Welcome to the 121st Metamorphosis Monday!
Hi Everyone! Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend! I’m excited to share some significant additions/improvements I’ve recently made to the office. You may remember in a past post I mentioned I had decided to move my craft/wrapping center from behind the shutter. I had originally placed it there so I could wrap gifts on that end of the desk, within easy reach of the paper. I was also not happy with the “shutter-style” bulletin board because it felt as if it was competing with the shutters in the room when it was closed. So, I decided to extend the desk out to the left side.
That meant ordering more desk units for the left end of the desk. I ordered another Open Bedford Unit (the one that’s holding the baskets) and another 3 drawer file cabinet. They were out of the open unit and it’s been back-ordered forever. It was supposed to arrive on May 3rd and did not. It is in route now, though and is supposed to arrive this Tuesday.
For today’s post I stole the existing unit and put it on the other side of the room so you could see how it will look once it’s all in place. When the new unit arrives, it will go back where you see the baskets under Max.
This picture pretty much tells the story of the changes that have been made to office this past week. The chandelier was installed, the wrapping center was moved to its new home above the new desk section, as planned in THIS post. Crown molding was installed; it still needs to be caulked and painted. I love how crown molding just finishes a room off…makes such a difference! By the way, this picture most accurately shows how the paint color, Sugar Cookie, looks on the walls in here.
Update: Here’s a view of the room with the new open unit that arrived after this post was written:
I purchased a new bulletin board that I like much better for this room. It doesn’t have a “shutter” look so it doesn’t fight the plantation shutters like the other one did. I found the new bulletin board at Ballard Designs Outlet here in Roswell, Georgia. It was already discounted down to $148.99 and was another 40% off that; so I paid $89.
Here’s a view with the chandelier on a lower setting. The chandelier is a little low since I only have 8 foot ceilings. But it’s high enough to walk under without any problem, unless you’re 6 feet tall. One word: DUCK!
I had it installed on a dimmer so it can be adjusted when needed.
So what do you think? It’s covered in flowers: Roses, Daisies, Lily of the Valley, Violets, etc… I think it adds a bit of whimsy to the office. You can see it much better in THIS post.
A view of the other side of the room. I’m on the look out for a small chest to go on the left of the chair, along with a pretty lamp for reading.
How do you like the wrapping center over here? Much better, huh? 🙂 I am so enjoying having the printer off of the desk. I’m not sure if it will stay on the bottom or if I’ll move it to the top shelf.
I saw this bee pillow online at Ballard Designs and I loved it so much I drove to the Ballard Designs store in Atlanta (along with the chair cushion) to see if the green in the pillow would work with the chair. It did, but the $49 price tag stopped me from buying it. There was just no way I was going to spend $49 for a pillow.
I kept checking online each week, hoping it would go on sale, but it never did. The last time I looked online, I have no idea why, but I asked myself what price it would have to be before I’d be willing to purchase it. For some weird reason, $25 instantly popped into my head. That’s about 50% off…no way I’d ever see it that low, especially since it’s a new spring item.
Last week when I stopped by the Ballard outlet in Roswell, I found the pillow on a bench near the front of the store. It was the only bee pillow in the entire store. It was marked down to $35 and was an additional 30% off…which made it $25.19. Crazy, huh? 🙂 I think it was just waiting for me to come take it home.
I spied this little lady in an antique store a few weeks ago. She isn’t an antique but a reproduction. The tag that was hanging on her said she’s a “French Doll.” I didn’t buy her that day, but I kept thinking about her. I just loved everything about her…her green chippy paint and her sweet countenance.
It’s hard to see in this picture, but she has the softest pink cheeks and lips…so sweet. A friend identified her as a Santos. I had never heard of those until now. Perhaps she’ll watch over Max and me and keep us safe. She can be my office guardian angel. 🙂
What should I name her? A friend suggested Adelaide. What would you name her?
I have plans for this big blank wall. I’d love to see a large bookcase cabinet there…one with glass paned doors. I can see it in my head; the trick will be finding it at a reasonable price. Maybe I’ll find one in terrible condition and paint it…that would be a nice look for the office…a painted piece.
