Unique design office desk.
As promised, since The King’s Speech took home an Oscar, I’m posting a few favorite pieces from my personal collection of English items. Mondays are always busy as I get ready for client meetings so I’ll just pop in some quick photos and comments.
I love clocks and when I saw this floor type at a local antiques’ auction, I just knew I had the perfect place for it. Even though I’m also a huge fan of the Swedish Mora clocks, the handpainted face is what captured my affection and inspired me into waving my bidder’s number.
Function meets form in the most beautiful way!
I have a set of Maund English botanicals, which were hand-coloured prints taken from a set of books published in London – 1825 to 1835. I’ll have to admit, the shadow box framing caught my eye as much as the art.
My husband, who loves collecting leatherbound books, came across this piece during one of his hunts. (We have to police one another’s collecting habits!) It’s a beautiful hall stand to hold umbrellas and it has a drawer box for gloves. The carving on the drawer serves as a pull and even though the face has a rather scolding appearance, we both love it. I really think it’s supposed to remind us not to forget to cover ourselves from the elements. More than umbrellas, it holds some walking sticks. (Another collection story.) I also decided my Italian toleware compote seems to be happy nesting on top.
Some furniture pieces, from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, show a carved figure, often referred to as the Northwind. It was often found during the earlier Jacobean period, but experienced a revival during the Victorian era, too. This handle reminds me more of that of a feline face. They do say March rolls in like a lion!
It even has the original drip pans intact. I love the fact that someone cherished it enough to take good care of it for future generations. I hope to see more consumers view their pieces as worthwhile purchases and not have them end up in the landfills.
I featured a post about my English transferware collection on my other blog, Villas and Bungalows. Stop by to visit and check out that particular story. As you can see from this photo, I am an avid collector. I think we have a good bit of the everyday pieces, as well as some of the more difficult to find. It has been a true treasure hunt!
Collecting, to me, is not about acquiring “things”. It’s the way I tell the story of who I am. It captures the memories of sharing time with my husband as we put the pieces together for our home. We are also aware of the fine line between stuffing spaces or layering them in a well-designed way. I enjoy being able to help my clients write their “lifebook”, too. We just have to pick a place for the beginning and then add to the chapters of their lives.
What does your home say about you? Does it tell your story or someone else's?
From the King and Queen of our own castle ~ The Hortons
I’m not truly in an unbiased position to make this prediction. As a matter of fact, I have not seen a lot of the nominated movies but there was one I thought would be worth making the effort to pay a visit to my local theater.
I gave it a two thumbs up! Of course, Colin Firth had me at “hhhhhello”.
I’ll be watching to see if The King’s Speech, along with actors, Colin Firth – Best Actor nominee, Geoffrey Rush – Best Supporting Actor Nominee, Helena Bonham Carter – Best Supporting Actress Nominee, will take home the Oscar for Best Picture. It’s also nominated for Best in: Art Direction, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Film Editing, Music (Original Score), Sound Mixing and Writing (Original Screenplay).
Whew! That’s a lot of these to be handed out . . .
At that hour, I’ll more than likely be in these:
As I enjoy a bowl of this:
(Courtesy of Food 52 – < Click on the link for some zesty popcorn ideas!)
If the King’s Speech does take home an Oscar nod, stop by on Monday as I share a few English pieces I’ve collected over the years. I must be an Anglophile at heart!
Hope you enjoy the show! ~ Wanda
Desk design examples of some types of wood. desk like a classic design.
Design computer desk designed by Ballabio. Home computer desk design. Elli, the VU.VU.VU. Computer Desk is made from multi-layer plywood. A suspended wood structure is Prepared to store your PC and the desk Also has CD / CDRom / DVD space and extractable drawer for a PC keyboard. A practical desk, the VU.VU.VU comes in Wenge and oak wood, with a chromed aluminum base structure.
Lots of people are quite capable of making a room ‘pretty’. (You can substitute the words: handsome, attractive, pleasing, etc.) Adding value might be a totally different story. In fact, ‘value’ can have a lot of different interpretations. Value is not always something you can put your finger on. It certainly can mean the quality of the product is there, but to me, this story goes much deeper.
I was reminded of this, while speaking to a client this morning. We don’t have anything currently in the works, I was just catching up with her and to see what has been happening in her life. (It means a lot to be able to continue the relationships, over the years.) We also spoke a little about my projects and she remembered reading, on my Facebook page, about a recent disappointment I had experienced with a potential client cancelling a meeting.
