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Friday, November 21, 2008

SHARE A SPACE SATURDAY



This is only my second "Share a Space Saturday". You know, I said I was going to post pictures of a friend's room every Saturday. Sadly, I have already run out of friends! I really did have a friend lined up to share her space, but she got sick, so you are stuck with one of my spaces this Saturday. I really think nobody wanted to be the next one after I posted Vanna's beautiful family room. (To be honest, neither did I--her room will make mine look like a shanty). I will have pictures of someone else's space next week (even if I have to sneak into someone else's home and take pictures while they are gone!)

My dear friend, Connie, asked if I would share my sun room, because it has never been posted on RMS. Connie, I want you to know that there is a reason it hasn't been posted, but since you are such a sweetheart, I'll do this for you. My sun room seems to be the catchall space for everything I'm not using any place else in the house. And, as with the rest of my house, it is "wall-to-wall" stuff. I promise next week, there will be a pretty room to post (someone else's!).

This is a long, narrow room, which is divided into two very small seating areas. I do keep a table in the middle of the room, which, as you've seen in my Thanksgiving decor posting, I use for dining when we are having a crowd.
One of the main reasons it is divided into two seating areas is this ladder. When we were remodeling, I noticed this space up in the ceiling, and yelled at my contractor "stop, I see storage potential". My husband looked up and said "I see my home office potential"! We had the contractor build this kind of "ship's" ladder, and I told my dh he could have the space for an office. Slowly but surely, I have slipped some storage up there, and he hasn't seemed to notice! I am pretty good at hiding things.
Below, you'll see the seating area at this end of the sun room.
The table in the corner is a tilt top. I justified buying it, when I already have too much stuff, because I thought I could just stand it against the wall most of the time, and open it only when I needed an extra table. It stood against the wall for about 30 minutes after I brought it home, and it has been opened up since then. I love the painted floral on top of the table.

Below is the seating area at the opposite end of the room.

This little rocking love seat is on it's fifth upholstering, and it needs it again. My dh and I "smooched" on this love seat when we were dating!

I had to clear some of my "stuff" off of the top of this table, because I know there are a lot of rooster lovers out there, and I thought you might enjoy seeing this. I bought this at a store that was going out of business for $5.00. You get the best deals when somebody is ready to close up their store and take whatever they can get for something.


Of course, this is supposed to be table topper for a skirted round table. Since I didn't have a round, skirted table, I just put it on top of a painted square table temporarily (four years ago).

I bought these framed bird prints at an estate sale for $12.00 (no not each.. $12 total). All I had to do was stain the light wood frames.


As you can see, this sun room also serves as our concert hall. Many concerts have been held right here under this ladder, and very indulgent grandparents have applauded and called "encore", while parents in the background were yelling "enough"!

I bought this 3 tierd metal plant stand at an auction. I was going to put it in the back yard, but somehow, things started filling it up before I ever got it out the door, so here it has stayed.


I just had to show this lamp for Lynne.

You may have noticed in postings of other rooms in my home that I asked the builder to put a little ledge above most of the doors and windows. More space for my "stuff". I know, it's enough to drive a minimalist crazy!






The door on the wall to the right is a powder room, which was supposed to be used by pool swimmers. Since the sink is a little low, my grandchildren think it is made especially for them, so it has become the children's bathroom in our home.

I was in an antique store one day when I came across this little washstand I've used as a vanity. It was in the very back of the store (you know, where they put things they are ashamed to put up front), because someone had set a hot pot on the top and burned it, and the back of the piece was gone. Of course, that was perfect for me, since I was going to cut a hole in the top for a sink and the plumbing would need to be connected in the back.




We had bought some hand made tiles in Mexico 30 years ago. In our last house, we used them on a small counter top, and in my dh's office, we've used them as a back splash in the kitchen. We had just enough left over to put on the back of the vanity. I found the sink, which matches the tiles, at an antique store when we were remodeling this house five years ago! The grandchildren's frog mirror was given to me by a friend.

