“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~Mark Twain
Ah, Spring! I’m so ready for you to arrive! It’s 29 degrees outside today, but I’m ignoring the weather and am decorating my house as if warmer days have already arrived. Last week I decided that the sage-green walls in my home office looked a little too dark and serious. I wanted it to be brighter, lighter, and more colorful in here! After all, I spend most of my day working on the computer in this little room.
So, inspired by this photo from House Beautiful, I bought a gallon of light blue Eddie Bauer paint called “Seaside” and went to work.
My home office before:
My Home Office After:
If you saw my post Creating 3 Different Looks for a Side Table, then you know I’ve been playing around with lots of different ways to decorate this table in my office. This is how it looks today, but it may well change again soon–I’m still experimenting:
I bought new pink and yellow pillows for the chair in the corner (from Pier One):
Is there a room in your house that needs a spruce-up for Spring? All it may take is some fresh paint, a few flowers, or a new pillow!
For more colorful rooms, check out Anna Marie Horner’s creative kitchen and the brightly decorated rooms in Paint a Colorful Life.
It looks wonderful. I love that shade of blue! Great makeover!
Lana G!’s last blog post..Metamorphosis Monday – Spring Flowers!
I love your blog and was pleasantly surprised to come across it again on Metamorphosis Monday.
Your office transformation is so pretty and soothing and I loved the steps for decorating the side table!
I like the change. It’s fun to make a change that will make you more comfortable…
ellen b’s last blog post..Metamorphosis Monday ~ My Pear Tree
That’s a great new wall color choice for your office. Love the new pillows, too! I’m dreaming of Spring and ignoring the fact that it’s snowing this evening.
Denise’s last blog post..The Geek Squad hits Seattle
Wonderful color. That blue looks so fresh and springy.
KBeau’s last blog post..Preserving the Past
Paint can make such a fun change. I think you picked a very inviting and soothing color and I like it.
Now that my construction phase of home renovations are done (aka, laundry room moved and kitchen lighting changed) I’m so anxious to get those walls painted! I haven’t settled on a color yet though, that’s going to be so much harder than actually paining (usually the opposite for me).
What a great makeover. I love the soft blue paint, and those pillows add the finishing touch. Bravo!
(By the way, it’s so nice to meet you!)
Designs by Gollum’s last blog post..Metamorphosis Monday: Gollum Makes A Dish Pantry
I love that blue! Your office looks great, fresher, newer and more spring-like! Us Ohio girls have to find some spring somewhere!
Kimm at Reinvented’s last blog post..Decor For the Man in Your Room
i really like your blog, and your office makeover is beautiful, love the new colors and the pillows
hugs
janet
I love your new pillows! They really add a nice bright touch of color. Great choice of wall color too. I’ve used various shades of blue in my foyer, bathroom and child’s room and I’ve never grown tired of blue.
That may be just the blue I’ve been looking for. You can bet I’ll be back on Monday–I couldn’t post until after Brothers and Sisters 2 hr episode was over–I’m worn out from the drama!!
I posted before I finished–I love the arrangement on your chest!
susan’s last blog post..Sweet Tea
Hi Julia, I LOVE the new color you chose for your office/study! Amazing the change it made in the whole feel of the room…beautiful! Pier 1 always has some of nicest spring pillows/cushions…love the ones you chose. I am soooo ready for spring! Susan
P.S. Glad you added the name of you Met Monday post after your name…that’s a great idea, actually!
Susan’s last blog post..Welcome to the Seventh Metamorphosis Monday!
The room looks just beautiful. Love the soft blue you chose for the walls.
Kathy
Kathy’s last blog post..Meta Monday – Nursery Art
Looks perfect, very inspiring! Great job. Love the initials on top of your stack of books. Very Southern:)
Melissa Lewis – Off The Wall’s last blog post..I Found A French Bohemian Angel!
Very pretty! I did the same thing last spring, exept mine’s sort of a sea glass, light aqua!
