BEFORE AND AFTER OFFICE MAKEOVER





I am so glad you enjoyed the tour of Pam's getaway home!  What is amazing to me is that while it looks old....it is not.  It was all newly built in the last few years!

Another thing is Pam is the sweetest person ever....

So how was Christmas for everyone?  Mine was very low key....I stayed home Christmas Eve day, night and most of Christmas until I walked down to my sisters for a quick dinner!  We ate on paper plates because her DW is broken....... we still have not started her kitchen!  Soon though.....planning is the most important part!

I have hinted for a while that I decided to do a little makeover in my office/laundry room.  This was my husbands domaine....and well....he is gone so I decided to make it mine!  

I can't tell you how good it feels to have this room be purposeful for me!  Let's start from the beginning...well I say that.....but it was such a quick decision I did not take before pics when it was a complete mess...and when I say mess I truly mean it.

One more thing....I needed to stick to my budget...using smoke and mirrors which really means PAINT....which as we all know is a game changer!


Here is the laundry area....after I had cleared most of it out.  It took a few days to go through everything and find new homes for a lot of it!  I mean why is there a roasting pan in here:)




To the right of this picture there is another knee area and a window which is where my ex sat.  I literally never occupied this space.

So what was the plan?  I decided to remove all the upper cabinets and paint.  Also leaving the tile floor, bottom cabinets and the countertops which are cheap laminate!  Luckily 30 years ago I picked a neutral :)



And it's painted.....SW Urbane Bronze!



Below you can see I was excited about accessorizing the space...haha!


Alrighty then.....



Yup....the excitement was building.....



As much as I wanted white oak floating shelves I decided NOT to spend the money and went with using Poplar for them.  My guy put a nice lip around them so they looked more finished.



I ordered the brackets on Etsy and they came in a week.....


Can you feel how excited I am?  Seriously y'all this was a long time coming!


Every time I got overwhelmed  I would soothe myself with a little shelf styling....haha.



This was the dining room table....and the rest of the LR looked the same!


It  took three whole days of the weekend starting on Friday.....

Not only do you have to go through everything you have to figure out where to put it.  You might think the upper cabinets were better for storage but they weren’t.  The open shelves are so much better and visually help when the doors are open from the LR/DR.


The next thing to decide was a rug....to cover the ugly tile!  I went to Scott's and brought some home.  Now you know I am a neutral girl so of course I brought 4 neutral and I threw in one odd one:)



While I loved the one above.... when I put the colorful rug down it was a game changer!

In my opinion it looked the best and also you noticed the rug instead of the tile.....winner!

I just took some fabric and put it over a spring rod to cover the extra knee hole [after using iron on tape to clean up the edges] and it is also another place for storage now....clever girl:)

So here ya go.....

Black baskets on the top shelf hold some of my fav fabrics.  The printer used to be over by the other window and it you could see it.



Oh yeah....I ordered some cheap oil rubbed bronze knobs from build.com....



And  for the shelves I did not buy anything new except for that little basket to put the faux Target fern in!  I shopped my house and basement!


All of the art came from flea markets!




I remembered I had 2 blinds left over from when I took them out of my keeping area and I hung them myself which is a little amazing as I do not hang curtains ever!








Here is the washer/dryer side.  I did buy the white baskets at Target....


And I got the large white shelf at Ikea!  Best find ever as it fit's perfectly and makes that space very useful!




I brought the lamp in from my bedroom....




I ordered the chair from Overstock.....



I am thrilled with it....and I am so glad I did not rip everything out as what a mess and expense that would have been.







Now when you look towards the office this is the view....I know so many pictures...can you tell I am excited?  Of course it will always be a work in progress as I can use this area to practice styling!



It was such a long time coming.  Sorry this is late but I forgot to set my alarm and I was up finishing up Bridgerton on Netflix last night!  I was so so good.....but I had to go workout my knee is almost 100% [boy that took a long time]  and get Cami walked.

I also did a little makeover [meaning re-accessorizing] on my kitchen shelves, keeping area and LR so there are some fun post coming!

Y'all I am officially divorced now.  It took 461 days....after 31 years together and not a single word to me.  So there you have it.

Shaystillamazed




 











52 comments

Robin in Umbria said...

This is amazing! Your talent leaves me speechless.

jenparkcity said...

So refreshing to see a designer work miracles with what they have on hand—-as well as being a down to earth gal!

LRae said...

well.....I'm excited for you too! I really enjoyed seeing how you did your office redo on a budget. Now I know for certain your talents knows no ends. Beautiful and definitely more you!
Linda

Anonymous said...

Have Sudi whip you up a new curtain if you really must have one but would add another chair and make it more work surface. You can never have enough. Good transformation!

Sharon said...

I love your new office—it looks terrific! Congrats!

As for your marriage, I can’t explain why your spouse acted as he did but I see much brighter days ahead for you. 2021 has to be a better year.

Thanks for the blog posts as I really enjoy them and seeing your talent.

Happy New Year,
Sharon

Anonymous said...

I always look forward to your blog! You have a great eye and I love your style, both design and writing. Cheers to 2021!

