Friday, May 6, 2016

Decorate With A Desk At The Foot Of Your Bed



I am an advocate for sumptuous, lavishly appointed bedrooms that feature luxurious fabrics, antique furniture, and decor with a boudoir feel......a private retreat. Many of today's bedrooms simply look like hotel rooms or just a place to sleep that the homeowner deems not really worthy or decoration. 

I also prefer to have something interesting at the foot of the bed. This post features how to use a writing desk in this space and is the follow up to an earlier blog about seating areas at the foot of the bed. http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/03/decorate-with-seating-area-at-foot-of.htmlchic.

I love a writing desk placed at the foot of the bed. Now before we go any further, I do not recommend an office desk or work space complete with computer etc. The kind of desk I am talking about is a writing desk where you can read, jot down notes, catch up on some correspondence either by writing or using something small like a tablet. No computers or laptops please!!

A small desk at the end of the bed can add functionality and interest to your room as well as provide a comfy place to catch up on small tasks. Just remember to keep some perfume close by for scenting those love letters you might compose on the writing desk at the end of your bed.


Unfortunately these days the foot of the bed is often one of those overlooked spaces, However people are returning to a more refined and romantic style and the bedroom is a perfect place to start the process. There is just something elegant and romantic about a writing desk in the bedroom, especially at the end of the bed.


It was common place to use desks at the foot of the bed in times past. It just makes sense.

Princess Diana's childhood home via spencerofalthorp.com

Chatsworth House via Pinterest

I like my bedroom and enjoy spending time there besides sleeping. Having a desk at the end of the bed will allow you to use and enjoy your bedroom during the day.


lisafarmerdesigns.com

Here are two pictures of my own bedroom with a painted desk at the foot of the bed. These were taken at Christmas last year.


The desk is painted in a muted green with black lacquered top and a grid of fleur de lis on the sides. Normally there is a chair but I used it somewhere else at Christmas.

Furlow Gatewood, designer photo: Paul Costello

When you place a small writing desk at the foot of the bed it becomes a space-saving location that's also aesthetically pleasing.

source unknown

A lovely antique desk can transform the foot of a bed.


Charles Faudree

A simple writing desk, or in this case vanity, is a nice addition to the foot of the bed. It is how you use the desk that makes it romantic and not just a work space.

via Pinterest


I realize not everyone lives in a historic home, however you can still bring that elegant look into a smaller home with smaller rooms. This is such a lovely space and as you can see it is quite small yet big on style.

Cottage Company of Harbor Springs

A desk will help you add style and refresh the foot of your bed.


Consider using a desk at the end of the bed if you are short on space and really in need of a small desk.

A desk at the end of the bed extends your bed and makes it seem more grand. Any style decor can benefit,  from exotic .......

......to traditional.

Nate Berkus

Even a colorful trendy bedroom looks great with a desk neatly placed at the foot of the bed.

A streamlined desk and bench are perfect for the end of the bed in a contemporary style bedroom.

Herzog & de Meuron Photo by Angelika Gruendler via curbed.com

This painted French style desk at the foot of the bed adds a touch of glamour to a modern traditional bedroom.


The bedroom can serve other purposes than for just sleeping. I like having a small writing space at the foot of the bed as a cozy place to get some work done! I know my feng shui friends don't agree with a desk being in the bedroom but obviously I am not a follower of the laws of feng shui.


Here is a space you will be able to do such things as quietly make a phone call, write, enjoy a good book, make to do lists, and read your mail.

Be creative in the pieces you choose as desks for the foot of your bed.


Use unconventional pieces of furniture for your end of the bed desk. There are many unique tables and desks to choose from. Visit antique and collectible fairs, flea markets, antique malls and yard 
sales.


Click to see previous post.

