Office Makeover on a budget - Making a Boho/Scandi home office in our rental cottage - story 20

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Any ideas for what to do about the corner? 🙂

[@miss_xenia_]

I really like the idea of a wall rug there 🤗

[@luciaakh]

Maybe you can put a mirror so it can reflect some light (without creating reflections on your computer screen) or some kind of crochet/wool tapestry hanging there from a branch

[@theartofnaturegermany]

Maybe a wall vase with a hanging room plant ☺️ or a beautiful lamp for some indirect/accent light

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@miss_xenia_ noted! I do too, feels a bit more cozy then

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@luciaakh Both really good ideas, thank you

[@justRoRo]

At first I thought the blue color worked and couldn’t understand why you didn’t like it. But then when you revealed the repaint, I saw a huge difference and it’s a much more calming (but still creative) space in the end. I’m glad you trusted the process and thanks for taking us along with you!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I totally get that, I was very confused about it myself which is why it took over half a year before I painted again 😄. Glad you like how it ended up too!

[@TheAbandonedAccount7]

Oh man, I remember those 00s computer speakers. Tbf rather listen to them than like, a cell phone speaker lol. That setup takes me back, for sure! Very authentic nostalgia

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha! They are Bendik's. Almost vintage now x)

[@Justafonso]

Painting while on the phone, women can really do multiple things at once 😂💪🙏

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha! Yes, I was chatting with my friend x)

[@waffelsmellgood]

You could also use the rug on the wall behind your desk monitor. It add decor to your eye while sitting at your desk and also makes another focal point since you have a minimalist style.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Yes that is also a nice idea :-)

[@user00616]

I love the slightly koo koo laugh at 14:58 🤍 new subscriber

[@megreads9]

The music that you put in this video while you re holding the antique chair makes me laugh so much because I felt that this an animated children videos like the oldies that we've watched in our childhood. I like every content that you put and the whole house is a piece of art. If i get the chance i will have a copy of the flowers book that you put two of them on the wall. Could you please send it's link ? Thanks.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, I am glad you found it funny too x). I got the book in a thrift shop and it is in german, so I unfortunately have no link to it. But I will see if I can find it online!

[@brendasnow8255]

It looks light and airy, very pretty.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you :-)

[@flamingoliz]

It's such a serene room, nice job. The blue was just too strong for the space, toning things down a bit made a difference. It's ok to redo things, picking paint colors is so finicky. I like the corner with your chair and the big plant.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@catastrfy]

your new wall colour is lovely! i enjoy the way it shifts from a soft muted blue to a soft muted green, staying so tranquil as either. the white sets it off beautifully, and then the wall colour sets off your plant and decorations. i smiled to see your wool samples with the labels; back in the 60s and early 70s my mother did a great deal of dyeing with plants. like you, she labelled them all so she'd know how to recreate the colours she liked the best. to help soften the echoing, a wool blanket fastened closely to the wall so that you can still hang things on the wall by putting fasteners thru the blanket can help (and if cold air comes thru the wall, it will help block it, too). If you are able to find a blanket at a second hand shop, it might be fun to use your skill with dyeing to create pattern and/or colour that pleases you.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you, I am fascinated about how that colour shifts too, cant decide if its green or blue somehow. Which I kind of like ♡. How nice that she did this too. Its such a cool craft, told by women down through generations, I really enjoy learning about it. There is a few videos about it on my channel, but I am no expert. It would be so cool to make something for the wall with this yarn! Buying something and colouring it is a very good idea too. Maybe a project for next winter 🤔😊.

[@kathycagg6531]

I’m enjoying your videos so much!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

That makes me happy

[@neza8628]

The final paint color is amazing😍

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I am glad you like it

[@mikafy9628]

Maria, it looks great, I am delighted with the metamorphosis. I'd have hats hung on the wall in the corner :) greetings from Poland

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Mika

[@carolecole4295]

I love the color and the way you decorated the room

[@carolecole4295]

By the way, you could buy a painters drop cloth and bleach it for a chair upholstery cover!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you! 😊

[@caracampbell1715]

Stunningly beautiful where you live!!💖💖💖

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@wcourson11]

I love the results! Great colors…

[@theartofnaturegermany]

It turned out so beautiful 😍 A pleasure to watch it coming together!!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@patsyporter5082]

Love what you did! The second colour is beautiful. 😊♥️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Patsy ♡

[@denisecarter5117]

The paint is a beautiful color.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

thank you

[@MarkGalbraithVideos]

Great work Maria, and another terrific video too. Your office looks really nice, and should be a great place to work.You clearly enjoy painting and DIY work, though I can honestly say I have never before known of someone who stuffs her socks under the skirting boards. As for the corner; I say leave it to its own devices and it will soon find its own way. I have plenty of corners which have developed a style of their own over time with no assistance from me !

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Mark. I know people who stuff wool under there, but not socks, just thought since they are 100% wool its not the worst substitute, haha. I think you are right about the corner, its already living its own life...

