On a recent trip to HomeGoods, I ran across this stylish quilted desk chair in the unexpected color of peach. Although I wouldn’t normally choose this color, it adds just the right amount of fun and femininity to my office decor.
I enjoy experimenting with different table settings. And while I’m all for the convenience of casual dinnerware, delicate vintage china is just too beautiful to leave in the china cabinet! Tonquin Plum by Royal Staffordshire is one of my favorites because the serene grand manor scene and stunning floral border make it the perfect choice for spring.
Silver bow napkin rings and placecard holders in the shape of elegant dining chairs are the perfect accompaniment to this pretty china!
Vintage patterns are readily available on Etsy or Replacements.com.
— Debra
I have a love affair with desks. Maybe it’s because I associate them with writing and creativity. Or maybe I simply find them irresistible! I’m always angling to fit one more in somewhere . . . anywhere!
Growing up, we shared a sweet little roll top desk that Mom bought second hand and refinished. I remember spending hours daydreaming in that tiny cubby. Later on, I was equally charmed by my school desk. It was hinged at the back, so when the desktop was pulled down, all of my school supplies (including a fresh box of Crayola crayons) were safely stowed inside.
There’s just something fun about pulling out drawers and reaching into secret compartments to discover items long forgotten . . . a treasure trove of hand written letters, Christmas cards, and childhood trinkets too sentimental to discard.
I currently have five desks in my home; one rustic and able to take abuse, one feminine and used for correspondence, one that does double duty as a farmhouse table, one pristine white and rarely used, and the darling roll top desk that Mom gave me a few years back.
I don’t own a drop down desk (yet). And although I’m not in the market for one, I love this option from Pottery Barn, as well as this one from Ballard Designs. Sigh . . .
Are you drawn to a certain type of furniture?
— Debra
Ok, a lot of the time I kill plants.
I’ve been able to keep a few African violets and a jade plant alive for a few years, and I’m proud of myself for that (YAY, me!). However, it is nice to have alternative options that aren’t so challenging to take care of, so I do have some faux plants in my home as well.
Most recently, I purchased a Nearly Natural Maiden Hair Artificial Plant from Walmart and as soon as I opened the box, I just loved it. It comes with its own pot and faux soil, and the “roots” at the base of the plant make it look very realistic. Even after touching it, people think it’s real!
I’ve been moving it to different spots around my house ever since it arrived and I’m seriously considering adding another plant from this collection.
Suddenly my thumb is looking a little greener!
— Debra
I have a mad desire for a tufted piece of furniture. A sofa, a chair, an ottoman . . . anything will do!
I’ve been thinking about redesigning my office in a more feminine color palette. I’m picturing a pretty powder blue. Powder blue lends itself to tufting!
I can’t afford a remodel just yet, but dreams are free, so I’ll be looking online and devouring design magazines for ideas until then.
Let me know if you see something, would you?
— Debra
UPDATE: I got something tufted! A set of velvet club chairs from Anthropologie. Not powder blue, but a pretty teal.
When you live in an older home with small rooms, some of the charm that made you fall in love with it (such as a built-in telephone nook), is also what makes it so challenging to decorate!
I’ve always loved farmhouse tables, but they tend to be over sized. That’s why I was excited to find this option from Pottery Barn. It couldn’t be more perfect for the space, and it fits against the wall between the living room and dining room without a millimeter to spare!
So what’s the secret? (Shhh . . . It’s not actually a table. It’s a desk!) And, it has a hidden drawer with multiple compartments to hide my little treasures.
How great is that?!
So, even if you’re decorating a small space, you can make it work by getting a little creative. It may turn out better than you think!
– Debra
One of the reasons I love the fall season is because it feels so welcoming. We cozy in, snuggle up, and fill our homes with delicious scents like apple cinnamon and spiced pumpkin. It’s my favorite time of year to have guests.
So, with company often dropping by unannounced, I decided to get a jump start on fall decorating.
It’s fun to decorate the mantel, but the fireplace has always felt a little dark to me. I wanted to brighten things up a bit, and luckily, I saw a great idea in a nearby shop that I frequent. The shop owner had placed a salvaged wooden window screen in front of an old fireplace surround and attached a few tiny light strings to the front with mini ornament hooks.
It was simple and cheerful, so I decided to put my own spin on it for my house. I wrapped white birch logs with tiny lights and suddenly things looked a lot brighter!
It added the warmth and sparkle I wanted, and makes the whole house feel festive.
Join me for a cup of mulled cider?
– Debra
This little jem was waiting on my doorstep when I got home today . . . one in a set of three nested boxes from Joss & Main. (The largest is white, and the smallest; cream colored.) Good things really do come in small packages!
Because it was raining when we arrived at Pier 1 today, I dropped Mom off at the door. As she was getting out she turned to me and said, “I’ll get a jump on you!” with a twinkle in her eye. Mom is FUN.
And how cute is this owl votive?! (I saw it first.)
