The One That Got Away

Yipee! The furniture is back in place at last. It feels like the office grew several feet.  You can just see Max’s steps peeking out from behind the desk. He is using them and they are working well.   I’m looking forward to finding a great chandelier to replace the overhead ceiling fan. From the very beginning I knew I didn’t want this home office to feel too officey or too serious. Early on, I set my sights on a whimsical, tole chandelier for this space.

After looking on eBay for a few weeks, I found this cutie.

In its past life, it hung over the breakfast table of a home in Annapolis, MD for 30 years.

Unfortunately, I missed winning it by about $10. Drat! Don’t you just hate it when that happens?

At first it looked like I might get it after all because it turned out the winner lived in Australia and shipping costs was going to be a lot!

But apparently over the last couple of weeks, another shipping avenue was found that was more affordable and the chandelier is now headed for Australia after all. 🙁

I guess that means something even more perfect and delightful is out there waiting to come live in my office. At least, I hope so. 🙂

So this was the one that got away. I’ve seen a couple of similar ones for sale, but they weren’t in the greatest condition and/or were missing the poppy that hangs from the bottom. As cute as this one was, I just know there’s an even better one out there…just waiting for me to find it. I was a tad worried about the red in this one…afraid it would limit other choices I might make in the office. So, it’s probably just as well that I didn’t get it. One thing I’ve learned over the years is if I see something and it’s gone when I go back, or if I miss something like an eBay auction, later on I am usually glad because I almost always find something I like even better. So, I’m thinking positive. There’s a great chandelier out there somewhere…I just need to be patient.

If you’re new to BNOTP and would like to see how this office looked before, click HERE and HERE.

See you this evening for Tablescape Thursday!

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Comments

  1. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    I know you must be disappointed…but perhaps there's something better "in store" for your office. Stay alert! One never knows what might be waiting around the next corner. My Bunny Love story is a good example of finding what you thought was out of your grasps! Your office looks amazing, dear…now time for the decorative touches that you are expert at!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  2. The White Farmhouse says

    I hate it when that happens, but I like your attitude! It is a great chandelier. Love how the room is coming along. Great job!

  3. That's too bad you missed this one! It sure is a beauty!! Maybe one of your readers will know where there's another just like it, waiting for the taking. Your office is coming together beautifully. What a great room to work in!

  4. Your office is looking good! Still your best accessory in my eyes is Max! I love how he adds to your decor!

  5. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    That really is one cute and colorful chandelier! Too bad it got away, but hopefully another one is out there just waiting for you!

  6. Pine Tree Home says

    Sigh. Sorry you missed out on the chandy. Just tell yourself there is a better one just for you out there. The office space is coming together nicely. Glad to see you are taking your time and making it work how you want it to.

  7. I'm totally jealous of your office! I love that you have that big window in front of you when you're working.

    Sorry that chandelier got away. I'm sure you'll find something better though! Happy shopping!

  8. Cat & Cricket says

    Love that set from PB!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!
    Smiles~
    Cricket

  9. Barbara F. says

    Hi Susan, I like your philosophy about Ebay, cause I feel the same way! Looking forward to seeing the new fixture. xo,

  10. The Olde Farmhouse... says

    I feel your pain! Like very fresh…. Just last night something went off eBay for the opening bid (which was VERY reasonable). I was still trying to convince DH that it was worth driving 5 hours for. (It's a non-shipment item.) I just did a post on it, then was reading my blogroll and saw your post. I just had to comment and thank you for your 'encouragement' to think positive. If you want to see my 'baby', you can go to my blog – oldewindmillfarm.blogspot.com.

    'Your' light was very cute… I hope you find that perfect one soon. ~Rachel @ The Olde Farmhouse on Windmill Hill

  11. GLENDA CHILDERS says

    Your office is turning out to be a lovely spot. Wow, I love the light fixture that got away, also. It will be fun to see what beauty you end up with.

    Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

  12. I hate it when things get away…or when you see something and don't grab it the first time and it's gone when you go back. Keep looking…maybe something even better will turn up.

  13. Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien says

    What a unique chandelier! I understand the "eBay blues", as I call them…it always seems like I miss out on the best stuff….but like you said, usually I find something better later or find some other reason that makes me glad I didn't get the item after all!
    I love your idea of the steps for Max; clearly he loves to hang with you on your desk and even has his own little bed on it! Cute!!!!

  14. martinealison says

    Un lustre très printanier qui est loin de me déplaire… gros bisous.

  15. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says

    Oh your office is so pretty! I think your chandelier is awesome!

  16. Know you know what you want, I'm sure you'll find something similar.

  17. A Vintage Green says

    What a nice office. Loved the chandelier, especially the poppy on the bottom, but it was a happy bouncy kind of chandelier and maybe your serene office would have said 'no, no'. You do find amazing items though.
    – Joy

  18. Good attitude, Susan. I agree, usually when something doesn't come my way, I find there is something else out there waiting to find it's way to me. 😉
    The office looks terrific! ~ Sarah

  19. That chandelier is lovely and when I look it I want to cry. I had a beautiful tulip tole chandelier that I found in the attic of my husbands old house. I sold it on ebay and can kick myself. I know that you will find another one for your office. When something doesn't work out its because there is something better waiting for you. 🙂
    Marianne

  20. Blondie's Journal says

    Sorry about the light fixture, it really is cute. I have just started fiddling with Ebay a bit and losing out on something is very hard!!

