Guest Room Addition

Welcome to the 60th Metamorphosis Monday!

My metamorphosis this week is in my Guest room. Here’s the way it normally looks.  Sorry about the dark photo…my photography skills were pretty sad back then.  The walls are NOT this yellow, either.

 

Do you see the change?

 

On our recent shopping trip to A Classy Flea, I saw this painted secretary. It was priced at $329…very tempting, but I resisted.

But it kept calling to me…it said it wanted to come live at my house. I told it I wasn’t sure I had a place for it. It said, “Don’t worry, you’ll find the perfect spot.” It’s charming details wormed their way deep into my heart.

From the top of its head….

…to its ball and claw feet…resistance was futile.

I went back on Saturday morning…holding my breath as I walked all the way through the store. Would it still be there?

Yes, it was still there…waiting patiently for me to come back and take it home. I was thrilled to see it had been reduced overnight to $295. The dealer reduced the price a bit more to $285.

It has the most amazing glass panels…they are like moguls on a ski slope. Each glass panel has 9 bubbles or waves of rolling glass. I tried to capture it in these photos…very hard to do.

Today I played and played, shopping the house for just the right treasures with which to fill it. It called for well-worn and well-loved pieces. This old silver tea set is a family piece. It is close to 100 years old and each piece is engraved with the letter H. It was used every single day. The silverplate is completely worn away in spots, so I rarely polish it. When I do polish it, it always tarnishes again very quickly. I’ve decided I kind of like it in its tarnished dress..

A photo of my Mom…lovingly creased and worn where my Dad carried it in his wallet through WWII.

The butter dish from the tea set makes a wonderful place to store stamps and address labels.

While the butter knife makes a great letter opener.

The French books were my MILs from when she attended Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia over 60 years ago. They are very special. They have little notes in the margin, along with her name and dormitory. I found a postcard tucked inside…written to her from a friend. It’s dated December 12, 1940 and her friend was inviting her to a progressive dinner party. I wonder if she went and if she had a good time.

A little cubby hole…perfect for storing away a special treasure for safe keeping.

Before:

 

After:  🙂

 

Light down low…

Looking forward to seeing all your “Before and Afters!”

Metamorphosis Monday is an opportunity to show a “Before and After” project in your home. It can be as elaborate as a whole new room addition or as simple as re-doing your decor with the changing of the seasons. Maybe you have a “trash to treasure” project to share…we’d love to see it! If you don’t have a “Before” pic to share, describe as best you can what the room or item looked like prior to the renovation.

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Please do not add your link below until your Met Monday post is actually published to your blog.

Fabulous “Before and Afters” await your visit:

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Comments

  1. black eyed susans kitchen says

    Susan, That bedroom is gorgeous! Light and bright and airy. It is just the look that I have been trying to achieve in our home.
    ♥, Susan

  2. SouthernGal says

    Wonderful find. It looks fabulous in our guest room. Love how it really adds so much to the room.

    Christi @ A Southern Life
    http://asouthernlife.com

  3. Susan, you're so right~ That's just meant to be in that spot! Perfect!
    Thank you for hosting…
    Robin

  4. Paula Grace Designs says

    That is a beautiful secretary and you did find the perfect spot for it. I'm glad it found a nice home.
    Paula Grace ~

  5. Atticmag says

    Blue and yellow are one of my favorite combinations, especially in bedrooms. You've done such a lovely job of marrying the blue themes to the accessories. Our thanks for posting your fabulous Met Monday, too! –Jane F

  6. It looks beautiful and as if it has always been there!

  7. ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says

    Rhoda,

    That is stunning piece of furniture. That wavy glass is so unique! I love how you accessorized it. The sentimental items are so special.

    Amy

  8. Manuela@TPOH says

    The new piece is just wonderful and looks great in that room! I LOVE the Classy Flea. It's my favorite place to browse!

    Manuela

  9. Wonderful addition. It fits right in perfectly!

  10. Linda (Nina's Nest) says

    Susan, you made the right decision! I love the white secretary, and it definitely adds depth and richness to the room. Your treasures are fabulous – especially the creased pic of your Mom that went thru the war with your Dad! I have some old college French play books like those – not as old, but old nonetheless. I think I'll get them out – love the way they look. Linda

  11. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Susan, it is a stunning piece and so pretty in your room. I love all the wonderful accessories you have displayed. Such precious family heirlooms. Your room is gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

  12. I love it Susan! What a fun piece!
    You may or may not have thought about having your tea set re-silvered. I have an older set that my Mom had resilvered for me. It turned out very nice. Either way the set you have is lovely! Glad you went back and bought your desk. The little door is especially neat!

