Out with the Old, In with the New

After 22 years, my poor art lamp is on it's last leg. After all it's been through, it doesn't really owe me anything. It's been scratched, dented, repeatedly smacked with my drafting arm, and splattered with paint. It's even been spun into the wall a few times by my cats. It's the standard fluorescent incandescent combo light available in most art supply and drafting catalogs. I shopped around for a replacement that was the same style, but I thought, hey, if I'm gonna spend that much on a lamp, why not look for something with more style. There aren't a lot of choices, but this classic L-1 Lamp from Luxo is quickly rising to the top of the pile. I'm looking at the white one - just like Pixar. That's WAY more fun than my old one, and if it lasts as long, I'll be extremely pleased.

Finding the Right Look

I've been searching for a new look for my workspace. It's far too "beige" and definitely due for an update. And it's time for my 20 year old computer hutch to go to furniture heaven (or the Goodwill). My electronics are so much smaller now, I want to simplify and get a cleaner look. This grouping from Room and Board is really inspiring me. The Jake chair is probably the only item from Room & Board that I could afford, but I'll bet I can create a similar look that fits my budget. Benjamin Moore, here I come!

Ikea, Where Are You???

I wish Ikea would pull their head out and learn how to ship freight. They're losing a fortune in business just from me alone. This lovely little Vika desk set is shown in their catalog, and is very reasonably priced, but is only available at Ikea stores. They won't even ship the lamp. BOO! Their furniture items aren't any bigger than items shipped by Target or Amazon. Even with shipping costs, their furniture would still be a great bargain.

Great Workspaces from Unclutterer

I just found a great photo pool of workspaces on the Unclutterer blog. Nice!

Strut Work Table from Crate & Barrel

This room group from Crate & Barrel speaks for itself. The Strut Table, shag rug, and dome lamp all look like they stepped out of 1970!

What Organizers Dream Of . . .

Compulsive organizers are magnetically drawn to stuff like this.  I find myself stopping and staring at them in stores and catalogs.  "What could I use those for???  I must have them all!"  

Ooh! Aah!

What a great office group from Crate & Barrel!  The rug isn't my favorite, but the wall color really makes the dark furniture sing.  Sweet!  

Addicted to No Nonsense Pens

Am I the only one who's still addicted to Sheaffer No Nonsense Pens?  I've been using them since the mid-70's and I just can't stop.  Maybe it's the bright colors, or maybe the simple classic design.  I must have at least a dozen of them, mostly vintage bought on ebay.  Translucent, opaque, tag-a-long.  And I've worn out countless others.  I've tried other "fat" pens,  but they just aren't the same.  (Sigh.)  Like a junkie, every few months I make a special trek to my local blueprint shop to purchase a slew of fine point refills.  (Photo courtesy of fountain pen network.)

Richeson Work Station

I'd love to have a workstation this well organized!  All the pieces are available separately so you can configure it any way you want.  A work surface with an optional drawer, vertical flat file, adjustable shelves in two different widths, and extra shelves are available separately.  Available at Dick Blick or Rex Art.  

A Nice Surprise

We're having a spontaneous "flowering" in the computer room this week.  What a nice surprise in the dead of winter!  

Orange Marches On

The infiltration of orange continues.  This classic Swingline business stapler is available from CB2.  

A Day at the Office

This is my studio on an average day.  I try to stack and hang things up to keep kitties away until the new paint dries.  

Linen Pin Board

I love this stone colored linen pin board from Pottery Barn.  The silver map pins make it look really upscale.  The huge 36 x 48 inch size should accommodate lots of stuff.  If you feel the urge to make one yourself, the silver (or gold) map pins can be purchased at McMaps or Latitudes Map Store.  The jumbo binder clip by DCI Decor is available in silver or white at Organize.com.  

Three By Three Magnetic Organizers

I thought I had the market cornered on bulletin boards, pin boards, and magnets, but I'm going to find a space for this!  One of many great magnetic/organizing products from Seattle based Three By Three.  This board and many of their other products are available at Organize.com.