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Make over your lounge

Turn your family room into a cosy and inviting living space.

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Transform your home office into a space where you can work hard, and dream big.

 

The problem:
With its wooden floors and natural light, this room is the perfect work space, but it wasn't being utilised properly. There were too many clashing colours, and books and boxes cluttered the space. It desperately needed order, desk space, storage and style that would effectively combine a few functional dècor elements to create a productive work environment.

Our solution:
We decorated this home office in a contemporary style. Three of the walls were painted light grey (Dulux Clouded Slate 2) and the remaining wall in a darker shade (Dulux Potters Clay 1) to create a focal point. The skirting boards, picture rails and window frames were kept white so that the space could 'breathe'. A large floating worktop, fold-up chairs and free-flow shelf space on wheels combine to create plenty of work space and ample storage. Swedish roller blinds made from shade netting keep out harsh light.

Floating worktop
This 'table' consists of two doors that have been screwed to the wall in an L-shape. Metal pipes provide the necessary support.

Free-flow shelf space
This shelf spans the entire length of the wall and provides ample storage. The back of the shelf was left open to create flow. Good idea use the shelf as as a screen to provide more privacy.




Notice board
Use a focus wall as a notice board by painting it with magnetic paint before applying a topcoat. Then you can use letter magnets against the wall.

Make your own notice board
You will need:

  • masking tape
  • magnetic paint
  • paintbrush
  • 3mm wooden letters
  • white spray paint
  • magnetic sheets
  • craft glue
  • craft knife and cutting mat

    To make

  • Mark out the position of the notice board with masking tape.
  • Apply the first coat of magnetic paint with brush strokes in the same direction (we used Rust-Oleum Magnet Latex Primer), then leave to dry. Apply the next coat in the opposite direction, then leave to dry. Apply the third coat in the same direction as the first and leave to dry before painting the dark grey topcoat. Thoroughly mix the magnetic paint between coats.
  • Make the letter magnets while the paint is drying. Spray-paint wooden letters (available from hardware shops) white and glue onto magnetic sheets using craft glue.
  • Cut the letters out of the magnetic sheets using a craft knife.

    Good idea
    Use chalk in a contrasting colour to write notes and messages on the wall.

  • Previously published in Ideas, Subscribe now and save

     
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    Hello, Where can I buy Magnetic paint in SA? I have tried all our local stores and all of them have never heard of it before. I live in a small town but could always order it. Thank you. Regards Chantelle
    Chantelle on 21 May at 12:47

     


     
    Article: Marlize Lotz from Ideas
    Image: Jan Ras from Ideas
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