I know we are all looking for shortcuts to decorating, and I think there are definitely some out there.
I think the question is where to start, and do you need to change out furniture or just accessories to get the look you want. And some of you are asking how to go more neutral, and here’s how I redid this area with Farmhouse French style in my bedroom at the farm.
So we’ll start here. At the beginning. This is what the room looked like soon after we moved in. There’s nothing ‘wrong’ with it; I just wanted a new farmhouse French look.
So this room has changed over time as I have tried different things in here. I usually try changing accessories first before I do something drastic like buy new furniture.
That desk is very, very old. Note the color and all that is going on in here. The first thing I did was a simple change, removing most of what was on the desk and going with something much cleaner and simpler. I went with a simple lamp with a white shade and an ironstone tureen on a stack of books.
It already looks better to me. I then decided I would need to change out the artwork to give it more of a streamlined neutral look like you see in farmhouse French style. I went with an antique French mirror. I also changed the accessories around again.
I decided the chair was distracting, and that I needed a French chair so I moved the chairs around.
Okay it’s getting closer to the look I want. Then I found this Italian vintage lamp in Asheville when we were there this summer. I changed out the lampshade and was amazed at how current it looked.
Then I thought that what I really needed was a new French desk. I then saw a gorgeous desk at Round Top. It came with a chair. They were priced separately but when I asked about the desk, I was told I would have to buy the chair with it.
Although the chair is stunning, it was almost as expensive as the desk. The dealer told me it would be impossible to sell the chair by itself and so I must buy the two together. She said they would sell quickly together. I passed on the set. But I kept thinking about the desk. Then I was at Marburger doing a book signing a few days later, and the dealer walked over to me and said that a customer wanted to buy just the chair, did I want the desk. Yes I did. So she sold the chair to that customer and the desk to me.
And as you can see a chair I already had works perfectly with it. The desk is from Paris (where the dealer lives) and she bought it already painted. Just look at that patina!!!
I painted the chair and if you want to know how I created this finish, you can find it HERE.
So here is the new desk. I changed up the accessories again. The empty gesso frame is new to me, but everything else I already had.
I’m very happy with the new look. So in the end, I basically changed out everything. How did I make out? The big artwork, most of what was on the desk, and one of the old chairs I gave away. The old desk is in my booth at Heights Antiques on Yale if you are interested in it.
And I am having a 20% off in my booth this week, so stop by if you are in the area for a special discount.
For this space I bought the desk, the mirror and the big frame. When the desk sells, it should cover the cost of my new desk. And had I sold the other artwork, it would have paid for my new mirror.
If you buy quality pieces you can almost always sell them when you change things around. You can sell old things in a consignment shop, on ebay, etsy, in a local FB sell group, Nextdoor, or on Craigslist.
Here are some Christmas items I still have in stock. The mercury ornament garland is already sold out, but I am looking to see if I can get any more right away.
I also have several sale items still available. Many of these are last chance items, that I won’t be restocking.
God Bless your mother. May she regain her health and live a very long and healthy life!
Sending prayers your way! God bless!
I appreciate it Maggie.
Sending prayers for you, your mom and your family. Thank you for letting us know.
Thank you Pam!
That rooster though!<3<3<3
My prayer is that your Mom regains her strength and issues she has are dealt with. Ask your questions to doctors.
Is the gold mirror called Rococco? I want to find one with gilded,rolled framework and simple “bonnet” of carved floral. Most new are $600-2000.00 which is way out of my budget! I don’t mind reproductions and don’t have access to good flea markets. Any suggestions or reasonably priced venders?
Oh I don’t. Those are difficult to find at a good price. You can always check eBay or a consignment store.
Good Moms are such a blessing– I’ll be praying for yours!
Thank you Lee.
Anita, I love the desk! I am praying for a full recovery for your mom.
Hugs,
Sherry
My prayers are with your mother and all of her family. Praying for a full and quick recovery.
so Rory about your mom.
Thank you Denise.
Praying for your mom, Anita. May God bless her with complete healing and many years of health and happiness. My mom is also in her 80’s. She, too, has had some serious setbacks. I understand your mixed emotions completely. Praying for your peace and strength. Theresa
Theresa, I pray your mom is doing well too.
Dear Anita, May God bless you and your mother and keep her in His tender loving care. I am sending my prayers and hugs to your family.
Thank you for your kindness Mary.
My. Prayers are with your mother. Have faith and a nice Thanksgiving.
Sheila, I appreciate it so much.
Keeping your mother in my prayers and good thoughts.
Still praying for your precious mom.
I understand how you feel in regards to your mom. I will definitely keep you both in my prayers.
Be Blessed
Dearest Anita! We are with you and your beloved Mom, in our prayers, and we will be asking for His Love and Mercy in healing her. She is most blessed to have such wonderful family who love her so much.
“Almighty and Eternal God,
You are the everlasting health of those who believe in You.
Hear us for your sick servant, Anita’s beloved Mother,
for whom we implore the aid of Your tender mercy,
that being restored to bodily health,
she may give thanks to You in your Church.
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
God bless your mom and your family.
Thank you Toni!!