Not so long ago, in the throes of inventory acquisition, my workspace resembled an episode of Hoarders.  

I had cleaned up my workspace since then but hadn’t made it the cozy, functional space I envisioned. Mr. F&F also shares this space and THAT’S a challenge for us both, so out of respect for the little corner he occupies, I thought we needed an F&F intervention.  A great way to start the new year? 

The workspace is an apartment over our garage and it’s just under 400 square feet, a decent amount for a shared space if properly organized. I kept Mr. F&F’s space in its current corner but reused college boy’s desk from his bedroom. It’s a more functional L-shaped configuration than the basic folding table that was his prior desk. Here’s the overview of the whole apartment now.

My desk area is on the right in the overview picture. My prior desk was too small and cramped and messy so I reused my old kitchen table.

…old desk area…

Behind the desk area is the kitchen cabinets and counter area. Lots of seasonal stuff stored in cabinets and counter is staging area for stuff needing work and pricing.

…kitchen area…Fabrics and pillow inserts (best down inserts and best price) were more problematic and taking over the apartment.  Reused an old shoe rack that I’ve had for years. It has served as shelves in my kitchen to hold cookbooks and hang pots and later, it stored kids’ toys in baskets. It has been a handy piece for years and is now “in vogue” with the current industrial look.

We have a “fake” fireplace which actually helps heat the apartment, so I added some folding chairs and an old grain scale in front to  act as a coffee table. It’s not fancy and not upholstered but it adds needed funtion to the space. The grain scale will eventually be sold.

The black folding screen in back conceals stuff I don’t want to deal with right now.

Stuff that’s ready to go is by the door on two temporary tables.

And then there’s the beer my 12 year old found at the park across the street. Mr. F&F has been pouring cans down the apartment toilet since we’re not sure how long it was in the park. We only know that there’s some pissed-off kids who hid the beer and cigarettes and other stuff. Underage park party averted.

…beer, eh?…My twelve year old came home from school today and approved the redesign. I think he likes the idea of doing homework up there with dad. Eventually I’ll get a better staging area (perhaps reuse an old folding table) and reuse some other containers and maybe some used upholstered chairs I’ll acquire on my travels. But for now it’s much cozier and usuable, providing form AND function. He he.