One of my "43 Things" was to create comfortable, inspiring, productive writing area.
Now, not only have I decluttered and cleaned my little corner of our shared home office, including the overstuffed and unsightly bookcase (which now houses only books I haven’t read and might actually WANT to; reference books; books on philosophy and religion; and books on language), I have brightened it with two huge and colorful silk flower arrangements I made myself. (The third arrangement, the red roses - those are real. My husband surprised me with those first thing this morning. He also surprised me with "breakfast in bed" - a box of chocolate-covered strawberries from Godiva. They're huge. Each one's practically a meal in itself, and there were six of them! This is in deference to the diet - the traditional gift being a one-pound box of truffles. I do love this man. He could've been a real smart-ass and given me a bunch of carrots - nothing like a healthy Valentine's pun to cheer a girl up, eh?)
My first thought was to go out and buy real flowers. That was immediately followed by the saner, more self-aware realization that they would simply die – and then sit there on my desk until they turned black and brittle and started to grow things not meant to be grown in lovely bouquets. Fresh flowers are nice – delightful – but they are not always a pack-rat’s best friend. They are just as expensive as the silk flowers, but they only last a few days. Let’s get real; I needed stress-free, effortless, colorful decoration to boost my spirits, inspire creativity, and improve my moods on dreary days. I did not need to create a corner of the office that smells good for five minutes, then begins to resemble a funeral parlor on an off day.
[ﻩﺫﺍ ﻩﻭ ﺎﻠﺤﻜﻣ] I want a space like that. I want the gumption to create a space like that! So, for the time being, I'll have to settle on envying your accomplishment!
Posted by: Something Else | 02/15/2007 at 07:43 AM
I think it turned out very well, considering:
- all the furniture's completely mismatched;
- the bookcase is about twenty years old, and came unassembled, in a box;
- my daughter, when she was little (with a tiny bit of help from me, furniture movers, and maybe even her little brother) totally ruined the finish on the only "good" piece of furniture in the room - the desk - with water, nail polish, nail polish remover, and permanent pen and it's obvious in the photo;
- the filing cabinet is that nasty, institutional putty-gray steel and the top drawer won't close without a very noisy protest (which is why I chose exactly that color vase, on sale, at Hobby Lobby yesterday - nice match and contrast, don't you tink?)...
Hmmm...you think I need a photo or some artwork on the wall in front of the monitor?
Really, I say all this to make a point - you probably CAN create yourself a little space like this. It's not fancy, just cozy and now bright and colorful to boot! It's amazing what a little perk-me-up like flowers can do for a small space.
Posted by: Holly | 02/15/2007 at 08:31 AM
Really nice! I'm inspired!
Posted by: SandyU | 02/15/2007 at 11:28 AM
I would like a space like that too! I have right a desk, and a table and a clock. Im looking into decor that will inspire my space as well. This gave me some great ideas! Thanks!
Posted by: Hipmama | 04/20/2007 at 04:27 PM