This may be my last “office” update for a while. Not sure when I’ll find the chest and bookcase cabinet. I looked all this weekend for a chest and didn’t find anything that stole my heart. So, I’ll be patient…and it will find me.
If you’d like to follow this home office transformation backwards, from today’s post to the beginning when it was a bedroom, click HERE.
Metamorphosis Monday:
If you are participating in Metamorphosis Monday you will need to link up the permalink to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then just copy and paste the address that shows up in the address bar at the top of your blog, into the “url” box for InLinkz.
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Welcome! Thanks for coming to the party!
Susan, your office is looking fabulous! I love the chandelier, which I was truthfully drooling over when I saw it the other day. That bulletin board from Ballard's was a great deal. And, I love the story about the bee pillow…don't you love it when things like that happen?
Thanks for hosting MM.
Jane
frugalfineliving.com
Wow, Susan! Your office looks great! I love your chandy and the gift wrap shelf looks perfect there! You've worked so hard and it seems like yesterday you started on it. Probably not to you though! 🙂 The bee pillow is adorable.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Thanks for hosting, Susan! I LOVE the chandelier! I do like the new bulletin board and the wrapping station moved. It really turned out nice and I'll bet you enjoy spending time here.
Your office is amazing Susan! Love your new bulletin board and the wrap center really does go better in it's new location! Also have the counter right below to do the wrapping! PERFECT, right down to the perfect place for Max to sleep!
Susan, your office is becoming a showcase! Plus it is so functional. You have thought of everything. Linda
Margarite immediately came to mind when I looked at that pretty dolly! Love the Pottery Barn furniture! 🙂
It's looking great, Susan! I love the chandelier! Don't you just love it when you come across great deals like the pillow?!
I have enjoyed watching your office transformation. Love the light fixture!
Your room is coming together so nicely. I love the chandy and the pillow was meant to be yours. Your new doll is called a Santos doll. Google it to read more on its history. These are not old…I have one too but reproductions of the old.
That room is coming out SO great! Can't wait to see what you do on that big wall.
Thanks for hosting the party.
Susan,
Oh I do love the metamorphosis going on in your home office! In just the past two weeeks your progress is amazing! I adore your chandelier and the addition of the French doll is show stopping! Can't wait until you find the "right" piece for the chest next to your chair. Bookself cabinet…hm~m~m…now my curiosity is up!I'm also anxious for you to be able to sit and enjoy creating in your office!!! So..keep those photos coming!
Fondly,
Pat
Love the modifications you made. The flow is so much better. What a beautiful space to work and be creative! Thanks for hosting.
Your office is coming along so nicely. I like everything about it. I wish I'd found that pillow at that price because it is perfect for my daugher's decor and she has a birthday coming up. And, as for the little figurine …. she looks more like a Sophia to me.
I love your office now that you made those changes – the bulletin board, the new position of the wrapping center and the additional cabinets. It looks really nice! Great job!
Hi Susan wow I love your office!! Everything about it!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Come and enter my New Giveaway from Serena & Lily
What a cozy room…the doll looks more like a Celeste.
The office is fabulous and the extra storage and counter space is wonderful. I love that chandy, stunning. Hugs, Marty
Susan, your office looks just beautiful. I love the gift wrapping station. And I love the French doll, and I love the name Adelaide, it is the name of my best friend/closest I have to a sister, we call her Addie! But I like Solange too. 🙂 xo,
What do I think? I think I would love to have a room like that. 😀 Looks like your sweet furbaby is very contented there also. 😀
Thanks for hosting again this week.
Glenda
She looks like a Cornelia to me!
it looks so warm and glowy in there! i love it!
Your office looks so beautiful, and functional too! I'm so jealous that you have a Ballard outlet near you, I think I would be there everyday!!
I like the name Addie too! The chandelier makes the room… pulls it all together I think! You are so fortunate to be near the Ballard outlet…. that should be a realtor's selling point down there! LOL
The room looks great.
Thanks for sharing!
xx
A
Susan, everything looks fantastic,I really love the bee pillow,are sure that's a bee or a "yellow jacket".Looks kinda like buzz,I knew you liked GT!
