Welcome to the 809th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a fun, relaxing weekend! I was busy as usual working on projects in the Dollhouse. On Saturday, I shared the updated office with a new rug and plans I had to add bookcase cabinets behind my desk here in the office. Update: I’ve had some questions about the rug, it’s available in several sizes/colors here: All-Wool Rug.
This was the cabinet that I ordered.
Unfortunately, I don’t have the Before/After I had planned. It didn’t happen because of the same old issue that seems to plague me whenever I order furniture online that is delivered via FedEx or UPS. When I checked out the boxes, this is what I found. It looks like the larger of the two boxes was torn open at some point, then someone attempted to tape it back together. I opened that end and looked inside. The plastic, corner-support pieces that were part of the packaging were crushed.
I know a few BNOTP readers asked if the bookcase would be too white, as compared to the desk, since the pictures of it online did make it look really white. I looked for a small piece that I could pull out to take upstairs to the office to compare. This is what I found when I pulled a long narrow section out of the box. It’s the same nightmare story all over again—furniture arriving damaged. If you’ve been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember my many attempts to order storage cabinets for the house in Georgia. When they were delivered by two Amazon employees, they arrived in perfect condition, but when delivered via UPS or FedEx, they always arrived damaged.
I did take time to compare the damaged board, and it looked great with the desk. It’s a tad whiter, very close to the same white as the paneling in this room, so I think it would have looked great if it hadn’t arrived damaged.
I slid the damaged board back into the box and requested a return. I was worried if I opened up the entire box and found additional damaged pieces, I’d never bet able to get everything back into the box and seal it up again. I searched online and noticed that Home Depot has this piece on their website. I may try ordering it from there to see if they will be able to deliver it without damage. I had a great experience when I ordered my freezer from there.
I do have some updates to share, though. I added a third monitor to my desk, so I have the exact same set up here that I do in Georgia (two 24-inch monitors and one larger 27-inch monitor) except in Georgia, the larger monitor is positioned above the other two due to the shape of the corner desk. Here, I can have all three on the desk, which I really do like.
I thought I’d give you a peek inside and how I’m attempting to organize the drawers. Since I rarely need tape or to staple anything, I’m keeping those types of things in one of the drawers. The drawers are all lined with a very soft brown/burgundy liner that feels wonderful to the touch. This desk feels very luxurious. (Desk is available here: Executive Desk.)
Right after the desk arrived, I ordered a single, multi-compartment, clear, organizer tray to try in one of the drawers. Unfortunately, the measurements were not quite right, and it was slightly larger than the ad had indicated, so it wouldn’t fit. I tried one more time to find an organizer tray that would fit, but again, found it slightly too large. I ended up ordering one of the larger sets that includes a bunch of different size trays that you can fit into your desk drawers in various configurations. So far, this is working great!
In a perfect world, I’d love to find a single large tray with a lot of different compartments, but since I’m finding it impossible to find one that’s a perfect fit, I’m happy that these organizer sets are available with so many different size trays. The set I ordered included 25 trays in varying sizes, and is available here: 25-piece Organizer Set for Desk Drawers.
This desk has a nice wide center drawer that’s quite shallow. It’s perfect for holding pencils, scissors, clipboards, anything that’s not too tall.
I’m a huge list maker and love this clipboard that I ordered a few months back. I use it for keeping up with all the to-do lists that I’m writing out on the daily. (Clipboard is available here: Floral Clipboard for Holding a Notepad.) Oh my gosh, they have the cutest clipboards, just found three more that I love including THIS one, THIS one, and THIS one.
A week or so ago I shared that I was considering ordering some All-Clad cookware and I asked your opinion on whether I should go with the all stainless steel All-Clad or their Hard Anodized Nonstick set. Your suggestions were mixed, many of you prefer the all stainless, while others said the nonstick was best. A couple of folks suggested a mix and I loved that idea since I love the look of the stainless, but prefer to cook things like eggs in a nonstick pan. So, to start, I ordered a set of two of the nonstick pans. Once I’m done with all the electrical and plumbing repairs I’ve been updating here in the Dollhouse, I’m going to go for a full set of the stainless. Thanks so much to Brenda for suggesting the All-Clad protectors for storage to keep the pans from scratching into each other. The two-piece set of nonstick All-Clad that I ordered is available here: 2-pc set of All-Clad Nonstick Cookware. The protectors that fit between the pans for storage are available here: All Clad Protectors. I actually purchased this set that included handle grippers and a drying mat here : All-Clad Protectors.
One more find that I’ve been meaning to share is this Biolage shampoo. I have always loved their leave-in tonic/conditioner and finally decided to try their shampoo. It is amazing! It’s not drying like some shampoos can be, and doesn’t leave any residue or anything on my hair that can weigh it down. I have fairly thick hair, but this shampoo makes it feel even fuller. I love it!!! You’ll find the Biolage Shampoo here: Biolage Shampoo. The leave-in conditioner is available here: Leave-in Conditioner. Highly recommend both!
