Full Office Reveal with Custom Built-In's and Desk - Come Stay Awhile by Amanda Vernaci

I just finished my office remodel (a mere 10 weeks in) and I am in LOVE! So many things were a part of this project from building my first ever drawer boxes, to completely transforming the existing wood paneling to a color more my aesthetic. The largest part of the project is a full wall of custom built-in cabinets with a desk. I learned so much and now I have a fully functional office space and it feels so damn good!

When I saw this room I knew I could make it into a cozy office space. The original wood wainscoting paneling was giving the perfect feel. I debated going white and bright like the rest of the house but in the end I decided to to keep the original paneling. The layout of the office room left a nook in the wall right by the window, so I knew I wanted to design around doing my built-ins in that space. It is the perfect size for a desk centered on the wall with tall bookshelves on either side. I love the library vibes the room was lending itself towards, and after deciding to keep the paneling I started getting really excited about designing the space!

Last summer I built my own custom workbenches, and I installed my own kitchen cabinets when we moved last fall, but this was my first time building my own fully custom built-ins! I built the bases, then then attached the counter and put the bookshelves on last. I went back and forth on if I wanted to do drawers or doors, and I decided on drawers! It turned out to be quite the learning experience and I basically built them twice before I got the size right.

I built and put on shaker style drawer fronts – and then I started the fun part! The paint and decor! I decided to go moody all around, and went with. my tried and true Grizzle Gray. I painted everything that wasn’t the original wainscoting (including the ceiling!) and it turned out SO GOOD. I couldn’t quite decide what color to do the counter, and the red tones in the wood were throwing me off, so I decided to completely go off plan and do my gel stain trick to change the color of the paneling! It was a risk, but it was WORTH IT and it looks amazing! Everything about it fits my vibe now, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

DIY’s in This Space:

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Cost Analysis:

Materials:

Lumber: $357 (includes cabinet boxes, bookcases, drawers, & trim)
Desktop: $229 (I went with red oak so it was more expensive, you could use pine for a cheaper option)
Shiplap Panel: $72 (two panels used)
Paint: $194 (2 gallons of SW Emerald and 1 quart BIN primer)

Total Cost: $922 (excluding tools, screws, & wood glue)