My new office

For my birthday- Dan's parents- so generously- gave me a tow bar for our car- so Dan could hook up his bike rack to the back- and so we could move all of our stuff out of storage without having to borrow their car.  Nice.  Haha, actually- its been great- its really helped us with our move!

So, for Dan's birthday- appropriately- they gifted us a large piece of timber and a whole day of Laurie's time - to construct my new office.  Well- desk really- but its more than just a desk.

The inspiration came from an ikea book shelf/ room divider with an option for an attachable desk.  I was just about to buy it- when Dan suggested we make it instead- using our old crap furniture.  I was a little hesitant at first- but I have to admit- in the end I actually like it much better- plus its unique- plus doesn't scream IKEA.

On Sunday- handy-man Laurie arrived bright an early- at 8:30am- to help sweet Dan put my office together.  They took our old bookshelf- removed the backing- and fastened it to the ceiling for stability.  Dan painted the piece of timber white- and our original plan was to paint the book shelf white too- but now- looking at it- it matches the wood work along the windowsill perfectly.. so I am having second thoughts.. still leaning toward all white- but need a few second opinions... what do you think??

Also- another funny match- was our old night stand- which is now acting as desk drawers- again perfect wood color match.

Calling all you interior design lovers... I could use your help....take a look at the pictures below- should i paint the book shelf white?  drawers white?  new knobs on the drawers if i paint them?  Also- how do you decorate a book shelf- as a room divider?  I don't want to over crowd it - because I want the light to shine through.. but I needs a little love..and functionality.

Also- notice our new art!  I snached up an offer on group on for a photo on a canvas.  Although it didn't turn out quite like I imagined (because its a square - not rectangle- and cut off my favorite parts)- it matches our make-shift couch cover and room colors perfectly- plus I love this photo.

I had to give Dyllan her own basket (the round one with the Micky ears popping out- so she could unpack and repack all she wanted!  She is into EVERYTHING!

Feel free to share your decorating tips - I would love the input!