Before and After #12: Office

I set up my office in the small alcove off the master bedroom (the original MLS listing described it as a "private retreat").

I unpacked a lot of stuff when we moved in two years ago, but I just now finally got everything completely sorted and organized.

 

This is the office side.  Of course I don't need much space for writing other than a place to plug in my computer, but I do use the desk to store old clips, copies of magazines and books I've been published in, research material, galleys and review copies, etc.

  

On this side I also store mementos like photos, the children's artwork, scrapbooks, and correspondence.  It's also where I do all my filing for less sentimental things like bills and account statements.  I have space for the kids' workbooks and work sheets.  And I have a ton of magazines.(Martha Stewart Living from 2008? I've got that.)

This is the craft side.  Last weekend I bought and assembled this enormous 5x5 Expedit (it weighs more than 200 pounds).  Then I filled it with supplies for sewing, knitting, embroidery, drawing, painting, kid's crafts, party planning, flower arranging, gift wrapping, and a lot more besides.  If you ever need pipe cleaners, sealing wax, crochet hooks, or floral foam, this is the place to be.

This beautiful antique trunk was a wedding present from Sam and Lilli - it's now completely full of off-season throw pillows.  And I love these curtains I made from saris (for $15).

 

 

 

Here's the paper and printing area.  Yes, the color printer on the right is huge, but Dev got a great deal on it from Craigslist and talked me into it.  I'm still a little unsure about having a printer in my office the size of a small refrigerator, but it does produce really nice, invitation-quality prints.  And underneath I have all of our paper, envelopes, and shipping supplies.

Here's my work table.  This Japanese paper screen (a garage sale find) separates the "retreat" from the rest of the bedroom.

The only thing missing is better lighting - it's still not really bright enough to sew in here - but Dev has promised to upgrade my lighting set-up later this year.  Even dimly lit, though, it looks so much better than it did before.