When our son was a teenager, he mowed yards (our's included). One day when my sister-in-law and her husband were visiting, he came in the house and said "mom, there's way too much junk in the backyard--all we need is some pink flamingos". My sister-in-law and her husband picked up on that, and I started getting flamingos for gifts. They have all landed in this powder room.




There is even one swinging from the chandelier!

Oops! I have a lightbulb out!


I probably should not tell this, but I have already told you I come from a long line of pack rats. When I was cleaning out my mother's house, I found a dress that I had worn to a high school dance!! We're talking a lot of years ago. I made the bottom of it into a "temporary" cafe curtain for this powder room. In front of the curtain is a picture of me in the dress.

Thanks so much for coming to visit my sun room. laurie

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, I hardly know what to say and I am just not sure I can take any more of this wonderful house! Laurie Eve Jones Ritchey!(Isn't that what your friend called you?) My goodness you and Vanna are a tough act to follow! I LOVE it all. The ladder up to the office, the ledges built around your windows and all of your pretties and your smooching couch! And then that adorable children's bathroom and who would be so clever as to take an old dress and use it as that beautiful curtain.. Oh I want to see your pic close up, OK? Thank-you Connie for asking this wonderful space to be shared.. What other wonders do you have for us sweetie? Gosh you do have the best house in the world! Love, Cindy

xinex said...

Oh Laurie, I love your sunroom. I am glad you showed it to us. I loved it from the moment you showed the frog sitting on the books. That is way too cute! I also love how you have an extra storage above the ladder. Is it really big enough to make it into an office? I love unexpected rooms like that. And the sink and matching tiles in the bathroom are just gorgeous! And those bird pictures....they are so precious! I am actually glad you were forced to post pictures of your home although I am not happy that Connie got sick......Christine

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie...I don't know where to start! Thanks for posting the rooster tsble for all of us rooster lovers. It is so cute! You know I love those plates! I can never get enough of those! But I think my favorite things in your room are the bird prints. I love to see a big collection of pictures like that. I'm glad you posted it. I don't know why you've been keeping it a secret...Debbie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie.. this is just "incredible" I love that you added the ledges above the doorframes and windows..and your woodwork is just awesome. I spotted some bunny things up there didn't I? Now.. about the lamp.. girl.. you know my heart is skipping beats.. in order to calm down I'm going to have to go back over and take another look see.!!! I would love a close up shot!! :-) I love that you made a tier out of a dress you wore and that you have a picture to prove it.. Girl. I love your home..Have from the first time I saw your "awesome" bookcases..The ladder with the concert hall underneath is over the top "awesome" ..Girl.. you had quite a vision. I'm glad you and hubby got off the smooching couch long enough to share this with us.. I'd give anything to have a home like yours..
hugs ~lynne~

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Laurie, I love your home and the way you decorate! Those ledges above the doors are brilliant! And your grandchildren must love coming to see their grandparents...what a fun, fun place you have for them. Your home feels so warm, cozy and loving...not like some sterile showplace where people don't really live. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful room! Sussan

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Laurie I really did enjoy this tour of your wonderful Sun room..I loved the shelfs above the windows and girl I spotted a stain glass window that you need to show me a close of it..do a post with all your windows...look at me telling you now what to post about..How special for the grand kids to have their own wash stand turned sink..Laurie I can not pick a favorite thing in this room I love it right down to the "kissing couch" I bet you made some memories there girls...I mean we all know you sleep with the boss girl!! Thanks so much are you doing Puddin next week?? she would be a great one..have a blessed day girl...hugs and smiles Gloria

Bo said...

Well Laurie, just add me to the list of lovers of your home! The first thing I spied was the ledges over the windows...brilliant idea...and I can't believe how lucky you were to find a sink to match the tiles...Your home really should be in a magazine! I felt right at home...Thank you. ;-) Bo

nikkicrumpet said...

