UPDATE: the tutorial is now here: How to Make a DIY Ikea Hack Desk with Plank Top and Copper Pulls.
Okay, so I may have promised construction of this desk back in November… and I may not be the best at completing projects on time.
But it’s finally done and I hope you’ll agree that it was worth the wait!
Ever since deciding to turn our large fourth bedroom upstairs into a kickass home office, I knew I wanted to build a wall-length double desk inspired by Young House Love.
For quite some time I scoured Craigslist for three appropriately sized base cabinets, but finally decided that a trip to Ikea for the base cabinet pieces was the way to go. (By the way, not to brag, but we are great at Ikea. We can be in and out in under an hour and leave only with the items on our list. We may be gods.)
There will be a tutorial coming soon (on how to build the desk – not how to survive Ikea, sorry), but for now, I hope these pictures will whet your appetite.
(For details on the office wall color and layout, see this post.)
One rustic, satiny, twelve-foot plank top:
With industrial copper accents:
To compliment the sleek and modern base cabinets:
And two vintage paint-by-numbers and two rust-colored curvaceous vintage arm chairs to hint at the future trajectory of the office décor:
Mmmmm!
I just freaking love the dark iron grey + copper + white + dark wood combination. This is true love: Princess-Bride-quality true love, you guys. I am having serious second-thoughts about my devotion to brass. Serious temptation to start a passionate affair with copper on the side.
Update: the tutorial is here!
i love this look. the only thing is i couldnt work side by side with my husband…too annoying! hah! But besides that part that would drive me ccrrrazzyy…it looks AWESOME!
Haha, that's hilarious Trina! Hopefully we can keep from bugging each other to death 😉 Honestly, I'm the one who's most likely to keep starting up a conversation if we're side by side… Thanks! I'm so glad you like the desk!
EEEEEK i love it! you are a genius! i love it! once more for emphasis. 😉
Cassie, thank you! I'm so excited about this project and so happy to have a desk area finally!!
I love how much space both of you have to work on this loooooong desk!
Just picture me doing a zombie shuffle & saying "Spaaaace!"
(Sorry, that's the first thing that popped into my head. I'm very very excited about all the work space!)
This looks amazing!! I've been wondering where to start bringing in some copper in my life and I'm still not sure where. It is definitely going to be a close second to gold, I predict. I also LOVE those vintage chairs and paint by numbers!
2014 is the year of copper, or so I've heard! 😉 I have some copper spray paint I'm going to be trying out soon… So many possibilities!
Thanks love!
I am just loving the wall colour in here, and what a great way to create a double desk!
Thank you Brandi! We love it – Sherwin Williams "Urbane Bronze". It's a strong dark color, but the room gets so much sunlight during the day that it can handle it! And it's nice and "cavelike" (exactly what my husband wants from his office) at night 😉
Looking good! I love the handle you made for the cabinets and that copper band accent on the desk's plank top is awesome! Can't wait for the tutorial 🙂
Thanks Caitlin! I can't wait to share it 🙂 Would you believe a comment by my teenage brother inspired the whole copper idea?
I just adore copper! My favorite metal by far. Great choice!
Thanks Shaleeta! I'm the newest member to the copper fan club!
This is gorgeous, Brynne! I love the copper accents. I'd TOTALLY buy this desk!
Thank you Jazmin 🙂 If you love the look, these copper accents would be SO EASY to add to any existing piece of furniture!
Love the copper! I'm currently working on our office, too and had a similar idea for the desk. I already painted a craig's list double file cabinet for the middle piece, but still need to find end cabinets. Looking forward to seeing your reveal!
Thanks Miss Charming! File cabinets sound like perfect base pieces! Hooray for custom desks!
A very ingenious idea for the handles. Very creative.
Oh, thank you JPG!
It looks amazing. The dark walls with the white cabinets and the copper. You nailed it! And I'm totally on the copper wagon too. You saw my copper vinyl I just bought 😉 I'm totally feeling you.
PINNED
Thank you Julia! Copper for 2014! I love that copper vinyl too!
Oh my gosh, absolutely stunning (as usual)! Those brass accents, wowza!
Oh and I'm totally jealous on your in and out Ikea method. I'm horrible in that store! To our credit it is over 3.5 hours away!
Ooh, that is quite the trip to Ikea then! Our store is about 45 minutes away, but I've only succeeded in dragging Bryan there 3 times in 4 years despite our record-setting method 🙂
I love the copper handles!! So gorgeous!! I can't wait to see it all!
Thanks Tania! They were easy peasy, but I think they totally MAKE the finished desk!
Love this, Brynne! Very cool
Thanks Katy!
I can't wait for the tutorial! I love Ikea hacks AND anything that is built with planks of wood! Beautiful desk, thanks for sharing!
Lisa, thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by! 🙂
Your desk is super cool! Love the copper accents and hardware..perfect!
Oh, thank you so much Selene 🙂
This is beautiful!!! And I am chuckling inside because I was just about to start something super similar to this. Great minds think alike! I love seeing how yours turned out the copper is beautiful.
Oh, that is too funny! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words, Taryn 🙂
Hi Brynne! I'm doing a 'Weekly Wonders' post tomorrow that features some of my favorite posts from other bloggers, and wondered if I could feature your desk? Thanks! -Lisa @ Practically Perfect Home
Oh, that's so sweet Lisa! I would be honored 🙂 Thank you!
what are the center bases? I love the copper handles, are they functioning cabinets? They look like mini fridges! 🙂
tess
The bases are cabinets from Ikea with oodles of storage inside! I'll be posting a full tutorial on Monday, so be sure to come back for more details 🙂
Looks great! Love the copper!
I need that in my craft room! Love the copper details, too. I would love for you to share some of your projects in my link party. The very first one is Friday, Jan 31st, at FlyingC-DIY.com. Hope to see you there!
Thank you so much Cori! I'm excited to check out your link party – I love learning about new ones! 🙂
Stunning. I love the modern simplicity mixed with the rustic top and the copper hardware. It looks perfect against the dark wall and with the traditional chairs. Such an awesome eclectic mix. It is so fab that I am featuring it tomorrow at Work it Wednesday. Hop by to grab your button if you have a chance!! Thanks for sharing it:)
~Krista from the happy housie
Oh wow – thank you so much Krista! I'm so excited! 🙂
Here from YHL! I just have to say I LOVE how moody this room is..can't wait to see it evolve!
Hi Sara! I'm so glad you came over 🙂 The room does have some serious attitude going on, doesn't it? 😉 I'm so excited about some super secret future plans for it!