Small Updates to My Office & A New Book

Turning our dining room into our home office is still one of my favorite decisions I’ve made since we moved into our house two years ago.  I don’t know if it will stay this way forever, but it makes so much sense for our family, for now.







It was a treat to see the room (where I spend so much time) featured in former HGTV host Kelly Edwards’ new design book.  Each space is accompanied by a “recipe” of how to create a similar look:







I’ve made a few small changes since I took the photo that appeared in the book.  Nothing major, nothing permanent.  I just re-accessorized a little, making the overall space more neutral.  I still like the orange rug, and may bring it back out eventually.  But, I think the new touches make it feel a little more like summer.

(I bought the black rug for around $30 at a home outlet store when we lived in our first house.)

If you’re new to my blog, here’s some other posts I wrote about our office:

My Home Office: Finally Finished

My Habitat ReStore Lantern Redo

Changing Out the Art in Our Hallway

And, if you’d like a copy of The Design Cookbook, Kelly Edwards is giving one away to one of my readers.  You can enter using the form here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, just a reminder that you can vote each day for one week for your favorite book nook in the Pottery Barn Kids/PBS Kids Summer Book Nook Challenge.  Of course, I’d be happy if you cast your vote for mine and helped me spread the word :) 

Our Book Nook: The Reveal

I’ve always loved the idea of a reading nook in our house.  But, the word “nook” usually makes me think of a cute window seat or a quirky spot under a staircase. 

So, when Pottery Barn Kids and PBS Kids asked me to participate in their Book Nook Challenge, I walked around our house looking for some fun, hidden spot I had somehow missed and came up with nothing.  That’s when I decided to use this blank wall in our undecorated nursery:

 

 

 

I had just over a week to complete the challenge.  Using items I got to select from Pottery Barn Kids, and some things I already had, I created this little “nook” for our kids:

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted it to be a fun and colorful spot where they could hang out, read, pretend, wrestle. . .  I used a simple color scheme but lots of pattern, an oversized floor pillow instead of chairs, and a large print of a vintage reading poster that set the tone for the whole nook.

 

 

 

In case you want to see a little play-by-play of my process, here’s how the week went:

 

 

I started by stenciling a focal wall, and playing around with the furniture arrangement.  I ended up using a taller bookcase that we previously had in our living room, and paired it with a one-shelf bookcase that could double as a bench seat.

 

 

The blue that I had painted the back of the bookcase didn’t mesh with the navy and white wall, so I started thinking of other, more fun, options rather than just painting over it (again).  I had a large sample of grasscloth wallpaper that I tried to piece together, but it felt a little bland for a kids’ space.

 

 

Instead,  I found a fabric remnant (in a great pattern) that I had left over from a client project, and  stapled it to the back:

 

 

Since there was no surface space for a lamp, we used a small desk lamp to create task lighting by putting screws through the base and attaching it to the side of the bookcase.  (I just ran the cord down the side, and attached it with a small piece of velcro.)

 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room. . . this was happening:

 

The final (and most fun) step—accessorizing:

 

 

The kids’ were eager to start using it as soon as it was finished.  I’m hoping that their enthusiasm lasts throughout the summer. We’ve even talked about having a daily reading time for everybody—including me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I foresee us doing a lot of reading—and playing.  Of course, there might be some times that are easier to read here than others. . .  It has quickly become the hang out spot.

 

 

 

You can see the other book nooks created by bloggers for this challenge—and vote for your favorite one starting today—on the new Pottery Barn Kids blog.   (The winning blogger receives a $500 gift card to give away to one of their readers!  You can vote once per day, and voting is open for one week.)

 

 

Thanks to PB Kids for providing these items I used in my design: Cameron 1-Shelf Bookcase, Rugby Cotton Mat, Navy Suede Floor Pillow, Solid Task Lighting (in navy), Dalmatian Bookend

My Habit

I don’t know about you, but I order from Amazon a lot, especially at Christmas time, and most recently for Father’s day.  I’m usually ordering books, but have you ever noticed the other sites under Amazon’s umbrella that are listed at the bottom of the page?

 

 

 

Me, neither.  But, I just learned that Amazon has its own flash sale site called MyHabit.  They have designer clothing, but more interesting to me is the home decor section with deeply discounted accessories and some furniture.  I grabbed several screenshots from the site to show you a few examples of what they offer and how they’re priced:

 

 

   

 

 

I would say the prices are comparable with most of the home stores I shop—but if I can do it from behind my computer, that’s always a better deal to me.   And, most orders in the US ship for free.

All of the items I showed above are included in sales that end this Saturday and Sunday on the site.  (Each one only lasts 72 hours.)  But, if you see something you like, I would move on it.  I’ve noticed that the items seem to sell out pretty quickly. . .

 

To start shopping, just sign up with your email address here:

 

 

If you end up buying something, I’d love to know. I’m always curious about what you find.

 

PS—Excited to get to share my finished book nook with you on Monday!