Becky Satter’s last blog post..My Expose
Great wall color and the side table looks fantastic, but my favorite is that pillow fabric. I heard Pier 1 is going out of business, and I hope it’s a big lie…
Robin’s last blog post..And we take requests
Looks great!! I actually did a bedroom this color!!!
I love your room makeover! I really want that elephant!!! I have a vintage bed, and a few other vintage items in my bedroom…is there a color paint that will make it more modern? I’m not into anything bright (if that helps.) Thanks!
It looks fab! I’ve got spring fever too!
darlene’s last blog post..Layers of Love
Love the blue. It really brightens up the room.
Carla’s last blog post..You-tah
Oh Julia, it’s beautiful! I love that color blue. I attempted it a couple years ago, but didn’t do any research on the color, and my master bedroom ended up baby blue, not “Pottery Barn” blue, like yours.
Love it!
And I can’t wait to see the post about the Brothers & Sisters house, I LOVE it!
Amber Filkins @ {ae filkins}’s last blog post..Friend Makin Mondays…..
Quite love the makeover Julia! I’ve been looking for that perfect blue… now I just need a room to put it in! So beautiful! Great makeover.
Pretty Organizer
PrettyOrganizer’s last blog post..Scenes of Efficiency
OOO Lovin that blue~So fresh! And the pillows are a nice springy feeling! Great job Julia~I am sure you will enjoy working in your new office I know I would! Have a nice week~Tam:D
Tam’s last blog post..Thank You Friends!
your office is beautiful. very tasteful. i was at pier one here in indy the other day and i got a new cushion for my papson chair. its the red one with the india them. i honestly had looked twice at those pillows and then thought…….hummm they are too tame for me, but very pretty. and i like how the vase and the art work go together. and i love the picture frames. i have some here too that are like african wood i got several years ago at big lots. and i loved that clock. i am a clock person too.
Great color – I love how it brings out your floor colors! And love that chair!!!
Bonnie’s last blog post..The Kamikaze
I love it!
Emily@remodelingthislife’s last blog post..Link Love: Baby, It’s Cold Outside Edition
What a delightful transformation. Love the blue – it really suits the room.
Suzann’s last blog post..
Very nice! Love the blue! Drooling over that floral pillow!
Kathi’s last blog post..Empty Fridge
Julia your office is now so gorgeous! I love that paint color – thank you for telling us the brand and name! And those new throw pillows from Pier I are gorgeous too. Is that a wonder woman action figure on your bookcase? So cute! What a cheery room to work in!
We are actually trying to decide on a new paint color for our family room – we have a split level house and the family room is half below ground, but with tons of windows…nevertheless it needs to be a bright sunny color…I’m showing my husband this post since we may have found the perfect color for our house too! I’ll let you know. And I hadn’t heard of the metamorphosis monday series – and I LOVE before and afters so I’m thrilled!
christy’s last blog post..And the winner is…..
LOVE your makeover!! Love the blue color you chose – what a fun office to work in!!
Angela’s last blog post..Picture Day
Wow. That’s beautiful. Love the color & the pillows.
Makes me want to paint something.
duchess’s last blog post..Tiger Paw Classic
Love the new paint color! Our little hall bathroom was painted yellow for YEARS and I finally repainted it a few weeks ago a very pale blue, too. I found some great black and white tassel valances on ebay and framed some favorite black and white photos of my girls. I love the new color scheme.
p.s. I love that pillow from Pier One, too! Where did you get those iron letters? They look antique. Those are awesome.
I think I better get to work on my office space- Great inspiration!
Happy Day-
teresa’s last blog post..Spring-
Christy–
I can’t believe you spotted that little Wonder Woman figurine on my bookshelves! It was sort of a joke gift to me from my family on my birthday a couple of years ago–they threw me a “Wonder Woman” themed party because, according to them, that’s what I am. But before you start thinking that’s really sweet–they also made me wear a WW t-shirt and headband they made. And no, I’m not posting pictures of that!
