Office 2.0

December 30, 2005

Over the last month, I’ve been slowly working on my home office. (Over on my Flickr account you can see photos of before, progress and after.) The idea was a simple one. I needed a space that would be fun, vibrant and functional. Oh and I decided that since my Apple Cinema Display was one of the most expensive items in the room, I should design around it.

So, I decided that I wanted a bright, vibrant room that was unlike anything else in the house. And hoo boy is this it! I picked a bright orange for the walls and wanted to do as much as possible in brushed metal (shelving, etc). I can’t be more happy with the results and I’m surprised how well the whole thing came together. Here are some details:

Wall color: What goes better with brushed metal than bright “Island Orange” ? Nothing, I say! This orange is so bright the rooms glows in the morning light. It’s a perfect way to start the day.

Desk: I was worried about finding a desk that I really liked and was within the budget for this project. I stumbled across this desk while at Staples and was surprised how perfectly it fit in the room. I didn’t think an office supply store would have anything remotely close to what I wanted for my office, but I was wrong (and lucky). I also picked up the filing/printer cabinet that matches.

Shelving: The brushed metal shelves were a lucky find at Ikea. They match nicely with the rest of the metal in the room and rounded fronts make them less industrial and a little more finished looking.

PosterHängers: Recommended (and then re-recommended after later checking that he still liked them) by Dan, the two Tufte posters are hung with PosterHängers. I actually ordered them too large (I tried using my memory for the poster width instead of writing down the measurements), but they still look nice, I think.

Window shades: Another nice Ikea find, these window shades let plenty of light through and have a nice metal bar at the bottom. At first I was reluctant to get these, but my wife insisted and I’m glad she did. They look great.

See photos over at Flickr.

(For those who heard of my “Super Secret Project,” this is it.)

Comments

1. Manton Reece — December 30, 2005 at 3:23:38

   

   Wow, it looks really nice. Orange!

2. Ryan — December 31, 2005 at 12:37:49

   

   Thanks, Manton. Yes, orange! I have been a believer from the beginning but not everyone thought the idea was a good one. Admittedly, the room did look overwhelming when it was painted and still unfurnished. Now that everything is in place, I can’t be happier with it.

3. Rick — December 31, 2005 at 3:28:05

   

   Nice desk. I can’t find it on the Staples web site. Do you have the item number?

4. Ryan — December 31, 2005 at 3:50:26

   

   Sure, Rick.

   Z-Line Monterey Glass Desk

   Item # 518468 (Desk)
   Item # 518470 (Mobile File/Printer stand)

   I’m not sure if it’s available everywhere, since Staples requires you to input a zip code before browsing their inventory.

5. EJ Fox — May 25, 2006 at 2:01:47

   

   Hey, I was about to build a desk and paint my room before the Lifehacker contest.

   I was thinking of painting my room a similar color (because I thought it was amazingly cool as well.)

   Could you tell me where you got the paint / the color, etc?

   Thanks very much,
   --EJ Fox
   

6. Ryan — May 25, 2006 at 2:05:28

   

   Thanks, EJ.

   I detailed everything in a later entry:

   http://www.ryanirelan.com/past/2006/05/10/workspace-inventory/

   That should have everything you need!

7. Nat — August 18, 2006 at 5:10:06

   

   did you refinish the desk? what kind of paint/stain did you use?

8. Ryan — August 18, 2006 at 5:18:26

   

   Nat: I didn’t do any work on the desk. It’s straight out of the box.

Orange you glad you have an opinion?