    Mary
    From Virginia

  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    What a beautiful piece, Susan! I love it! I totally understand about buying a piece that speaks to you, since I just bought a chair that I wanted before it was discontinued.

  14. 9405018--Pat says

    Beautiful treasure…love it…thank for sharing..Pat H

  15. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    I think it's perfect there! What a beautiful piece. I can see why it spoke to you!

    Thanks for hosting this fun party, Susan. I always enjoy seeing what everyone has to share! 🙂

  16. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    It looks perfect in there Susan!
    You have such a great eye! I have always loved that guest room, it's bright, cheerful and charming! I wish I lived closer to the Classy Flea. What great stuff they have and fairly good prices too!
    Cindy

  17. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! I love your new secretary…gorgeous! And what a good way to use the butter server and knife! Have a great week!…hugs…Debbie

  18. ShirleyC says

    That is one gorgeous piece of furniture! I don't blame you. I couldn't have resisted either. I love the pic of the wavy glass. It is very obvious from the shape of the lamp shade reflection.

  19. The secretary fits there perfectly and you have adorned it so well with all of your family treasures.

    Wonderful! 🙂

  20. What a nice addition to a lovely room!

  21. Your guest bedroom is beautiful. Lucky are your guests that get to relax at your home. 🙂

  22. It certainly was meant to be – looks lovely and is a wonderful wy to display all of those treasures – I LOVE the butter dish! Thanks for hosting MM!

  23. The Thriftress says

    The secretary looks right at home!
    Thanks for hosting!
    Sarah

  24. Brummygirl says

    Susan:
    It really was calling your name. It is so perfect in that lovely room. The contents are beautiful too.
    What a nice place to sit and pen special invitations. Your guests are so spoiled and after a night's rest they sit in your inviting porch.
    Splendid!!!!!

  25. inner_child says

    What a lovely piece! I adore the little blue lamp.

    Paula – Mise en scène

  26. Glenda/MidSouth says

    What a beautiful piece of furniture, and you found a great spot for it. I don't have a contribution this week – to much other "stuff" going on. Hopefully next week, as I have several projects I hope to get to in the near future.
    Have a great week.
    Glenda

  27. Chatty Crone says

    It's the perfect piece for the perfect place. YOur guest room is gorgous. sandie

  28. Rona's Home Page says

    It's Sunday and I'm doing some blog visiting.
    Please feel free to leave a comment at my giveaway post.
    You have a terrific week!

  29. Hi Susan, the secretary was indeed meant to find its way to your guest room. I love this room anyway…it is sooo pretty and now with this charming addition, I am not sure your guests will leave. 🙂

  30. vignette design says

    Susan,
    This secretary is just wonderful in your guest room. The design and staging possibilities are going to be so much fun for you! I love it! -Delores

  31. Oh, Susan! I love it! What a lovely piece and it's just perfect in your pretty guestroom! I need one of these gorgeous cabinets! I was looking for one this weekend!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  32. You are an inspiration. I love your porch. My husband has had to look at your pics 100 times. One day I will have a porch that resembles yours so please keep up the blogging and great ideas.

  33. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    Looks fantastic! Thanks for hosting!!!

  34. The hutch is PERFECT….makes the room feel even more inviting and warm and it was already next to perfect, now it has even more PERFECTNESS (I'm not sure that is even a word?) :o) Toni

  35. Perfect! I love your mother's picture. It reminded me so much of my Dad…he always carried this one treasured picture of my mom…

  36. Susan,
    That is a beautiful bedroom…so cozy and inviting. The secretary is a perfect addition to the room.
    Jane

  37. What a beautiful piece. Such a lucky find. I definitely think it's meant to be. I love all of the family touches you've added.