TEEHEHE!!
~Jo
LazyonLoblolly
your office has come together beautifully. You have been so patient finding what you like and trying it out. It's really a lovely space for you and kitty. Janet
I love love love this space!! Oh and the chandi, you lucky girl! Fabulous job!
XO
Kristin
Well, I am IN LOVE with everything…but we all now that the real test is if Max is LOVING it? ;}
{he looks like he is!!! ;}
m ^..^
Janet, thanks! It has definitely been a process, for sure! lol
I love your new office, Susan. It is so nice and bright. I like the way it is set up now. The Bee pillow is very pretty. I was admiring them on the catalog too but could not justify paying that price either. If you have a chance, please take a look at my post. I did so much work on it….Christine
Your office looks fabulous, Susan! I love the addition of your chandy…so pretty! The santos doll is great! And the final touch…Mr. Max! lol He looks so happy that the work is done! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie
It's like that pillow was meant to Bee yours. ha. (Sorry. That was bad, but I couldn't resist.)
Your office is fantastic – and the chandelier pulls all the colors together. It pops. Love the bee pillow, and the stories about each item you find/add. It was a treat to follow your office update. Thanks for sharing.
– Joy
Susan, the office looks awesome! The new pieces will be perfect! I kept thinking I would want to add more pieces and that is what you did! I LOOOVE the bee pillow on the pERFECT chair! AS for a name for the French doll: I would say Nanette. That was out toy poodles name and we called her Nettie. I have joined in MM today!!! XO, Pinky
The new bulletin board is an improvement. Lovely office but have you moved in? It looks too neat! Nancy H
Susan, this new space keeps getting better and better. I'm envious! Actually envious of that bee pillow and sweet little lady find. I've admired that pillow forever, but like you wouldn't bring myself to spend the $$. So glad it found you. It was meant to be. Wonderful when that happens. ~ Sarah
Beautiful office! Everything has come together so nicely…I adore the bee pillow!
Thanks for hosting!! The new chandy looks GREAT!! 🙂
Your office is fabulous! What a wonderful place to work. I love the chandy and the little bee pillow.
Thanks for hosting.
Hi Susan,
I LoVe everything you've done with your office !
I especially like that you take your time and find just the right pieces that make you happy and work so well with a budget.
The bee pillow is charming, obviously that was meant to be !
The vintage looking french doll is just wonderful, there is something about her that makes me want to tie a beautiful ribbon bow around her waist and let it hang down to the base,I could imagine feather angel wings attached to her shoulders. Whatever you name her I find she inspires !
Enjoy the beautiful space you have created, it's wonderful !
Looks amazing! And I still am in love with that chair!! I couldn't find it at Pier 1 so bummed..
And that chandelier is perfect!
Hi, thanks for offering the great linky party! I look forward each week to visiting your great linkers with all their eye candy! Speaking of eye candy, I am in love with your office, and that chandelier! Yes I really like the wrapping station where you've moved it – a beautiful office. Thanks for sharing!
Mary @ Redo 101
The chandy is perfect in your office! Very beautiful!
I love the changes you've made, and the bee pillow in your chair is a beautiful addition.
It looks beautiful Susan!!! I adore everything you've done! And it fits you and the rest of your house…..cheerful, feminine, and elegant…and with that cute touch of whimsy!
Laura
Susan, Your office is looking great.Love the chandy and I love where the kitty has perched herself so comfortably. Thanks for the great linky party.
Susan, your office is so fabulous! You've taken your time doing such a perfect job! I love your new lamp, it is gorgeous! The vintage French doll just makes this place so elegant and classy. I love it that it's so cozy too, a room of ones own! Gosh, I wish you could do this with my daughter's room!, but at least I will be inspired with your work because you've been so generous to share every step of the work progress. Congrats, it's perfect!
Have a great week and thank you for hosting, I'm so happy I can come into your parties again!
Hugs
FABBY
I would call her Mirabelle, and she needs a hat!!!
The office looks great, but I have one question. How do you plan to keep that chandelier clean?
