Redesigning My Office Space

So, while relaxing at the beach this summer, I started thinking about my "back to school" plan.  I find if I don't do this during the calm of the second half of summer, the back to school transition completely rocks my world.  Then, I'll wake up sometime mid October and think, "What happened to September?"  So, I like to get a mental plan!  If I can visualize some order to our weeks, then it will be so.  One task on my "Fall Bucket List" is more organization of my work space.

Many of you will be surprised to hear this, but I don't have a dedicated office space for my business.  That is about to change!!  The busier I get, the more I find I'm craving this kind of space.  So, I'm thinking about where my office needs to be in our home including a proper desk.   And I thought a little inspiration was in order!

Just look at this stunning dedicated office by Traci Roads Interiors.  

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I'm totally drawn to this one too - I think it's the Bengal fabric and that cowhide rug that's speaking to me.

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Location, Location, Location

When working from home, office space needs to be in a place you enjoy being - since you are not punching a clock, it needs to draw you in - call to you!  If the space feels depressing, you will NEVER spend any time there.  You will end up at the kitchen island (which has been my spot of choice for far too long!).  I think for office space to really work, it needs to be in a convenient, pleasant place in your home.

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If you need peace and quiet in your office or you are a messy worker (smile!), consider a guest bedroom or your own bedroom for your office.

On the other hand, if you are a multi-tasker and like to have lots going on while you work, then a main living space office may be the perfect spot for you.  Do you see that stunning office space behind the sofa?

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Here's a closer look - it's actually two separate stations!

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Also, consider those transition spots in your home that may have some "dead space."  These are the perfect place to tuck a small office which will be very conveniently located.

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Function is Foremost
Once you've decided on the perfect spot in your home,  you need to evaluate your office needs.  What type of computer do you have (is there a large hard drive attached or is it simply a laptop), do you have a printer, what type of filing/storage do you anticipate needing, does your desk double as a charging station/catch all for keys and mail?  All these items need to be considered when selecting the perfect desk.

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Also if you are a messy multi-tasker (smile here!) with an office area in your main living space - you may want to think about a desk that can work with your tendencies while still looking stylish in your space.  With an armoire style desk, you can simply close the doors on all that productivity at the end of the day.

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I love this more modern version of an armoire by Habitat Desk which can totally make a space.

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Just look how amazing this desk could be in a space.

Traditional Home Office by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Brian Dittmar Design, Inc.

Materials To Consider

I adore the look of wooden desks because wood always adds warmth to a space.  Also, you need to think about the style of the desk and making sure it compliments the other pieces in your home.  I am totally in love with the idea of adding a hint of modern style to an otherwise traditional space, like this writing desk.

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To get this kind of look when paired with the more traditional desk chair and accessories.

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Like all organization, it only works if you use it.  I often tell clients that every day items need a home that is easily accessible.  You are more likely to put it away if it has a home, and the home is convenient.  My plan is to get my own office space established before school starts.  And of course, I'll share pictures of it with you when I'm done! M.



Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

The Cottage Journal

As I recently mentioned, one of my projects has been featured in The Cottage Journal for their Fall issue!  Here's my original post on the announcement.  I'm just over the moon about it!  

The issue is now available on newsstands, and I've already gotten a couple of questions about some of the furnishings from readers - like the semi-custom barstools (which I will discuss later)!  If you are not familiar with this wonderful magazine, here's your chance.  Their website offers you a sneak peek of what they provide in every single issue (let me just say, they are bringin' it).  Click here for a sneak peek.

Since the article on my project really focuses on the kitchen/breakfast area of the space, you will have to grab a copy of the magazine to see the details there.  But, I thought it would be fun to give you some details on the family room space which was also part of the overall project.

Here's the original design layout . . .

FYI, my design layout software has changed a great deal since I did this plan.  But, it will at least give you the general idea on the space.

And here are a few pictures of the space taken during the photo shoot.  When my client called me to help her she had already ordered the rustic custom table for the space and wanted to reuse the artwork seen over the mantel.  So, I got busy selecting the other pieces for the space to blend the two styles.  

