Colorful Corner Reading Nook – A Blogger’s Office Makeover
Whoop-de-whoop! Who’s ready for another Blogger’s office makeover post!?
It’s taken me quite some time to get around to finally posting about this little area of my office, the corner reading/relaxing nook… but here it is!
I couldn’t be happier with how it’s all turned out. I love it!
Even though this basement office is quite small, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to create ‘zones’ in the space. Individual, specific spots where I could do different things or accomplish tasks.
Relaxing/Reading/Visitor Corner
(as seen above)
I think, subconsciously, when I go into ANY new project around here, I tend to have the goal of functionality at the forefront of my mind (well… at least really close behind pretty design and decor, ha!). This is probably because it’s a necessity, being that we live in a small house. Even though it’s sometimes harder to fit everything into the space that I want to, I’ve realized that it’s NOT impossible, no matter what size your room is… it just takes a little planning.
small table – HomeGoods, books – Online, pen holder – World Market
chair and magazine holder – Joss&Main, ruffle pillow – Target, geo pillow – Pop O’ Color.
I went back and forth with what to put on this wall above my funky pink Ikat corner chair that I got from Joss & Main last year, and kept going back to a gallery wall with fun, colorful prints. Even though we have a similar gallery wall upstairs, with our family photos displayed in white Ikea frames, I still wanted to forge ahead with the idea, because I love the clean lines and capability to use whatever you want inside a classic white frame.
frames – Ikea, prints – Brightsides Design, real mounted butterfly – Trinkets and Butterflies
I commissioned my friend Amelia from Brightsides Design to help me come up with some prints that would be good for my personal office space. I knew I wanted designs that were fun, casual and promoted happy thoughts.
“Awesomer” is my word for this year, “Worry less, smile more” just seemed fitting for life in general and “I’m kind of a big deal on my blog”… well, come on, that’s just funny and motivating right there. ha! It’s a daily reminder that even if my projects aren’t the coolest in blog-land, or my pictures aren’t the best… that in the end, I’m really the only one who needs to worry about how happy I am with the work I’ve done. I’m a firm believer that there’s never a limit on how much positive reinforcement you can give yourself; no matter what you do for a living. Nurse, Mom, Student, Blogger… sometimes having confidence in our abilities to achieve things is all it takes to give you a good shove in the right direction!
Do you surround yourself with positive messages in your home?
Do you feel that it helps?
You might have noticed this blue-winged beauty in some other pictures of mine, but it’s only because I adore her so much. Yes… it’s a her (or at least I say so).
๐
My sweet friend Brittany from Trinkets and Butterflies gifted her to me last year, when only a few months before I had bought some jewelry from her and told her how amazing I thought her story and butterfly art was, while at a local craft and hobby show here in Salt Lake City.
Here’s a little bit about how Brittany comes upon her authentic, real butterflies:
“Every butterfly I use in my frames and jewelry are farmed all around the world, not killed. They live their full life in the farms or are legally collected. The farms release a certain percentage of each batch back into the wild to protect each species. It is a very “green” process, and provides jobs to people to collect them instead of poaching, and diminishing each species.”
Pretty neat eh? You can see her listings for jewelry at her Etsy shop, along with a few mounted and framed butterflies, but her newest items usually show up on her Facebook page first. How great would a collection of these be in a nursery!?
lamp – Pottery Barn teen
Originally we had a yellow geometric shade on this great, heavy-duty Pottery Barn lamp base, but in the end, this little corner was just still too dark, so replacing the yellow shade with a white drum shade from a different lamp in our home, made all the difference and really gave off the right amount of light that we needed.
This cozy little corner has come a long way.
I love that I made the choice to designate this area to JUST relaxing, reading, looking at magazines or finding things that inspire me. It forces me to take a break from my computer to recharge and refuel; which is key for me, because even though I love writing… creating is my forte and I tend to burnout quickly when in front of the computer for too long.
This little space has also become one of the best “chat spots” in the house. I can’t even tell you how many funny, deep, interesting conversations I’ve had with my little girls and wonderful hubby while they’ve sat in that pink chair. Chatting and giggling away to me about their day or latest “drama”, while I edit photos on my computer. Who knew that making the choice to not have extra storage, but instead, a comfy, inviting chair, kitty-corner from my desk would provide lots of opportunities for my family to be around me and part of my day, all while I’m still in my office working (?)
I’m dubbing this the BEST part of my office design yet, for that reason alone.
๐
Rachael Schepemaker says
Is the color in your nook/reading area the upward color? It looks more grey and I love it!
Unknown says
I love it! I find that the corner chair in my office gets a lot of seat time, too. I love it when someone pops in to keep me company while I work ๐
Carrie says
The pink really pops! Love the corner.
libbywilko says
Love the inspiration quotes you framed , they definitely made me smile and feel positive. ๐
Shannon says
What a happy place. I'm so glad it's led to family moments and cherished conversations.
Bud & Kim says
Looks great!
DIYbyDesign says
Such a pretty nook in your office. I'm sure it's perfect for inspiration.
elle rae-marie says
love love love it…I am struggling with having "spaces" in my HUGE living room/dining room/office – and I am STUCK.
