disclosure: This post is sponsored by FrogTape.

I love a challenge.

So when FrogTape reached out and asked me to create a small workspace area with color and personality for their 2021 Work Hard trend, I knew I had to get creative.

I had to bring it.

I had to think outside the box and come up with a solution to a dilemma that’s hard to work with.

Pun totally intended.

And Y’ALL.

WAIT.

Just wait until you see this space and what I did with it.

I took this plain, ordinary, neutral built-in area and transformed it into an office space.

Buckle up buttercup.

Because now?

It looks LIKE THIS.

There’s a striped bookcase and a dropleaf table that matches that’s tucked into the built-in.

And the best part?

Are you ready?

When the office space isn’t in use?

The table FOLDS DOWN and becomes part of the built-in.

We striped the bookcase.

And then painted the table to match.

Wait.

Just one more time.

Just because it makes me so happy.

From this.

To this.

It’s functional, too.

There are storage containers and boxes for all the supplies.

Like this stand to hold your ipad.

And containers for scissors and pens.

And boxes for extra supplies.

And space for your laptop.

And when you are done?

You just fold the table down and pull the chair to the side.

All that workspace in a tiny place.

Want to know how we created it?

Here’s the step-by-step.

Supplies

FrogTape

Ice Cube SW 6252

Interesting Aqua SW 6220

Tricorn Black SW 6258

Step one: Tape off stripes

We started by painting the entire bookshelf with Ice Cube SW 6252.

(total aside: if you are looking for a pretty white—this is one of my new favorites).

Then it was time to tape off the stripes. The key to these stripes (and any stripes for that matter) is asymmetry.

Your stripes will look more interesting if they are a little off-kilter.

So when I planned out the pattern for these stripes, I planned out one small stripe on either side of a larger stripe and then adding another smaller stripe that wasn’t centered.

Confused?

Oh, good. Me, too.

Here’s the breakdown on the stripe measurement:

  • 1/2 inch stripe
  • (an inch between)
  • 3-inch stripe
  • (an inch and a half between)
  • 1/2 inch stripe

Measure and tape off the stripes.

Make sure you score the tape with a hard edge (meaning you are going to press down the tape to make sure it’s secure).

Step 2: Paint the stripes

Here’s an in-process photo of painting the stripes.

The smaller stripes were painted Tricorn Black SW 6258.

The larger stripes were painted Interesting Aqua SW 6220.

Here’s the before of the painted stripes before we pulled the tape.

Another quick tip:

When you are painting stripes, you can use the FrogTape to help you.

We added an extra strip of FrogTape (that’s why it looks like some of the stripes aren’t painted) to space out the stripes.

It helps keep the stripes even.

Step 3: Pull of the tape

This is why I love FrogTape.

I never have to worry.

When you pull off the tape there’s a clean line every time.

Two quick tips:

Pull of the tape against the stripe. This gives you an even sharper and cleaner line.

Make sure you store the FrogTape in its original container so it keeps its stickiness.

Step 4: Tape off the table

Add the table to the built-in area.

Repeat steps 1-3 for the table.

And then?

Your office looks like this.

See what I mean?

I LOVE A CHALLENGE.

It’s good to face something that makes you get creative and think outside the box and dream big and think small (office space that is).

Especially when it turns out like this. 🙂

disclosure: This post is sponsored by FrogTape.

All opinions are my own.

Please see my disclosure page for more information.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: January 25, 2021

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  5. Image for Lila Lila

    I love your blog! I have learned a lot and enjoyed all the projects....but this is the first time I have commented. The office space challenge was FABULOUS! I think you are a much neater painter than I am but the idea was over the top. Can't wait to see what you think of next to do!! Thanks for all the inspiration.

    Reply
  6. Image for Karen Karen

    Hmmm, you have gotten me to thinking ... lol I am getting ready (well, my husband is doing the work) to turn a closet into a desk alcove for me in our pantry area. My kitchen and dining room are painted in Interesting Aqua. I might try something like this to tie this into my kitchen/dining room area. Thanks for showing!

    Reply
  8. Image for Sally Sally

    This is so creative and practical! My in laws are down sizing and the table/desk top is an item we will be receiving soon. What a fun way to use this space and the table. Love it!

    Reply
  10. Image for Jayne Jayne

    I love it KariAnne! I'm a stripes girl all the way so this is right up my alley! I'm in the middle of my own office makeover and am also using FrogTape - I hope my makeover turns out as lovely as yours has!

    Reply
  14. Image for Renee Bayes Renee Bayes

    Well— you never cease to amaze. So clever, practical and creative. Love the stripes—- the tiniest spaces can “go big” with paint and creative ideas.

    Reply
  16. Image for patricia patricia

    Love the look. From a functional point of view, is there anyway to alter the drop leaf legs so they don't block the chair as you pull up to the desk?

    Reply
  22. Image for Laura Nuss Laura Nuss

    I can’t even! I need to reread the math portion. Where is this space in your house?! I love it! I can even! I’m speechless! I am going to practice stripes in my house!

    Reply
  23. Image for Julie Briones Julie Briones

    This looks lovely, KariAnne... practical, pretty, and a space-saving office! Great ideas for a tiny house or small apartment, too! I'm in the midst of creating my tiny office space, with similar ideas! Thanks for more inspo!

    Reply
  26. Image for Patricia Patricia

    Karianne...brilliant. I just started turning a closet into an office. Nothing stuck out as to what to do with the blank walls.....AMAZING. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. Image for Lynne Lynne

    This is incredibly functional! Many are downsizing or want a small area for games and tasks. I was just thinking of a table like this for my sister who will use an apartment temporarily. I may have to go hog wild and do stripes. I like how the pens and scissors are up high. I did that when my 21 yo was a toddler. They're still there, but I can't reach them!!! Thanks for the inspiration and cheer!

    Reply
  32. Image for sandyc sandyc

    This is an absolutely cute and clever idea. Patricia asked about altering the legs of the table so that one could move the chair up to sit and work. I think I'd find a dropleaf table with four legs (this one has six), measure my space and the table carefully before I buy it, and then I'd be good to go. I just looked at several dropleaf tables online and saw several that I think would work. Trust you, Karianne, to find space and potential where many of us would never look.

    Reply
  39. Image for Ann C Ann C

    I did this to my bathroom walls about 15 years ago! But I did a random plaid. It had tile on the bottom half so it was only the top half but it made me smile every morning when I walked in. Thanks for the reminder. I have a drop leaf table like that but have been afraid to paint it. May have to give in. Love your creativity.

    Reply
  40. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    Oh my goodness, KA- that is absolutely brilliant! FrogTape picked a great designer= you certainly fulfilled the task at hand. Well done - I love that create use of tape and paint. Love love love!

    Reply
  42. Image for Toni Toni

    Your creativity never ceases to amaze me! I know you amaze yourself and that's what makes you so cute and disarming! Very fun and clever job and masterful use of space!

    Reply
  46. Image for Debbie Debbie

    EEEK! I LOVE this SO much!!! Can you tell us about the drop leaf table? Do you know the type of table that is and do you have tips on how to find one that fits so perfectly into a built-in? Thanks!

    Reply

Comments are closed.