[@amywoolsey6591]

Lightening the color and adding a touch of terra cotta was spot on! What a transformation. Congrats on your space.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@rabczanska]

That tall table in office is a plant stand. Perfect for Boston fern.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Yes, I'm pretty sure it is too :-) I think it will be decorated with a plant eventually

[@gurkmeja2021]

Tack för ännu en intressant video. Ditt kontor blev verkligen jätteFINT! Och vilken fantastisk utsikt! My collie was lying sleeping on the floor next to me, and when the woodpecker squeaked in this video she flew up, haha ha! Have a great week! /Ditte in Skåne

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Å takk Ditte! Jeg føler meg så heldig, og du har et godt øye som la merke til utsikten :-). Beste utsikten i huset synes jeg! Haha, how funny, there must be something about the woodpecker that drives animals crazy then x) my cat gets furious. You too

[@giftprincessgoden07]

Love it,.so simple and such a relaxing room!!!!!!!!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you 🥰

[@mounthoodsts]

It looks great! The final paint color is a winner for sure. I love how you so easily re-paint when the color isn't quite right. I get it........ I once repainted a wall 3 times in one month. That corner is almost perfect, just replace that tall wooden table/shelf with a small circular short table (maybe hourglass shaped). I think that would do the trick 😉

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thanks

[@liannacoull934]

The cupboard wall looks so much better all white- much softer as the green and white contrasted too much before. In the corner: the small plant stand/table’s wood is quite red/dark where as the other woods are cooler toned. Can you sand it and stain it a lighter colour to match the tone of the room? You could also hang a trailing plant on the wall to fill the space. I’ve just bought a house and I am facing all the dilemmas you have gone through in your home.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I totally agree. Its generally nicer in one color I think, since those cupboard-doors aren't that nice, and I don't want them to stand out so much from the wall. Giving the plant stand another color is a good idea, I actually thought the same about the legs of the chair... Thank you for the suggestion. A hanging plant is also a great idea

[@FrenchCountryLife]

I love EVERYTHING about this office! I really like the color you eventually mixed yourself and put on so much better, it's just so soothing and energizing at the same time because all of the details you put in the room. I like the fact that it really feels very personal, it's a Maria room, I love that when people infuse their personality into a space. I recently found you on KZbin and really enjoy your vlogs so much! Thanks for sharing!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I am so glad you like it!!! Welcome to my channel, really glad you enjoy the other videos too

[@vibingvegan]

It looks so lovely in there

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@sabrinawright2549]

I love the final color you chose. I think it blends very well with your floral pics as well. The floor also looks very nice with the natural wood and new rug. I like the chair in the corner with the plant there. I really do enjoy watching your videos.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@pennymain1648]

OMG Maria I absolutely love your new office love all the colors you both did a amazing job it is so beautiful and looks so cozy I know you are going to enjoy your new space what a Inspiration you are to all of us . I took some time off of Facebook and KZbin working on some painting projects around the house I have to catch up now lol Great to see everyone is doing well ❤️❤️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you, so glad you like it too! I am already enjoying it so much. How did your painting projects go?

[@pennymain1648]

Maria og skogen They all look great thank you painted my dining room kitchen bathroom a hallway my laundry room with my husband help . We bought a older home a few years ago and had no updates so so much we want to do in time. I get so inspired watching your videos ❤️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@pennymain1648 wow thats a lot, well done! Old houses are my favourite, lots of work, but so much charm too. I'm so glad you find my videos inspiring 🙂

[@RosinaEspig]

❤️ You really remind me to value the details of creating the right living environment. I have an entire room that's half painted since 2 or 3 years and I generally seldom manage to fix projects like this in a way that really gives me a rewarding satisfaction... Time to change that I guess 🌞

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thats nice

[@RosinaEspig]

@@Mariaandtheforest I guess there are always at least two sides to every thing ☯️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@RosinaEspig for sure

[@cathrynkolkman1811]

Your office looks great . The white cupboards look much nicer. It’s so hard to pick paint colours ☀️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@SAROXBAND]

This makeover is a MASTERPIECE Maria 😍🙌♥️♥️♥️ I love the new color you ended up with. I think you are starting to trust your intuition more. You not only transformed the aesthetics but also the energy. Please consider doing consultations in the future professionally! You could even do garden landscaping! Your home is looking so beautiful as the green starts to awaken in the surroundings. I watched this video 2 times while putting away the clothes! Thanks for the inspiration and the music to dance to! 🕺😂🙌💞

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Saray. I am glad you like the color! I would love doing consultations, but I am sure I need a bit more experience for that. I hope you are doing well, thank you so much for watching

[@SAROXBAND]

@@Mariaandtheforest you know what you do have? Loads of talent! Your clinical eye for foraging, has created a monster in you that sees only possibility. I think you are training yourself for something BIG!