I can't figure out why you didn't post this room on RMS...unless you didn't want the other ladies to feel bad because your house was so much more beautiful than theirs! This room is so packed with charm and warmth. I love all the little touches...and the curtains from your old dress...that is totally priceless! Your home just amazes me.

Anonymous said...

Well I'd hardly call that room a "shanty"!! It's gorgeous! My favorite thing is the shelves above the doorway and the windows. Such a cute bathroom too!

Manuela

Kathleen Ellis said...

My, My! What a "shanty"! A beautiful, blissful "shanty"! Love all the details and the fact that you've filled your room with items that have meaning to you! That is the most important part of decorating your home! You have created a warm, inviting space for you and your family!

Anonymous said...

LAURIE,I LOVE YOUR SUN ROOM AND YOU KNOW I LOVE THAT RULE THE ROOST TABLE.AND THAT WASH STAND,WOW.THE TILES ON THE SINK IS AWESOME.THIS ROOM HAS YOU WRITTEN ALL OVER IT....ANN

Salmagundi said...

What a fun room filled with memories! To me, that is great decorating. Sally

Four Paws and Co said...

Wow Laurie!

This is beautiful! You had so many wonderful ideas for showcasing your treasures. I'm in love with your ledges & may have to borrow that idea.

What a beautiful tilt-top table. I'd leave it open too! ☺

Diane

squawmama said...

Laurie I am at a loss for words... This is a magnificent sunroom... You should be very proud of it... It is so tastefully decorated and really just plain gorgeous... I didn't see a thing in there I didn't like and a ton of things I loved... Thanks for sharing but now I feel really poor!!! Have a great day... LOL LOL

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Oh I absolutely, postitively LOVE your home! That sunroom is like a little English Cottage! I am envious! I loved all the comfy furniture, the stories, the little piano, the dish racks(totally green with envy at your display space!) and that fabulous little dresser/vanity with the tiles & later a matching sink! How perfect can that be! Those fabulous bird pictures and that little round/square table and how it was temporary made me laugh. It works! You've gotta show us the "office" up those stairs! How clever you are! I think it's a beautiful, warm & cozy space. One look is not enough, I am going back in for more. :) ~ Laurie

Dawn Marie said...

WOW! one of my dreams is a sun room...i'm not kidding! I want one so bad I can taste it. I think your sun room is awesome and what a beautiful place to read, snooze, kiss whatever!

I would love one of those frog mirrors,,its adorable.

I dont see a packrat...i see warmth, coziness and loving family memories.

Melissa Miller said...

Laurie, I love your sunroom! The bird prints look great. You really found a deal on those. WOW!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. ~Melissa :)

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Awww! Now you are making ME CRY!! Everything I said is true, it's just beautiful and you are so welcome! ~ Laurie

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Laurie..yes it still morning here girl and I am still in my old Red robe..and yes I got a pink one..in fact every Christmas my Dawna gives me a new robe and slipper...but I don't wear them..hope you don't read this or maybe this year I'll get a lump of coal..now these robes I save in case I have to go to the Hospital..girl I could stay a year lol!!! now I want to see your up that ladder girl...I tulry love your sun room...just great..have a blessed and safe weekend dear friend...hugs and smiles Gloria

Anonymous said...

Oh! Laurie! I absolutely LOVE your sunroom! The other Laurie is right, It reminds me of an English Cottage, and you know that is my favorite style! My favorite is the little sitting rooms, so cozy, your home is like no one elses'! It is so homey and charming, my favorites in decorating! Also, sitting areas are my favorites, I don't care much for bedrooms, and it's a good thing, since mine are so small!LOL I love the ladder, now you need to show that room, I know it doesn't look like just any office! Not you!!! I don't, for the life of me, know why you didn't put this on RMS! You need to!!! Thanks for this, I knew it would be special! Loe Ya! Connie

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie!! I love your sunroom! It's just so wonderful! Your entire house is and I wanna see more and more, pleeeeeeeeeeeese.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tomarie said...