(Just in case you didn’t know, the mock-playing of the violin symbolizes when it was used to accompany certain silent films in order to emphasize melodrama. It’s usually tied to the tune, “Hearts and Flowers”, by Tobiani, and the tune is often hummed while miming. I could almost hear it in the background while writing this post.)
I usually don’t try to fixate on such things but I think I was perplexed as to the sudden change of heart. I did know the couple initially planned to hold meetings with local designers and expected to do it without being assessed a fee. I spend a bit of time, on the front end, preparing for working meetings and have developed a system to make the best use of time. I had pre-confirmed the initial visit services I could provide, including a visit with a reputable builder/contractor. The potential clients were looking to make some structural changes and we needed to know if some of the items they were proposing would be feasible, as well as code compliant. The only way to know was to visit the site.
All was agreed upon, weeks in advance . . .including a small fee to cover the trip and the value of my advice and experience. The appointment was twice-confirmed with great enthusiasm. They came into town and then, two days before our meeting, I was emailed to say the appointment was to be cancelled. A decision had been made without any further discussion – or meeting.
My reaction? A bit disappointed that my time and experience was not perceived to be of value, as well as that of the contractor and his project manager, who had been added to assist with the visit.
My conclusion? Every dog, cat – and designer - has his or her day. Things have a way of working out for the best.
Meanwhile, I’ll get back to the conversation with my client. She reminded me of the value I do bring to each design meeting and person’s home. She’s the ultimate cheerleader and you always walk away feeling as if you’ve won the “Person of The Year” award, when she really is the one who should receive it.
My client shared with me she remembered how I educated her about upholstery fabrics and that thickness was not always the best indicator of durability. I explained to her about the Wyzenbeek testing process and the more double-rubs a fabric passes, the more strength it exhibits against abrasion and wear. A fabric, passing 30,000 double rubs, for example, is considered to be heavy duty and can still be a fine weave. We made sure to examine each option for her furniture.
Why was this so important? She has one of these fellows in her life . . .
. . . Almost 160 pounds of furry, black, drooling Newfoundland love. He’s part of her family and resides both indoors and out.
While all of this might seem to be a no-brainer, with her having such a large dog, fast forward to a couple of years later and now her daughter’s cats are "co-existing” with the Newfie. (Tolerating might be a better term.) If you’re not a cat aficionado, I’ll just say they love to rub up against all corners, with both body and paw pads. It’s their way of saying, “this is mine and you can’t have it”. Now just imagine two cats trying to let the dog know who’s boss. That’s a lot of rubbing! My client said I must have had some ESP when it came to the “double rub” test. (Insert: smile.)
Can I just tell you how awesome it made me feel to know, over two years after she purchased her upholstery from me, she still feels she received something “extra” in exchange for her investment? She can enjoy her interiors without concern they’re off limits to the regular family members, as well as the fur family members. She feels that she has a sanctuary, called “home”. She also felt someone missed out on a great experience in receiving my assistance. (Insert: humble thanks.)
Beauty only touches the surface . . .
. . . . value goes much deeper.
To my client . . . Thank you for recognizing the value of my services and time. For those who might consider asking for my help, I appreciate the opportunity to share this story with you. And . . . Thank you for your time.
All my best ~ Wanda
Design table with a strange name. The Kidney shaped desk is Actually an Elegant Addition to any office. It could be to the Home Office Desk.
Design a simple table and looks slim. With a cabinet with 3 drawers. A seamless drawer adds to the contemporary feel of this desk and this puts a visual accent in the spotlight.
A couple, who love to travel, also love to bring their travel experiences home . . .
The timeless details of European influences . . .
The craftsmanship by local artisans and the interior design by Wanda S. Horton.
Vignettes of design share the beauty of the details! My best to you and your home ~ Wanda
Design for the home office desk. Can also to computer desks for children.
My new business cards arrived today! Proof positive that good things do come in small packages.
Even though the main design has been completed, it’s still a work in progress. The website is going to take a little bit longer to be updated, so rather than limit myself to the old logo, I chose to do a small printing to have on hand, knowing the web address and email will be changed. It takes a while to transition from where you’ve been to where you’re going. Some people believe in one big reveal. I’ve been in the design world long enough to know things don’t always happen overnight. Design is a process of layering and adding depth.
A great example is a custom rug which is in progress for a client’s breakfast area. (You’re seeing the backside as we were chalking out the angle for the bay area where it will eventually rest.) The material had been on backorder and we could have gone back to the drawing board, in order to have instant gratification. We knew; however, the pattern was perfect and the tone worked so well with an adjacent cabinet. Waiting was not just an option, it was the right choice!
