The transformation is finally complete! Melanie spent the weekend sewing pillows not only for Maihar Design, but also for my lovely new office.
Below is the before shot – a drab, colorless space with much to be desired. Our vision was to create a space that had personality and some femininity, without pink covering every space of the room.
The result is below. The steel blue color of the walls quickly transformed the room before we’d even brought in any new furniture or decorations. I adore the paint color, and what’s more, it takes on different hues throughout the day as the sun rises and falls.
When redoing the space, we were budget conscious. We used furniture from throughout the house and our collective storage units. Total cost for paint, shelves, frames and some new accessories was roughly $350.
One of my favorite parts of the room is the space around my desk. The shelves frame my “L” shaped unit – which is actually comprised of a simple desk and console, two pieces never intended to work in tandem! Check out the unexpected piece of furniture for my printer – a mirror-plated nightstand – proof you can have fun when designing your office space.
These twin wing-backed chairs were pieces we grew up with at our parent’s home. Both were in our formal living room as children, but had subsequently made their way to the storage unit. Although they could use refurbishing, these two pieces work perfectly for my office redesign on a budget. Colorful pillows sewn by my sister add the splash of color drastically needed to make these chairs look modern and inviting.
Redoing your office doesn’t have to break the bank. A fresh coat of colorful paint goes a long way for the transformation. And for new furniture or accents, try shopping at some second hand stores for pieces that can be refinished by hand or spruced up with colorful pillows. Lastly, browse your digital photos and have them resized at a cost next to nothing. Personal photos in the form of artwork are a quick way to infuse your personality into your new space. Have fun!
The office redesign painting process, though surprisingly quick, reminded me how quickly I forget that painting is not fun. While the prospect of a new space is always exhilarating, there is always that moment that feels as though the unpainted walls are closing in.
For me, it was after a few hours of painting when my arms and legs were beyond tired that I took notice of all the white spots and gave in to the reality that a second coat of paint was inevitable. It was the dreaded, “What have I gotten myself into?” Similar to a half-eaten pancake glaring back at you as your stomach begins to bloat in agony. Rats – defeated again!
Fortunately, the paint fumes have long since passed, though, and the fun part has finally kicked in – my spectacular office is almost complete! A few little accessories are left to wrap up, but we’re hopeful this weekend should mark the near completion of the details. After all, it’s the little details that make any space uniquely special.
As I pack to head out of town for a few days, I couldn’t help but snap a few photos. Enjoy this little sneak peek at my new office!
To say I am not a girlie-girl is a slight under-exaggeration. I am, in fact, the girl who had Godzilla breaking out of her wedding cake (it’s true). My sister on the other hand is the lover of all things pretty and pink. So, when she told me that she wanted to redesign my office, I was surprisingly excited.
I don’t like to spend money on myself, but I always see the adorableness in people’s lives around me and wonder why I sometimes appear so drab. I have quite a personality, and it’s about time I express it in my style.
My husband and I recently moved to a larger space so that I could have an office to myself. Unfortunately, two months after moving in, I had yet to really begin any decorating. My quaint little office had much to desire, as evident from the photos below.
A few weekends ago, Melanie and I got to work. The paint splashes on the wall are the only sneak peek I’m going to give you…for now.
After a long, fun weekend and giddiness from paint fumes, I’m happy to announce the transformation is almost complete. We’re waiting on some final accessories to be completed, but until then, prepare to be amazed by the craftiness of my big sis!
Planning and decorating spaces for teenagers and children can be so much fun because you get the opportunity to take colorful risks and think outside the box in a really playful way.
Lately, I have been stumbling across photos of really fabulous children’s rooms that for some reason or another really stand out. Each space has a wonderful energy and playfulness without becoming a stereotypical “children’s room.” I love how each of these spaces combines unexpected color, texture and proportion in a way that is equally energetic, mature and inspiring — everything that the room of a young person should be.
Above: (1) Courtesy KatieRidder.com, Designer Katie Ridder; Courtesy Elle Decor: (2) Designer, Jonathan Adler, (3) Designer Victoria Borus, (4) Designer Amie Corley, (5) Designer Sonali Purewal, (6) Designer Katie Ridder
Courtesy AmandaNisbetDesign.com – Designed by Amanda Nisbet
Courtesy KellyWearstler.com – Designed by Kelly Wearstler
To all of you boys out there who are reading this blog, I apologize in advance for the following content. But, I thought it was high time to pay tribute to the fairest color of them all.
Call me a girl, but I have always been drawn to all things pink. In honor of this attraction, I wanted to share my latest and greatest finds from the world of blush and bashful.
>> I love these fun and flirty spaces as featured in House Beautiful:
Left to Right, Top to Bottom: (1) Pink Bed designed by Gene Meyer and Frank de Biasi; (2) Amanda Nesbit, Designer; (3) Amanda Nesbit, Designer & Wallpaper: Manuel Canovas for Cowtan & Tout; (4) Designer Stephen Shubel
>> The prettiest pink accessories for yourself and your home:
First Row | Dupatta Shawl from Calypso; Kendra Scott Otylia Ring in Guava | Second Row | Beaded Bag from Calypso; Fizzy Wine Glass from Anthropologie; The “Chick Tile” from Xenia Taler Tiles | Third Row | Clutches from Hobo International
>> Two of my favorite images from photographer Paul Costello
>> And finally, the newest pink ladies from Maihar Design:
Sami (pictured bottom left) and Tori (pictured bottom right)
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