Here's a shot of the space from another angle.  As you can see it is a large, light filled space with a tray ceiling.   On a side note, we added a pair of these rustic chandeliers to the space.  I just love them.  They are a knock off of a very expensive chandelier.  These were a fraction of the originals, and I found them here - Old World Chandy (they are heavy and look amazing in person).  Also, remember, if you are thinking of adding a chandy, you need to be sure it will fit - Measuring for a Chandelier.

Here's the reading nook in the far corner of the space.  A perfect place to sit and surf the net.

Here's a close up the accent fabric we used to add pop to the otherwise neutral space. 

I hope you'll pick up a copy of the issue.  It is simply overflowing with Fall inspiration.  I promise it will definitely get you in the mood for the upcoming season! M.

Width Decorative Tapes

Just pulled these fabulous new decorative tapes for a project I'm working on at the moment - at least two of them will be making their way into a design plan for one lucky client!   All those shown below are brand new for Fabricut.  Just loving the widths of them and the color options.  Very yummy! 

Here's a close up of the color detail in one example . . .

All are available through Mandi Smith T Interiors, and I'm happy to ship them any where in the U.S.   Feel free to contact me, if you're interested in pricing!  Enjoy your Thursday. M.  

A Couple of Affordable Finds of the Day

Well, the countdown for back to school has officially begun at our house.  This is our last week of freedom, and my kiddos are trying hard to enjoy the last few days.  Secretly, I think they're ready for some routine and to see their friends.  I know I am!!  I'm really craving some normalcy and routine.  So,  with that in mind, here's an installment of my "Finds of the Day" series.  I wanted to show you a couple of wonderful things I've found lately.  Both are super affordable and perfect gift ideas.

The Southern Cook

First, a great friend/mentor of mine, Margaret Agnew, has just published a new cookbook - The Southern Cook.   Margaret worked for Southern Living for years as a cookbook author, and then took a break to raise her son.  Now, she is back in the swing of things with a brand new cookbook.  I'm told this cookbook includes lots of traditional southern recipes like Hoppin Johns and Spoonbread as well as my "go to" recipe for Christmas Eve - Shrimp and Grits.  I've ordered my copy and can't wait to see what it includes.  No doubt it's going to be a wonderful addition to my cookbook library.   Also, it is the perfect price point for Christmas gifts for all your girlfriends.  Do something different this year and give your friends something they can use.  Who knows?  They may even invite you for dinner!

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Sweet Home Sewn

I spotted these precious dishtowels this summer and instantly fell in love with them! 

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Paige Willcut started her business when she was desperate to find some cute, simple teacher and neighbor gifts on the market.  After looking around, she decided to make her own!  Once friends saw them, they all started asking her to make them for their friends, and so the business began.   These dish towels are NOT monogrammed which Paige says is hard for some to overcome!  But rather they are truly Southern from the flour sack dish towels that all Southerners KNOW are the best dish towels! With the 7mm block lettering reminiscent of hand stitching.  The wording and embellishments are all customizable. Keeping the design simple is key to being able to keep the price low. Plus sometimes simple is better!  

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She has more than just the state of Alabama - she does fish with the name of your lake house and even holiday themed towels.  These make the perfect hostess gift and since they are customizable, they really show you were thoughtful in the gift you selected for your hosts! 

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If you are local, you can run by and pick these up at Marguerite's Conceits in Mountain Brook Village, A Little Something in Cahaba Heights, 3rd Street Promenade in Cullman, Homewood Antiques in Homewood, and The Paisley Pig in Bessemer.  Also, she has shops in other areas carry them - Moxii in Auburn, Freshfully in Avondale and even Ocala Traditions in Ocala, Florida!

I hope you have a marvelous Monday! M.