Anonymous said...

Sherry, I though about you and Cami over the Christmas Holiday and was praying that you were doing well! I was in your shoes several years ago and like you I chose to spend much of the holiday alone... that was one of the best decisions for me because it allowed me the time to reflect and set the foundation for new beginnings. You are doing great and helping those of us whom were in your shoes at one time to see just how far we have come! Thank you! I love your new space so much. Soon as I post this comment I’m going to order that rug 🥰 Designer within me would add an orchid to your space. They’re low maintenance, very easy to take care and add elegance to any space they occupy. Wishing you and Cami a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Betsy Cobb Gordon said...

Sherry,

You are FREE! I know this has not been l an easy journey for you but I am really proud the way you've held your head high publicly. Don't look back, you're not going that way!

I love the office makeover! Doesn't even look like the same space at all. Urbane Bronze wins again!

Sending wishes for a amazing 2021! Full of good health, joyful days and time with those who love and support you.

Thanks for keeping the blog going... I love following along.

Betsy G

karen sunday said...

Hi Sherry, the room is so amazing and paint is a game changer it helped me when I first started following you! and I am sorry about your heartbreak I can tell you are healing I never miss a post here!!! Sincerely Karen Sunday

Anonymous said...

Sherry I’ve read your blog for years and totally love your writing, spirit and style! My heart goes out to you for your loss and the pain you have suffered. You are obviously an amazing woman, and have inspired so many with your strength to continue living a full creative life surrounded with loving family, clients and friends that you cherish (and who cherish you)! Joy, love and amazing health in 2021! You go girl!!

Cheers!
Sue

Christine said...

Incredible transformation! You make it look so easy!!
Here's to starting off 2021 with a fresh start:)

Anonymous said...

I want an office/laundry room like that! So pretty! 2021 is going to be a great year for you - I can feel it! Cheers to fresh starts!

Hannah said...

oh my GAH! What a transformation!!! You are amazing!!!! Everything you touch turns to GOLD! Love it so so much!

Kathy said...

WOW..just wow!!! What a transformation! This space is so YOU! Best wishes for 2021! May the new year bring you peace, love and happiness!

Anonymous said...

A transformation of a room is one of the best ways of moving ahead. You did well in the transformation of that dead beat ex's office. It's your home and your life that matters. May this new year be a blessing to all as 2020 was the worst year ever.

Anonymous said...

All I can say is WOW! Such a transformation and a clean slate. You have been in my prayers so happy you start 2021 off free ��

Denise said...

WOWZA! When you said “office makeover” I thought you’d do some purging and rearranging. This is SO MUCH more than that! That rug MAKES the space! New office, New Year, New YOU! Much love and peace!!

cindy hattersley design said...

Sherry you are amazing. I did the same thing in my laundry room a couple years ago. Isn't it amazing when you open up those cupboards and see what you have how much more organized it is? Love your styling. Always beyond good! Congrats it's over let's have some fun when this is all over!!

Janice said...

What a positive, productive space! A perfect way to welcome 2021 and your new chapter of life!

Anonymous said...

That is one of the best makeovers I have ever seen.

Su-z said...

Sherry, that office is gorgeous! I love the dark paint, and the rug is amazing. You did wonders on that room. Congratulations on wrapping up the divorce. I’m sure you will find moving forward an easier task.

Allison said...

Amazing, beautiful transformation! As much as it’s been a very tough year, I’m happy for you that you finalized it this year and get to turn the page on a new calendar year and start with a clean slate moving forward. All the best!

Cindi said...

Sherry this is awesome! It’s your time to soar! You go girl! I’m so proud of you

Judy said...

Gorgeous, inspiring...”make do” renovations are my favorites...reduce, reuse, recycle...I have Urbane Bronze on the inside of my front door, it’s such an effective color, this makes me itch to do more with it. Happy New Year...fresh starts...all the best in 2021!

JJ said...

You have so much Natural light in that lovely room. No one has asked but what did you do with the heat/air vent in the wall over the w/d? I can't figure out where you moved it.

Looking forward to a much improved 2021!

debra @ 5th and state said...

Speechless again!

this office transformation and the divorce finalized, leads to a fab 2021. you are the most talented woman I know!

dinner during market?
cheers
Debra

barbara said...

Life sure can throw mud at you can't it? You have taken the high road and are a better person for it. Whatever is going on with him, doesn't concern you any longer. Though I know it is tough to not analyze it every day. That will lessen with time. I forget that I use to be married to a creep in the early 90s.
That office is incredible, you sure can shine a rhinestone into a diamond Sherry! It's perfect for your new life.
2021 is the Year of Sherry!

Dian Owens said...

Beautiful space! Love everything about it! Here's to a happy 2021!

CynthiaB said...

Love, love, love the laundry/office transformation! Noticed the view from your dining room (?) how the wood in the chairs picks up on the tones in the new rug - just perfect. OK, feel free to delete this post if you like but I just have this to say about Mr. Ex. People who are angry or hurt usually have plenty to say. People who are ashamed generally have nothing to say. Just sayin'.

