ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Room for Improvement crunches the numbers
March 4, 2009
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Denise Holtby
YOURHOME.CA
In Room for Improvement's last installment, I mentioned that our office overhaul plan is starting to come together and that we’ve even bought our first piece of furniture for the room.
This week, we're firming up the plans and approximate budget for each item.
Work surface: The dimensions of the room and the desktop that we’re going to "upcycle" mean that we’re going to have one long desk surface with space enough for two side-by-side workstations. This arrangement will make the most of the small 8 x 9 foot room. Approximate cost: $100.
Seating: We already have two relatively new black office chairs, so we don't need to replace those. I also have a small-scale wing chair that I'd like to tuck into the corner to create a comfortable spot for reading. Approximate cost: $0.
Window coverings: The existing faux-wood blind will definitely have to go. Right now, I'm thinking a roman blind would soften up the window without taking up any more space. Approximate cost: $200.
Lighting: Ideally, I'd like to have two task lamps on the desk, an eye-catching overhead light and a floor lamp next to my reading chair. This lighting arrangement, along with the window's sunny southern exposure, should make the room welcoming at any time of the day. Approximate cost: $350.
Storage: Our old, solid wood bookcase will be dressed up with a new coat of paint and a few books and decorative items. We'll also put shelves above the desk, perhaps running them the length of the room in order to trick the eye into thinking the room is longer than it actually is. And, of course, we have the half-price filing cabinet recently purchased at IKEA. Approximate cost: $200.
Paint and wallcoverings: I'm thinking about trying two different kinds of eco-friendly paints, one from Boomerang and one from Olympic, for comparison's sake. I'm also considering using wallpaper for the wall behind the desk, in order to add some texture and pattern. Approximate cost: $150.
Right now, the budgeted total is $1,000. Whether we can stick to it remains to be seen, of course. But that's what makes projects like this fun and exciting, right?
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(Editor’s note: Get your own home office inspiration from Colin and Justin and Debbie Travis, along with some tips on office essentials and easy office crafts.)
Catch up on Room for Improvement's office overhaul:
- Room for Improvement goes shopping
- Solving the desk dilemma
- Time to test 'green' paint
- Dean does IDS
- Looking for inspiration
- Time for an office overhaul
- Of reader polls, antiques and home offices
- What's next for Room for Improvement?