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/04/conservatories-and-garden-roomsback-by.html


published by Lisa Farmer

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Decorating Conservatories And Garden Rooms.........Back By Popular Demand


Built and owned by the more affluent members of society and perceived as a status symbol, the conservatory derives its name from the Italian term “conservato”, meaning stored or preserved, and Latin “ory”, meaning a place for. The conservatory would appear to have its origins as far back as the days of the Roman Empire when they created structures capable of allowing light in while retaining heat via sheets of mica instead of glass which was not available at the time.

Conservatories became more popular in the late 19th century with the traditional conservatory being a large greenhouse used for growing tender and rare plants. Wealthy citizens erected conservatories on their estates and created glass garden rooms in their urban mansions. Many hired botanists to stock their conservatories with tropical plants from around the world.  This became a way to cultivate tropical fruits (hence the term "orangery") as orange and lemon trees were brought back during the great Age of Exploration. These garden rooms evolved into elegant spaces in which patrons might enjoy the experience of truly connecting with nature. 

Regardless if you call it a conservatory or garden room, a beautiful structure that creates a bridge between outdoors and inside will let you have fun relaxing in your own private garden.



French orangerie via Cote Ouest

What is the difference between a garden room, a conservatory, and an orangery? Generally all of these buildings fall under the umbrella of “garden room”.

source unknown

The conservatory began life as a place for potting and preserving tender plants. Originally, they were purely functional outbuildings to country houses and stately homes. However eventually they began to take on a more "decorated" look.

via Pinterest

People became aware that the conservatory could also be a garden room, a delightful spot in which to enjoy outdoor views and an al fresco atmosphere while remaining sheltered from the outside elements.




Interior designer Axel Vervoordt's Garden Room in his medieval castle on the outskirts of Antwerp, Belgium.

Axel Vervoordt


I adore these old world garden rooms and conservatories. They are so very charming! Who wouldn't enjoy relaxing in a space like this?


Another picture of the garden room above.

Photograph by Nicola Berlotti

By the early part of the twentieth-century the two world wars and economic instability ended the fascination with conservatories.


Impractical and difficult to maintain, many owners abandoned and dismantled them.

source unknown 

The Victorian conservatory springs most readily to mind when people think of conservatory styles 
and it seems to work well with almost any design.


A lovely green painted garden room.


I love the way a garden room allows you to enjoy the surrounding landscape while sheltering you from any type of bad weather.



I like a conservatory that has mature growth.

Many homeowners are drawn to the more rustic European country style garden room.


The harlequin floor adds to the casual elegance of this garden room.

via Pinterest

Today, a conservatory used as a dining room can provide a romantic intimate setting. Imagine how pretty it is at night with candlelight flickering against the glass.


Modern technology has made possible a balance of temperature and ventilation that allows a multiplicity of functions in a garden room creating a wonderful space for entertaining.


Carolyn Roehm

Another plus of dining in your conservatory is the smell of flowers especially if you choose varieties with heady fragrances. These geraniums are not known for their perfume. I would choose something like jasmine, lily of the valley, gardenias, or orange-blossom. White flowers like the ones I just mentioned seem to have the strongest scents.


Garden rooms are multi functional today and have become a living space for people to relax in instead of a showplace for plants.


Although the most charming ones do have an abundance of greenery.

Designer Paul Williams

Today insulated glass, specialized blinds and curtains that work by remote control make it possible for these garden rooms to be used year round.


There are even specialized floors that include radiant heat.
I love this room.....it is so charming!

via Pinterest

A stunning formal iron conservatory.

source unknown

What has not changed throughout the centuries is the beauty of spaces filled with light and living things. Conservatories and garden rooms have definitely seen a substantial revival of popularity.

Convenient to use and easy to maintain, the garden room is a valuable asset to any home.



I love how this modern day garden room has the look of old world charm.


The conservatory in Jasper Conran’s country estate, Ven House in Milborne Port, Somerset - as featured in The World of Interiors.


To be able to live with nature throughout the year is still as coveted today by modern homeowners as it was in the 18th century.




Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-italian-renaissance-painted.html





This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer










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