Back to the Office...

We moved into our house about four years ago and the office was that room that we just tossed some 'good enough' furniture into and left out really designing it for later.  About a year and half ago I started to get the itch to want to design something more our style, however, other projects seemed to come up and trump the office in importance.  Now that most of those other projects have been completed, we are back to the office and ready to create a space we will use more often.  When we first started this journey a year and half ago, I created a mood board for the room and did a quick post about my ideas- you can find that post here.  In this first mood board, I wanted a light airy feel with a touch of beach.  I used weathered, drift wood for the desk and matching storage units and neutrals for any accents.  This time around my design plan is similar but does have some changes.

When designing the office this time around I started with researching desks that were in our price range and selecting that large piece first.  I felt like the room was going to really go one way or the other depending on the desk.  I loved this cream/white one from Ballard Design.  It has a very classic feel to it and tons of great storage.

source: ballard design

Our second option was this more weathered wood look from Home Decorators.  It has a stand alone desk with coordinating pieces to select from.

source: home decorators

I was so torn between these two designs.  I loved them both.  So it ultimately came down to what worked best in the room, price, and overall design.  The Ballard desk was more expensive so if that was my choice I would have to cut other ideas to stay within my budget.  I decided to measure out the room and see which would fit better.  It is not a large room and one wall is taken up with a fireplace and two windows, so I needed to keep that in mind.  After measuring out the Ballard desk (which I think was really my first choice), I saw that it was going to truly take up the entire room.  I didn't want to walk in the office and feel overwhelmed with such a large desk unit.  So we ultimately went with the weathered wood collection from Home Decorators.  I think with this choice we will be able to add more design touches such as crown molding, wall paneling, wallpaper, and other decorative items.  After settling on a desk type, I decided to create another mood board to give my husband an overall idea of what I am going for. 

This mood board has more of a grown up feel to it.  I am still with the neutral color scheme and weathered wood like my original plan.  However, in this board I added touches of brass, grasscloth wallpaper, and leather, rather than that beachy feel- a bit more manly for the hubby.  Now remember a mood board serves as a fun inspirational guide, like an pinterest board.  Stay tuned for how this room all comes together!

Nursery Inspirations

Now that we found out we are having a little girl, it is time to start this nursery.  I will be working with my designer sister, Jessica, to create a nursery that is not so babyish.  Something this little lady can grow into and enjoy for years to come.  I am not an overly pink, frilly kind of person so my goal is to create a nursery with a colorful combination of modern pieces with antique finds.  One thing I know for sure- I will not be shopping at a big box store where everything matches.  Oh no!! I can't wait to hit the local boutiques and antique stores.  Below are just a few pictures from Pinterest that are ideas that I am enjoying.  Stay tuned for lots of nursery update!

A simple, white Jenny Lind crib is the way I will be going.  It is cute but totally affordable.  I have no need for a crib that turns into a bed.  I also like the simple white sheet with a more decorative skirt.  Bedding is hard to find in cute patterns- this might be a make yourself project.

I think stripes on the ceiling in a bold color makes an awesome statement.  We have textured ceilings so we will have to test this out but I would love to try it!

I like that this picture shows how an antique piece of furniture can be painted and used for a changing table. 

This color combo is something I could do- peach, pink/coral, mint, turquoise, navy, gray- all great colors!

I love a pop of yellow!

This mint/sea glass color is something I could see for a wall color.

These sewing circles are such a fun and easy way to introduce lots of fun fabrics in small affordable amounts!

There you have it- just a few moments that I have found to be inspiring for this room to be!  Can't wait to shop this weekend! Updates to come...