Wednesday, January 22, 2014

My Office Space: Before and After

Work space after decoration
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Sometime last year, I mentioned in a post that I wanted to carve out a creative space in my home. I also knew that having such a space would help me be more organized and productive. For what I do, I don’t need a whole room for my office space, so I chose this closet which is on the right as you enter the foyer.  There’s another identical one to the left also.

Work space before design
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A horrible before picture. This closet also has the water shut off system(I think?).  It’s  a tiny space but based on the location, it gets lots of natural light and I can actually sit in there and close the door(though my legs would be touching the walls in front). I snapped this picture after I had an electrician wire an outlet so I would have electricity and be able to plug in a lamp and my computer.

Personalize Your Workspace
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Next up was to have the wallpaper installed. I chose the Thibaut Tanzania pink and white spotted wallpaper from their Resort line. I went with this one because the design would pop and make an impact in such a small space.
The Desktop

Space for desktop
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This picture was taken Last Friday night. I was able to get a carpenter to install the desk top. However, he only had almond colour available, but I said that was fine and I just needed to have it installed and would paint it later on. Install day, I was able to “pretend sit” to ensure the height of the desk top would be placed right where it would be most comfortable for me and accommodate my height perfectly. It was a custom job in every way,  except I had to prep the surface for painting, plus it is formica, so not easy. I sanded with a 120 grit and I purchased a specialty white paint from Benjamin Moore so I didn’t need to prime. However, I did apply a couple coats to ensure even coverage. I also believe Rustoleum has a specialty paint for formica.

Workspace Decor
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The After with probably a finishing coat to go.

Everything in Place

 Perfect workspace
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 Workspace after decoration
Some of the items used for styling are items I already owned while others were purchased from different places. The lamp is from Target. Well, I purchased the base and shade separately(both from Target). I chose that base because it doesn’t add visual weight since it is transparent and the linen shade adds texture. The lovely diva lady called Windy was purchased from one of my favourite Fashionistas, Edwina at Fashion + Art. The write on Chesapeake chalk candle is one of my faves in the space and I found it  hidden amongst some other things at TJMaxx. The scent is eucalyptus and it smells so good! The chair is the white Scoop back chair from West Elm. The stylish and fabulous acrylic stapler was purchased from the Zhush shop. What do you think? Oh, I used washi tape to mount the pictures/art because I didn’t want to place holes in the wallpaper.

Thank you to Lea of Lea Hartman Photography for capturing the after pics.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Blogger Style: Deck the Halls.

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Since I have been on Instagram, I have “met” so many other talented bloggers! Laurie who has a wonderful blog called Laurie Jones Home recently showcased her holiday décor and I was so impressed! Isn’t that image above of her space cozy? I love her colour scheme too! O.K., enough on the chatter, let’s take a look at some more of her home…

living room ideas for small spaces


luxury interior design
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Impressive, isn’t it? Laurie posted her decked out dining room yesterday here. Seriously ooh and aah worthy! Thank you Laurie for sharing your beautiful home and for adding lots of festive cheer to my day! Happy Thursday everyone. xx

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Monday, September 2, 2013

Something Old is New Again: Trending

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I realized recently that quite a number of items that I’ve had for years (and have even considered selling) are trending right now. Yay me!?

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This copper textured top table with its black base was purchased years ago from Pier 1.  Today, it’s trending as what’s hot because it’s copper and of course those sexy black legs that would give Tyra a run for her money make it an even more delicious piece. Who knew? I bought it because I loved the lines and they beckon to that mid-century era which I really love.

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And then there is this bar cart that I had parked in a closet for the longest time. It has a kind of oil rubbed finish with traces of black too. It is superbly made and the top part is detachable(great when entertaining). I’ve been seeing similar looks/types of bar carts in magazines, etc.
 While I try not to get caught up in trends or let them dictate what I purchase for my home, it still feels wonderful to have these pieces that are considered ‘en vogue’ or trendy. With that said, before you go out and purchase an item from one of these trend categories that you love and must have, take a look around your home. That trendy piece may already be there; probably hiding in a closet or waiting for a simple diy or some paint to make it  into that enviable  piece you covet.  I hope those of us who celebrated Labor Day had an awesome long weekend! Blessings. XX

{images: my own}

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Monday, July 8, 2013

A Modern Revival.

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Purchased by designer Joan Dineen and her husband, Christopher Gould, this 3,800 townhouse in a New York Historic District was given a new and modern life.

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Dineen successfully juxtaposes styles and periods to create a home that is unpredictable and exciting to uncover.

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Lots of enviable classics in this home for sure! AND that outdoor space is divine, especially when it's in New York! Blessings and a happy Monday to everyone. XX

{images: interiorsdigital, designed by Joan Dineen and photographed by Scott Frances}

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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Art and Colour = Love

Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Black doors, arches, killer moldings, ginormous windows, sexy furniture, exotic rugs, are, colour, are some of the things that I admire and I’m drooling over in this here casa. See for yourself…

Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Details-Love this door handle
knob love

Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Details-love this door knob
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Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color
Beautiful Art and Pops of Color

just look at the details! stunning!

Lovely architectural detailsBlessings and Happy Tuesday friends, XX

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Monday, June 24, 2013

Put Some Gold on it! A DIY

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This is a view of the sunroom. This weekend, I decided to spray paint the base of that side table gold. I already have gold accents elsewhere in the room, so it made sense. Plus, I’ve been seeing  the gold based tables everywhere! The table was originally purchased from Pier 1 many moons ago and I actually had plans of getting rid of it. Maybe, I’ll keep it a little longer now…

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Putting those oversized outdoor trash bags to good use. It was like 400 degrees outside when I did this. Shortly thereafter, we had a storm.

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and there it is, not bad at all.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Did you all see the supermoon this weekend? What a beautiful sight! Blessings and happy Monday! XX

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