Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Decisions


I've showed this view of my sewing room/office/library many times.


Do you know why you never see the other parts of this room?

Because it's scary!

It's a place where things are put, until I can either get rid of them or find a place for them to go, and it's become a mess.

I was thinking that if I show you this horror, that maybe it'll motivate me to do something about it.

So, here we go...

The desk where I blog from and pay bills:


Not your typical "Where Bloggers Create" space, huh? ;)

You can see that I need to paint the walls towards the ceiling, but moving that desk will not be easy. I've been told it's either German or English and from the early 1800s, but all I know for sure is that it's a beast to move, because it's so heavy.

The reason for the weird paint is that I had shelves (not original to the house) removed, to fit it on that wall, since it's the only place in my house that it would work. 

And I wasn't going to get rid of it. 

No siree Bob! 

I love that old desk, heavy or not :)

Oh and that white thing next to my chair?

The only air-conditioner on the main level, besides the one in Annie's room. It's an ugly necessity during the Summer, because as I've mentioned before...

I don't have central air.

Now you know why I want Fall to get here. 

For all those that said they didn't want that... I'll be happy to send my 90 degree and above heatwave your way, but you have to turn off your central air first :p 

Moving on to the other side of the room:


This is the bane of my existence.

See all those book and pictures?

I'll have to take all of that stuff down in order to paint the shelves.

A daunting task.


And I would know since I'm the one that unpacked the boxes and put it all up there.

Also, imagine the mess it'll create in the rest of my house.

Ugh.

So now that you know what the rest of the room looks like, here's my inspiration pictures.

Remember, it's more the colors and the feel than anything else.

The green shelf inspiration...








I'm leaning toward these colors...


The black shelf inspiration...








And finally, 1929 inspiration...


All these images can be found on my pinterest

I can't make up my mind.

I want the room to feel warm, cozy and somewhat dark, but not too dark, if that makes sense. 

The problem is that you can see it from the dining room, which will probably have yellow walls eventually...


and also from the kitchen, which you can kind of see here...



So I don't want it look odd.

My guess is the green shelves would be best, with either a soft yellow or a lighter green on the walls than on the shelves or the drapes, which for some reason always look grey in pictures, but in fact they're sage green.

Decisions, decisions...

I'm curious, what would you do?

Not that I'll listen ;)

xo
rue


58 comments:

  1. Glad to see that you have some hidden corners, too. I just cleared out my guest room and have all the stuff in the dining room. It is such mess that I can't focus on the next step :( - - I am sure once it cools off you will more willing to get started on your project.

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  2. Oh Rue,
    We all have these hidden spaces in our homes, even new ones. In fact I have been thinking about our house plans and how we took the "mudroom," and turned it into a built in desk and added shelves-that will be my hidden spot, but you know hidden spots lend themselves to such wonderful creativity, possibilities, colors and chance. I am enjoying your inspiration and oh of course, I adore your desk.
    xo
    Jemma

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  3. It doesn't look bad at all. I've seen FAR worse on a blog!
    Brenda

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  4. That is far more to my liking than an all white, sterile room! Your desk is stunning...I love it. I think the wall of shelves will look great done in green.

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  5. Ha ha! You and I think alike. I may ask for advice, but in the end I'll do what I like even if it's not the popular choice.

    The view of your window with your sewing machine silhouetted in front of it is so pretty! I don't envy you painting your shelves, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! Your desk is a gorgeous piece that I would make room for, too. I know how heavy our old upright piano is (we're having a heck of a time getting somebody to move it) and your desk is probably twice the weight. You're lucky to have a room dedicated to all the things you use it for. I sew in our bedroom!

    I like all your inspiration photos and I'm drooling over the green velvet sofa!

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  6. Rue,
    Your desk is absolutely gorgeous with all those marvelous, intricate details! I think because the desk is dark and anchors the room, I would go with a soft cream for the walls with a sage green for the shelves. (It's always so much more fun to come up with suggestions for someone else! Ha!) Whatever you decide, I know that it will be absolutely charming!

    P.S. I totally agree with you about wishing for Fall--we don't have central air either. :-)

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  7. Hi Rue,

    I hope it gets cooler for you soon...ninety degree heat without central a/c is brutal.

    I would do what makes my heart sing and not worry (much) about whether it works with neighboring rooms. Decorate to make yourself happy...you simply can't fail when you do that.