Jamie–
I found the letters in a bin at Hobby Lobby and, as a “Mary Tyler Moore Show” fan, I couldn’t resist the idea of having my initials in the room.
Robin–
I hope the rumor about Pier One closing is wrong because I truly could not live without it! When I was at ours last week they had a “NOW HIRING” sign in the window and I took that as a good sign. -Julia
Happy Almost Spring Julia ~ Your office looks lovely…when I was a kid my Dad painted my bedroom that color of blue and I will never forget how I felt being in that space…great color! It is like a crisp spring morning sky…with birds singing…chirp!
Have a great week,
Ramona
Ramona’s last blog post..It’s A Zoo ‘Round Here
Great choice for the wall color! I like how it looks with black accessories. You are right about it feeling much more like spring in your office now.
Fighting Windmills’s last blog post..F-F-Friday (35)
How fun, Julia! I love, love, love blue walls. It’s so soothing. What a nice office!
Lindsay’s last blog post..DIY Moss Balls
Lovely job! Funnily enough I’m about to paint my dining room a similar colour, I think it just looks so fresh
Liz@VioletPosy’s last blog post..Spring is here
Oh yes, I know how you feel. We are all so very ready for spring. I love the quote at the top. That really sums it up. But you know, I know exactly what it is that I want, I want it to be mid-April and 75 degrees outside. And I want to be able to go outside and enjoy myself without having to put on jeans, socks, boots, coat, earmuff, etc., etc. Your new office color looks great!! I just painted my living room from sage green to blue myself. The blue looks so much better. It’s a cool color but it feels less “cold” and formal than the green. My room actually started out a dark olive green, then I got tired of it and decided that I would take some leftover olive green and lighten it with white. I liked it for a while, then I realized that I was just plain sick of green. Now it is a color called Twilight Grey from Behr, and I love it!! I think I finally am done painting the living room. For a while anyway.
I HAVE to change my workspace with the seasons! I love what just a few colorful changes does for your work room. I have been working on photos of flowers, buying spring bouquets at the store, and trying to put some SPRING back into the farm…today we are getting 12 inches of snow…I have to wait a few more weeks until I am outside, planting and tilling…I can’t wait.
Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm’s last blog post..Mirepoix au gras
You have a beautiful room. Thanks for sharing.
I love a beautiful blue room. My own bedroom is a nice icy blue.
Laura Ingalls Gunn’s last blog post..All Things Irish~ Thatched Roof Cottages
I love those new pillows! That paint color is very fresh.
Julia, I just love the changes! Looks so pretty & fresh & springy. I just started a Tumblr file, so I’m adding your new office space. Very inspiring!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality’s last blog post..The black architectural piece has landed
Love the office makeover. The color is lovely…. I do love blue. It looks so serene and fresh. Great place to be on the computer. Thanks for sharing, Maryrose
I love it! It’s amazing what a gallon of paint can do!
I am so ready for the “spring cleaning fever” to hit me! I noticed you used my book, “Designing Your Dream Home”, on your table. Thanks!
BTW: Comparing the first photo and the sixth photo is a great example for me to use with my publishing company to show why the white font used for my book title in the spine of the book should be changed to a deep blue color font when reprinted.
Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home’s last blog post..Things That Make Noise
what a beautiful color! Great job!
Kelly’s last blog post..Metamorphosis Monday #7
Very nice!!! It really does give it a whole different mood.
Wayfaring Wanderer’s last blog post..Animating Inspiration
I really like the bright pillows, particularly the one that looks like a collage. Is that what it is, or is it fabric design?
Scribbler
Scribbler’s last blog post..The Powder Room’s Metamorphosis
Scribbler–it’s a fabric pattern, but then they stitched/embroidered over parts of the pattern to give it that pieced-together look. Hard to tell in the pic. -Julia
That looks great! Wow, the difference a can of paint can make! I need to do so much painting in my house, but can’t find the time.
I’m a sucker for blue – it can suit any decor and looks so great with some crisp black and white! I also recently noticed that patchwork/collage pillow at Pier 1. I’m not sure why I wait so long between trips to Pier 1. They’ve got some great stuff!