  38. I love how warm and personal your guest room is! And I love all the thoughtful touches on the secretary!

  39. That piece of furniture was meant to be there…it has found its true home!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

  40. Oh Susan, this is the perfect piece for this most beautiful guest room! And I do believe you got a good bargain as well! It looks wonderful right where it is. XO, Pinky

  41. Tammy518 says

    Oh my! I wanted to come stay in your guest room before, and I really do now! I love the secretary, and can see why it was calling to you. You found the perfect spot for it. It's so neat that you displayed your mom's picture and things from your MIL. It makes it all the more special.

  42. Fifi Flowers says

    What a GORGEOUS bedroom!!!

  43. Greenearth says

    What inspiring images.

  44. The Little Red Shop says

    Happy new secretary!

    : )

    Julie M.

  45. Lori Lucas says

    I love Met. Monday's. So many talented people. Thanks for your wonderful blog.

  46. Your new secretary adds the perfect touch to your guest room. You really got a great bargain on it.

  47. How charming! It is wonderful that dishes look great no matter where we place them. The bedroom is gorgeous and so inviting. If I was staying there I would spend too much time in bed. I loved the framed photo of your mom. It is so precious. I am in the middle of doing one of our bedrooms over and I can't wait to start furnishing it. It will be with what we already have but with more charm. Have a wonderful day, Susan. Deb

  48. Treasia Stepp says

    Your guest room is gorgeous. Made even more so now with the addition of that beautiful secretary.

  49. santamaker says

    This room just makes me want to smile and with that new secretary it's perfection!

  50. Susan,
    The secretary is the perfect piece for that wall in your guest bedroom! It looks so good. I love the finish on it. Could you tell if that is the original finish or if someone through the years decided to do it? Either way… I'm really lovin' it!

  51. Low Tide High Style says

    Oh you made such a wonderful decision to go back and get that gorgeous secretary! I love the wavy glass and all of the treasures you found to fill it, simply beautiful!

    Kat 🙂

  52. That's the perfect piece for the room! It looks gorgeous! Actually, the entire room looks gorgeous!

  53. ann marie says

    What a great piece! Your guest room is stunning. It's so inviting and makes you want to settle in for awhile!

  54. The bedroom is gorgeous! I love all of the special touches and especially love the silver paired with blue and white.

    Thank you for hosting and have a great week!

  55. Vickie H. says

    Simply beautiful! So happy you went back for this piece. I can plainly see why you could NOT get it out of your mind! And a STEAL it was, too!!!

    Love your small blue & white porcelain lamp: is that a recent acquisition or have you had it a while? I have looked all over for just the right one but so far had no luck.

    Thanks for sharing! Very nice job on the styling.

  56. I love it..all of your sweet details and stories make it all the better. It's just right for that room – perfect!~

  57. scribbler-unfocused says

    The addition of the secretary makes such a difference in your guest room. I have looked for another one for a long time, but like you, did not want to spend a bundle. It definitely belongs there!

    Scribbler

  58. Becolorful says

    You had me at do you see any difference. I love those find the difference things in magazines. :0 I really like how you have placed the secretary and left it open for more display options and the lamp. The other thing I like in this room is the bringing in of the black and white and a geometric print. Plus I liked how you separated the chair and ottoman. Very nice.

  59. The secretary looks perfect in that room. Love the idea for the butter dish and knife.

  60. thewelcomehome says

    I look forward to Met Monday every week! It is very inspiring.

  61. GrannySue says

    What a wonderful find and what a terrific job of making it look like it has been in that room for a decade.

  62. Creations By Cindy says

    Stunning! Simply Stunning! Be blessed. Cindy

  63. Cass @ That Old House says

    Now Susan, that secretary was clearly BORN to live in your guest room. And it inspires me to paint a near-twin of it that lives here — languishing in an unused bedroom.

    I hope it's as sunny where you are! Wonderful pictures… Cass

  64. raisingcamelot says

    Dress forms are my favorite touch!

  65. Anita @ Far Above Rubies says

    What a great find! THe glass looks incredible too. I just adore all your treasures you have accessorized with…especially the tea set and the photo of your mom. I jut love things that mean something. Gorgeous!!

  66. Love your new secretary! Beautiful!

  67. Blue Creek Home says

    Yep, you didn't have a choice…it needed to be in your guest room.
    I am glad it was still there when you went back, and reduced, too!!

    I love it, but reading how you chose the accessories and sharing their stories touched me.

    Rhonda

  68. so pretty that cabinet, the only thing I would change is to take the little picture down and use it along with two others on the right hand side of wall. Looks great tho.