Kenju (Judy) I'll just use a damp cloth and occasionally wipe it off. Does it look hard to clean? 🙂
I hand clean my other chandys…don't trust that stuff you buy and spray on them.
Thanks for the fun link party!! You office is amazing!! I would LOVE an office so clean, bright, and organized: and I LOVE that it's colorful. That chandelier is GREAT!! I like the name Gretchen for your new sweet miss. 🙂
Thanks for hosting each week. Love your office! It turned out fantastic; so fresh and airy. Love that green chair and upholstery, and your chandelier! Love your angel repro too;
for some reason, the name Maggie popped into my head; I'm not sure why,
probably a silly name.
Thanks.
~ Julie
I've seen those Santos in former Ballard Designs catalogs and recently on eBay, listed for $169.00. Very French and perfect in your office.
Anon, thanks! This one was only $65. It's funny how the office is taking on a French feel with the bee bulletin board pins and pillow. It didn't start out that way, but I do like it.
I love the changes you made to the wrapping center and like the bulletin board much better than the other. The chandelier is perfect! Where is your TV? Anyway….what a wonderful space to enjoy……and I know you will! Now we'll all know where those posts are being created! Great job.
Oh Susan, I love your office! The chandelier, the new bulletin board, the pillow, it's all wonderful -like all the rooms in your house! You just have the knack – Max is one happy kitty, too. Really like the Santos or doll – she looks like a "Sophia"….
xox
Susan your office just keeps getting better. I do like the placement of the wrapping rack and the board looks lighter in the room. In fact, everthing is bee-autiful!!
Max seems unperturbed by these changes!! 🙂
As your cute doll is to be your guardian office angel, I thought Angelina would be fitting.
Meg
Hello Susan,
I love your new office and as you can see, your kitty loves it, too. They feel good in a nice room. Must be great to work in such a friendly office.
Best greetings, Johanna
Hello, dear friend… I am SPEECHLESS. You have done the most gorgeous job on this office. It is so beautiful that I don't even need to add my usual 'exclamation points' — I can't believe how everything has just fallen into place so perfectly, can you? Oh, and I think you should name that chippy lady, "Chippa" — in honor of her being 'chipped,' plus FOR CHIP, since it was his room! LOL! What do you think? If he's like my son, he would say, "No thanks." 😉 But it STILL might make him smile if you named her that. The name also sounds a little 'international' — either English or French. 🙂 Well, I'm sorry, I must go back to my exclamation points to write: THIS OFFICE IS BEATIFUL!!!! CONGRATS on all of your hard work!!!
Best,
Gloria
Wow Susan, this looks amazing especially knowing all the hard work that went into this room! Love the entire look and that Chandy is just adorable!
Now as for a name of your Santos Cage doll…how about "Savannah" it seems apropos since you live in Georgia and the name is of Spanish origin like your doll according to Google:)
Good job girl!
Terry
Your office turned out so great. The tole chandelier is perfect for the room. This inspires me to clean up my office and make it look pretty.
Susan:
You might want to try Ikea for inexpensive book shelves that can have glass doors.
– The Tablescaper
I've so enjoyed watching the transformation of your office! Adelaide is beautiful, and I love your bee pillow! As always, thanks for hosting!
Your office looks great…you have worked really hard! Please keep us posted on anything else you do to this room…I am going to miss reading about it! As always Max makes the room! What a life for him….
Susan,
Your office is gorgeous. I like the new(virtual) addition to your desk.The chandelier is so cheery and feminine- perfect for a woman's space.I've looked and drooled over the bee pillow too. You're so lucky to have a Ballard Outlet nearby. I like the name Babette for your sweet little French doll.
Of course I'm in love with your bee pillow – but I love the entire office! Thanks for hosting – Jennifer
Your office is STUNNING!! I'd like to say THANKS, too, for your sweet suggestion for readers to visit links before and after theirs. As a new decor blogger, I get SUCH a thrill when people leave a comment!
I would love to spend lots of time in that office.
I love your office update…everything looks great! I'm thinking you need "Miss Scarlet" guarding over you and the Max!
