From Blank Wall to Wow Workspace
When you need an area at home to be productive for work or school, it’s important to create a designated space that’s useful and comfortable. Monica Mangin shows us how to turn a blank wall into an at-home classroom for A-B-C’s and more in no time.
The transformation begins with a paint of coat and faux wainscoting (with a gold sharpie giving the look of beadboard paneling) to add visual interest to the wall.
A simple desk was constructed from a wooden saw horse and a piece of plywood or a project panel. A stain touch-up pen was used on the table edge to give it a two-toned look. Remesh (also known as a wire grid panel) was re-imagined and spray-painted to create a memo storage board. S hooks and binder clips were used to hang succulents, photos, pencil holders and more. A wooden dowel hanging by yarn serves as a craft paper dispenser. To round out the home-school space, crates were added for storage along with a perpetual calendar with days and numbers printed on card stock and a light source to illuminate the new workspace.
For a creative twist, instead of a desk lamp, attach a light fixture to the wall using the provided metal bracket for the appearance of a sconce. Tuck the wires behind the wall plate inside and add a puck light instead of a lightbulb, as Monica has done with this project. For added convenience, purchase a puck light with a remote.
From Closet to Homeschool Classroom
When is a closet more than just a closet? When Monica works her magic and transforms it into a homework and crafting workstation perfect for two.
The transformation begins with faux brick patterned peel and stick wallpaper applied to the back wall of the closet. Monica uses sponges and spray paint to create delightful pops of color on the faux brick. No workspace is complete without a desk. Monica builds a desk out of lumber attached to the wall and resting on top of a cube unit. Not only does this provide extra stability, but storage space as well.
Monica attached wheels to a small filing cabinet for ease of rolling under the desk. Additional storage space was created by installing shelving that runs the length of the closet, a small clothing rack on one side of the desk and a built-in shelf on the other. Canisters, containers, a pegboard system and small parts bins come together to keep supplies in order and remote-controlled puck lights under the upper shelf help illuminate the workspace.
Some items you might need for this project: