3/04/2009

My "Frenchy" Studio/Office...Update!!!

Hello my friends!!! Just wanted to give another "update" on the progress of my little frenchy studio/office. I'm still "tweaking"...hehe!!! By now, I bet you've come to learn a little about me just through my design process! I'm slow...but sure! I know that many people when designing a space just get in there...and get it done...but I love the design process and really do enjoy and savor the entire experience! I take my time...and when I have completed a project...I'll sit awhile and see if it's what I really want!!! Okay...I admit, I'M A BIG-TIME "TWEAKER"!!! There...I said it! Hehehe!!!

When I finally finished my museum/gallery wall in my little frenchy studio/office, I wasn't sure if I really liked it. Of course, all of you dear friends were so kind and gracious with your comments...I certainly do thank you for that and do appreciate it!!! I did receive one comment however, from a dear friend who is a very talented designer...Lauralu! If you haven't ever met Lauralu, you really should pay her a visit...she's just the sweetest lady you'd ever want to meet...just click here to get to her place!

Anyway, after viewing my museum/gallery wall...Lauralu suggested that I move the plates up so that the tops of them would be even with the picture that was next to them, etc. At first, I wasn't sure about her suggestion but I sat down with pencil and paper and drew up a sketch with the changes that she suggested. Lauralu was right on with her accessment of the placement of the art! Thank you so much Lauralu!!! I really do appreciate everyone's ideas and opinions when it comes to my design projects...for one, it's real easy to become "narrow-minded" or "blind-sighted" while in the middle of a project! Soooo...I said all of that to say this...if you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know...I really do consider each of them!!! I value your talents!!!

This is a photo "AFTER" I moved the placement of the art around. I think it looks so much better!!! I also added just one more little piece beside the plate on the bottom, right-hand side...I think it looks more balanced now!
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Before....
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After....

The changes are subtle but pleasing to the eye! I did a little research on how to do a wall grouping...got out my design books...and read that when doing a wall art grouping, you should imagine a "box" on the wall around the art. This will help you to know where to place the outer edges of your wall art in the grouping! That little "tid-bit" was a tremendous tip!!!
Soooo...what do you think? Can you see the difference?
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For those of you who have been following my blog...you knew that I was waiting for a new lamp for my desk. My good friend Laura, who makes the most fabulous lamps, custom made a little "frenchy" candelabra lamp just for moi!!! I just can't thank Laura enough and I absolutely love, love, LOVE my new lamp!!!

Here it is...in all of it's "Frenchy Glory"!!!
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Isn't it gorgeous? I just love everything about it!!! The beautiful glass base, the fabulous brass arms and crystals, and look at the pretty little glass finial...I just love the details that Laura added!!! And...the cherub...ahhhh, I love cherubs!!!

I added black shades...they were pretty plain but I just couldn't wait any longer to use my new lamp...so I had to settle for shades that I could find locally! I decided to do a little ornate detailing to the shades by adding a "fleur de lis" border in gold! I just got out my trusty little stamp and stamped away...hehe!!! I'm going to be keeping my eye out for some shades befitting this precious lamp...but for now, I'm happy!!!
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Close-up of the "fleur de lis" border.
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Ahhhhh...look how romantic it looks all lit up!
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This is a photo of the little silver lidded box that belonged to my honey's grandparents....I just love it! I'm not sure what these were used for...does anyone have any ideas? I use it for stamps and letter writing supplies. Just behind the silver box, you'll see a few letters that I've received from some of my dear friends that I've made blogging! My antique garden gate is working out so perfectly for a bulletin board!
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Full view of my desk...
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Okay...don't laugh at my poor little faux lilacs in the pitcher...I'm still holding out for fresh flowers...maybe some pretty white roses or tulips!
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Finally...a photo of my new little "frenchy" candelabra lamp in it's new home!!! Thank you Laura...love you, Sweetie!!!
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Well my friends, I'm just so happy that you stopped by for a visit today!!! I hope that you're having a wonderful Wednesday!!!


Love ya'll,
Chari




30 comments:

ReminisceHeirlooms said...

Chari, It is lovely. I adore the drapes and the lamp. Well done.

Lori said...

The lamp turned out loveyly. I see what you mean with the wall art. I will have to say it does look better. So, when are you coming to NC to redo my house?

lovelane said...

Hi Chari!! I'm so glad that you got some shades. I have to tell ya those are really nice after you've stenciled them. I really like them. I liked the idea that you had about covering some shades with your new fabric ....but these are very nice. The lamp looks grrreat in your office. I'm so happy that your happy!! hehehehehehe It is the truth though...it is all about making others happy! Love you too Chari!
Laura

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Wow!!! The lamp is fabulous!!!! I love how you stenciled the fleur de lis around the shades. I'd be so afraid I'd muff it up.

The wall art does look better now. It looked great before, but you are right, it looks better now. I never think of design rules when I put stuff on the wall. I just plop it up & if I like it, it stays.

Your office has turned out so beautiful. If it were my office, I'm afraid I would never leave it. So it is a good thing it belongs to you & not to me.

Enjoy your office. You deserve it.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Chari...its just gets better and better girl..I love your New lamp..of course I loved laura home on RMS Also...I stalked her for months..Love the picture of you and Honey girl!! now those drapes are to die for beautiful Chari..
Did you get my lastest email book?? ha ha!! love ya sis..hope you have a great day..thanks for sharing your update with us eye hungry gilrs..Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Cindy J. said...

Chari this is sooooo beautiful.. Your new lamp is so lovely and I love what you did with the shades, I can't imagine anything looking prettier. Laura Lu does have a masterful approach to display, one of the best "eyes" I've seen and she shared a great lesson. You my dear are doing a FABULOUS job.. I truly love it. Love ya Sis, Cindy

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Hey Chari! I'm so glad I helped! It looks wonderful! (if I do say so myself!) but it wasn't my idea to add that other piece which made it look perfecto! Your office is precious! I can't believe she made that lamp! What would you have done without us laura's?! What do you have in the window? It looks like a decorative grate but just makes the window! God Bless! and thank you for your sweet comments! Lauralu :)

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Chari, thank you for stopping by, it's so nice to meet you. And what a pretty blog, looks like you have been up to a lot of redecorating too. I hope you'll come back to see me often!

Anonymous said...

Chari- What a wonderfully sweet surprise to see my little note on that oh so cute gate of yours!!

I was to go have lunch with 2 new friends when some terrible bug came upon me and sent me straight to bed! So I am visiting blog land for a few min before crawling back under the covers.

I can tell the difference in the wall art. Thank you for sharing this tidbit of information- I had not ever heard this and will have to go and tweak my pictures that I showed for last weeks Wed Wall feature!

THat lamp is to die for- between yours and Vanna showing all her pretty chandys I'm soaked through with all the drooling I have been doing!!

Well Feel a nap calling! You have done a fantastic job on your room friend!

blessings
mary

Anonymous said...

I forgot to ask- so is this where you do all your chatting with us now that it is complete?

xinex said...

Hi Chari, Laura Lu was right. The plates look much better higher. Your room is getting better and better. The lamp is so pretty and even prettier with the fleur de lis on the black shades...Christine

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

Chari! I love, love, love this room! The "art" is very interesting to me in it's placement and I love how you put the garden gate on the wall. I had told my hubbs about wanting to do something like that "way back when" and he actually looked at me like I had a second head growing! I'm going to show him your pics and then he'll have a "visual". Some guys can be so blah! sometimes. lol!
Have a fantastic day!

Bo said...

Hi Chari...if I haven't told you before, I will now...I love your new background & header...but, oh my...your French office is so lovely...The lamp looks like a fancy heirloom...I could spend alot of time in this gorgeous room!
;-) Bo

lvroftiques said...

OH Chari everything is just so charming!! The candelabra is killer!! THe fleur de lis shades are perfect! That Laura needs to send some candelabra lovin' my way! *winks* And Lu does have an incredible eye!It was great before, but even better after the changes!And oooohhhh those drapes make me swoony!! And Laura/lovelane you need to blog girlfriend!! Come on Chari, lets twist her arm *winks* Vanna

Stacey said...

Hi Chari! Your frenchy room is coming out great! I'm like you...slow but sure. The wall grouping is perfect now.

Love your lamp and the shades. That was so smart to paint the shades. ;)

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

Your desk and wall are perfect and beautiful! I love the lamp. And I think your flowers are wonderful!

Nicole ~ said...

Your frenchy studio/office is so gorgeous!! I love every single aspect of it!! And, your lamp is beyond beautiful!! I love the crystals & the Fleur-De-Lis on the lamp shades. And, what a treasure that little silver lidded box is!!
I am so happy I stopped by for a visit.

janet said...

thank you chari for stopping by and leaving your kind words and your encouraging words, they do mean the world. I absolutely love all your pictures of your office, so many beautiful things to see. Im also very pleased to see that someone else loves to tweak as much as me....i could spend day after day tweaking...lol
hugs
janet

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Chari,
I always get excited to see your updates! I'm like you, I have to think think think and then try it. Thanks for the box tip, I never heard that one and everything looks so pretty. You have a real talent for decorating. Cindy Oh, love the new lamp too.

Melissa Miller said...

~WOW~ Chari did this room ever turn out beautiful or what my friend!
I just love every detail!

Your new lamp is just beyond stunning my friend.
~Amazing how good it looks for the look and feel of the French room.

Love the wall with the topper and plates. I must try displaying some decorative plates very soon. It's so pretty.

Awwww~ I see my card I put in your giveaway box.
How sweet that you saved it like that. What a cute idea and it does look nice.

Hope your day is just wonderful.
~Melissa :)

Melissa Miller said...

Okay I just re-read what I just wrote you.
I sound like a goofball.

Yes, I'm tired...
HEHE! ;)

Lynette said...

Chari - everything looks beyond spectacular!! Every detail looks so "frenchy" just like you've said!! The curtains look beautiful and the lamp is wonderful - not enough words to describe it!

Have a good one friend ~

Unknown said...

I'm a tweeker like you! The "box" around art work is one of the best I've heard. And your new lamp....precious. It's all looking really good!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Chari, it looks so pretty, and I LOVE the lamp. laurie

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Chari, Your room turned out beautifully and I did notice the difference. About your lamp...
Which Laura? Cuz you know we will all have one! I love the metal gate on the wall too. Im coveting it all. ~Athella

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh Chari...everything is looking so frenchy and gorgeous!! Your lamp is the perfect addition...hugs...Debbie

Fifi Flowers said...

That's quite a FASHIONABLE French office!

Kathysue said...

Chari,ooh la la!!!This room has turned out beautifully. How fun and tweaking is the best part,I do that all the time.I call it playing house.Love the new lamp and the gallery looks perfect.Kudos to you my friend,wonderful design,hugs Kathysue

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Kathysue...

I was just elated to see you visited, Girlfriend!!! Thank you so much for your sweet, sweet compliments...means so much to me!

So how have you been, Sweetie? Sure hope that all is going well with you and yours!

Love ya,
Chari

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