this {humble} home.

I'm so excited to be sharing a very special edition of This {Humble} Home with you all! This project was an awesome collaboration between me and Josh, and if I do say so myself, we rocked it!

In our old place in Florida, the guest room was my craft space; with a walk in closet, a dresser and built in shelves to hold all of my goodies. Sadly our new home has none of this and the guest room is just too dark!

I knew I wanted a desk in the loft where our living area is set up; it has killer light and killer views, but my folding table just wasn't cutting it.

You can see the amazing light in this picture, but this space is too big for just one teensy table.


After searching the interwebs for some inspiration, I came across Janny Pie's do-it-yourself monster desk and I knew I had to have it!

Two trips to Lowes (who were way more helpful than the other place), a quick trip to Target and a dozen measurements later, Josh and I were able to build a fantastic desk in just an afternoon, for around $150.

We had Lowes cut the MDF to ensure accuracy, but the rest of the cutting drilling and painting was done by Josh and myself. I couldn't have done this without my awesome husband, he was so encouraging and did all the heavy lifting. Thanks babe, I love you!

Look at him go! He's a pro with that drill.


The desk is made from cubbies, MDF, table legs and plywood for the skirting.


Janny Pie used larger cubbies and it was the same height all around, but I customized my desk to the space by using smaller cubbies and I dropped the table part down to accommodate my sewing machine (gotta reach that pedal!) and fitting under the window sill.

After it was complete, I shelacked it with primer and paint in a crisp white to keep it light and fun. The toughest part was finding room for all of my craft stuff; 8 of 12 cubbies are chalk full of yarn! A simple plastic drawer on wheels fits perfectly under the higher desk and is easily moved so I can reach my supplies.

I'm so very happy with This {Humble} Home project and in fact I'm sitting here right now typing to you; projects at my fingertips.

My sewing table is now the picture of perfection; happy and fun. The Liberty of London box holds all of my supplies so they're within reach.


Polly and Molly now reside on the window sill with teensy prints by Elsie Flannigan and The Noosed Kitty.


Here she is in all her glory! The cubbie desk is 6 feet long at bar stool height for plenty of working space and the sewing table is just over 3 feet.


The cubbies are a perfect spot for all of my yarn, organized by color for extra prettiness. Bins and boxes on the bottom shelves house my painting supplies, doilies and markers. The lip created by the MDF is exactly enough for my ball winder to always be out for easy yarn winding.


An old porta file is perfect for little notes and trinkets that will eventually fill the frame hanging just to the left and the top from one of candles is the perfect vessel for my embroidery floss.


I was super happy to be able to put my craft books out again; I missed my sweet little owl bookends.


The higher desk is the hub of the storage. The plastic drawer set houses just about everything and my Crosley turntable has a happy home; it's just too easy for me to craft and listen to my records now!


And this has got to be my favorite part; the view. I can stare out at the park behind our home while crafting in my studio until my heart's content!


This was a super satisfying project and I highly suggest using Janny Pie's template to customize a desk for your space. I started a trend amongst friends; my cousin made one the week after; my mom is itching for one and my friend Christy will build one this summer!

I'd love to hear what you think about This {Humble} Home project and I'd be happy to answer any questions about the building process or construction. There's still much to be done in this space; a new chair, an inspiration board and some art on the walls. But that my friends is a {Humble} Home project for another day. xo.

25 comments:

French Press Knits said...

Wow-how exciting. This looks great. Wish I could finish my room, it seems to be taking forever. Can I hire you two?!

Roxanne said...

Thank you. I'll work for yarn ;) But I can't speak for my husband!

Bri said...

Rox this is amazing! I am so jealous!

Bex said...

This looks amazing Roxanne! I am so jealous. The lighting in my craft section is not near as good as yours!

Allison said...

AMAZING! You go girl!

Ms. Rahl said...

beautiful! love it!

grrfeisty said...

wow! i think i am most jealous of the view from your window!! amazing! and the desk is awesome, too :D

Roxanne said...

Come on over and craft, Roxy. There's room for the both of us!

PS. It feels so weird saying my name, but it's your name, but it's my name. Ha, I adore you!

Roxanne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

It's a great space, you guys did a fantastic job!...although how on earth are you gonna actually get anything done with that fabulous view ?!

Dayna said...

Wow, that looks awesome! I love your little owl bookends. : ) And your view is to die for - so pretty!

knit one, knit two said...

what an cool craft space, complete with liberty and a view too! lucky you!

Anonymous said...

Very, very cool. I really love that you guys built it yourself!

Kara said...

Your little area is so cute! Makes me want my own space. <3

Erin said...

What an amazing workspace! That desk is unbelievable, it has so much storage!

Unknown said...

I love your desk cousin! and I love you for showing me the desk so I could make one also! except i want your view, when I look out the window from my desk...its straight into my neighbors bathroom, which is not a frosted window!!! and its about an arms length from my window! Wanna trade? Love you

Unknown said...

great job Roxanne and Josh, love the little cubbies. This would be a great addition to your bedroom/my crafting room at home. especially the sewing table part...

mkonieczki said...

GORGEOUS! I love your space! And, the view is incredible!!

Jennifer said...

That's a fantastic view and an awesome job on the desk! I love the yarn all sitting happily in the cubes, and the record player and the little framed "i love music" art.

Unknown said...

I love it so so SO much, Rox!! Great job!!

Anonymous said...

I love the view from your window, realy nice working space!

Maiden Jane said...

You did an amazing job with the space! My sewing machine sits in front of the window, but I don't have that spectacular view!

Michelle, Queen Behind the Lens! said...

That is just fantastic! And the view is amazing! I used to have a whole bedroom for sewing & crafts, but then the 16 yo stepson moved in. Le sigh...

Moorea Seal said...

yea girl!!!!! this is SO awesome. man, i just dream of the day when i can have a space just for art marking, that is it. for now, the art making is confined to my little bedroom. wa wa...

Luloveshandmade said...

The room looks beautiful, and, oh my god, what an amazing view!!!