๐
Anonymous says
Your house just makes me happy! Your taste is awesome! ๐ And I had to share, my daughters signature word (she snuck my iphone and recorded her made up song, which is how it started) is AWESOMENESS!!!! ๐ I am always happy to see a new post from you. Thanks for making my afternoon ๐
The Neels says
Beautiful space. What color grey is on the walls?
Jessica @ FourGenerationsOneRoof says
This looks fabulous! I love the fabric choice on the pillows, perfect for spring ๐
Unknown says
I love it! Who'd have thought that such a bright and cheery spot could be in a basement? And that butterfly is gorgeous– it's just like the ones I saw flying all over the place in Costa Rica during our honeymoon. ๐
Unknown says
Looks great! I wouldn't say that I have positive "messages" in my home, but I do try to make sure that meaningful items or mementos get prime space around the house.
Sassy Lemonade says
Looks Beautiful!
Gives me some inspiration towards my office.
xo
Furniture-Ology says
LOVE IT!
Furniture-Ology says
LOVE IT!
Heather says
I love love love my Domino book. So sad that pub went under. Also, the pink ikat chair rocks.
Heather
TheMommyhood.com
Anonymous says
Love it, as always! Bright, cheery and 'homey'. What is the paint color in this room? Finding a good grey is near impossible.
Mix of 6 says
Looks beautiful and very relaxing. I love your prints…especially the blog one. Very cute.
Unknown says
Give me that chair now! : )
Looks great!
Kerri @ Simplicity Interrupted says
this is amazing! i also have a very small space – & now i'm inspired! thank for sharing!
Kimberly @ DibbleDabbles says
I love the table!! And the I'm kind of a big deal on my blog. LOL!
Lisa @ Cozy Condo Living says
I was wondering what happened to that chair. You mentioned using hot pink awhile back, but I hadn't seen it. That's the perfect place for it and I'm loving your choice of pillows. The only thing I would add is something to put my feet up on.
Nicole M. Hutchison says
WOW!!! I love everything about this new space of yours: from the chair to the lamp to the artwork and especially the butterflies. Amazing. Stunning. You're so inspiring, I wish I was this creative and driven to turn my "dull" into "spectacular". You are amazing!!!
Blessings + Hugs,
Nicole
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Such a great little nook! I love the balance of the bright colors with the white elements. I could definitely snuggle up and read in a space like this! Thanks for continuing to be "awesomer," Shelley! ๐
~Abby =)
Classy Clutter says
Totally in love with every detail! Gorgeous!!! I love the "I'm kind of a big deal" print! LOL! ๐
Hugs, Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Unknown says
The office looks great. My fav is the reading nook!
Great Job!
Jessica T. says
It also helps that that little chair is pretty darn comfy. ๐
Honey I'm Home Blog says
I know you've been working on this space for a while & I'm so thrilled it is done. It looks so fresh & organized. I absolutely love it. Congratulations!
Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust
Recreate and Decorate says
It looks great and inspiring! I'm sure it will be a wonderful room to work in. Great job!
Our Pinteresting Family says
Everything is so beautiful! So many little touches that are making me envious. ๐ Enjoy!!
Unknown says
I am curious…is your office in you basement?
It looks fantastic!
Anonymous says
A beautiful space for a great blogger to work!
Deb Hrabik says
What a happy corner now! The wall art makes me smile,
Deb@lakeGirlPaints
cynthia at herlovelynest says
that nook is a terrific addition to an already awesome-r office. I especially love that little table. great work!
Anonymous says
Wow! That is beautiful! I don't think I could get anything done in there though. My ADD would go crazy in there lol. It's very lovely;) I especially love the art, it's hilarious!!
Rhiannon says
gorgeous! love the colours. I'd use that corner every day. such a happy place.
Reenie says
Looks great ~ love it!! ๐
Six Sisters says
LOVE IT!!!! The whole thing is perfect. You are so talented, my dear!
Dana says
I have some space in my office that could use an inspiring setup like this. Thanks for this post!
Unknown says
Another great blog article, Shelley! I love your blog! Congratulations for doing a great job!
The picture frames are really nice; I like how you put them on the wall. The organizing tips are amazing.
Very inspiring! Thank you!
Andrea Watson says
How nice, Shelley! I decided to clean out my office (aka storage while other rooms are being constructed/revamped/dempolished). I felt the need to do this because I needed a space to work on my business and my blog! Though I love working from the sofa on my MacBook, I desperately needed some room to spread out my thoughts and get down to business. As I was laying on the floor in my "office", which was full of other random crap, I looked onto your blog and to my surprise, you were blogging about your office! So, thank you for motivating me to get off of the floor and get some serious work done!
Sheri Reguly says
Such a beautiful space!!!
I too am wondering about the paint color. I love it!!!
Karen says
Hey there Shelley, I just love your choice of paint color. I am so bad when it comes to choosing paint color. I just painted my office and now I just don't like it anymore (after two weeks)!! I'm ready to change the color. What color did you paint your room with? Thanks a bunch!
Erin says
Yes, please, I would love to know what color the paint is in your office. It looks fabulous with the white trim. I've been searching my favorite blogs for some paint inspiration. Please share! I absolutely love the office, the funky chair, and your style in general! Thanks for sharing!