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Cant wait to see your new office.

  • stacy
    June 27, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Great giveaway, your blog is inpiring in so many ways, thanks for all your hard work.

  • Chloe's Mom
    June 27, 2011 at 9:11 am

    I have a very similar office chair. I purchased it from Office Depot (Boss Caresoft Plus Mid Back Executive Chair). It’s normally $259 with free shipping, but you can usually find an online coupon for a discount. I work from home, so I use it everyday. I love it.

  • Nayoung
    June 27, 2011 at 9:14 am

    You have such wonderful taste. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

    The Flip camera is something I’ve had my eye on for forever!

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