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 Update

 Okay with only about a month left of this pregnancy- it is time to get down to business on this nursery!  It started as just an empty unused room in our home.  I really wanted to give it a little character with built-ins and a cute window seat (something I always wanted as a little girl).  So we found a local handyman to do custom built in shelves with connected window seat that opens for storage.  I LOVE the way they turned out!

The room starting out.

Each side has about 4 shelves that can all be adjustable.

Next, it was time to put the boys to work!  Well Aaron really changed the light out, while Ian tried to be helpful, and  John supervised from the comfort of the glider.  Practicing his baby hold with the monkey in hand!

Out with the builder grade, white ceiling fan and in with the adorable golden,  with a touch of bling chandelier. 

Here are the built-ins and painted.  Next step- we are going to wallpaper the back of the shelves for an extra pop of color and pattern.  Ahh- can't wait to see that finished, then it will be time to stage the shelves.

Then, we needed to finally select a paint color.  With about 7 different options we settled on a calm color called ''sea foam'.

Here is where we are currently:  Built-ins-check, walls painted-check, light changed-check, crib put in-check, glider  delivered-check!! Progress makes me happy- I can start to picture this as an actual nursery- and filling it with a little precious girl!!!

 Now even after all the progress, my to do list is still rather long...

gallery of fabric circles to complete

Need to finish the picture gallery for above the changing table

I am excited to get the dresser delivered and change out the basic knobs with these cute ones!

On a side note- this little gal has quite the closet started all ready!

So as you can see, things are happening around here- slowly but surely!  We have a about 4 weeks left and hopefully all these projects will come together within that time.  I am excited to share the final product!!

Nursery Progress

Well the nursery is beginning to take shape... in my head at least.  I have FINALLY ordered a glider, dresser, crib, and a few other essential pieces.  While those will take 8-10 weeks to arrive (ahh- shouldn't have waited so long to order), I am working on getting paint colors. accessories, and the other items all lined up.  Can't wait to start to see it all start to come together in the room!  I did create an Olio Board so you can see what I am thinking...

Office Ideas

Well it is official... I have the need to do a room in my house over.  I LOVE designing rooms and the only room in our home that I haven't decorated is the office.  When we moved in 2 years ago, it was the one room that I cared the least about.  So we filled it with what we could find on a budget and called it a day.  Well my talented sister just finished designing and redoing an office for a client.  Let's just say after helping her with this job and seeing how beautiful an office can be- my mind began to turn for my own office.  Needless to say my husband was thrilled to hear that I thought is was time to give the office a little umph...  So I started my mood board of ideas (calm colors, beach moments)... what do you think?