I have a dear, dear place in my heart for IKEA, but when it came time to re-design our spare room into Kate Miller Events headquarters, I just couldn't commit to a melamine desk. As functional as they may be, I wanted something a bit more chic with stylish staying power.

Of course, with our tight budet, the first place I decided to look for my desk was an antique store. There are a few in Sacramento that I love - and I've discovered a new swoon-worthy storefront: Fringe. They house the holy trinity of shopping - fashion, decor and vintage antiques - all in one location.

The lovely Fringe boutique on 21st and X Street in Sacramento.

I spent a few minutes perusing the fashion and decor pieces before getting down to business, literally. I wanted a desk with character, but that also functioned well for my laptop driven workflow. Now, take a quick peek at that photo above and look at the lovely on the left, underneath all the beautifully packaged lotions. Not to wide, not too deep, with drawers, a built-in filing cabinet and sooo very shiny! My heart skipped a beat.

A closer look at a beautifully polished Aluminum Military WWII Folding Campaign Desk from Mantiques Modern. Call for price.

I asked the friendly sales lady, Audrey, what it was called - and she waxed poetically over the Aluminum Campaign Desk while showing me it's secret charms. It was built in WWII for Army nurses so that it could easily be moved from camp to camp. As it's made from aluminum, it's rather light - and get this - it FOLDS DOWN! Laurie had previously used it, folded-down, under a sheath of glass, as a coffee table.

The same lovely Aluminum Military WWII Folding Campaign Desk from Mantiques Modern, folded down into it's compact form. Call for price.

I loved this idea! The KME offices will be housed in our spare bedroom slash guest bedroom - so on occasion we will have guests and I love the idea that I could easily break this down into a smaller piece of furniture and pop it in the corner or garage. I began to research and found a plethora of other similar campaign desks.

The same WWII Campaign Desk in the traditional army green via eBay. Buy it Now Price $750.

A beautifully restored authentic Campaign Desk via Orange at 1stdibs, but for WAY more than my entire office decor budget! $3,800.

Pre-WWII they had been made of wood and housed on sawhorse-like legs that could easily be folded and carried. Popular in mid-century households, I've found them in finished wood pieces as well as colored lacquers. I'm still partial to my aluminum knight in shining armor, but some of these others are gorgeous as well!

A hunter green painted 1960's- 1970's Campaign desk by Morris via PCH Modern. Sold.

Milo Baughman's take on the classic Campaign Desk in white lacquer via 1stdibs. Sold.

A burlwood take on the same Milo desk via 1stdibs. Sold.

Bamboo Campaign Desk via Flair Home at 1stdibs. $2,100.

Most are beyond my inital budget (I've searched aimlessly on eBay as well), therefore I will be saving my pennies while shopping around to find one for the best price. So far, this Etsy "original in box" desk would be a fantastic deal and I could get the bottom re-finished to the shining glow at a later date.

Vintage Aluminum Folding Desk via fusionfurniture on Etsy. $720.

I'll probably hold out until I find a REALLY good bargain!