My dream creative space

I was trolling the web for inspiration and came across The Inspired Room blog and she posed the question of what would you want in your dream creative space. Well I immediately began daydreaming.....

My dream creative space would be more than the 3X 6 ft. windowless closet I currently occupy. If money were no option, I would be to finish the attic space above my garage. Pop the roof for more head room (or install dormers at the least), install salvaged barn wood floors with all of their lovely patina (sealed with a satin urethane for easy clean up), have windows facing south and skylights for maximum light.  Install french doors on the east exposure opening out to diminutive balcony that overlooks my yard, gardens and creek-- with room enough for a chair and small table to enjoy a cup of tea while resting from all the creative hard work!

As for color–I envision zones traveling through the room. Cooler colors gradiating to warmer colors as the orientation of room changes from a west to east exposure. Shades water, earth and sky–after all mother nature is a prolific artist.

These photos are NOT my space but is similar to what I envision...

Organization is a must! Lots of bookcases to hold my many books and reference materials. Cubbies for bins. Shelves for storage boxes. Also some peg, bulletin and magnetic boards. A must for inspirations boards. From the center beam I would install 3 fabulous and funky chandeliers salvaged from local thrift stores. After all what girl doesn't want a chandelier?!




A super comfy chair  and ottoman with a good reading light, when I need to research and find inspiration. Several large work tables (1 standard height and 1 bar height). Of course it would be outfitted with AC for the sweltering humid summer days and a nice little pot-belly would stove for those frigid winter days. And a mini fridge because a girl can’t be bothered to schlep ALLLL the way down the stairs and in the house when she is on a creative roll. Light, bright and beautiful…Can’t you just picture it?

Frugalistic with a muffled thud....

I haven't posted much lately between the demands of my job and ongoing house remodel.  After 11 looooonnng years we have finally reached the point where we could begin the house remodel.  We began by doing some insulation work and installing carpet in the living room and both bedrooms.  I can't begin to tell you nice it is to have this carpet in a drafty old house...in the winter.

The house isn't being remodeled in the manner I had first envisioned.  Due to unforseen circumstances (impending job loss and re-evaluating our finances) the projects have been scaled back to frugalistic (frugal+realistic).    Cue the "wah-wah-wah" sound here.  Nothing like have your dreams hitting the ground with a muffled thud.

After feeling sorry for myself (and drowning my sorrow in booze food),  I decided everything will be ok. Instead of running to a big box store everytime I need something for a project , I am going to put on my creative thinking cap and find a less pricey alternative.  Anytime you can re-use, reduce, recycle, and repurpose is a good day for your pocketbook and mother earth. This is also an opportunity to see exactly how creative I can be. (No pressure!)

Drawing inspiration for the color pallette from my favorite piece of art and focal point of the living room.



I had hoped to gut the room to the studs but reality reared it's ugly head.  So we worked with what we have. Painting the panelling a creamy, dreamy pale yellow (like cool glass of buttermilk, mmm) and added crisp white crown molding has done wonders to amp up the the charm factor.  Splashes of color in the pillows, artwork and the quilts covering the couch keep the room from feeling bland.  Bamboo shades bring texture and much needed privacy.  The living room is approximately 90% complete.  I still need to install the new chunky 4 inch cottage style baseboards also painted a crisp white to match the mouldings.



The "someday" dream would be coffered ceiling and non-panelled walls but for now I will enjoy the plushy carpet and seek cozy refuge from the chaos elsewhere in the house.  So come on in sit for a spell and let's get acquainted....

Garbage Shed

The great 2011 shed clean out. It wasn't supposed to be a garbage shed.  This is the first time in 11 years I have seen the inside empty and the floor. This building had crap in it when we bought our house. My husband (the piler, stacker and overall hoarder) just kept tossing things in there. Now it is empty and I have plans to make it ...wait for it ...a GARDEN/ POTTING shed instead of a smelly trash heap.

ALL of this stuff was in the shed! I paid my nephew to clean it out.

It looks somewhat better but is soooo stinky! I really hope this can be my potting shed once it is power washed , a floor put in and painted.