  69. Tardevil says

    Oh, Susan! What a gorgeous find! I am always on the lookout for a secretary, and you got it at such a great price too! I've never seen such a nice white one, and the gold just makes it even better! I had to laugh b/c I, too, would already have enough goodies to go in it! :O) That room looks perfect for your future grandbaby girl!

  70. Cathy Miller says

    That is just beautiful. It would also look wonderful in MY bedroom, just so you know! I've been telling everyone I see about your blog…it's too fabulous to keep to my self! Thanks for making my Mondays happier!

  71. Enchanted Rose Studio says

    It's kismet, Susan. Looks like it was made for your guest room. Lovely piece!

    I'm joining in today. Thanks so much for hosting.

    I'm still got some pink saturday blogs to get to ha! It's all in good fun! BTW, thanks for taking us shopping at the Classy Flea!

    Cheers!
    Tina

  72. What a beautiful secretary…and I love all the pretty things inside! How special that you have the picture of your mom that your dad carried with him.

  73. Your bedroom is something to sing about! I have a secretary that needs a re-do and appreciate your great pix!

  74. bellacasa says

    Beautiful piece of furniture, Susan. With those plates and lamp…well it just looks like it was always there. A compliment to you!

  75. Hi Susan,
    You really have the touch and the decorator's eye! That looks wonderful, I love everything about it! Especially the blue and white dishes, I have some from my German great-grandmother, but most broke in the '89 earthquake here in CA (right after I brought them home with me – so sad!)I saved what I could and I've been looking for the perfect piece to dispay them in ever since. Your cabinet looks like it was made for that space, how lucky and wonderful for you!
    It's been awhile since I've been here for Met Mon, so glad to be back!
    Thanks very much for hosting.
    XO
    Heidi – Heart and Home

  76. Tennis Girl says

    Love the bedroom, Susan. Just goergous. I have a sofa out of the same fabric as your chair. Charming! Love your Mother's picture, too.

  77. The secretary is gorgeous as well as the room! I was just looking at my old secretary last night and wondering what I should do with it. You've given me inspiration.

  78. Tennis Girl says

    Susan,
    Just beautiful. I have the same fabric on a sofa, as you have on your chair and ottoman. I love your Mother's picture, too. Nice touch 🙂
    Robin

  79. Jessica Hills says

    #200 needs to be deleted…wrong web address…so sorry! Thanks for hosting today!

  80. Such a beautiful beadroom… your guests are sure to love it!

    Sandy
    http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/

  81. Susan, do you realize how many of us out here would love to come stay in that guest room! :o) Toni

  82. Donna Rafferty says

    I'm glad you went back to get the secretary – it's just perfect for the room!

    The room is super-gorgeous BTW – what lucky guests you have!

  83. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    When I saw the first photo of your guestroom, I didn't think it could get any better. But when I scrolled down and saw the secretary in the room, I knew you had made it even better! What a perfect piece for that room, and how wonderful that you have such great family treasures in it. Love the story about your dad carrying your mother's photo, and the silver set is gorgeous! laurie

  84. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    Your room is stunning…of course I'm not surprised! I was very excited to see your new secretary. I have the exact same one, not painted. It belonged to my grandparents and I used to play under the drop down desk as a small child. I have been wanting to paint mine and my husband (who is allergic to painting wood) has been trying to tell me it wouldn't look right. I greeted him with your pictures this evening! I love it painted. I'm not sure I could get that trim done as well, but it is wonderful.

    You do know that those ornate pieces on either side of the cubby door pull out to hide things don't you?

    Sue

  85. What a beautiful display in your pretty cabinet! Love the bedroom!

  86. I love your secretary! Cute and a bargain to boot. Love that.

    I am the dingbat who posted my name instead of the name of my post! See #216. Duh! I am laughing so hard. I linked to a beautiful bead board bookcase my brother built for me on a boring empty wall.

    Blessings,
    Necel

  87. Jenglamgirl says

    There isn't one specific thing I love about that bedroom… I JUST LOVE IT ALL! so cozy pretty and inviting. WAY TO GO!

    I linked up too.. Larsenloves~ Easter Entry table… THANKS SO MUCH AS ALWAYS for the fun link parties

  88. a little bit of everything says

    The secretary is fabulous and the room looks wonderful! Great job!!