Shannan’s last blog post..Spring Fluff
Just about every room in my house is in need of updating…we spent several years fixing up our old house (c.1768) but then got to the point where it was “good enough” and we were tired of the constant renovations…but after 9 years, everything is starting to really look dated. Love the inspiration here – thanks!
Alice Golden’s last blog post..Revisiting an old favorite
I love your office after! My craft room has been repainted and is partially redecorated but still isn’t up to picture taking snuff *sigh*….hopefully, I will finish it up and can post a few photos before next winter! Thanks for the lovely office tour.
Mary Beth’s last blog post..Blueberry Cupcakes
Julia…such a soothing color NICE job…I hear you about the weather, 15″ of snow here….we have had ENOUGH thank you very much !!!
Thanks for sharing this,
Kathy
I love the blue!! Great office makeover, Julia!
Pat’s last blog post..~Lavabo~
Beautiful makeover! Although I really liked your “before” green walls, I love the “after” blue walls. Your office is so fresh absolutely perfect for the spring days ahead…the framed pictures on the side table really set everything off. Oh and the pillows – love the happy colors! Thanks for sharing!
Christy’s last blog post..20 Little Things to Look Forward to in Spring…
Love what you’ve done to your office. The blue is so soft and soothing! Love those cute pillows too. You’ve done a great job!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Shelia’s last blog post..Winner of my Giveaway, Blue Monday and Met Monday
Beautiful color. Now you’ll get lots of work done right?
Amy @ Living Locurto’s last blog post..Weekly Meal Plan – Week 3
Gorgeous in it’s new wash of palest blue!!
Linda@Lime in the Coconut’s last blog post..The other side of the tracks…..
I love your office transformation! Dreamy AND functional! Great job on the redo. I have had the Spring itch along with everyone else, grabbed several accessories the other and started spray painting everything creamy white! That’s a blog post soon to come…
~Misti
Misti @ Studio M Designs’s last blog post..Put some Light on the Subject
It turned out great. I love that shade of blue. Do you know the name of the paint color that you used??
Joy’s last blog post..Kitchen Beadboard Backsplash
spring? with all this snow?!
i LOVE IT! i’m telling you, you’re going to have to come to my house when we move it.
or i’ll just send you a million pictures and ask your advice (just kidding. i know you’re busy.
maya | springtree road’s last blog post..Snowfall
Oh, so fun to see the spring makeover, Julia! It looks great. I am just dying to get my stuff here from my old house so I can have some fun!! I have so little here right now it is starting to drive me crazy
. Good thing I have all of you to keep me busy looking at fun spring ideas!
Happy spring,
melissa
melissa @ the inspired room’s last blog post..20 Little Things To Look Forward to in Spring
Love that blue! It really spruced your office up!
Jewel
carolinajewel’s last blog post..Metamorphosis Monday- Study
Love the new look of your office!
I can’t wait to see the kitchen from Brother’s And Sisters. It is one of my favorite shows.
SoBella Creations’s last blog post..Mom-preneur Shops
Hoorah!! It looks fabulous.
I am thisclose to putting the finishing (or almost finishing…is a room ever *really* finished?!) touches on the shore house master bedroom. There’s a french-ish door painting project that I’m not looking forward to…but I may try and tackle it this coming weekend. Or, bake cookies instead. 
We’ll see!
laura @ the shore house’s last blog post..Gifted.
Oh, I love this! Good for you for making that change. It must feel so much lighter and “springier” in there. Great job!
AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage’s last blog post..15 MINUTES AND A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND
Oh, it looks so pretty, Julia! I love the paint color and those little initials! :0)
Ms.Tee’s last blog post..Winter Wonderland!
Love the new look! I am planning on re-doing my laundry room the same color, so it’s nice to see what it looks like. Wonderful and springy!
Kara’s last blog post..BBQ Sauce for Meatballs and an Award!