    I know it will work out great!

    xo
    Barb

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  8. Well, you could be like the previous owners of our townhome, and paint AROUND furniture. :: rolls eyes :: LOL

    AND we only turn our a/c on between 4-6 pm, or after it hits 90 degrees. ;)

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  9. I remember that gorgeous desk from your other house, love that very unique piece! I think my "creative juices" would run free sitting at it, no matter how the surroundings appeared! Can you just imagine all the hand-written letters and journaling that have been done on it's surface, over time? :) And that room really does not look bad at all! Love the idea of the green shelves! Can't wait to see what you decide, I know it will be fabulous! ~Rhonda

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  10. What a charming room. It has great bones, love the shelves around the door and yes, green is a lovely color. One of my all time favorites...right up there with red!

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  11. Rue, once you choose the paint colors and organize, it will be a room of serenity while you create and do your paperwork. Perhaps in the early Fall, cooler hopefully. I love the beautiful window with your colorful glass birds. I remembered a block of ice in front of a box fan when I was a kid to cool off in the 60s. Kathleen in Az

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    1. I almost started on it today, but I had floors to clean and I didn't want a mess in the house this weekend. We'll see if I'm game next week ;)

      I've thought about the ice and fan trick. If it gets any hotter I might just try it!

      xo

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  12. Hi Rue! I'm so glad to know you're not perfect! :) We all messy spots in our house. I have plenty. Your desk is most gorgeous though and these kinds of decisions can be kinda hard because that's a lot of work to do painting your shelves. I'm not too good giving paint color advice but you have such wonderful decor sense and I know whatever you choose will be just perfect.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  13. I love them all but the green is fabulous! And, I love that old desk...so cool!!!

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  14. That desk is amazing and I can see why you aren't anxious to move it! You might need to bring in a couple of ox to get it done!

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  15. Love your inspiration photos! I do love that green -- hmmm? I need to paint my shelves in the sunroom!

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  16. I love that window! Loved this glimpse into your office: I don't call that messy at all, Rue. It's beautiful. And very tidy to my eyes. The antique desk is handsome...think I remember him from your other house? I've got a chair with the same needlepoint!

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  17. First...I love the inspiration pics you have---that keeps us dreaming. But I think you underestimate your room. The antiques and books say so much about you. A neat, tidy or sterile room say nothing. I may be a bit of a neat-nick but my décor speaks for itself and me. I do have a lot of clutter though and wouldn't change it for anything--I simply like to know where it's all at. Maybe that could be your plan? If not-just be YOU!!!

    Love and hugs,

    Jane xxx

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  18. No central air here, or portable AC, just a couple of fans for hot days, so please don't send that high a heat here!! Hope that you enjoy working out what colour to paint your shelves! xx

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  19. Wow, now I don't feel so bad with my overloaded areas and walls that need painting. With your color scheme already going in your house, I think the green bookcases would be nice, although the black looks pretty too, just a different look.

    Love your desk and I can well imagine how heavy that thing is. DH and I have moved lots of heavy pieces and they are no fun.

    I, too, am so ready for cooler weather. No central air here either, only one window unit that does a good job of cooling this little place and ceiling fans help too. (Of course, the cottage is roughly a little under 700 sq. ft. so not much space to cool or heat.)

    Down here in s.e. FL we won't really be enjoying cooler weather until October/November.

    Hang in there dear Rue ~ FlowerLady

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  20. I love the second example of green you are showing, with the green shelves the white door that POPS, and the cream colored chair. The black shelves are moody and stunning as eel, but VERY dark, and I think you would be happiest with the green. You will make it all work, paint does wonders! Oh, and my little office gets messy too! Love that little A/ unit, what WOULD we do without technology, eh?

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  21. OOOh green shelves against a creamy wall would be so lovely! Gosh that desk is a beauty! Can't wait to see what you do.

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  22. Come on over. I have central air. Bring some fabric and I'll sew you a bolster ;).

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  23. Loving the inspiration pictures. Loving the green! And your desk??? AMAZING!!

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  24. Amazing desk and I can see why moving it to paint would not be high on the list. I think green shelves would be FAB!

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  25. Good, you won't listen to "what we would do." I don't ever think anyone, should be given decorating suggestions. What we surround ourselves with, must resonate with _us_...

    What a beautiful old desk!!!!!!! Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow....

    I love when people show their not-quite-perfect spots in their homes. It makes them so much more human. -grin- And if I feel thus, I should picture the shelves in our den!!! The horror of them!!!! ,-) With so much other stuff, among the books. I should! I should!

    But I will have to work up to doing it!!!!!!!!

    We have wall A/C units in hearth room and den. Which take care of our A/C needs on horrid days. And one upstairs in our bedroom. I fully agree that I would not be able to exist, when we get our horrid heat/humidity times, without A/C. So I am not agreeing to give them up, in order to not want to hurry Autumn. -giggggles-

    Well, it is heat time. Not the time to take on big decorating jobs, anyway. Hope you spend this time, zeroing in on what you really, really want to surround yourself with. Then when the weather cooperates, you can jump right in, and make your dream come true.