    Your office is looking great…keep up the good work!

    XO,
    Jane

  21. Susan, love the chandelier, but as Maria in the Sound of Music said: "When the Lord closes the door, somewhere he opens a window!"
    You will find your perfect chandelier.
    Your office is looking SO GOOD!!
    Meg

  22. Squirrelhaus says

    That was a cute chandelier, I love the flowers on it! This was such a sweet light, I'm so sorry it got away!
    You will find another……and it will even be better!!!
    Love your office!!
    Have a good week!
    Chris :o)

  23. The office looks great Susan. I am sure you will find something even better, or something you can embellish yourself!

  24. The Quintessential Magpie says

    Great job, Susan! The room looks amazing, and that chandelier is going to be perfect. It's SO cute. Glad you found it.

    I have a video I want you to see. not telling you what it is, but if you want a laugh, you must click on it! LOL! Every time I see it, I laugh which I needed after my day yesterday. LOL!

    XO,

    Sheila 🙂

  25. Anonymous says

    I hate when that happens! If you cant find one maybe you can make one. Here is a post from one of my very favorite, aside from Naps on the Porch of course ;-), that made her own and it is gorgeous! Good Luck!
    http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/2010/05/hand-painted-tole-chandelier-makeover.html

  26. Susan, "What will be will be", you just haven't found your perfect light fixture, but you will. The new office looks great………..and Max looks like he has put his approval stamp at the end of the desk, his BED.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

  27. That IS a pretty chandy. Did you see the one Rhoda took a picture of in, I think, her recent trip antiquing in Destin? It reminded me of what I thought you might be searching. You know about the time you get this room done, it will time to re-do it for the grandchildren, right? ;o)

  28. Kelley at My Island Wedding says

    so fun! i actually have the pottery barn filing cabinet and got it at the tanger outlet in riverhead! love your blog… (your cute kitty max too!)
    -kelley

  29. Oh I hate when that happens! Then you always seem to be comparing and it just isn't perfect. Hopefully just the right thing will turn up soon!

  30. Wsprsweetly Of Cottages says

    Knowing how great a decorator you are, I have no doubt you will find exactly what you want and it will look fantastic. Yep. I can't wait to see it all done. 🙂
    Hugs,
    Mona

  31. Here is I link I found that have several to choose from. Some are just beautiful! Good Luck! http://www.cheaptablelamps.info/chandelier-tole/

  32. Ann Haller says

    Susan, I have lived in the Annapolis area all my life,if there was another one sold in this town,it will turn up!!! Did you try etsy.com? Look under vintage chandeliers. Good Luck finding another.

  33. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Oh Susan, that is such a great chandelier. But, you are right, you will find one you love even more. Your office is looking so good, and I am so envious of this wonderful space you are creating. laurie

  34. I have loved watching the process of transformation. It's actually been far more interesting watching it happen than before and after pictures. I'm learning from you how a room comes together and how one must be patient and flexible. Love your blog!!!

  35. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    I've never seen anything quite like "the one that got away" but I do like it. I can't wait to see what you do find that will be perfect for your room!

  36. Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch) says

    Hi — I don't remember if I ever took the time to comment to say how GREAT you are transforming your office! I'm sorry you missed out on the fixture, but it just wasn't meant to be. If it was, you would have won the auction, right? So console yourself on the fact that you are going to find something soon and be saying: "Oh, thank you God that I LOST that auction! I love this fixture even better!" I will say a prayer to St. Anthony that he helps you find one SOON that is perfect for your room. I know you are like me probably and when you want something, you want it NOW! So don't worry, you'll get one soon! St. Anthony always come through! 😉
    Best,
    Gloria

  37. Susan, would you believe that I have a chandlier in my attic exactly like "the one that got away"…….it hung over my breakfast table for 30 years. The red was a bit "red" and years ago I handpainted the red flowers shades of blue. I am amazed !!!

  38. FABBY'S LIVING says

    Oh dear Susan, I'm so sorry you couldn't buy the chandalier after all, but you're a lady of such great taste, you'll soon find one even better, I can't wait to see what you were meant to have!
    LOVE
    FABBY

  39. Can't wait to see just what you come up with when something better comes along. Keep on keeping on!

  40. I love your new office, Susan!!! So bright and cheery! I know that you will find that "perfect" light fixture. Just remember … the hunt is all part of the fun!

  41. You are so right! There's another chandelier out there that is supposed to live in your sweet new office. Maui loves to see Max in your photos, too.

  42. LOVE MLee! My vote is on bookcover #2. The only detail I'd adjust on #2 would be the to set the title more centered on the white as #3 is (the contrast is easy to read). I like the way the cup cake is tipped in #2, and he seems to be even stepping on it. I also like the placement of Micheals's name, as well as the placement of "A Novel" placed above the mulion.

    #1 is just too messy, esp. since it's a "tiny bit" of trouble. My second place choice would be #3.

    😀 Lynda

  43. Anonymous says

    Hi my vote for the front cover is #1. Can't wait to read it!!
    Colleen Scott

  44. Smocking with Gwen says

    That is a great chandelier….but I always think if it was mean't to be mine, it will either still be there when I come back…or in the case of EBay, my final bid will be right. This philosophy doesn't always make me happy though.

    Gwen

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