Small Office Nook Makeover: Custom DIY Hutch Build for a Vintage Desk
This page contains affiliate links which means we may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that there’s real value in taking your time with a space before rushing into a renovation. Living with it “as is,” letting your needs evolve, and paying attention to how your family actually uses a space can save so much time, money, and frustration in the long run.
This small nook to the right of our entryway has served several different purposes since we moved in, but I’ve dreamed of redesigning it from the very beginning. The space originally held outdated lower cabinets with a laminate countertop, and definitely gave off more of a bathroom vanity vibe than an entry nook. A few years ago, when we replaced our flooring, we removed the old cabinets and added a simple black storage cabinet as a temporary fix.
When I began running my business full-time in 2023, the way we used certain spaces in our home started to shift. The black storage cabinet that once filled this nook was relocated to our spare room, where it now holds my office supplies and business equipment.
It didn’t take long to realize that, with so much of my work tied to the computer, I needed a designated workspace of my own. This small nook in our living room turned out to be the perfect spot.
The only issue? The corner itself was far from inspiring. It was time to breathe new life into this overlooked space and transform it into a functional, beautiful home office nook.
Designing a Functional and Inspiring Workspace.
I’ve always believed in balancing form and function. I want the spaces I design, whether they be for clients or in my own home, to be beautiful and intentional. This office nook was no exception.
First and foremost, I considered function. I needed a proper desk where I could sit and work on the computer. Because the nook is small, I had to find a furniture piece that wouldn’t overwhelm the space but that still offered enough workspace—and charm—to create an environment I enjoyed working in.
Last summer, I came across a vintage desk on a sourcing trip and I just couldn’t leave it behind. While it had already been ‘updated,’ the chippy paint and oversized hardware just aren’t my style. Still, I loved the desk’s elegant silhouette and petite proportions, and they were exactly what I needed for this little nook.
Next it was time to consider form. I wanted to create a corner that inspired me every time I sat down. I envisioned a space where I could be surrounded by pieces that sparked joy and fueled creativity. To bring that vision to life, I designed a custom hutch to sit atop the desk, complete with shelves for displaying and showcasing the objects that mean the most to me.
Now that I knew what I wanted, it was time to develop a plan. I try to take on as much of each DIY project as I can myself, using the tools I have and learning as I go. Still, the right equipment, and a little extra help, really can make all the difference sometimes, and for this project, that meant borrowing a few tools from my brother-in-law’s workshop and enlisting some help from my husband, Zach.
Materials and tools used.
3/4" birch plywood (I used 2 sheets)
Molding of your choice (I used 1 1/2 inch)
Screws (pocket hole screws recommended)
80 grit, 150 grit, and 220 grit sand paper
Wood filler
Paint brush (My personal favorite!)
Circular saw (table saw recommended)
Bringing the vision to life.
Selecting the Wood.
For this hutch, there were two important factors I needed to consider: sturdiness and style. I didn’t want shelves that would bow under weight, and I needed a surface that would paint well since I planned to paint both the desk and hutch the same color to tie them together.
I chose 3/4" birch plywood for its durability and smooth finish.
Planning the Hutch Build.
I spent a good chunk of time planning the structure of the hutch.
I determined the hutch dimensions based on the size of the nook and created a quick 3D sketch to map out the cuts. This helped me plan efficiently and make all the pieces from just two sheets of plywood.
Cutting the Pieces.
Although I could have used a circular saw, we opted for a table saw since we had access to one. This is where I enlisted Zach’s help, because the table saw is one tool in the shop that I’m not very comfortable using yet.
Using the guidelines and layout I drafted, Zach cut each piece to size.
For the top of the hutch, I wanted a decorative half circle, so we first cut the rectangular board to size, and from there I traced a half-circle using a scrap piece of wood (like a clock arm) and a pencil. I then cut along the line with a reciprocating saw, taking it slow to stay as close as possible to the guideline.
Finally, I used a power sander to smooth and refine the shape.
Assembly.
To put the hutch together, I used pocket holes with the Kreg jig. Since the sides wouldn’t be visible, pocket holes were a simple, effective solution.
With wood glue, clamps, and a little help from Zach to steady the pieces, I secured everything in place with screws.
To give the piece a finished look, we added molding to the top and attached it using a brad nailer.
Lastly, for any larger or more noticeable gaps, I filled them with wood filler to ensure a seamless surface.
Sanding.
Finishing work takes patience, and sanding is honestly one of my least favorite parts of any project because it feels like it takes forever. But, after years of DIY projects, I’ve realized how much sanding impacts the final look—so don’t rush this step!