I’ll leave you with a couple of photos of the two sizes of interior plantation shutters I considered for the six windows here in the office. This isn’t the best representation of the two different louver sizes, since the molding between the windows was blocking the larger 3-1/2 inch louver from being fully open. I decided to go with the larger 3-1/2 inch louver (on the left) to keep as much view and light as possible through the windows. There will be a single panel in each window, instead of two, to keep the view (and breezes) as much as possible, but still have great sun control. That way when the temps are nice out, I can open each panel, raise the window(s) on the both sides of the room, and the breezes can flow through the big open louvers. At least, that’s the plan.
I wish I had a better photo to share how open the view is through the larger 3-1/2 louver. The molding and windowsill is nice and deep in all the windows in this house, so the 3-1/2 louver panel easily fits within the windowsill itself. The shutters won’t be ready for 5–6 weeks, so those won’t be installed on this trip up, but they will be ready for installing the next time I’m up this way.
The plumber has been out this morning, changing out the innerworkings inside the tank of the master bath toilet, and I have an electrician here working in pretty much every single room of the Dollhouse, so I should have a lot of updates to share soon. The LG refrigerator I ordered will be delivered on Wednesday, at least that’s what the tracking currently shows, and the Speed Queen TR7 Washer/Dryer set that I ordered will be delivered and installed tomorrow. I think the new 9 x 12 rug for the office will arrive on Thursday. Every day is like that right now, as I knock things out on my long to-do list. I had a new garage door opener installed yesterday.—a LiftMaster. It’s so incredibly quiet—the quietest door opener I’ve ever had! It also works with the Home-link button in my car, really loving that since I enjoy using that for the garage door in Georgia, as well. So things are happening every single day. Looking forward to sharing more of these many updates, soon!
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday! Pssst: Did you know Between Naps On The Porch is on Instagram? You’ll find me on Instagram here: Between Naps On The Porch. Like to know when a new blog post is up? Subscribe for email updates (it’s free) and your e-mail will never be shared. Subscribe for free post updates here: Subscribe.
Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings, save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, you’ll need to link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog, into the “url” box for InLinkz when prompted.
Thanks for sharing your plantation shutters! I’ve sold my house and will be taking possession of a condo at the end of August. Shutters are on my list to replace vertical blinds in the south facing dining room and kitchen. I loved seeing the rug you got for the office, since I also ordered rugs for my living room and dining room this weekend. Wayfair was having a Black Friday in July event and prices were great. Despite all the upheaval, I’m excited to have a new home to plan for. I’m not going to miss looking after a 4 bedroom house!
That’s too bad about the shelves. Hopefully, Home Depot can deliver directly from the store and they’ll arrive undamaged.
Have you ever considered those tower thingys for your monitors? My son used to use several monitors, and used a device that hung them stacked on top of each other. It made for a huge display, but kept the desktop open for other items.
I didn’t chime in on the All-Clad discussion, but I also have some All-Clad and like the stainless steel much more than I had anticipated. But, I found the flat edge hard to pour from. I tried a Cuisinart stainless saucepan and loved it. They made the edges rounded, so it’s super easy to pour from the pans. I do use both, but stick to the Cuisinart when I know I’ll need to be pouring.
Wednesday is going to be another very big day for you, but an exciting one! Here’s hoping everything arrives on time and in excellent condition.
Oh Susan, so sorry about the damage, I know that is frustrating! Your desk looks great though… Thanks for the recommendation of shampoo, I just ordered some!
Loving your new bigger desk and gorgeous rug. Thanks for having us over, Susan!
I feel your pain. Last two items I ordered…broken (oh, there have been many over time.) Fortunately, both cases, the “assist” person was very kind & replacements rushed before I could return damaged ( this involves a 40 mile round trip!!!)
I adore your set up…THAT DESK & BOOKCASE are a “happily ever after” pair!!! ❤️ Home Depot!! franki
Tom, my husband is the organizer in the family. He was drawers that look like this everywhere in the house. I wanted to mention that he sometimes finds drawer organizers at Marshalls here in Canada equivalent to Home Goods I think in the US.
What a hassle with the bookcase arriving damaged. My gf has no protectors, I noticed when packing her kitchen. They’re nice. Our louvers are the 3.5″ and I love them.
Lots of good things coming your way!
I’m over her in WV doing a rain dance, hoping g for something more for my July garden than hose water!
Did the tissue holder come with your desk organizer set?
No, I already had it, but it fit perfectly inside the drawer. I purchased it here: https://amzn.to/4djSbhI
Wiped out again. Looks like everything is coming together. Does the rug on the floor go back when the larger one arrives ? You would think with all of the damages that occur during shipping, it would be cost effective to have a better delivery service. I think one person is trying to load and I load furniture and it’s too heavy and they drop it. Is the one at Home Depot the exact size? I used Biologe and loved it, but one bottle I bought at a hair salon was counterfeit. You would know right away. Love the cookware separators. I had some felt ones. I also use felt or even paper plates between some dishes to prevent scratching. Often on older plates, the bottom is worn and rough.
