Sunday, April 13, 2014

A peek at my studio office reveal ... Something Old, Old, Old and Something New

We have finally started moving me into the bigger of the two bedrooms
 that used to belong to our girls.
(It seems like just yesterday that these were their childhood rooms.)

There's not too much to show you at this point as we're in the VERY beginning stages of making this my studio/office. Unlike others who move at the 'speed of light,' we move at the 'speed of snail.' In my old office, the computer was on top of this desk but it will now be used for writing and paying bills.
This photo was taken last night, right after we moved the desk in. 

And this photo was taken today with shadows created by the late afternoon sun. The "something old, old, old" in my title refers to this gorgeous old desk, my beautiful chalkware Mary, and the fabulous parakeet lamp on the desk.

The "something new" is the reduced-price chair I picked up at Target a few weeks ago.

I found this old antique desk at a sidewalk sale about ten years ago.
It's one of those rare pieces that you just know if you pass it by, it won't be there the next time you go back, so I grabbed it on the spot that day!

I know the extremely distressed finish would have sent some running for a sander and can of paint. But I'll borrow a quotation from Mark Darcy when he told Bridget Jones how he felt about her..

... because truth be told, those were my precise feelings when I spotted said desk...

"Perhaps, despite appearances, I like you very much.... Just as you are."
Yes, this desk and I were 'meant to be' as much as Mark Darcy and Bridget Jones :)

Now you might have noticed this beautiful lamp sitting atop the desk. 

Isn't it positively the most perfect lamp ever for my old desk? I mean just look at the colors!
I paired it with this old, broken shade I've hung onto for some reason or other. 
Perhaps this was the reason for hanging onto it?
I have to say, it's growing on me!

I have to thank Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage and Jean at Horsefeathers of New Paltz for helping me bring these gorgeous parakeets all the way from New York to my little office!

Thank you both so very much!

And last, but most definitely not least, is this gorgeous old chalkware Mary statue. Since most of my studio office will be decorated with vintage Catholic pieces, she's just perfect.
This photo was taken last night, right after the move...

... and this photo was taken in the late afternoon sun.

So that's a peek at the very beginning stages of my office. I have my computer/transcribing desk set up over by the window and will share that next. I'll also be setting up a painting table/desk in that area eventually, when we really determine what size will work in this room. And, of course, no artwork will be hung until I'm 100% certain of the room arrangement. I'm also going to be on the lookout for some kind of rug for underneath the painting desk. (These new hardwood floors definitely need to be protected from this messy painter!)

Now to figure out how to keep Baby away from that parakeet lamp and Mary statue!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Donna

16 comments:

J said...

I loved seeing your progress and the close ups of your pretty pieces. I wonder if Baby will recognize that lamp as birds and decide she needs to do something about them? Like you said, it's something you'll have to monitor!
I have the exact same Blessed Virgin statue. It belonged to my mother. My sisters and I held many May crownings for her, weaving dandelions and wearing curtains for veils. I so love seeing someone else appreciate these statues as I do!

NanaDiana said...

I LOVE that old desk, Donna. It looks like it has stories to tell. How wonderful that you will have a studio to work from. I have a basement "area"...not so great. I love that you are doing this even if it is at a "snail's pace". xo Diana

Susan said...

Hi Donna....Loved your photos. The Mary statue is beautiful and your old desk, perfect!

You are going to have SUCH a nice space for yourself.

Thanks for sharing. Susan

...Madame May... said...

Everything works so well together great pieces

...:) ...
Blessings

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Love that old desk, the lamp with those adorable birds and the Mary Statue>

It was fun to see them in the various lighting. I think if you just put a desk for Baby in there as well it should all work out :)

Melanie said...

That desk is just beautiful. It's nice to have a space of one's own, but doesn't it feel a little strange to be "taking over" one of your kid's rooms? That's how I feel about the empty bedrooms here, and so does my husband. Bittersweet.

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

I love the old desk and I would not have changed a thing about it. The chair looks really nice with it, and I love the chalk ware statue of Mary. Snail's pace is Mr. C's and I pace too! Fine by me!

Claudia said...

Oh, Donna, I love seeing the parakeet lamp on your beautiful desk (which I am in love with.) It's so lovely and the shade is perfect for it! I can't wait to see your space evolve - you deserve it!

xo
Claudia

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I love that desk! It looks like it was painted with Miss Mustard seed milk paint. It looks like it has a story to tell!

On a Wing and a Prayer said...

I think the desk is beautiful just the way it is...I have a fetish for unique lamps...so I just love your lamp! and to me..this room seems cozy and inviting already!!!

Elaine said...

That desk was a find! I love the color and style. A perfect starting point for your new office.

And the Mary statue is gorgeous. You better pray that Baby keeps her distance from Mary and the parakeets and the hardwood floors!
Of course I am speaking from experience.

Unknown said...

I truly love that lamp and it reminds me of something from my childhood I just can't quite get it. It does look perfect on your desk!

Greg_1948 in_WA said...

The desk is a lady's vanity from the very early 1930's, missing the mirror. You should be able to see where it fastened on from the back. Looks like original hardware, for sure. Nice!

Donna said...

"Speed of snail" - hahaha!!!! I think your new office space is looking terrific!

BeachGypsy said...

Hi Donna! I just stopped in to see how you are and to see what pretty fluffy MICHEVIOUS Baby has been up to!

Anonymous said...

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