I sanded both the desk and hutch several times, starting with 80-grit and working up to 150-grit for a smooth base. Most of the sanding was done with my Ryobi sander, but I also borrowed my brother-in-law’s DeWalt Orbital Sander, and now it’s definitely on my wish list.
To finish, I went over the entire piece by hand with 220-grit sandpaper for a soft, even surface.
Painting.
Ah, paint color! For many of us, paint will always be one of the hardest choices in the design process. For this project, I wanted a warm, putty-like color and after narrowing down several samples, I landed on Sandbar by Sherwin Williams. It was exactly the look I had in mind.
I applied a thin coat of paint with a smooth roller, let it dry, then lightly sanded with 220-grit before applying the second coat. This step made all the difference in achieving the smooth finish I wanted.
→ Pro Tip: This isn’t exactly a groundbreaking secret, but it’s worth repeating. Don’t rush the painting process. Keep your paint layers thin, take your time, and watch for drips or runs. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way about a thousand times!
The Added Step I Didn’t See Coming.
In my experience, DIY projects always seem to snowball in one way or another, and this one was no exception.
After painting the hutch and placing it in the nook, I felt an immediate wave of disappointment. While I loved the color itself, it didn’t pair as well with our creamy walls as I had originally envisioned. The tones were just too close, and worse, the vertical tongue-and-groove paneling on our walls pulled the look in an entirely different direction than I wanted.
And so, the snowball began.
I knew it was time for a bigger change. Fortunately, it was one that would bring our home closer to the traditional look we love; unfortunately, I hadn’t exactly planned to take it on so soon—until now that is!
I decided I would smooth out the tongue-and-groove paneling in the office nook (and eventually the entire living room and hallway), giving the walls a clean, drywall-like finish. This update did exactly what I hoped it would, completely shifting the look and feel of the space toward the vision I had in mind.
>> DIY Transformation of Wood Tongue-and-Groove Paneled Walls <<
Transforming the walls using this technique was one of the biggest DIY projects I’ve taken on, and once I started with the nook, I knew it would eventually carry through the living room and hallway. At the same time that I made the change to the walls, I also updated the wall color.
I painted the walls Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It is a beautiful soft, warm white that felt fresher than the old creamy color, giving the perfect contrast against the putty-colored desk and hutch.
I also took the opportunity to update the ceiling in the hutch. The oversized recessed lights that once filled this nook were changed out for smaller task lights. New drywall was added to the ceiling to accommodate the smaller lights, and a beam was also added. These additional updates gave the entire nook a more charming and cozy feel.
Finishing Touches.
For the desk hardware, I chose these beautiful antique brass pulls.
For now, I’m using the glass top that came with the desk to protect the surface, though it was never meant to be permanent.
Eventually, I would love to replace it with a piece of quartz. The weight and texture of stone will not only elevate the desk visually, but also provide a durable, lasting surface that feels more in line with the aesthetic I envisioned for this nook.
>> Video: Watch Us Build This Hutch <<
Styling The Space.
The final step for me is always styling, and it’s truly my favorite part, because this is where a space comes to life.
Styling has the power to make or break a room in my opinion, especially when it comes to shelves, where balance and intention are everything. For me, it’s about creating a layered and collected feel where every piece has room to shine.
>> Read My Tips For Styling Shelves Like Pro <<
I loved styling my new office shelves with a few of my favorite vintage finds. They bring a beautiful lived in quality, and for me, nothing sparks creativity quite like being surrounded by well-loved vintage pieces.
Elevate Your Shelves With Beautiful Vintage Accents
Is This DIY Worth It? My Honest Take.
This project, specifically refinishing the desk and building the custom hutch, was such a rewarding transformation, helping to turn an uninspiring corner into a functional, beautiful workspace.
The wood and materials were fairly inexpensive, though as noted above, I was fortunate to borrow some of the larger tools used for this project from my brother-in-law. If you’re considering taking on a similar project (or any project, really), it’s always an important practice to evaluate the tools and resources you’ll need before diving in so you can go into it with a full understanding of both the investment required and the value you’ll get in return.
All in all, I would absolutely recommend this project. Refinishing a piece of furniture and making it your own is so rewarding, and it’s amazing to see how a little time and effort can completely transform a space.
One final note…
Here I’ve focused specifically on the desk and hutch portion of the makeover, but the tongue-and-groove wall panel transformation was a project all its own. Find out the details—and most importantly, whether I’d recommend taking on that project—in my full breakdown here.
MORE DIY PROJECTS →
Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.
Follow along and discover more moments, more vintage, and more inspiration!
