What I Decided to do With the Blank Wall

When I was getting settled into my office, I had absolutely no clue about what to do with the huge blank wall that faces my desk. I wanted to be sure I put something there that really inspired me, as I'd be looking up from my desk to peek at it constantly. So I asked readers what they thought I should do.

A comment suggested that I should create an "inspiration board"; a place where I hung different pieces of art and design that really inspired me. The idea was brilliant! Though I've put this up a while ago (and I do apologize for not showing photos sooner), I have pics of the finished wall below.





The first is a close up of one of the boards. As you can see, I just attach random bits of bags, packaging, brochures, etc., that I find to be good design and inspiring. Many thanks to the reader who's idea this was!

Office Finished... Well, Almost

I finally got around to taking a few photos of the office. Sorry, by the way, that my posts seem to be few and far between lately. It's been a little hectic around here, but I should be back on track soon.

Here's a photo of the finished office. The one directly below is my conference room. Note the lack of artwork on the walls... to be addressed shortly.



Conference Room




My personal office



The waiting room (I recently put up the black and white canvas artwork from Pottery Barn. See previous post)

What I've Been Up To

Sorry for not keeping in touch this past week. I've moved into my office and am all settled... well, sort of. I'm still waiting on a few reception area chairs, some artwork for the walls and a dry erase board, but I'm definitely working from my new space.

I sent out an email yesterday using Constant Contact to notify my clients and readers of my new address. The ad I sent out is below:



Since our email boxes are filled with so much clutter day in and day out, I had to make this email campaign stand with an eye-catching design and a somewhat-interesting subject line. Also, I've recently redesigned my website so it was important that this email be reflective of the new site's style (you never know how many people will click) as well.

The homepage of the new site is below. Have a look around!




While I was extremely happy with my previous website, I wanted an opportunity to discuss the green aspects of my business a little more. Furthermore, as beautiful as Flash can be, it's just not search-engine-friendly, no matter how many tricks one has up their sleeve. I think the HTML will be a little more effective in terms of exposure goes. Also, updating the site and making changes will be much more efficient.

So... that's what I've been up to. I'll be sure to post some pics of the finished office space as soon as I've finished furnishing it. I hate showing a work in progress. Have a good day!

Last Idea Board: My Office Room

Below is the idea board for my office (last one). I've been picking up great pieces at antique shops, garage sales and off of Craig's List. Buying used items is a great way to find something unique and inspiring for your space while reusing/recycling. Of course, I'm getting a little help from IKEA as well.

Click on the image below to enlarge...

Conference Room Ideas

I hope you don't mind my going on and on about my office. I just am REALLY excited about it and want to share the experience!

I've been planning out the conference room. I want it to be welcoming, obviously, but also very classic. It has to be fresh and "designerly" as well...tricky, tricky. Here are my ideas thus far:

Office Space

I promised I would take photos of the office and I did! Sorry I wasn't able to to show you the space from start to finish, but it's definitely still not close to being done. So while you didn't get to see the place before I started work, I will tell you that it was off-white walls with this creamy-taupe wood trim. The carpet is currently brown and so old that it's bunched up in certain areas. My landlord was kind enough to let me pick out some wood flooring to have installed before I move in. That's coming before the 4th...

So, first things first, here's the plan of the office space:


It's three rooms connected together. The main entrance to the office is in the center. I'll be making my office out of the room on the left, and my conference room will be to the right. That little cubby in the back corner there is just screaming mini-fridge and refreshment area.

Now, here's a photo of the conference room. Sorry the angling of the camera sucks. It's hard to take a good pic when there's not much room to work with. Oh, and guess what - Ben's allowed in my office (my dog). Apparently the landlord brings in his dog quite a bit as well. He said it was fine as long as I clean up the hair...



I left the walls the creamy beige color since I was painting the trim white. It definitely made it "classier" feeling, I think.



This is the view of the middle/waiting room as you walk out of the conference room.




Lots of work left to do. The doors will be painted white as well to match the trim.

Oh, and the walls are the same rusty orange as what's in my logo.

This is what you see when walking into my office from the waiting area. I love a light stone gray on the walls with white trim.



And finally, this is what you see when you turn around while in the office and look back at the waiting room. Aren't those windows great? I can't wait to get this office done and to get the wood flooring in.

Office Planning Ideas

This is far from an interior design blog... however, aesthetics are a really big deal when moving into a space, especially for a design business. If a business had great design work but a less than pleasing-to-the-eye space, this would not bode well and could prevent clients from wanting to meet with you at the office. Therefore, I'm trying to think this one through very carefully.

In trying to be as green as possible while decorating the place, I've made the commitment to buy as many used items as possible for furniture and accessories. Why buy a brand new table when one down the street may need a new home? I've created an idea board for each room. Of course some of the items are pictured as new, but this is where garage sales and Craigs List will come into play.

The first room one sees when walking past or into the office is the reception/waiting area (I promise I'll take some photos of the interior tonight). I want this to catch the eye, so I've decided to paint the walls the same orange as my logo... plus, from a subconscious perspective, orange is supposed to inspire creativity. Here's what I'm thinking so far (note: click on image to enlarge):



I'll be sure to post my ideas for the two other rooms in the days to come... I can't give away everything at once!