What To Do

Tom Scheerer would paint the bricks.

So, here is a blurry camera phone photo of my yet to be decorated office. What was once a screened porch will soon become my cozy work space and I am still debating whether to paint over the brick or keep it exposed. The minimalist decorator in me imagines how nice it might look under a coat of White Dove, but I worry I may be losing one of the few interesting elements in our otherwise architecturally bland home.

According to Dara from Domino, exposed brick can "suck the life out of a room", but I am still not 100% convinced.

Once you commit to painting brick, there is no easy way of going back. However, a white background would give my growing art collection a lift.

Decisions, decisions. Any advice?

Top photo from Tom Scheerer, Third photo from Domino, December 2006, Fourth photo from Living Etc. by Penny Wincer

Ergs

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the nice inquiries about my arm. As it turns out, I can join the ranks of assembly line workers and video gamers who have repetitive strain injuries. Mine is due to years of typing away at work spaces that were more aesthetically appealing than ergonomically efficient.

While the recuperation period restricts my time with the computer (this post alone will send me searching for an ice pack and a Tramadol), the good news is that not much else is off-limits. It's nice to get out and move around in the real world when forced.

For any of you currently sitting in pretty lyre-back antiques or chrome mid-century numbers while using your computer, might I suggest you check the height of your desk, keyboard and monitor for proper alignment. An injury of this sort is more annoying than painful, but it comes on without much warning and is a bitch to mend.

Photos from top: Venus de Milo, Julie Janklow's desk from Vogue Italia.

Office Notes

Even though there are miles to go before my little office is complete, I am fairly pleased with the progress I made over the weekend, considering my next-to-nothing budget. The basement-find table is freshly painted, my books are somewhat organized despite lack of shelving, and the Carolyn Carr painting is hung by the window with care (relocated from elsewhere in the house). The Hable Construction pillow is split from a pair bought at Pieces earlier this year. (Reminder: Pieces is having an excellent holiday sale going on now).

Next on deck for refurbishment is this naugahyde number, another freebie. I know orange is all the rage these days, but I am more of a neutral girl when it comes to upholstery. I am thinking of a nubby, dark brown fabric with matching nailheads on the back. However, suggestions are welcome.

Desk Set

Last week, visions of Aerin Lauder's closet/office danced through my head, but reality is setting in and I need a place to work. Now. Until all of my my holiday shopping is done and I inherit a billion dollar cosmetics corporation, I am operating on a next-to-nothing decorating budget.

Instead of staring wistfully at an empty room for the rest of the year, I fished this computer table, circa 1982, out of my parents' basement to use as my temporary desk. I am hoping to hide it under a coat of white paint for the time being.

Perhaps I could keep the base and add a Lucite plank a la Kelly Wearstler, photographed in her office. (From Glamour Magazine).

Of course, a modern take on the sawhorse table in this office by Ruthie Sommers is hard to beat. (As seen on Pink Wallpaper).