I was never 100% happy with our office. It felt like a modge-podge because, well, it was a modge podge.
I like all the individual pieces, the desk, bookshelf, sofa sleeper… but I just cannot seem to get it to work.
I’m still working to get to 100%, but we made good progress this weekend after a chance visit to Ikea. Ikea is about 2 1/2 hours away from me, so I’ve only been there a handful of times. I stopped in on Saturday and walked out with some frames and a few Lack shelves. I’ve been coveting larger shelves since I saw them in G&D’s Dining Room. Then, I came across This Young House’s Dining Room.
I was inspired to make our room look a little more “put together.” Starting with shelves and accessories on the large wall.
I’m going to come clean with you. I have some goofy stuff. Especially when it comes to dogs. It’s not normal that a 25-year-old with a love for decor feels the need to purchase pug prints. But, I do. When I see a little pug on a picture, I feel the need to buy it. It’s a sickness.
So, I was hoping to have a little area with these prints and photos, but hopefully make them look a little less “crazy pug lady.” This IS the dog’s room as well, so I guess I’ll use that as my excuse.
I added the succulents and jade to break up the dog-ness. I think it turned out pretty well and I’m happy to see the succulents in their new home.
This was a sign that I made that I thought was funny. I still do.
I made one mistake with these shelves. I accidentally picked up brown/black instead of black. Yikes! Ikea is stressful and there were too many choices and none of the packages actually SAID “black” so I just had to trust my eye, the fluorescent lights and the dude next to me.
We were all wrong. It looks browner in the photos, but much more black in the room. I’m not going to stress about it. I’m not driving 2 1/2 hours to exchange. And, for goodness sakes, it’s holding prints of pugs. I cannot take it too seriously. =)
I also added this little money tree that I picked up at Ikea to my desk. Ryan’s hoping it really grows real money, but I just like the looks of it. =)
And, I just have to share this next picture. This photo makes Ryan and I laugh so hard. We call it “Franco, in mid-flight.” Do you see why I need those pug pictures? I don’t have enough pug in my real life.
And, because I know you all love before and afters – here’s what I originally tried to make use of the photos. Not working for me…
And here’s the original room when we took possession of the house. Eek! You could eat off those floors, right?
So, do you have any crazy collections in your house? How do you display them?
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Freckles Chick says
I have the hardest time filling frames w/ pics of us. Because there aren’t many. This is why our home is shrine to Hiro. Lucky bastard.
Love Franco in mid-flight! Those shelves look so fab!
Kelly says
I am totally the same way with pug pictures. While my collection is very small, I find myself searching Etsy and wishing I could have more of the pug art.
Like you, I feel a little sheepish about this collection. 🙂 So, the moral of the story is you are not alone. It must come with pug ownership or something.
Stephanie says
I’m trying to make sense of my fabric stash. Once you start sewing projects you’ll have this problem as well. I have enough fabric for four place mats, three wall hangings, three table runners, two lap quilts, two baby quilts, three to four queen sized quilts and several other odds and ends that I’ll use “someday.” Did I mention I also bought more fabric last night at the quilt store?
Emily says
Love your pug room. And 2 1/2 hours from IKEA? I’m jealous! I’m 8 hours from the nearest, so it’s more than a quick day trip.
The shelves look great. I have no collections – you know minimalist me – but if I did, they’d be on IKEA lack shelves!
Mrs. Dirnberger says
I collect old dishes…like grandma dishes. I love them..everything about them but dont have a place to display them.
*claire* says
it looks great! i have always loved D’s shelf and wanted to copy it but i’m afraid i wouldn’t know what to put on it! but you did a great job – i love the flying leap photo too
Madeline says
I love that you have pug pictures 🙂 It shows your personality! And those little potted succulents complete the shelf~