Squishing my 30-year-old grown up body into a child-sized armchair, this is the sight I beheld for a full ten minutes last Monday: plastic, plastic, a step stool and a half-broken lamp. Yep, this would be my "goal project" for this month - find something decent to put under the kids' room window.
It would need to be toy storage. Toy storage has been a problem ever since the two kids moved into the one room. I had bought a few nice felt boxes months ago, but had nothing to put them in that would fit in the space I had. So, when a kind friend offered to pick up anything my heart desired from IKEA on the weekend, I thought it was time for a bit of Expedit magic!
Here it is:
I know everyone uses the Expedit for toys, but if it works, then why not? The shelves are low (the kids can reach their own toys) and they fit perfectly under the window without blocking any light.
Since I managed to get my goal project done so fast, I am enlisting your help for my second. I have this great desk (the George Nelson Swag Leg desk, in my opinion basically the greatest desk in the world) which, up until the Cure, was surrounded with junk. Now it is clear, and bare, and ready to start again.
I framed this picture for Day 6: I would like to use that, but what else?
Any ideas for a great lamp or some unmissable, awesome desk accessories? Here's the catch: I have almost no budget. When I cleaned my desk I found $37.62, and I have $30 I could spend on Paypal. I would also be willing to trade my green Eames chair for another equally awesome chair of another color. So, Apartment Therapy interior decorating geniuses, let me hear your ideas! And do tell, how are your big projects going? Do you have any before and after photos to share yet?
(Images: Alison Gerber)
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
When EVERYONE uses something like the Expedit, there's usually a good reason. We have a big one in the craft room and two smaller ones for my daughter, and they are unparalleled. It's perfect in your space too!
Your Swag desk is absolutely beautiful - I'm so jealous. With $67.62 budget, that's tough but you can do it, just need to be more creative. I've found some awesome mugs at thrift shops (Value Village, Sally Ann, an old office supply store), that would be great for holding pens/pencils, etc. I scored a vintage Queen Liz II coronation mug for $7 and a mug with my initial on it for 50 cents. I think some vintage mugs would look good with the modern lines of the desk. You could probably get a vintage Luxo lamp for not a bad price either. I scour Etsy for them a lot and you can get one that works, but a bit beat up, for $40ish. I would be tempted to paint the wall behind the desk something dark - you could try Home Depot, etc. for a mis-tint and then I'd take that cute print and reframe it in a massive oversized simple frame on top of the matte board (you can get 24x30 matte board at Michael's for $10). Keep it simple and make that print the focus of the whole room. Is that an old school Queen print I see on your desk too? I love it, I would even frame that in a similar way and put it on another wall in there. Good luck!
I would center the fabulous desk and (sorry!) get rid of the file cabinet. I would also hang a magnet/cork board cut to fit the width of the desk, although admttedly I am the type who is strict about keeping those things looking tidy. My daughter has railroad-board painted with magnetic paint that she keeps tacked with cool illustrations she clips from magazines. It looks great and was super-cheap.
Another cheap fast fix would be to paper-tape your power strip to the bottom of the desk, looks less cluttery and costs next to nothing.
I would spend my money on a mid-century-ish swing arm desk lamp in a nice bright color.
If the frame you used for day 6 wasn't too pricey you could do a set of two or four. That could also happen over time. Some brightly colored cups or jars or boxes would look great with those desk dividers. And of course you should definitely hit the thrift stores. Somebody's outboxed items could be exactly what you need!
Move the filing desk and center the desk. A dark wall would frame it nicely. Sweet desk. Grab a couple of cheap frames and hang them. Find the art later.
I should have added, I am not allowed to paint. I really wish I could, but I live in student housing and they are pretty strict about these things. Great ideas though, keep them coming!
Art hung above the desk will make ALL the difference! That desk is woooonderful and would look great with an eclectic collection above it- go Etsy and thrift shopping and make it yours!
Also, I totally feel you regarding Expedit storage: everyone does it, but everyone does it for a reason
Find a small houseplant that needs indirect light. Or if a friend has a giant philodendron, ask for a few cuttings in water. It will add some life and greenery to that side of the room. Good luck!
Since you are not allowed to paint,consider framing xl panels of fabric or wallpaper on scrap plywood that is sometimes given away at Home Depot.Maybe painting pegboard a bold color,it comes in 8 foot panels and is affordable.Home Depot will cut it for free.Make friends with thrift stores,I certainly have.Beautiful desk,btw.