A Texas Inspired Office

Here's a few more pics of Nate's office redo ~ see part one here.  Literally, there was no budget to work with so I had to think creatively and pull from things he already had or from things I had in storage. His primary requests for the space were 1.) It had to reflect his love for Texas.  2.) He wanted it to pay tribute to his mom and dad (Nana and Papa) and 3.) Nate is one sentimental fella, so everything in the space had to have a story or special meaning.   I did my best to fulfill the requests.  The taxidermied bullfrog was a souvenir from Corbin's trip to Honduras.  The framed poem ~ "A Tribute to Nana and Papa" was a Christmas gift to Nate from Gavin. 

 

Texture played a key role in revitalizing the office.  Wonderfully worn rugs, leather, rattan poufs and an iron star, (Reagan displayed this in his home when he lived in South Dakota), go a long way to adding Texas flair.    

Fun Facts:  The American flag flew over the White House and was presented to Papa, while the brass eagle use to reside in Papa's office.  The bookcase was crafted by a friend and was part of his dad's office for years.  The shepherd's staff was gifted to Nate from some guy friends he mentors.  

The oversized map belonged to friends as well ~ a family piece from the 1950's.  They generously passed it on to me.  The handmade rocker belonged to Nate's mom ~ a family heirloom ~ Nana was rocked in it as a baby.  The vintage lamp came from Canton and the uber cool, blue and green chair came from Lula B's. 

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Nate's office redo and I hope you stop by again soon!

Lighten Up

I believe that a home is a living, breathing organism with life happening all throughout it.  That being said, this place I call home is always changing.  Although I'm sentimental about some things, I'm not attached to most and I find it relatively easy to let got of some belongings in order to bring in new additions from time to time.  Especially, when I happen upon a cool find or great sale, or better yet ~ the two combined together.  I made the mistake of going into Anthropologie the other day and spotted this little guy, lurking in the clearance room shadows.  I've had my eye on him for awhile now ~ surprisingly, he's been sitting on a shelf collecting dust for weeks.  I finally decided he needed a new home ~ mine! 

  

Up until now, I've had a smaller, nondescript thrift store lamp on this old dresser and it served the purpose nicely.  But I've been eyeing this oversized gooseneck lamp and I was so happy to still find it available (I think he sort of resembles the Pixar logo lamp ~ do you?).  The mirror was a flea market find for a mere $10.00.

 

Since this is my bedroom, I really prefer to keep this area as uncluttered as possible.  A space that offers up minimal doses of visual stimulation ~ and instead promotes a calm and restful atmosphere.  I did add one pop of interest with this black and white striped rug I found at Ikea.  If I recall correctly, it also only set me back $10.00.

A nice reprieve from the hectic pace of the world within which we live.  

The dresser belonged to Nat's family when he was a young boy ~ I cleaned it up and gave it a couple coats of creamy white paint. 

I opted to use only a 40 watt bulb in the lamp ~ it casts a nice soft glow to the room in the evening.  I realize this isn't the most expensive or opulent room, but for me ~ it's certainly peaceful and relaxing.  Just what the doctor ordered after a busy week like this one.  Here's hoping you have an enjoyable and restful weekend as well. :)

P.S.  Some exciting news!  Here's your chance to meet and greet Rachel Ashwell at a Blogger's Luncheon during the upcoming Round Top Antiques Fair.  My friend, Kelley, of The Hidden List along with Bud Royer of Royers Round Top Cafe, is helping host this event ~ please go here for all of the details.  It is limited to the first 35 people who register.  It's not to late to secure your spot ~ I hope to see you there!

 

Additionally, thank you to my sweet friend and graphic designer, Lindsey Sobolik, for designing the lovely invitation! 

Two Thumbs Up

Rachael and I ~ celebrating the moment and feeling pretty elated with the progress we've made on a conference room remodel we've been working on.  Our goal was to create an inspiring meeting room without the typical corporate feel.  This project was a challenge because of the teeny tiny budget we had to work with.  We still need to add a few more accessories and put a few final touches on it, but for the most part we're there.

 The yard sale dresser that cost $20.00.  It was missing a drawer so I fitted it with a burlap curtain that I whipped up to fill the space ~ one of our favorite things!  The dresser will act as a buffet for serving coffee and snacks and will also provide some much needed storage.

The hanging pendants were created from some inexpensive baskets purchased from Ikea.  The curtains ~ fashioned from painter's drop cloths bought at Home Depot.

The space required a large working table ~ this great farm table came from Collected Treasures.  We gave it an additional coat of bright white paint.

The stand came from Lots of Furniture ~ a real bargain at $5.00.  And the sign says it all ~ a slogan fitting for any meeting room.

Clean lines ~ simplicity with function ~ a place to roll up your sleeves and get some work done.

The completed space (well almost but we couldn't wait any longer to share the pics!).