The Upstairs!

Four years ago when we bought our 1923 bungalow, my husband and I had big big dreams. The biggest was to finish the upstairs. The house had a full walk up second floor, with great big peaked ceilings and loads up space, completed un-utilzed. For three years we lived with one bathroom, and no bedrooms, and held on tight to the big dream. Last year we finally undertook the process of insulating, wiring, and building a master bedroom, guest room, bathroom and walk-in closet. It was a difficult and often frustrating task, but we had help from some wonderful family members and friends, and today I'd like to share with you all the progress that we've made. Also, I got my first big-kid camera this week, so for the first time I'm able to take pictures indoors without the most horrible results. I'll start with a few "before" pictures, just so you can get a sense of what it once looked like.

Ok, so the befores are a little scary-

and after!

*The Master Bedroom*

*The Hallway*

*The Guest Room*

*The Walk-in Closet*

(which my husband is using for guitar storage until the studio is built in two weeks)

An Antique Classical Desk

Phew! Today was a whirlwind day. I think I did about 9 million things, and one of them was carry the little antique desk up to our master bedroom. I just love it in its new home! Looking over at it now, it's hard to believe it's been less than a week since I snagged it for $8 at the flea market. The base is painted with my favorite green, Hyacinth. I removed the terribly damaged veneer from the top and sides, then sanded, stained, and sealed the gorgeous pine board top that was hiding under that ugly veneer. And look! My upstairs floors are all painted! I decided to include another 'before and after' pic for your amusement, of what our upstairs looked like one year ago vs. now. I've got to hit the hay now- flea market at the crack of dawn tomorrow!

before- with my Dad helping to frame out the closet. I was standing in what would be the guest room when I took this picture.

This post is partying at:
 My Repurposed Life

A Cottage Desk

There's a me in my imagination who has lots of free time, spends leisurely mornings sipping coffee and perusing blogs, and peaceful evenings sipping wine and perusing design magazines. I've never actually met this "loads of free time" me, though I do seem to frequently assign her projects, all of which she ignores.

The free time me who doesn't exist really wants a nice little desk in the master bedroom, where she can sit and sip things and read things.  I'm a sucker for free time me, so I've been on the hunt for just the right desk to put in the perfect little spot in the master bedroom. Here's a picture of the desk I found on Sunday at flea market. It's so sweet and classic, but needed loads of work. I've got it all finished, and I'll show you the results on Saturday. In the mean time- here are some other adorable desks that free time me would certainly sit idly at for many hours.

Happy Friday!

Here's my poor neglected desk as it looked when I first hauled it out of the back of my truck on Sunday. This is the backside, the front has a nice little drawer too.

This was a definite inspiration for my desk refinishing project. Stiltskin Studio is one of my favorite furniture refinishing companies. They're work is amazing.

I love the simple linen cloth thrown over the desk. It softens the whole effect of this space. Also, desks are a great thing to tuck under an eave to utilize that tricky space. My desk will be tucked under the eave in my master bedroom.

Sweet and simple, the contrast of the bleached wood of the old farm table and the warm patina
of the chair is really nice.

I loooooooove the paint distressing on this secretary. It really pops against the deep shade of the wall too.

Such a wonderful way to reinvent a slant font desk. The chalky purple is very unique and extremely attractive.
Also, that lamp is terrific!

A rustic cottage nook becomes a useful work space with an inviting wicker chair, and elegant white desk here.

So many of my favorite things all in one space. A Queen Anne chair, a chandelier, a big old mirror. Fabulous! 

A sweet little desk and vintage folding table look picture perfect in this room. The mirror leaning up against the wall further supports the casual air.