How to make this dark/old looking space into a cool office for 2 ?
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Paint is the easiest and cheapest way to go. You could chalk paint the hutch and desk area. But use an acrylic sealer to seal the chalk paint not wax. Do not use polyurethane as it will yellow. Spar varnish is also a good choice.
Hello there,
Well, you could use a beautiful wallpaper for the back of the units and paint the inside trim of the doors to tie in with the wallpaper. Maybe even Wallpaper the cabinet inner Panels too... Add Mirror or inspirational Art to the walls..........
Both good suggestions. The following links, can help you envision it. The first one is with a dark counter, and I think it looks more elegant. So you wouldn't need to change yours, if you like the effect.
https://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=136194
https://mylifefromhome.com/one-room-challenge-orc-week-6-reveal-of-a-functional-stylish-home-office/
http://www.homebunch.com/wp-content/uploads/z-7005-Pure-White-Sherwin-Williams-CDA-Interior-Design.jpg
To make it into an office, you'll need to remove an area of cabinets or shelves on the bottom so you have a space to wheel a chair in so you can sit down. I also agree that painting the cabinets would definitely lighten it up, but if you didn't want to do that just getting the area cleared and agree with the great suggestion for wallpaper in the back of the units. You could also put up scrapbook paper on the backs with double sided tape.
Add some better lighting using fluorescent fixtures...either replacing the ceiling fixture or in lamps. White light is definitely needed.
If that unit is removable, get it out and put in a couple of short filing cabinets with a piece of finished wood on top for each desk. The printer could be put on top of the top in the corner with shelves underneath. Butcher block is a lighter color.
shelves with bins could be utilized on the wall. Paint in a light grey or white.
My suggestion: Paint the boxes of your book shelves, but leave the shelf inserts dark. The shelves get a lot more wear than the boxes and leaving the original finish will make them more durable. Paint the bases of your desk/s but leave the top dark for the same reason as the bookcases. Paint your cabinetry a soft gray or white (whichever you like better.) Paint your walls a pale aqua. This will set off the dark wood. The suggestion to wall paper the backs of the cabinets is a great idea. If you do this, find your fabric first and then pull a color for your cabinet and desk bottoms and your wall color from the paper and you will have a sophisticated look. Use pretty baskets and bins to coral your things on the shelves and on your desk so they both look neat and organized. Also include some green plants (real and/or fake) to add some life to the office. Organize your books by color or cover them in matching paper to further minimize the look of clutter.
This could be a really neat office. I would like to leave the counter tops dark and paint the rest in a much lighter color. Remove the bottoms cabinets on the side (below the window) that would be for the desks and a narrower one between the two desk areas for more room. The shelving looks good but maybe remove some vertical in the cubbies for shelving for paper or whatever. This will be so nice and cheerful when done especially with lighter colors.
This could be a really neat office. I would like to leave the counter tops dark and paint the rest in a much lighter color. Remove the bottoms cabinets on the side (below the window) that would be for the desks and a narrower one between the two desk areas for more room. The shelving looks good but maybe remove some vertical in the cubbies for shelving for paper or whatever. This will be so nice and cheerful when done especially with lighter colors.
This could be a really neat office. I would like to leave the counter tops dark and paint the rest in a much lighter color. Remove the bottoms cabinets on the side (below the window) that would be for the desks and a narrower one between the two desk areas for more room. The shelving looks good but maybe remove some vertical in the cubbies for shelving for paper or whatever. This will be so nice and cheerful when done especially with lighter colors.
This could be a really neat office. I would like to leave the counter tops dark and paint the rest in a much lighter color. Remove the bottoms cabinets on the side (below the window) that would be for the desks and a narrower one between the two desk areas for more room. The shelving looks good but maybe remove some vertical in the cubbies for shelving for paper or whatever. This will be so nice and cheerful when done especially with lighter colors.