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Office Digs — Phase One

Well, I finally got an office. Actually, it’s CD’s old bedroom. He figured it was time to spread his wings, IMG_4359.JPGalthough he didn’t go far — he’s across the hall from Theo at Meme and Jake’s. Anyway, I have great aspirations for my new office digs, I already started looking at the DeskView site so that I get the best supplies. I’ll be pecking away at the project for probably the next year.

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Here, I’m aiming for a burgundy colorwash. (I’ve got a thang for dark accent colors.) Reds are typically a clear base, which means mega coats — in this case, three. Then it’s overlaid with darker shades (below), creating a sense of depth. Actually, it’s intended to replicate an hallucinogenic dream state for those days my creativity requires a kick start.

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IMG_4378.JPGColorwashing is a messy affair, as you can see. I had paint under my nails for two weeks!

Anyway, some paneling follows in — what else? — black. At first, I wanted to distress the paneling. But it just looked too raggedy so I went solid with it. (Cool hydra light, huh?)

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At this point I added a chair rail and “spreckled” the walls with — what else? — black. This process is

IMG_4507.JPGpretty wild; it involves flinging paint. I used a paint brush, a tooth brush and my fingers to get this splatter look. Jackson Pollock would be proud!IMG_4441.JPGIMG_4445.JPG

Still working on furniture. The paisley end table will get repainted, but I’m digging on the retro oval lamp. I’ve got lotsa ideas for wall hangings. My first was this Felix the Cat tin. Felix inspires me to reach into my bag of tricks whenever I’m in a fix. I’ve already decided on the next pic: A framed movie poster of one of my favorite sci-fi classics. Check it out HERE.

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Img_4464.jpgMy next project is the closet up there. I’ll be converting it to a bookcase and draping it with bamboo beads. Exotic, eh?

Okay, so that wraps up stage one of the new office digs. I’ve relocated my desk and grown a goatee for the occasion — rather Van Gogh-ish, don’t you think? Oops! Isn’t he the dude that went bonkers? Anyway, it’s off to look for a low-back leather chair (I’ve got my sights on a mellow yellow.) Until Phase Two, happy spreckling!

{ 14 comments… add one }
  • janet August 25, 2007, 5:52 PM

    Oooooh. You ARE an artist:) Love the decor. Hate the goatee. (not that you asked! I have issues with facial hair…) Red is my favorite color. Congrats on having your own little space. may you write many best-sellers there!

  • Jeanne Damoff August 25, 2007, 6:03 PM

    Awesome, Mike! You could be an interior designer.

  • Melody August 25, 2007, 8:15 PM

    Sweet!

  • Chris D. August 25, 2007, 11:07 PM

    What the heck! Felix the Cat?
    I never would have hung that poster in MY room.

  • Mike Duran August 25, 2007, 11:10 PM

    Jeanne, even though interior designers are dangerously feminine (the males at least), I appreciate the praise. Janet loves red and hates goatees. What about red goatees? Melody said: “Sweet!” Are you commenting on my office or what it’s like having your brother live with you? Thanks for the comments, gals!

  • Mike Duran August 26, 2007, 1:43 AM

    Yeah, Chris. Felix the Cat. I would have hung an Einstein pic there but SOMEONE has it. Anyway, I like Felix. Einstein’s got nothing on the cat with the magic bag of tricks. Peace. . .

  • dayle August 26, 2007, 3:47 AM

    Mike, although I don’t have any opinions, jokes, or comments regarding your office, Felix the Cat, or your facial hair, I do have something very important to tell you – I just saved a lot of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico.

    p.s. I’m a bugs bunny man.

  • Rachelle August 26, 2007, 3:37 PM

    Love the room, love the goatee, and am insanely jealous that you got your own office. (I’m still working on the roll-top in the living room.)

    But I have to say I can relate to the joy of “doing a room.” I did both my daughters’ bedrooms this year (think: lots of pink and purple paint and boatloads of bling) and though it put me behind on several writing & editing projects it was well worth it. We all need a creative detour once in awhile, especially if the result is a living/working space that we love. Hope you enjoy your new office!

  • Gina Holmes August 27, 2007, 2:58 AM

    Hate the decor, love the goatee. Just kidding. They’re both tres cool. What a fun post. That is a good pic of you. We should start using that one. Can’t wait to see the finished room.

  • Trish August 30, 2007, 4:32 PM

    Your office is looking good! I have to say that red/ burgundy is one of my favorite colors!

  • JD August 30, 2007, 8:12 PM

    Trish don’t suck up! I’m the true artist of the family.

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