Here is a photo of the cabinet base, right after completion. I plan to share some professional shots, when the area has been completed. (Website and design work often seem to overlap!)
Just like my clients, I can become anxious to see all of my design business materials and my internet presence come to fruition. I also realize that I’m looking for my changes to last a bit longer than a few months. All of my decisions affect the impression of who I am and what I’m about.
While you might feel your home is only about you, when you really think about it, you want it to tell you’re story to others. Does it reflect the real you? Have you taken your time to be certain it’s not just about filling space but that you’ve allowed for the time to collect what you love? Does it present both style and substance? Does it show you care about your environment and those who dwell in it? What do you value? In order to move forward in making the best design decisions, take a few minutes to ponder some of these points.
Everything surrounding us pertains to design. It’s all in how you view it and it’s usually a work in progress.
Live your best life by loving the home you’re in! ~ Wanda
Even though this is going to be a busy week, and I’ll be burning the . . .
midnight oil. . . . .
I wanted to take the . . . . .
. . . . time
To remember, the . . . .
. . . . key reminder for my week is . . . .
And to share a penny for your thoughts.
Have the best one! ~ Wanda
PS – All of the images are my own and do not constitute professional photography. :) For the best in the Charlotte area, contact Whitney Gray. An awesome photographer and good people, too!
What a busy week this has been! The hours have flown by but I had some beautiful designs I wanted to share with you from Royal Design Studio Stencils/Modello Designs - Facebook Page. I’ve posted a whole article on my other blog, Villas & Bungalows. It’s just a quick click away for you to see the rest of the story.
(Image From Royal Design Studio)
I know I’m kind of chatty about the whole world of design but my other site is a little more casual, especially if you love cottage design. Thanks for sharing the visit in the spirit of enjoying some Saturday Simplicity.
All my best! ~ Wanda
An entire range of furniture can be linked to this desk, creating an office design where the owner can play with shapes anytime, rearranging how it all looks. Ergonomic accessories called “soft parts” soften the interface between the user and the work surface.
Bureau home office desk design is minimalist and versatile.
Yesterday, I visited a project that was about three years in the making. (I’m talking about from the blueprints to the finished home.) We keep adding little layers as this home is like a special woman who enjoys having a little extra attention. It makes for an extra glow! It is also the type of place where the words “simple” and “minimal” just can’t be applied. There is also a fine line to the process of layering. Too much, too soon, can be overwhelming. My philosophy always is, “It’s easier to add than subtract”, so with clients who can embrace that concept, we create not only magic but memories, as well.
Sometimes I have some pieces in my treasure trove, of which I’m not sure where they’ll eventually be placed, but I have a “feeling” they will certainly land in a lovely spot. This Belgium tapestry was one such item. It was a little small so I had the workroom add an aged velvet with cording. I ordered custom iron rods from Helser Brothers. They do beautiful work and made the brackets so that I could reverse the acanthus leaves, from top to bottom. The tabs and rods allowed for the tapestry to be stretched out in order to prevent wrinkling in between.
Here’s a close-up of one of the brackets. Beautiful! (Since I’m only 5’1”, I was so happy my new Canon G-12 camera zoomed to capture that shot. Just wanted you to know I didn’t climb a ladder to get the photo and risk ruining my career with a broken neck!)
The groin vaulted ceilings are a magnificent architectural detail. If we had only allowed for a flat painted surface, the depth would have been lost. Adding soft texturing, which compliments the marble floors, let the lines pop forth. After standing back, just one more layer did the trick . . . the hand-painted leaves are a reference to the light fixtures.
We’ve decided to build a couple of custom wall-mounted tables for the walnut paneled library. My inspiration will come from the cast stone fireplace supports.
The scroll pattern will be repeated in some corbels. My fabulous craftsperson, Phillip Stapp, will make these pieces seem as if they have been in place, from the beginning. He was so pleased he had just acquired some reclaimed walnut boards! We changed the original function of the room, from an office to a retreat. It’s now home to a pool table and some comfy chairs.
Here is the area we’re going to address. I can’t wait to show you the finished results. Stay-tuned, in late March, for some new photos!
It’s always so nice to step back into a project. Not only am I able to enjoy seeing the work we’ve accomplished, I enjoy catching up with clients to share their latest events. Even in a few months, those events can change the focus of their home and I’m happy to be there to make the tweaks. I call it “planning with flexibility”.
“Love the home you’re in and allow for the details to honor it well.” ~ Wanda S. Horton – Interior Design
All my best! ~ Wanda
Office desk design with futuristic shapes that are not easily bored.