Susan, it looks great!! It makes me want to get going on my workspace. You make me laugh that you won't pay $50 for a pillow but will pay $150 for a bulletin board! (And many paid $200!) We all have our limits! LOL. The whole room has come together perfectly…. I still love the steps in the corner for kitty to use, too! You say this will be the last of the updates for a while – are you starting another room? Have a great week!
Nan, LOL Yep, I got my limits on pillows. Actually, I got the bulletin board for $89…it was 40% off. 🙂
I will probably be tweaking this one for a while, looking for those last bit and pieces to finish it.
Your office transformation is really looking amazing!!
I've loved following your remodel of this room. What a great transformation! The best part of this remodel is that you've shown it from the beginning, through all its ups and downs and you've shown that great remodels don't happen overnight. That's a big misconception out here in blog land. Great transformations don't happen overnight.
I love following your blog!
Love your new office & that bee pillow is adorable. I have a piece of furniture with the baskets & you have inspired me to update it!!
I've loved watching your remodel and think the room is taking shape nicely and fitting your needs. I admire that you are taking your time and really making the space your own, how you use it every day. Great transformation.
The office looks fabulous. I'm glad I was able to see it before I go AWOL for a while. Talk to you soon.
Oatsy
Susan! Everything is looking so beautiful. I must admit to being jealous of your new office…it's fabulous! Thank you as always for hosting a fabulous party! Have a beautiful week.
Heather
I made my first trip to Ballard Backroom last Thursday, and am so mad with myself for not going before now! I got some great deals and will be doing a blog post on it soon! I would have snatched up the bee pillow too!
I love the new look. I think you little adjustments made such a difference. The bee pillow….who knew a pillow could be so stinkin cute.
Awesome room tour! So many favorite things to look at. 🙂
It is all looking fantastic, Susan. And, you know I like Adelaide. 😉
I am a shorty, and I would never be able to reach your bulletin board. I do like this one. I've often admired it in the catalog.
Thanks for your help.
You have done an absolutely fabulous job with this office space. Congratulations. You will so enjoy working there, and along with Max spend many happy hours in that room.
I cried, too, when you painted over your mural……but sometimes changes can be such a good thing. Yesterdays aren't nearly as important as tomorrows.
I have a sneaking suspicion your Adelaide will help you have some very significant and successful tomorrows, Susan.
Have enjoyed this met room process with you – my fav has to be your chair putting together tutorial vid, I thought you were marvelous in it! Bravo!
Your office is really perfect. I love everything about it. I look forward to the updates so I hope you find the bookcase soon…lol. What a difference from where the room began.
I so enjoy seeing your office transformation. Love the new desk section on the left side. The only think i would do differently is to not have that open shelf unit below the wrapping cupboard. That way you could push the chair over to that area and use the desk top for projects like wrapping gifts. It's always something, huh?
Linda in Keno
Michele, thanks so much! LOL That was quite the experience! Appreciate your kind words, my friend!
Wow Susan! I love your room. It looks better every time I drop by! Great job. I do love the wrapping cupboard!
xo
Donna @ Comin' Home
What an amazing office!!!
All your hard work has paid off!!!
It is a lovely setting.
A french dolls name…? Eugenie or Diseree…she was once engaged to Napoleon Bonapart. She changed her name (Diseree)after he broke their engagement to marry Josephine!
Un environnement enchanteur… Bisous
Susan, what a beautiful office space. Love, love, love the chandelier! It just all came together so beautifully. You, and Max, will certainly enjoy your time in there. The best french name I can think of for a beautiful, spirited young woman is Coco……Patti in MO
Hi lovely lady. I had to come see how your office was coming… Omg it looks Beautiful Susan !! I know you must be so happy with it !!!
I also love the Cat he looks like he is right at home by the windows.
Thanks so much for having your linky parties for Tablescapes sweet lady. I hope you have a Great Week sweet lady.
XXOO
Diane
I love the office and think the bookcase idea is terrific. I have been on the browse for one in my sewing room with doors to hide the contents within. If you don't find any with glass you might use a dining room breakfront from an antique store that you could paint and use as a bookcase!