Using Your Talents in Other Ways

Not sure if any of you are familiar with this dynamic organization, so I thought I'd share.  Years ago when I first started staging homes here in Birmingham for the real estate market, I would go on line for inspiration. When you are staging a home for the real estate, your client is not interested in spending any money on furnishings.  So, you have to be clever.  I can remember during one of my searches, the portfolio of a Homewood architectural firm came up in my search.  

Interior Design by Tracery Interiors

Fast forward a couple of years -  I heard John Hudson speak about his organization 100 Fold Studio.  He started his presentation with a slide show and gave some background on how he got started.  One of the first images he showed us as a project he worked on before turning to mission work.  This home is in Homewood, AL, and I had bookmarked (this was waaay before pinterest!) way back when. 

Interior Design by Tracery Interiors

Come to find out, this talented guy decided he could use his architectural degree to serve global missions.  And boy has he!  With the help of his wife, Samantha "Sam" they have developed 100 Fold Studio.  This is a nonprofit architectural firm providing innovative and affordable design services for global missions.

Here is the mission statement of this amazing organization's purpose (straight from their website):

We believe that all people deserve safe, efficient & inspiring structures regardless of their ability to afford an architect. Also, quality design does not create additional costs. Our local & international projects have proven that a well-designed building can be affordable – literally saving millions of dollars. Through innovative design, limited resources can be multiplied towards serving people and sharing the Gospel. 


By using their creative talents this organization is dramatically changing lives.  Some of their projects - an orphanage in El Salvador, a soccer complex in Togo, Africa, a community center in rural Kentucky, and a learning center in Zimbabwe, to name a few.   This group is providing a very valuable resource to areas both in the US and abroad who desperately need it - you need sound structural plans in order to build gathering centers, even in areas of need.

Sometimes I think we convince ourselves our talents/jobs are not really suited for serving others.  Well, John Hudson is proof this is not the case! If you have time you must check out their website.  They need your support.  If you are looking for a unique mission to contribute to, I would encourage you to contact them!

Happy Weekend. M.

    

A Special E-design (Huntsville style)

Here is the second installment of my Huntsville project.  If you recall, I did an e-design for a client who lives in Huntsville, AL.  Then, I actually got to travel there to style the new space and to do a redesign to the rest of the rooms on the main floor.  For all the details on the e-design, here is my first post to get you up to speed.  For today, I want to focus on the redesign aspects of this project.  Often times, clients will ask me to design a room in their home.  Once the new design has been implemented, they are left feeling less than thrilled with some of their other rooms.  Listen, it happens.  It's like getting a new pair of shoes - you love them but it makes your old shoes seem, well, sad.  While I can't help you with the shoes, I have a solution for your rooms.  It's called a redesign and you would be amazed what spending a bit of time fluffing can do for these rooms.

Our goal here was to subtly inject the the same modern pops we implemented into the newly designed family room to help blend the old with the new.  Sometimes it difficult to know where to begin when trying to add some modern touches to a traditional space. Here are a few of my tricks to make this happen.

The Living Room
The living room before . . .
I had already moved a chair before I snapped this picture (I just get too excited and forget to take pictures) - but there was another leather chair beside the one you see on the right.  They were floating in the opening to the foyer.

And Another Before . . .  As you can see, there are some beautiful furnishings in this home, and there is not a thing wrong with this furniture layout.  Our clients just really wanted the spaces to feel as fresh and new as the family room at the end of the day.  So, that takes a bit of change!  

OK, now for a few afters . . .  As you can see in this first picture, we did some editing to give the room a cleaner (aka more modern) feel.  We also made one subtle, yet very important changes to the space.  We rotated the rug to run with the length of the room - this gave the room the illusion of more space and allowed you to see the fabulous hardwood floors. 

We also pulled in a chest from the bedroom and created a grouping of artwork with a more modern feel.  The top piece was in the powder room and the two smaller pieces were on the wall to the left of the sofa in the before pics.  We chose not to include an end table on this side of the sofa.  

Now for the fireplace wall.  The chest to the left of the fireplace remained and we simply restyled to the top.  But by moving the leather chairs to flank the fireplace, you now see the nail heads and more modern lines of the arms of these fabulous chairs.  Again, they are reading more modern at this angle.

