After looking around, my dining room seemed to be the best bet. It gets minimal use and (confession) this would certainly be a lot better than using it as a dumping ground for mail. In fact, I'd previously considered transforming it into an office/den but scrapped the project as too costly for now.
Deciding how to orient the dining table/desk was the key to figuring out the whole space. The chandelier hangs too low to walk under. Then I came across a photo that provided inspiration; putting the table/desk at an angle solved my problem. Plus, it lets me face outwards instead of looking at a wall all day. After that it was just a matter of gathering up items from around the house. A pile of favorite and inspirational design books, a vase, a tray. I'm starting to put together my taxes so my financial folder is on my desk. Later, maybe I'll add a desk lamp or move my fishbowl to the desk's corner but for now I'm ready for work!
Images: 1, 3 & 4: Abby Stone; 2: The Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces
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Nice and simple solution. I love the light that floods from behind and the seating orientation is good, you won't be distracted to look out the window all day long. I'm sure it's easy to tuck everything away when you do have guests and need to use the dining table. Great arrangement!
I like this arrangement, good idea with the placement of the table. I like the room very much.
I have used my dining table as my office space. I used two nice fabric bins, one for office supplies-paper, calculator, pens, etc and the other for my paperwork current projects. At the end of the day everything went into the bins and stored them on a shelf so the table was free and clear for meals and when guest came over.
Maybe it's the angle of the picture, but it looks like the only way to get behind the desk is squash one self against the wall and slide over.
Anyway, as a fan of dual purpose room and furniture, I may give this idea a go.
I recently had to face a similar challenge. Luckily, I managed to find space in my living room. I actually like the set up better than I had it before and I didn't have to spend a dime. I love fixes like these!
Love the space, and that chandelier is AWESOME
Great idea - my favorite kind of makeovers are the ones that don't cost much/anything!
This is exactly what I have been wanting to do with my dining room. Our dining table is only used as a place to pile groceries/items from Target trips so Ive been wanting to use the space as a home office and if I ever have company I can just hide away my things to use the table. Great job!
love the third pict. almost wanted to develop it into a photograph but must rem this is someone else's home, i cant just print pic of your place like that.. ("semi-invade privacy", in a way =p=) but love the effort nonetheless.
Here's wishinya "Happy Productive Days!!"
This is a great idea! So many dining rooms are barely used and just act as junk collectors. We have a super narrow hallway inside the front door, so I tend to use the dining room table as a landing strip; it's tough to keep that area looking nice.