I knew that using the sun room as my office was complete and total genius. I revel in these really good ideas when I have them as they are so few and far between. This, this, was the day I was waiting for. On three walls, encompassing my entire peripheral vision, are windows. It is as if I am in a snow globe; I could not be happier.
It is a large room and the floor is slate tile. Good for dog feet, bad for human feet. In a fortunate twist of fate, the antelope carpet from the old house can be reconfigured for this room. The former office was just a smidge longer and a good bit narrower, but I had saved the remnant and as the room was dark there was no difference in the color. There will be a hopefully not unseemly seam.
The lantern from the front hall of the old house will replace ceiling fan 1. Using skills gleaned from long-abandoned parenting books I have convinced Mr. Blandings, through positive reinforcement, that he will be able to switch them out. “You absolutely can do it! I will help. I swear.” He knows, of course, that this means I will stand by and say things like, “Oh! Careful! You’re going to gouge the ceiling!”
In addition, Cowtan and Tout Papillon Jardin will live in this house somewhere. I know, who knew I’d need the pinky, floral girliness for my own? But I do.
And this is the casualty of the day. Today I was going to start painting an old armoire inspired by this wonderful cabinet. Black paint. Gold leaf. Project heaven. Maybe tomorrow. Today I sit in the middle of what looks like a 1940’s MGM movie set, happy as a midwestern clam.
The image, second, is Todd Romano via the Peak of Chic; the floral chair is an old Cowtan and Tout ad; image, last, is John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross’s home featured in Elle Decor, July/August 2010; photography by Simon Upton.
Love seeing pictures of your new place. I need that antelope carpet! NEED I tell you. I laughed out loud about the lantern hanging!
I finally convinced my husband that the screened porch would be the best place for his office, once it is enclosed of course. Then we can shut the door and I can go to town on the rest of the house without disturbing him. Snow globe days will just be a bonus.
I love Midwestern clams. And I envy your surround-sound "office windows". Inspiration galore.
xo
That will be a great spot to work. I'm envious of your armoire project. I've had a huge urge to paint something lately but too many other things to finish before I can.
Al together now – – –
"Have yourself . . . a merry little snow storm . . . "
please tell me you're wearing a red velvet cape, with white fur trim! please !?!?!?!?
How lovely to have all of those windows! What a beautiful day. I love the first big snow of winter and its quiet tranquility. The antelope carpet shall not go to waste – isn't that a commandment of some sort? I always enjoy your blog! Thanks for posting!
Wow. Your office is beautiful. Humans do love a vista.
I'm a devoted reader and long over due in forwarding my compliments. So a salute to your many wonderful 2010 posts, and a toast to 2011 and your new home!
Snow day here, too, and the Mister is installing a board-and-batten style trim above the family room fireplace. I am "helping" immensely, by saying things like "are you sure that one's straight?"
My dream is to have a sunroom office. Congratulations. When I first saw a picture of your wonderful antelope rug, my first thought was of Romano's, a longtime favorite of mine. OF COURSE you would have that picture in your files!
How glorious to have such plans and panoramas…to be ensconced in a snow globe of your own refined design.
Your readers await the leisurely reveal. Oh what a year this will be here at Blandings Inc.!
Love the positive reinforcement, btw. The books haven't helped much with my 5 year-old, but as my husband fumbles towards mid-life, I'm thinking some of the tot tips might.
Cheers and do keep warm, Alcira
nerochronicles.com
Some people's idea of paradise is Hawaii, with warm weather, brilliant blue skies & tropical flowers blooming all year long. I'd call that hell. No, give me snow any day, with temperatures hovering near the freeze point. Too bad there isn't a cold-weather counterpart of Waikiki. If ther were, I'd move there.
Your bright, snow-globe office, right in the middle of all that, looks just about perfect. And I'm not even talking about the screen grab. That's just a bonus, but–for me–a huge one. Thx.
You're going to love that room – in all seasons!
So happy you're settling in. Everything else good will follow!!
xo Elizabeth
I would like to have a satellite office in your sunroom. How peaceful to be surrounded by snow!
KFH – I hope that Mr. B will be as amused.
Kathy – I really think he would love it (and sounds like it is a win/win.)
Karen – even I would hesitate to eat a midwestern clam. Yikes.
David – I am trying to convince Mr. B to hang the drywall in the basement – so far a no-go – you guys have done so much already.
Scot! I wish!
Belclaire – what was nice was that my husband did not question when I told him I thought it would be the best spot.
LPC and Tree – thank you.
T&C – we are soul sisters.
Shoshana – with the Le Lac chair? I practically carry it in my wallet.
Alcira – it's not failsafe, but it helps.
Magna – completely and totally intentional.
Elizabeth – this rug and the bedroom rug should be back Thursday – should go a long way for the look and the toes.
Laura – sure! Not that we would get any work done…
the Cowtan and Tout Papillon Jardin is always so cheerful and classic- I have used it a couple of times, and recovered chairs in the fabric in a different colorway! my client insisted. that room, what a great working office space and the snow scene along the with it is thrilling I know.
what kind of heat do you have out there ?
john in nc
The office is just perfect… and so is your antelope news. Who makes that carpet, love it. Seems as though all the tics are working themselves out!