what I do

what I do

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Meet Alex

I've been thinking about getting the Alex flat files from Ikea for a long time. For a couple of years actually. At one point my local Ikea said they were being discontinued and had them for a reduced price. And yet I still hesitated. But the other day when I had just about had it with the lack of organized paper management in my office (I have 13 design clients I am juggling right now) I decided it was time. So last week when I was in the area, I stopped into Ikea and picked one up. 

My office before Alex

Friday morning I carved out a little time to build it. It didn't take long at all. Compared to other Ikea furniture, which I think is the least complicated of all the build-your-own furniture to put together, this was probably the easiest. I started around 8:30 ...


I brought the box into my office where I would put it together. That was by far the hardest part - those boxes are HEAVY!


I removed everything from the box and as I was on my hands and knees sorting all the pieces I was shocked at all the cat and dog hair on the carpet. Had to take care of that first - eesh.


The first thing I aways do is separate the parts. It makes the job go much faster in the long run and if there is a part missing (rarely, but it happens) it is less frustrating to know up front.


Next I got the necessary tools together ...


I didn't get too far before I had to get some relief from the heat!


Got all the drawers put together ...


And needed a little energy (thanks girls!). All fruit no sugar added Mega Mango. (Day 5 of no sugar - woo hooo!).


Then all I had to do was put in the drawers and tighten the screws. Done!

 

Meet Alex. Isn't he gorgeous? 


I had a piece of glass that used to be on an old nightstand - I can have it cut to size later. All finished and not even 10:00 yet. Not bad, huh?


I couldn't resist dressing it up a bit so I went into the garden to see what I could find. My roses are so pretty right now!


What do you think? 


I love it! I think it fits just right and the best part is it will help me stay more organized. That is a great thing.


Jack, well he is not too sure.

12 comments:

Jessie said...

Alex looks handsome! Love your newest addition. By the way, I am thinking of buying the same office chair. I have seen it many times and fell in love with it. I am just wondering how comfortable it is....because it looks like a great chair!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Jessie
www.mixandchic.com

Unknown said...

Jessie - the chair is VERY comfortable. I love it!

Robbie said...

I am so glad you are available to design all of our offices to be as beautiful and functioning as yours.

Deb said...

Sher - I have four of these files. 2 upstairs and 2 downstairs. I LOVE mine too! Great as flat files for art and also for my art supplies. I like what you did with the glass on top.

Gypsy Heart said...

Hats off to you for getting it put together so efficiently! I'm not good at those things. It looks great! I think I'm going to have to investigate these ~ I need organization for my craft items.

No sugar? How are you doing? Would love to know.

Pat

barb cabot said...

Love it Sherri!

barb cabot said...

Sherri Yippie your format for comments now allows me to post! woohoo.

traci zeller designs said...

I think Alex looks fantastic!! What a great storage solution ... and love your organized approach to putting it together. IKEA assembly could be another Inside Out business. Hee hee hee hee!

Unknown said...

Hi Barb - Yeah, I changed the settings - I'm learning!
Traci - Thanks! But you're too funny. Believe it or not I used to do all my furniture assembly. My first job I even painted, ha ha! I have a great guy who puts it all together and installs for me. :)

annie@mostlovelythings said...

I am completely impressed! I love IKEA for storage solutions, but those things that come in relatively flat boxes that then become a piece of real furniture...and for you in matter of a few hours...hmmmm....I think I would still be working on it! It looks great in your office, especially the way you accessorized it.

SHERRY HART said...

Oh yea baby.....I need one of those. This is the year of the office redo! I must!

Unknown said...

Love Jack and Alex. They look great in your office.

How I wish I had a Ikea close to me...