[@missiemissie7051]

Amazing nature in Norway😀

[@junehulton8320]

Hi Maria...I love the colour. Very bright and clean... I think the rug on the wall ...with the chair ...sort of clashes. To busy ..as we call it her in the UK...to many patterns and different colours...maybe if you add the rug .use a colour. From the rug but no pattern....can you try the plant in the corner near your desk...? Then it's still getting the light from the window but you can free up the room there. Or have you tried your desk along that wall...? Does it give you anymore space..?...over all its a lovely transformation. Best wishes from the UK 👍🙂

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi June. I am glad you like the colour! Haha, yes I agree, there is to much pattern, and it really was too much when the paint was even stronger blue. I think I would have had to cover the chair with a sheepskin or something. Adding another rug is a good idea! And thank you for all your good suggestions. Having the desk to that wall is a very good idea, I think it would feel very natural to place it there, but I like it where it is because I have the view of the mountains... Thank you

[@brendavale5464]

I love it Maria! I liked the rug!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you, glad you liked it

[@miss_xenia_]

Another lovely video 🥰 English call those wardrobes/closets which is a bit weird sometimes when you don’t have clothes in it 😂 because they don’t have a word for just “skap” you also call a lot of things cupboard when there aren’t cups in it. I feel you 😂 I feel very seen in those moment when you sit there - trying to think of the perfect word for what you’re trying to say

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, I was laughing a bit when I read this. Thank you for clearing that up, now I also understand why I have been a bit confused about it x). It's so strange that one feels seen, even when there is just the camera!

[@rsnj4501]

I love the final color💕

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Nice! Me too, its way better than before.

[@amystiles3284]

It looks great! 🙂

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thanks! 😄

[@lorettataylor635]

Looks so good.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you 😋

[@greenoceanwave]

what a beautiful transformation! It looks so cozy! I love your neutral wool rug as well, do you know where it was bought from? Thank you, it's just what I've been looking for!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@lorriewatson5924]

Beautiful home office! Inspiring work space!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

Den brune krakken tror jeg egentlig er til å ha planter på!🤩Prøv å løfte planta opp fra bakken- kanskje putte den i en annen krukke og opp på krakken, putt den i hjørnet eller ved vinduet og få stolen under bladene på planta. Det har jeg gjort her og det er en så koselig plass🥰

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hehe, ja det tror jeg og x). Men jeg trengte et lite bord... så den får duge. Det var en god ide å heve planten over stolen, det skal jeg vurdere faktisk! Det er så koselig hos deg

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

@@Mariaandtheforest takk for det🥰❤️Jeg synes det gjør noe med hele rommet å heve plantene, veldig fint i forskjellige høyder også🤩🌿💚

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@ashildlvasborgersen4865 ja sant!

[@janinafisher101]

I would cut off some of the legs on that small, tall table in the corner so that it is the perfect height to put your cup, and it will be in better proportion to the chair. I would also put a throw on the corner chair so the colour is not so stark, and I would have a footstool to make it more comfy. Also, in English we would call those "closets." Bendik's mother was right about the colour! It is a lovely colour now, and so much better now that the closet wall is all one light colour. It is nice that your landlords appreciate all the work you are doing. What is your cat's name?

[@Mariaandtheforest]

That would for sure have been a good solution, did not think about that. I actually show how the corner ended up in my recent house tour video, bought some new furniture for it. The tall table you see here ended up as a night stand x). Oh my gosh, as soon as I read the word "closets" I was just like of cooooouuurse! Thank you, haha. His name is Flint

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest I did go back and watch that part of the total house tour video (which is I think what connected me to you in the first place), so I did see how it ended up! I did like that rug that you hung on the wall too, but the shelf is very practical. Just watch... your subscribers are now going to start increasing...

[@lucapolotorres6567]

What is the name of the book of flowers ilustrations?? I love you office! Thankyou!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Blumen Fibel with Elsa.M. Felsko, Year 1956. I have not found the same one on the internet, but I see there are many others with the same illustrator. Thank you

[@marm2371]

What a great improvement!! I do have a question, what are the rent averages in your town and in the cities?

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you :-). It of course depends on how central it is, how old etc, but in this town you can get a 35 square meter apartment for as low as 350 USD. It would be about 1400 in Oslo, maybe 1000 in Bergen. A house like the one we are renting are about 700 USD and would be 2000 in Oslo. This town is pretty cheap for a Norwegian town though, not all of them are this price range.

[@marm2371]

@@Mariaandtheforest interesting. What is the average salary for people in the city centres vs in the country? By the way, I think it's great that you guys are teaching your foraging. This is an Art that needs to stay alive. Wish you the best! Hello from Canada.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@marm2371 pretty much the same actually 🙂. If you can get a job though, being a smaller place makes the options fewer. Thank you, I am glad you think so!

[@denatayebipoor7739]

Nice ! where did you get your work table

[@Mariaandtheforest]

The wood countertop is something called a "Hobbyplate" from Byggmaker and the feet are from Biltema :-)

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

jeg har også stinkykopp🤩❤️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha åå

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

@@Mariaandtheforest helt enig❤️må le litt gjennom videoen, for jeg har den samme stolen i kroken min bare i et annet trekk, og jeg har den samme koppen, det samme gule teppet... ja🥰har skikkelig lyst til å stikke innom en dag! 😊

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@ashildlvasborgersen4865 Haha! Så morsomt. Gleder meg til vi sees igjen

[@ShamimJahuri]

Illuminate.i am complete masters in literature,now student low.shamim,from 🇧🇩bangladesh💮💙💄🕊

[@nicholewade8233]

Hello!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hello Nichole!