Deb said...

It is all I can do to not run into my laundry room and start redoing it!! Looks great as all of your spaces do. You are living well which they say is the best revenge! Best to you in 2021!

Kim Browning said...

You worked magical miracles on this space!! Looks fantastic, and I'm sure you will continue to playfully experiment with this room. And congrats on EVERYTHING!!

Catherine said...

WOW!! Love this! Very inspiring! Amazing transformation! Can’t explain or excuse your ex but you are better off without such a coward. Maya was right - “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Hard lesson after 30 years. Success is the best revenge! Hopefully, it will get easier with time. In the interim, we (readers, family, girlfriends) have your back! 2021 is your year!! Sending love. 💕💕

Angie said...

As always, it’s a winner! You are amazing!! 2021 is going to be so much better!! Happy New Year!

Alysa said...

New start for that room and you too! Just in time for the new year!

Ruth said...

Although my taste tends toward more color color color, yours is impeccable and I can always see your style through my lens (which isn't always true for the other 'neutral and texture' or 'blue and white' styles). This is a wonderful transition, and a great year-end inspiration. I just received an email that said 'May the best of 2020 be the worst of 2021' - a good wish for all I think. Moving on up!

Anonymous said...

Love it!! The rug is perfection!! Happy new year!

Kelly said...

This is awesome! So glad that you are giving yourself grace and a fresh start!

Elstar said...

Your new office is fabulous! I want one exactly like it. Wish you could come to my apartment outside San Francisco and make the whole thing look like it!
I look forward to your blog...feel like I know you.
Wonder what the heck went on with your husband? Not a word is weird. Cowardly, I’d say. Well you have completed that contract. It’s done! Congratulate yourself for bravely walking through and taking such good care of yourself.
I love all the new beginnings going on in your home! Beautiful spaces and metaphors.

Jennifer said...

Another amazing room!!! So hoping for a wonderful new year and fresh start for you....you deserve it!!!!

Kathy said...

Sherry,
This is not the same room!!!! It went from being lifeless to one that is proud, functional & beautiful! Actually, it’s seems fitting since your life has the same qualities! You are an amazing person, designer & mama to Cami. I admire how you have chosen to handle immense difficulties. I look forward to your blog & Insta posts! Thank you for the inspiration you provide to so many!!

Unknown said...

Sherry, you are so unbelievably talented! This room is a new beginning, and a perfect way to start 2020. You cleared it out and built on the foundation that was there. And that's what you're doing with yourself, both with your heart and your mind. You're going to be better and stronger than before!
As for that rat ex husband of yours, KARMA KARMA KARMA!!!
Wishing you all the best and much happiness in 2021 :)

Sheila in SF said...

Wow what a difference with the dark paint and open shelves—looks great. Enjoy your blog very much. All the best in 2021!

Kelly said...

So good! I can see why you are so excited!

Renee said...

This is just so good! You have just kept going this year, which is a feat in itself! You inspire me so much...I just painted my dining room Urbane Bronze but need to get my ass in gear and accessorize now! Thank you for sharing your gift with us. Xoxo

Anonymous said...

Sherry! I am along time reader and have commented a time or two before. You are such an inspiration in so many ways. I know you don’t tell us about the divorce for us to make negative comments but your ex husband is the biggest coward. To be married for that long and not have the courage to speak to you in person and own what he has done. Huge, major, Coward. You keep on rocking lady! Happy New Year!
Also office looks fantastic!

Anonymous said...

You never disappoint and always provide inspiration. Love, love, love this budget friendly makeover. My wish for you is to find closure though I fully understand that without some form of explanation this can be difficult. It's bizarre behavior that indicates a real miss in character.

You have a rather large and devoted following so keep it coming. Health and happiness in 2021!

Anonymous said...

He hasn't spoken to you because then he'd have to face the fact that he is a coward. What a waste of space - glad you are now free and WOW - love the makeover. You are well and truly on the way to washing that man right outta your hair (and house and heart and thoughts....)

Have a great 2021 - you deserve it.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love this space now! What a difference the right paint color and assessorries make! I was married for 29 with the same outcome hang in there!

tanyaj said...

i love that space, it's magazine worthy for sure!!!

Anonymous said...

wow what a gorgeous space you created. I love it. I always thought it would be great to have a combination laundry and desk space though I'd use the desk for hobbies. I love the rug, the warm woods with black, high contrast and the blinds made the room for me. Is it proper to congratulate you on your divorce or at least on having the band width to with stand it all? It would be interesting to know what a professional would think about a man who treated you with total silence. Emotional abuse and playing with your mind I suspect. My dad did this to us when we in our 40s & it involved a very questionable lifestyle he was living. He pretended we never existed. I can't imagine what it was like for a husband to do it. unreal. Pamela

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Sherry you truly take design to an art form when you can make a laundry room into a gorgeous office using much of what you had on hand. The end result is gorgeous *of course*; I am a huge fan of your work! I'm sorry for everything you've been going through and hope your heart is on the mend. xx

He found Brick Tiles said...

I'm obsessed with your office, you did an amazing job.

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