Here are some photos of the room I'm really attacking: my office/Bella's play room (as evidenced by the dog toys strewn about). This is the larger bedroom in my home, thus the place where all this bulky furniture landed five years ago. Oh, did I mention that today is my five-year anniversary of buying and moving into my first house? Congratulations, house and me! These years have flown by, and I still love you and feel incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful home.
Back to the office: I think I've done a pretty good job of tying five different colors of wood together with the fabric my mom attached to the back side of the desk. But I think I will be able to get rid of the black dresser and filing cabinet (over there in the corner, behind the desk) altogether once I organize my leftover treasures. Then the plan is to sell the desk (originally a Habitat for Humanity Store find) and the bookcase (Target, bought at a yard sale) and start fresh. I'll keep the antique dresser, bought at a yard sale and refinished by my nonstop-creative mother. Its curved front and dovetail joints are unique and hard to find, I've heard. Plus, I always imagine it will be a perfect piece for a child's room ... when that day comes.
I've been in negotiations with this desk from West Elm, trying to imagine if it will provide enough room for my files, printer, and current desk stuff. I like it because it provides a lot of work space but doesn't take up a ton of space, and it gives me options with how I place it and configure it (I like the L-shaped combo). The open shelves provide storage but force you to keep things neat (i.e. not store away crap from 10 years ago that you don't need!)
This bookcase has also caught my eye, because it's larger than my current one (and let's face it, books are like rabbits in my house... even a Kindle wouldn't be able to stop them from multiplying). The open shelves help the size of the piece to not be overpowering, since you'll see the wall behind it. I'm thinking of placing it on the far wall, where the mirror is, and moving the mirror over.
After that, it will be decision time for the wall decor, curtains, seating and lighting.
What do you think? Can you see it? What would you do in this room to make it cozy and comfortable (and a place where I want to go do my budget or curl up with a book)?
Update: As I looked at these pictures more, I realized that the very thing I'm trying to get away from (a room full of dark, clunky furniture) is kind of what I'm recreating with these pieces from West Elm, just in a sleeker style. So, I'm thinking a little revision is in order. Stay tuned for a new plan with some pieces that will hopefully help the room look larger and more designed, less filled with furniture. :)