    Cooling hugs,
    Tessa

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  26. I like the green shade but the room doesn't bother me as is...since it's lived in :) That desk is amazing!! No central air here either; I know what you mean :)

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  27. I like the green shade but the room doesn't bother me as is...since it's lived in :) That desk is amazing!! No central air here either; I know what you mean :)

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  28. I agree. The green would be my choice for the shelves. You could maybe take the colors from your kitchen and use them in darker or lighter shades in the other rooms since you want to go with yellows and greens. That would keep things harmonious.

    That desk is AMAZING! I would keep it till my dying day! It's truly the best blogging and bill-paying place there is!

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  29. Oh. my. word. That desk!! I'm swooning over it...

    As far as colors go, I think the green would be GORGEOUS, and a wonderful compliment to the other colors you've used in your home. I also think it will be a great mix with the dark tones of the desk....

    As far as being honest - my office looks worse than your office! Haha!

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  30. Green! Green! Green! I think it will look amazing. Just get some sturdy boxes and load them up and start. You will be so happy when it's done. I just did a similar huge task with reorganizing my china closet (yes, I have a walk in closet full of china). I had way to much and did not want to deal with it, but I finally had no more excuses and did it. I realize that a gross job is gross until somewhere about half way into it, then you start seeing progress and can keep moving forward and gain momentum as you go. I was so happy when my task was finished and wondered why I waited so long and lived in misery before I got it done!

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  31. Well, I love green. I have always loved green. That being said, black is a good neutral, too, especially to tie it into other colors of other rooms. Your inspiration pics are all great. LOVE that old desk--what a treasure that piece is -one I would certainly make a focal point when you do the room. I also love how the door is surrounded by shelves. It's going to be perfect once its done. Oh...no central air...no wonder you long for fall. Have a great week- xo Diana

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  32. That desk is beyond gorgeous and looks like it weighs a ton! I love the green and look it will look great! Thanks for your honesty about how your room looks cause I believe we can all relate to that. I think our blogs shouldn't be about perfection it should be about the real life. My room looks the same as yours, on the other side!

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  33. wow, i LOVE the photos you showed of your house - whether you think it's messy or needs work - i think it's beautiful. And I love your inspiration photos. I would love to hang out in those rooms!

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  34. I'm so happy that I found you. I have always loved your vision for making a house a home. I don't have central air either so I understand where you're coming from on that. I'm in the process of painting the house, room by room, and it takes it's toll on the body. I'm trying new colors and loving the adventure. By the way, I'm Cindy of just another day in paradise. I don't blog much anymore but I come back occasionally to see what's up with my friends. I think it shows as onlymehere when I comment though. Lovely space.

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  35. I'm ready for fall...sheesh...I hate summer! Okay, the colors in your inspiration pieces and what you would like to do are awesome! You could start by adding some molding or trim to the shelves to build a little bit of character to them, since they are plain...and you need something to balance the ornate-ness of the desk. You could also paint one shelf at a time. I know it would take longer, but if you don't want the mess all over the house, then one or two shelves at a time is the way to do it. Just some thoughts. Hugs!!

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  36. Rue, Thank you for sharing your blogging space with us. I love it! I also really like those inspiring ideas. I am constantly trying to fix my space, for it fills up with hidden gifts for each birthday and Christmas. It is also the place everyone puts something when we don't know where else to put it. Soon it is a huge mess and I start over. :)

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  37. I vote for green shelves! Your room isn't that bad (messy)...my basement is a lot worse! I know you will make this room beautiful. So sorry you don't have central AC, but good that you at least have a portable AC unit. I know I couldn't live without AC either, especially with my allergies!

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  38. Oh, green! Definitely green. It is going to look fantastic. Go, Rue!♥

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  39. That desk is amazing. Thank God you own it.....because I can think of some bloggers who would have had it painted 4 or 5 times already. ugh. I think the various greens are beautiful on those shelves in your inspirations....and think a lighter/ sage would be great because of the darkness of the amazing wood on the desk.
    But, regardless,,,, summer is never the time to start such a big project!!!! Fall is when we start to nest back inside. Now is time to gather inspiration with a cup of tea or a cold iced tea at our side. All things in due time!

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    1. Yes, all things in due time :)

      Thank you for your thoughts, Chris!

      xo

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  40. "not that i'll listen..." LOLOL! i love that!
    i would take a leaf from english cottage decor wisdom... that desk and books and the beautiful window in that room just cry out for coziness to me... with a dark sage maybe. so when little lamps are lighted around it ... it is transformed into your own private jewel in an exquisite small box.
    come fall... when it's brisk out you'll feel like tackling it! a beautiful persian rug on the floor in deep reds and vibrant blue and green to pull it all together... then some beautiful blue and white china for bringing out the richness of the depth of the dark wood and books ... and for just creating a little spark for the eye to delight!
    that's what i would do!
    not that you'll listen. LOLOLOL! love you scarlet! xoxo♥

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  41. I just want to see it, whatever it ends up being...