Lovely choice for today’s Met Monday! Sorry for the late visit; too many errands…
Carolyn of What Now? Tablescapes
Love your post for today! I love seeing before and afters…ESPECIALLY home offices. Do we ever really get organized in our home office…I yearn for something amazing but the reality is…there are homework papers (not cute) and stacks of bills (really not cute!) laying on the desk! Boo hiss! I like your pictures and your home office…it really looks great!
Debbie
Debbie’s last blog post..Metamorphasis Mondays
I sooo want an office – and yours looks fantastic!
Victoria from EdinDesigns @ DesignTies
DesignTies’s last blog post..A very special Met Monday DesignTies giveaway!!!
You have some very good tips in here on decorating. Your office looks so pretty! Thank you for sharing your lovely work.
Thank you so very much for writing this blog and helping all of us learn better decorating skills. Your posts are invaluable.
I’ve noticed that it’s hard to find floral artwork these days for people who may want a country style home. Because I had such a hard time finding flowers I liked, I started composing my own prints and I now have an Etsy store where I sell photographic fine art prints of many types of flowers. I sell them in many sizes and my customers love them.
If you love bright colors and art prints that include interesting floral compositions please check out my site for artwork that might liven up your rooms and make your home feel cozy and bright!
My site is http://www.portlandia.etsy.com and I would really appreciate your comments and feedback on my photography.
Thank you again for all that you do,
Loretta’s last blog post..Lace 5 X 7 Fine Art Photographic Print (Shipping Included in Price)
What a beautiful look!
Loretta’s last blog post..Lace 5 X 7 Fine Art Photographic Print (Shipping Included in Price)
Wow! I love that color blue. How can you not feel energized and yet at peace surrounded by that lovely color? It always amazes me, what paint can do, plus the little touches — the pillows are just right!
This is a good makeover, and thanks for the links and all the information you give. Much appreciated!
Cass
Cass’s last blog post..Metamorphosis Monday — A Conservative Conservatory
I love the color…I have the swatch sitting next to my chair..I want to paint the loft, master br and den this summer.
So simple yet effective. Gives me inspriation for the bathroom we are just starting to renovate.
boysmum2’s last blog post..Life
I’m sure that the room will give you some more pep while you’re working! Try not to look out the window, so you don’t have to see the snow.
Me…it would be light grey (you know I have to be a rebel!). I love the black and white accents (of course) and adore that chair! I would even keep the letters, but I’d just have to switch them around.
I have an elephant almost exactly like that on top of my bookcase. It is facing the door, right?
I am so inspired by your photo! Nice job in the office too! And I will admit that I am lusting over that chair with the portrait upholstered on the back!
Kathleen’s last blog post..Show & Tell Monday- Choose Civility
Nice color choice, Julia! Will you be painting it pumpkin for autumn?
angela | the painted house’s last blog post..The Cottage Project: The Living Room
love it….bright and cheery to shoo away the winter blah’s…..
Sue’s last blog post..BLOGGING LADIES WHO LUNCH………
Julia, I think your office looks fantastic! Jen
Jen R Sanctuary Arts’s last blog post..How may I help you?
I love this! You know I’m a huge fan of pale blue walls, so I really dig this! It looks so calming and fresh. LOVE the throw pillow updates too – very cheerful and up to date. xoxo
Courtney @ Nesting Instincts’s last blog post..movie night
Where did you get the pillow on the wicker chair in the last photo? I’m am obsessed with beautiful patterns and this one is great!
Nice fresh new look!
Associated Designs Home Plans’s last blog post..Estate-sized Belle Vista has inspiring look
Love those pretty new pillows. Couldn’t help but notice that you had all the books in the Twilight series on your bottom bookshelf. My friends got me hooked.
Amanda @ Serenity Now’s last blog post..When You’re 97 Years Old…{ReMix}
I really love that pillow fabric pattern in the last photo.
Fun, Spring-y…yet crisp!
J. J.’s last blog post..Extreme Makeover {Me edition}
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 3 trackbacks }