Okay...I LOOOOVE THIS ROOM!! I want to bring my truck in the middle of the night and steal the little table next to the ladder, THE ladder, and that most precious little loveseat with the matching stool! I love the whole "cottage" look to this room! I'm surprised you've never posted this on RMS! But so glad you posted it here! :-)

imjacobsmom said...

5 stars from me! LOL I love your porch it is so cozy and warm - just like you! ~ Robyn

RetiredAtLast said...

Fantastic space. Really hard to pick my favorite, but it would have to be your gorgeous bird prints.
I only did the mealworm thing one time, unlike Susan, but we do put out mixed seed and a dedicated sunflower seed feeder. I also feed the hummingbirds. We have two bluebird houses, one in our side yard and one in the backyard as well. I love the birds, so your pictures would be my first choice.

Bridget said...

You have so many neat things but I terribly jealous about those $12 bird prints! I have a great spot for them. LOL
I read your comment at Gollum and you need to just jump in feet first and I think you'd be surprised at what you'd create. No time like the present. I certainly did not fancy myself as a writer but it was a lot of fun!
Bridget

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Laurie, This space is fabulous! You do have many things, but each piece makes the space so personal and homey, and is just perfect! What an inviting and lovely space it is! I just love it and am so glad you shared it!

If I don't "talk" to you before, I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Laurie...thanks for stopping by. Your sun room is adorable. I love the ladder! And the dress for a curtain, just too cute. Love it and the picture of you by it. Have a great week. Talk to you soon.

lvroftiques said...

Laurie I love EVERYTHING!! The pilasters for display are sooo cool!! And that darling vignette with the little piano under the stairs with the puppy pilla...and the rocking loveseat....and the plates in the plate display....Oh my goodness there's sooo much to love!!! You have the most amazing house!! I could spend days and days enjoying all your wonderful collections! Vanna

playsdolls said...

Wow Laurie,your room is so wonderful and warm and inviting.The ladder in the middle,the shelves above the doors and windows.Everything just looks like it belongs were it is.The little curtain made from your dress was an absolutely great idea.You have a great place for your family and friends to enjoy visiting in.Would love to see more of your home.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Laurie you need to come see what Santa brought me girl!!! hugs and smiles Gloria

Stacey said...

Doesn't look like a catch all room to me. I think it's cute! Your smooching couch is the best!

Anonymous said...

Morning, Laurie! Thank you so much for your birthday wishes!! Have a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Dear Laurie...thanks girl for decorating my tree..You are the best..and WHAT do you mean I am laying there in my old PINK robe??girl I know that ain't so!! give me my Red one any old day...have a great day sweet friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie
I think this may be my first time on your blog!

I really like your taste. Everything is so pretty!

diane

The Kramer Angle said...

I LOVE YOUR SUN ROOM! One of these days I'm going to talk my husband into adding either a sun room or a screen porch. Yours looks so cozy I would spend all of my time there!

PAT said...

I love your sunroom Laurie. It's so pretty and light and bright.

Wow...what a deal on those bird prints!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carrie said...

This post is delightful!

Just wanted to let you know about the holiday giveaway on my nativity blog. Includes a blue and white item!

Here’s the link:
http://carolanativitygallery.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-giveaway.html
Carrie

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I am sooo not a minimalist so I'm living all your ledges! I think this is my favorite room of your's! Or is it your kitchen? Maybe it's your bedroom? heck I can't make up my mind.....I just LOVE your home!

Glimpse of My World said...

Wow.. thanks for sharing... loved your beautiful home.. I especially love all the red touches!

SmIleS! from Texas!

Ginger said...

I am glad I found your blog...I love looking at your beautiful sunroom. Want a house guest? lol.