This is my study. Why don’t you come on it, and have a seat? Would you like a cup of tea?
Here are 5 things I added to this room to add simple elegance. Are you ready?
1. Old Bottles
These are very old and wavy, and I recommend very old bottles, but even new bottles can look very nice. You don’t need to put anything in them, just let them shine in their simple way. I found these at Round Top, but you can probably find some at a junk shop or even on eBay.
2. a Candelabra
This will probably be the hardest thing to find on this list. I found this one for $20 at the thrift store. Seriously. Again if you don’t have a resale shop nearby, try eBay.
They have an incredible selection.
See what I mean? It looks so elegant on my desk. Of course I don’t’ actually use it, but I could.
3. An old map.
This one is a brand new copy of a very, very old map of Paris. I found it online. When it arrives, I took it to a framing shop to get it mounted so I could frame it without glass or just use it like it is unframed.
4. Silver pitcher
I have several and seriously you NEED at least one. The ‘ill-informed’ are getting rid of them, so they are easily found in resale shops, consignment stores, and for sure on eBay.
5. Vintage books
This is another MUST HAVE! If you cannot find vintage books, then try using newer books, and covering them in white or parchment paper. They just look so inviting and cozy. And I think they kinda make you look smart too. I keep a lot of them, so I look super smart. Well maybe not, but I still love my vintage books.
The bookcase is full of vintage books.
And I just want to point out that most of these items are vintage not new.
And what’s with this little frame you ask? It keeps my map in place so it the wind comes in the front door, my map doesn’t go flying. And that’s where the nail was for the artwork that was in here. Why do I tell all of my secrets. I really need to work on that.
Just one last thing. I want to give a shout out to my daughter Evie, since it’s her birthday today. She has grown up into such a lovely person on the inside and the outside.
When they are young, you have images of what your children will be like when they grow up. I really had no idea what Evie would be like when she grew up. Evie was headstrong and had her own ideas that didn’t always agree with mine. Some days she had me laughing so hard, while others had me wanting to pull all of my hair out. I was in what I referred to as a ‘mom sandwich’ because she is so much like my mom. And today she is unpredictable, full of life, musical, creative, bubbly, enthusiastic, engaging, hardworking, and a beautiful. She is unique and I’m proud to be her mom. LOVE YOU, GIRL!!
Wonderful ideas for any decor. TY for posting. And..Happy Birthday, Evie.
Susie
Love this post! I love old French books too and pick them up whenever I can! I’m going to have to look for an old French map! Happy, happy birthday Evie!
Looks all so pretty! Did you every think of painting the top piece on your cabinet the same color as the bookcase? There are also battery candles in wax that would be perfect for your candelabra and you could even put it on a timer. Thank you for a great post.— Happy Birthday to you and many many more.
What a wonderful place to work – just love your office and I couldn’t help but notice the doors – they are amazing. Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter!
Thank you! I love my office!
Great post, beautiful daughter!
Goodmorning!
Your lovely post quickly got my attention this morning! I just may need to do a bit of rearranging today! I’ve father up some other excellent ideas of late so this could be the day of change! I love my candlelabra and old books are plentiful around my home. Thank you for your elegant ideas and please, may you enjoy a delightful day!
My pleasure Lucy!!
No wonder you don’t mind spending time there. The space is sheer delight,and as with everything else in your house, there’s not a thing that doesn’t belong.
I’m going to pin the image of your office because it reminds me of the office I used to have in our old house. I miss that special spot to sit and blog. Thanks for sharing your secrets about holding the map in place- great trick. Necessity is the mother of invention – right?
Happy Birthday Evie.
Oh how I love that candelabra!! Very special. Agree with all the touches you mentioned. And Happy Birthday to your lovely Evie!
Great list! When we had to empty my husband’s parents home, it was at times overwhelming. His 2 brothers & wives & the 2 of us spent many bittersweet hours there. One of the things I regret letting go was my mother-in-law’s silver candelabra. An entire lifetime of treasures can be overwhelming. But it is now water under the bridge.
Whoever bought that candelabra from the Disabled Vets resale shop- I know you are enjoying it. We all did too for the decades it graced my inlay’s dining room!
Your home is so beautiful. I have old bottles in my bookcases in my living room and guest room. I also love old books and old pictures, but hadn’t thought about old maps. Will have to hit the thrift stores and see what I can find. Just love your decorating style. Jill
Thank you for your post. Everything is soon lovely and charming. I love vintage finds and shop the thrift stores several times a week. I’ll be on the look out especially for the silver pitcher. 🙂
Great ideas – I am a huge map fan! A happy birthday to your beautiful daughter!
Shelley
Love your ideas Anita! I have already some old bottles and got some flowers from my back yard and put them in one of them and it looks good !! Happy
belated birthday to your beautiful daughter !!
Thank you Maggie.
Hi- I love your home… The office rug is fabulous. Is is old or new? where can I find this interesting item?
Susan it is from Decor Steals.
Beautiful design. Where did you get the floor mat. Want one now!
Decor Steals Nora.
Love all your posts!! If you make it to Warrenton/Round Top come by Bar W Field and see us, we have lots of goodies you might like! We sell at CHAOS on the corner by the drive across bridge!! Happy Birthday Evie!!
Okay Effie, I will try to do that!!
Always love your wonderful decorating tips….and Happy Birthday to that beautiful daughter of yours, Evie.
The room is absolutely beautiful!
I would like to know where you got the desk?
Just what I have been looking for. Can you
help me?
Jean it is an antique, so I am not sure where you could find something similar where you live.
I notice in the picture of old bottles you have a silver pitcher but it was not polished and I kinda
liked it. When mine get tarnish I put it away until I feel like polishing, do you never polish the pitcher?
Thank You
Joan
Joan I do polish my silver. Some of my pitchers have lost some silvering and therefore have permanent spots.
Hi Anita,
What is that little box with legs that is sitting on your desk next to your vintage books? I just love little vintage/antique boxes, and have a few myself, but I’ve never seen one quite like that one. Love it!! Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas, Anita! You’re daughter is lovely!! Happy Birthday, Evie… ?
Great room! I especially like the desk and rug. Who sells them?
Allie, that rug is no longer available and the desk is a French antique. Sorry, probably not what you were hoping for.