Before I show you my drastically improved desk space in Part 2 of my dining room reveal I would like to share a few shots of my ironstone collection.
You may remember the “Bethany” plate. Most of the pieces were great bargains that I picked up for just a dollar or five. The smaller pitcher was gifted to me by my mom several years ago and the little creamer sitting on the oval dish belonged to her as well.
I still have room for a few more items!
Just to the left of the buffet and hutch is where I sit as I write each blog post.
This is what it looked like before.
Yikes! It looks so much worse than I remember.
Seriously?
The tangled mess of wire was such an eyesore. I tried numerous ways to keep them tucked away neatly but they always eventually got out of control.
So when I started making over the dining room and desk space I was determined to end the wire octopus. The armoire became my solution. I’ve had it for years, sitting in the living room. It held our television and kept it concealed when we weren’t watching it. But last Christmas our kids gave us a flatscreen TV. With the armoire now empty, I knew it would be perfect behind my desk.
The doors don’t shut completely and a few wires show behind the desk but it’s SO much better than it was. I added a metal basket to the side for holding jars with pens and pencils.
I placed 2 doors on top of the armoire that I had removed from the hutch. I feel like I’m getting more décor bang that way, by allowing my ironstone to be fully exposed while at the same time having a great backdrop on top of the armoire.
I hope you enjoyed a peek into one of the spaces in my home that I love and use the most.
And here’s this week’s tip on A Little Bird Told Me.
Have a productive week! :)
Linking with: Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, Ivy and Elephants, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Amaze Me Monday, Funky Junk Interiors, Savvy Southern Style, The Charm of Home, Vintage Charm
Gorgeous!
Hi there! Thanks so much!
Function always has to take presedence over design I think, but you have solved both problems. And wires are super annoying for sure. I hide all my junk?and wires in and behind a picnic basket next to my chair. Grins, love your room! Sandi
Thank you Sandi! Your picnic basket sounds like a great solution too!
Wow, what an improvement, Ann! Isn’t it amazing how we can live with a room and not even “see” it anymore? I have a couple of rooms that really need some attention, and when I finally take the before and after photos, I’m sure I’ll be surprised. I love your fresh new space!
So true! I think I subconsciously block out the areas that need attention until I can get to them! Thanks Julie!
Oh my goodness!!! I absolutely love your shelving and your ironstone collection! That desk and the cupboard too … drooling!
Smiles!
Terry
Thank you so much Terry! It’s always nice to meet a kindred spirit!
Hi Ann,
It all looks gorgeous. I am re signing up for your email following. I have not been getting your posts of late. I will try again.
Have a great evening.
Kris
Hi Kris! Thanks for stopping in! Gosh I hope you start getting them, I haven’t heard of any other problems so far…
Ann, Those are incredible before and after pictures. It is now just beautiful. I have an on-going battle with the wires. It is unbelievable in the shop with the additional lamp wires.
The pictures of you that are featured in A Little Bird Told Me are absolutely cracking me up. Very funny. And the tip is excellent, I will try it as I can acknowledge that sometimes an entire job is too much to take on at one time. I think sometimes, the hardest part is getting all the tools, drop cloths, rags, buckets, and what ever else is need together. After that is done, it does seem easier. Sometimes, I find myself saying, “Well, I would work on such and such, but everything is in the basement and I’m too tired to get it all.”
Ginene
Thank you Ginene, I am very happy with it. Your comment about my Little Bird pictures made me chuckle. I agree, the prep work is the hardest part. I always set out my bills a day before I have to tend to them just to have one step done before I really dive in. :) Have a good weekend!
Hi Ann, you have a beautiful collection of Ironstone. I have found a few pieces this past year and was thrilled! The hutch is the perfect solution. I hate those darn wires! lol! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks Jann! It’s so fun to find ironstone inexpensively. I’m always on the lookout. :)
Looking so good! Now I have to figure out what to do with my wires, lol.
Hi Gigi! Thanks a bunch! It only took me about five years!
What a delightful update! It looks like a beautiful place to read, write, and plan new projects. Visiting from Share Your Cup.
Blessings from Still Woods Farmhouse
Hello Lynda! Thank you for your visit. It is much more serene now than it was before. Blessings to you!
I have so enjoyed seeing how your dining room has come together. It is lovely. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm and hope to see you back this week.
I love the changes you have made Ann and your office area looks so inviting and serene now. You must be so pleased with this project. Thank you for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday. I’m delighted to be featuring you at tomorrow’s party.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
That desk and your hutch are just beautiful!
Your Ironstone collection is so pretty! Love your office update. Having all of the wired items hidden in a hutch is a great idea.