We restyled the coffee table with a glass sculpted bowl (one of the homeowner's favorite modern accessories) for a pop of blue and notice we removed all artwork from behind the sofa.  Leaving just the wall sconces for some much needed light in this space. 

I have sourced some lumbar pillows for these leather chairs in a light fretwork pattern (another great opportunity for interjecting some modern style), but other than that, we used things the homeowner had on hand.

Lastly, we moved the oversized armoire (we needed it in the bedroom to house the TV and AV equipment) and replaced it with a large modern abstract painting.  This makes the room feel larger and more open.  Again, less traditional.

So, one more shot of this room and how it relates to the foyer and master bedroom beyond.  I did not realize I took my picture in the mirror!  Too busy at this point to photoshop me out of the image! 

Dining Room

Here is the only before I have of the dining room.  My clients sent me this picture at the beginning of the process.  From the centerpiece, you can tell this picture was taken around Easter.   But, it's really hard to tell much else about the space.

  I did not take a before when we arrived at the house as the dining room was our "shopping" area and it was filled with accessories. Now for several Afters . . . 

Again, we made some very subtle changes here - we moved the butler's tray to the bay window area and filled it with silver goblets and other drink ware.  They we used the small wall to stack a pair of more modern oil painting for a gallery effect.  While we can't change everything in the space, the style of artwork and how you choose to hang it can add lots of modern flare to a space. 

This wall to the right of the doorway had a small display shelf with plates and figurines that was reading super traditional.  Now, we've added another son's portrait to mix things up in here.

This is the painting from the living room which is very traditional in feel.  So, we've added a clear glass pedestal bowl (that feels more modern) and mixed it with a more traditional pierced silver footed bowl for some contrast.  Again, we are balancing the modern and traditional elements in this space.

OK, this was one of my favorite things we did - our clients had a gorgeous collection of Herend china.  It is really like art so we decided to use it over the buffet for some major impact.  However, rather than just using the china, we decided to add the botanical prints on either side for a less conventional arrangement, making it feel more current. 

Son's Bedroom

We also did a freshen up for one of the son's bedroom.  Here is a before of the bookshelves in his room.

Now for a few afters (with the backs of the bookshelves painted a new accent color)

This child has the most extensive collection of snow globes that I've ever seen!  It was hard not to get distracted and start playing with them. 

A trick for creating a cleaner more organized look in bookshelves is to group like items.  

Even a container of bouncy balls and be interesting.

I hope your day is wonderful and it kicks off a very productive week for you! M.

Happy Dance - West Elm is Coming!

Just found out that Birmingham is getting a West Elm!  Can't tell you how happy this makes me.  I know, I know - many of you in other areas are thinking, "They are just now getting a West Elm?!"  The problem is that Atlanta is only two hours away, so for many large stores, that is simply too close to justify a store front.  But, wow - so happy about this!  It is going to make the "fluffs" I do so much easier!  

Here are some of my Fall favorites to look forward to . . . 

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There is a series of three of these - love the look of them.

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OK, so I think this is a very clever product - it's self adhesive wall tiles that once applied will give a room some instant character through texture.  I'm dying to use this in a design plan. It comes in all different colors of wood.

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If you've worked with me on projects, you know how much I love a great tray - this one has tons of interest with the wrapped metal for a super price (most are way more expensive than this).  One of my favorite reasons to use a tray is that it allows you to use smaller accessories you may already have on larger surfaces.  For example, if you have a great bowl that is smaller in scale and does not work as a centerpiece for your dining room table, layer a larger tray underneath.  Visually, the tray will "eat up" some of the space and the bowl added on top works!  Great trick! 

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Also, did you know that one of West Elm's sister companies is Mark and Graham? I love all their linens and just look at these super cute paper weights!  Perfect gift for the student (or for your own desk)! 

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The new West Elm is located at the Summit here in Birmingham - no idea as to when it opens but I'm assuming it will be soon! M.