Thanks, Karen! You read my mind. I've been looking for one but most I find are so small. I want a large one…maybe 7 1/2 feet tall. I know eventually I'll find either a really large breakfront or china cabinet to repaint…or maybe I'll get lucky and find a bookcase cabinet that's just right…and affordable! I can dream. lol The main problem is I want it to have panes…like a window…and most breakfront done have that.
Susan,
Your office looks great! Thank you for the personal tour on Friday; I loved seeing it all in person. And I really enjoyed garage saling with you. Today I saw we missed some sales ~ I guess we didn't take the right roads on Friday!
Hey Susan…love the changes that you've made to the desk. Another thought…when the new open unit comes in how about placing it next to the reading chair with the baskets and a reading lamp? Then move the printers under the window area and leave and OPENING under the wrapping center so that you can sit down while wrapping gifts? Just a thought…hope this helps. I'm so jealous that you live so close to the Ballard outlet. I went there years ago and was like a kid in a candy store. Have a wonderful week. Fondly, Roberta
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com
Wow, it's really coming together nicely! I love the chandelier; it's so fun and cheerful and whimsical. The wrapping center does look much better off to the left side and the bee pillow is adorable!!!
Susan, I have a floor lamp like your chandy!! It once belonged to the Dean of Medicine at Ohio State University! A neighbor of mine was friends of theirs and got the lamp. she put it in a garage sale and I bought it for a little whimsie in my Mary Kay room. It is adorable! I shall take a pic and post it for you!! just had to share. adorable!
Pink Hugs,
Dee
Susan, Your office is beautiful! You will definately find the exact wall unit you have in your mind. I'm seeing you finding it and so excited. There, It's done! I like the wrapping station on the left. It balances the room so nicely.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Adie, I had fun, too! Looking forward to the next time. 🙂
Dee, how cool is that! Yes, post a pic for me…I'd love to see it!
Roberta,
I had thought of not ordering another unit and leaving an opening so I'd have a place to sit and wrap presents and sew…but I really don't like how it looks open. It's a long story but the units I bought came with the top and legs that I could use. I'm still trying to decide for sure. I may just move my wireless keyboard over and sew there, once I have a new sewing machine. Thanks for the suggestion! I kind of have my heart set on a chest beside the chair. 🙂
What a beautiful room! Everything came together perfectly. You must be thrilled every time you walk in the room!
Susan, the room looks beautiful and the chandelier is perfect! I'm so glad you decided to do the crown molding — doesn't it make all the difference? And I love the look of the bamboo mat under your chair; plus, I'll bet it's more durable than the standard plastic ones, which crack so quickly.
Gorgeous room, Susan, bravo !!!
Love love the changes to the office, hated to see the old bulliyin biard go, but the new is perfect ….the wrapping center is perfect where you put it and the lighting fixture is the perfect whimicle choice,,,,,love it all.Phyllis
Love your new girlfriend….she looks like a character from Little Women so maybe…Jo? Also, great bee pillow…love stuff with bugs on it!
Extending the desk on what was the shorter L-side was a wise idea! Lots more room now, and it looks more balanced. I love the chandy and the new bulletin board. Not to mention that fabulous bee pillow! The room has evolved so much and it looks fantastic, Susan! 🙂
Sue
Susan, LOVE, love, love the new chandy!
As to the space itself, in one word .. PERFECTION. -Brenda-
Hi, Susan. I haven't had time to do any blogging, but have grab a few minutes here & there to snoop around my favorite blogs. I haven't even been leaving comments, but had to say "WOW" on your office! It is so gorgeous. Love, love, love the chandy!
Did I miss the post about the color you selected for your office?
Also, I love the old bunkbed set from your son's room. Any chance you want to sell it?
Hi Kellie,
Here's the link to that post about the color I went with:
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/04/paint-panic-attack.html I went with my old favorite, Duron, Sugar Cookie…it's available at Home Depot and Sherwin Williams store, although, it looked darker when I bought it at SW so I always get HD to mix it for me. They have all the old formulas for the Duron paints.
My son and his fiancé have said they would like the furniture…so, currently I'm storing it for them. If they change their mind, I'll be sure to let you know…although, you may not need it by then.