Home Office Transformation (from new to old)

Whilst I have been watching and admiring everyone's posts, I have been steadily preparing myself for the day I too would own a something worthy of posting to these esteemed pages.
Finally last week I upgraded my office from a nice modern office to an even nicer old office.
I should point out that I actually love useful technology, but I also love the (true) Art Deco style - to this end, my office makeover is incomplete, but is in a state where I am proud to share it and able to use it.

Some hidden little gems...
The Krielser radio has been emptied and the internals replaced with Pioneer WiFi Speakers through which I can stream my 30's Jazz.
The phone without wires (the shiny one) contains a Bluetooth handsfree unit which can run for almost 2 weeks on standby and many hours of use (it links to my Android mobile).
The printer is currently hidden in the credenza, and the only thing I am having issues with is the dual screen iMac - not sure how I'll deal with that (and yes, I really do need 2 screens).
Also I am building a wall mounted display case behind which will reside my trusty whiteboard. I also need some nice wall sconces, art (I have some), curtains and art deco ceiling lights.

Feedback and ideas welcome (especially on what to do with that infernal computational device!).

My original desk that has served me well for years, but lacks character...


The (slightly) blank canvas. Those units on the left are the bases for the desk!


The bases in position ready for the desktop (it IS big)...


The desktop finally in place (after taking the efforts of four valiant men to manhandle it upstairs and into position.

The lamp is actually a modern "touch" unit, and the fan a working, very effective and very dangerous 1930's item.

Below shows the two pull-out writing slates on each side.

OK, well this is embarrassing - I've been trying for an hour to get images to appear but to no avail...
Fixed it - apparently https links (such as those used by Dropbox) won't work here.

The desk alone, makes a great statement!

Everything looks beautiful. I have one of those green banker's lamps, too. According to my research, they came out in 1909. Originally made by a company based in New York. You're very lucky to have such a desk. But they're extremely heavy, as I'm sure you know. It's very beautiful!!

Edit:

You may be interested in reading this posting I made for my blog:

http://scheong.wordpress.com/2013/0...vintage-study-or-office-ideas-for-a-man-cave/

That's a great blog Shangas. Thank you for the recommendation.
As for my banker's lamp, it is but a modern day reproduction given to me as a gift. It's very well made using real brass and glass, but it is also a touch-lamp (touch to turn on and adjust dimming level).

Stearmen, thank you - it's my favourite piece and until I rescued it (it was left in a building I worked in and was to be thrown out! when we moved!), I couldn't get my office into anywhere near the state I wanted.

My lamp is a traditional on-off one. I didn't like the idea of (and have no need) for a lamp with differing levels of brightness. If you have questions about vintage office-supplies and what might be period-appropriate, let me know and I'll see if I can help.

Homer_Hudson said:

That's a great blog Shangas. Thank you for the recommendation.
As for my banker's lamp, it is but a modern day reproduction given to me as a gift. It's very well made using real brass and glass, but it is also a touch-lamp (touch to turn on and adjust dimming level).

Stearmen, thank you - it's my favourite piece and until I rescued it (it was left in a building I worked in and was to be thrown out! when we moved!), I couldn't get my office into anywhere near the state I wanted.

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What great luck! No accounting for other peoples bad taste, they probably got an IKEA desk to replace it.

I have two Ikea desks, and I so wish I could have a proper desk one of these days.

Terrific transformation!

Stearmen said:

What great luck! No accounting for other peoples bad taste, they probably got an IKEA desk to replace it.

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You are pretty much correct on that call - not Ikea, but it may as well have been. "Modern building!" they teased, "More light!" they said, "Better collaboration" they cried, but in the end, no one was happy and morale was the price we paid...

On a related note, I just found this on eBay - the perfect complement (if I can convince my fairer half of its value)...
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/131102508673?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

scotrace said:

Terrific transformation!

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Why, thank you kind Sir. There is more to be done (lights, curtains, artwork), but one of my current difficulties is not being able to find those same drawer pulls anywhere. I may have to search for something similar looking and replace them all.

Homer_Hudson said:

the only thing I am having issues with is the dual screen iMac - not sure how I'll deal with that (and yes, I really do need 2 screens).

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There is a FLounge member who can fix you up with something suitable. Here is an example of his work.

http://slipperyskip.com



BTW, you're off to a great start all I would add to your plans would be some wall treatment like wallpaper, moldings and such.

A.C. Lyles said:

There is a FLounge member who can fix you up with something suitable. Here is an example of his work.

http://slipperyskip.com

View attachment 9039

BTW, you're off to a great start all I would add to your plans would be some wall treatment like wallpaper, moldings and such.

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Thank you Mr. Lyles both for your compliments and suggestions. I have seen the work of Jeffery Stephenson before, and he does do amazing work. His work has inspired me to build a humidor based home theatre PC, complete with Art Deco themed skin. I doubt it will be as nice as his work, but I suspect it will be far more in line with my budget.

On the office, I am looking at a split wall treatment. I'm thinking some pressed tin wall panels for the upper section, then a molding, then either paint or wall paper below the molding. I also would like to add new (old) cornices like these, then some suitable deco curtains.

The desk is glorious. I wish Ikea did do a pedestal desk at the top end of their line - it'd be superb quality and less than half the price of an identical item elsewhere. I've got quite a lot of their furniture, carefully selected. Is your desk a two-person desk, designed to be used at both sides?

Thank you Edward. Yes, the desk is a "partners desk" (i.e. two sided). The far side (with the seat in the photo) is where I sit and differs from the camera facing side in that it doesn't have the middle drawer - just an arched timber piece beneath which I sit. The far side also has the two pull out writing slates.

I agree, Ikea does generally make quality stuff for the price, though they tend to go for generic styles, meaning they are nice, but don't stand out too much. Conversely their styles offend few - perfect for the mass market they are selling to.

I would love to see any updates

Hi Mike!!

Me too!!