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  42. What an amazing piece of furniture! Imagine the stories it could tell!

    No central air here in this old farmhouse either. Have you seen the ad on television where the couple fights against the fans to make their way around the house? I often feel like them. 4 room AC units and fans in every room and you can't hear yourself think from May through September.

    I adore the greens! And that green sofa with the purples in the room and the dictionary stand, I'm in love. I have dictionaries in every room except the bathrooms. My son gave me a pretty dictionary stand but it sits ON a table and I have no table room. I want a dictionary stand someday.

    I agree with Wendy above, whatever you do I can't wait to see it but Rue this look into your room was fascinating and not scary at all.

    Dewena

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  43. I just love your sewing machine - every time I see it in your photo's it reminds me so much of my dear mum.

    ...and as Dewena also commented what an amazing desk - the stories it could tell. It's what makes a home, the feeling, the character.

    All the best Jan

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  44. I just love your sewing machine - every time I see it in your photo's it reminds me so much of my dear mum.

    ...and as Dewena also commented what an amazing desk - the stories it could tell. It's what makes a home, the feeling, the character.

    All the best Jan

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  45. I am glad that you will not listen to me as btwn that Singer sewing machine and that incredible Show Stopper Desk – you know I will not be paying attention to your bookshelves either ;) Those are tough acts to follow so either the paint for the bookshelves is neutral and just fades away or tries to compete for attention by going with that eye catching bright green. That said there is one other thing the bookshelves could do to compete that I spot in one of your inspiration pictures - add a ladder. I have a LOT of books too and have always coveted having books to the ceiling with an old fashioned library ladder. With all the antiques in that room and your house it would be so perfect! Regardless it is nice to see Real books that seem to be loved and actually read - Gone With the Wind is likely on those shelves too, so make it a space you love suitable for books you love so much! I am sorry to say that with all the antique loveliness you have in that room I don’t care what color you paint the walls as I likely will not notice them! :)

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    1. I wish I had room for a ladder... sigh. I absolutely love that look too.

      My Gone with the Wind books are in my living room. The oldest is on my mantel ;)

      xo

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  46. Central air is not an option in Houston summers, it is a requirement! We are in triple digits, add in humidity and mama stays inside as much as possible! Hope you cool off soon.

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  47. Oh my gosh, it looks amazing compared to my..........house/room/corner/desk. Well, I love the desk, I love the books, I love the pictures, I love the glass birds, I love the view from the other rooms. I had to give up my beautiful little antique letter desk when I lost my house. Left me with great memories though. I love the green. Thank you for sharing real life.

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    1. I'm so sorry you had to give up your antique desk! I had to part with an antique secretary that was too tall for this house and it about broke my heart, so I feel your pain.

      xo

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  48. Hello!!!
    What I like is......you have so many sweet little side doors on this house. CHARMING!!!! I love that grand desk also. I am wondering, when your house was listed for sale, what did they call this room? You have quite a few unique areas in this home. So glad you bought it and are not wreaking it with a full re-do. If I owned it, I would keep it the same also. I can never understand why people hunt for an old home then gut it!!??!!
    Addie

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    1. Actually, I don't remember what they called this room, but I'm guessing that because the original owner was a lawyer that it was her office and at one point there was double doors in the entrance. The last owners were using it as a makeshift guest room with an ugly futon.

      I can't understand why people gut these old homes either. It breaks my heart, Addie.

      xo

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  49. I'm jumping on the green bandwagon - such a wonderful color and it would tie in with your fireplace and kitchen.

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  50. Carrying the green theme through the house seems like a winner. I like the green bookshelves in the photos. They're warm and inviting. Makes me want to sit down with a cup of tea and read. :)

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  51. Oh Rue, I can really sympathize with you about the lack of air conditioning and hot weather! That is how I lived in Brooklyn! I had an ac in my bedroom and that was it. When I reached the special age of hot flashes I bought a portable ac for my kitchen but it really did not help very much. The humidity in NY is bad in summer and I suffered. I have to say I am really enjoying central air her ein Colorado. It does get int the 90's here too!

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  52. Not that you'll listen, but....green shelves. some of the ones you showed stole my heart. creamy white walls, and black. Have you noticed lately that those colors are so wonderful together? I'm making my dining room into a study-type sitting room and that's the way I'm going. Dark green, white-ish, and black. Going to your pin boards to steal some of those pictures! I'm your newest follower there.

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