I am loving the shutters. Are you installing them or getting them installed ? How goes the landscaping? You have really lucked out finding service people. They were probably grateful for a good customer.
I well remember the delivery damage issues you had with your previous cabinets! So sorry you are going through this again 🙁 I may have missed if in a previous post, but could you share the source of the beautiful rug in front of your desk?
I know, I can’t believe it either. I wish they would deliver those pieces with two Amazon guys, that always works great when they do that. The rug is from here: https://amzn.to/4dnOeIK . They have it in a variety of colors and sizes, I really do love it! Such a great price for all-wool rug too.
Have you tried calling Amazon to request they deliver the item? I have never done it but thought that might work.
I have a question about shampoo without paraben..I find that it doesn’t have suds so i don’t know if my hair is clean..What can I do?
Hi,
Maybe this will help…..I bought the same cabinet from Wayfair and it was delivered in perfect shape. I love, love, love the way the room is turning out with the bigger desk and rugs.
Your desk and computer setup look great! I appreciate seeing what a pretty desk looks like with the computer backs facing out – not so bad with cord management! Thanks for the tips, and as always, for hosting!
That’s a beautiful desk that fits perfectly in this room. I love all your choices.
Your office space is already beautiful, Susan! I am so sorry for the damaged bookcase, that is so aggravating. Looking forward to all of your updates on the Dollhouse!
Have you considered getting an antique or vintage china cabinet or hutch with glass doors instead of ordering the new bookcase/cabinet? That would be more sustainable for the environment and might be really pretty. If one that is already painted white cannot be found, you could find a style that you like and paint it. I recently bought a custom-made, very well-built china cabinet with glass doors that was crafted in the 1960s. It is beautiful! It is far sturdier than any new piece that I had looked at purchasing. Plus, it is much more sustainable for our environment than getting something new and pre-fabricated.
Susan,
Thanks so much for hosting this charming party!! I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into it along with visiting all the links!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Super exciting house activities! I’m sorry about your shelving unit arriving damaged. UPS and Fed Ex must receive so many items to deliver they just aren’t careful. Will you wait until spring to sell your GA home? You are a trooper making so many decisions and attending to details. I would be going crazy! But I think it’s the best kind of crazy! Hope your week is a good one!
Hi Susan, have been reading your blog for years, but must have missed the post where you advised whether you are selling the GA house and moving permanently to Ohio, or are keeping both houses for when you visit Ohio. I LOVE the Doll House as it’s my favorite style home – the darling cottages with so much character. Of course, your Atlanta home is gorgeous, too, but may be getting to be a bit too much upkeep now, and being close to family is always the best. I know, from experience, that making that move after living and loving your home and friends for many years can be daunting as well as exciting, but so well worth it. I also downsized and made quite a few updates here as well, but the homes here in Las Vegas, while they can be smaller, do not have as much charm as those in other areas. However, I am decorating in the cottage style anyway, and doing what I can to make it as adorable as possible.
I wish you the absolute best in your new home, and know you will be exceptionally happy there.
Trish
Susan, it is fun following along on your journey with the “Dollhouse”! I have one suggestion for you about the desk. I believe that the drawer front of the center drawer can be folded outwards (towards you), so it will lie flat. Then you can put your peripheral keyboard and mouse there. There will still be some room in the drawer for other things. When you sit down to use your computer, just pull the drawer out, and push it back in when you’re through. That leaves space right in front of you on top of the desk for writing, or maybe an open book/catalog you’re referring to, etc. When you use your computer for hours a day, it’s important to follow ergonomics, so you don’t irritate nerves, joints, tendons, etc. in your body. (e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
Here’s a one minute YouTube video I found that illustrates this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoaleXYQPpg
I’ve used this arrangement at work and at home and I really like it! For your readers who might be interested in using the center drawer in this way, but have an older desk (pre-computer era) that doesn’t have the “fold down” feature on that center drawer, a woodworker could retrofit it to operate that way.
HI Susan,
Love how your new office is coming out. Sorry your pretty shelving unit was damaged, that happened to us years ago with Wayfair, they shipped the item 3 times and it was damaged twice………but thankfully my hubby is really handy, so he was able to take 2 delivery leftovers and fix it. We never even rec’d the first delivery. lol So know that was a bummer for you! hope the next one comes in good shape, as it was a nice choice, very pretty. Thank You as always for hosting this fun party. Blessings on your new home hon.
Nellie
That broken box should not have been left; it had too much damage. It seems the company and those they hire don’t care and leave the buyer holding the “box”. I like all the purchases you have made. I think your shopping must be a bit easier when picking things out for the Dollhouse because you’ve already tried some of them at your Georgia house. I have a question about the Speed Queen dryer. This is new to you, right? I have the washer but will be needing a dryer and I’m curious as to what you think about Speed Queen.
Hi Love everything you are doing to the DollHouse! Question, why do you have three monitors? What is the purpose. I’m very curious! Thanks!
Thanks so much, Irene! This post from a few years back explains about the three monitors: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/how-i-use-3-monitors-to-work-and-play-in-my-home-office/