  89. Congratulations, Susan, on your latest acquisition! It looks fantastic in your cheery room, and it seems that you're going to find it very useful as well. The pieces you've displayed in it are just right. You really have a gift for this sort of thing! Congratulations on having such a successful Met Monday … so many participants this time!!! I wish I could blog full-time (rather than having one of those tiresome J-O-B things), I'd love to visit them all.

    Hope your week goes well, my friend. Looking forward, as always, to Tablescape Thursday!

    Bill

  90. Stephanie Lynn says

    What a gorgeous find! It adds such charm to the guest room! I love the way you have it accessorized. Hope you have a great week – Thanks for hosting!

  91. Frog Hollow Farm Girl says

    Hi! I'd love to be part of this Metamorphosis Monday but am kind of new to blogging and to getting set up with things like this. Yesterday afternoon I posted my bedroom makeover pics. Loved your new purchase and the wonderful momentos you so lovingly placed inside. Isn't life wonderful????

  92. Susan, you found the perfect piece for your guest room. The things you found to fill it with make it even more special, especially the picture and things that were your Mom's. Check out those drawers and cubbies carefully. I'm reading a book now about an old postcard found in a drawer of an old secretary that changes many lives.

  93. west coast nester says

    I linked twice an accident having trouble getting it to actual link to my blog.

  94. A stunning find! It looks perfect in your geust room, even though the room was fabulous before you found it.
    Congratulations on your find, and enjoy.

  95. Beautiful piece of furniture and it is perfect there, Susan…Christine

  96. Susan, I LOVE the new secretary you chose! I think it's a wonderful place for it. Your books choices are wonderful and I love the photo of your mother and that you let us know that your father carried the photo of her around with him during the war. I got a little choked up when I read that and seeing the light shining on her. You have such wonderful touches and your photography is so outstanding.

    Your blog always makes me smile, you are such an inspiration!
    Thank you for all the time you spend opening the door welcoming us into your beautiful haven.
    Kim

  97. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Susan, this looks fabulous! Love the new piece. It's perfect for that spot.

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  98. Susan, What a lovely Secretary. I think it was calling back to you for a reason…you had/have the perfect spot for it. It looks so pretty. The pic of your Mom with the crease in it from your Dad carrying it around about brought tears to my eyes. As beautiful as the entire room is…that is the most beautiful of all!

  99. I Love, Love, Love your blog! To say that it inspires me is an understatement. My house is on the market and I can't wait to start over with great ideas I've gotten from you. Thank you! Please, don't stop blogging. 🙂

  100. Hello!

    I just popped over from Alaine's at eclectique to see your tablescape and noticed this post. The room and secretary look fabulous (as does your entire home!). I'm glad I dropped by.

  101. pleated poppy says

    thanks so much for the link up party! your secretary looks amazing!

  102. Diane Lanier says

    I realize this email is pertaining to a very old post…However…I own a secretary exactly like what you have in your yellow/blue bedroom. When buying it many years ago, didn’t realize it should have had a hutch. I have searched for years for the hutch alone and plan to paint the entire piece myself. But have only seen the hutch twice in several years of searching and it was only sold along with the secretary. And many are in pretty bad shape. The Classy Flea has nothing like that now. Found a few on craigslist, but it’s pick up only in other states. Do you have any suggestions as to where to search? I’m totally at a loss. Would appreciate ANY help. Thanks!

    • Diane, are you sure your’s was made with a hutch? The reason I ask is the one I bought is one solid piece…the top hutch part doesn’t come off the bottom. It is all made together. I have 4 secretaries in my home with hutches and all 4 came as one solid unit with the hutch part being made into the bottom part. So that’s why I’m wondering if the one you have is a secretary desk and never had a hutch. Yea, A Classy Flea is kind of an antique/thrift/flea market type store with lots of different dealers selling there. Usually the things they sell have come from estate sales, garage sales and auctions, so it’s kind of random what they carry, I’m afraid. I think if I were in your shoes, I’d just shop all the local antique stores in your area, Craig’s List, etc… and I’d probably just but a full secretary that I loved and sell the one you have if you don’t have any place in your home where you can use it. That would probably be easier than trying to find a hutch to fit. Sorry I don’t have any better news or solutions.

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