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Young House Love » Our Second House » Some Slap Happy Office Art

| By Sherry Petersik | October 27, 2011 | 338 Comments

Some Slap Happy Office Art

You know… slap happy. As in it makes us happy and we slapped it up on the walls without over-thinking it (to the point of what-should-we-frame paralysis – which can happen if we’re not careful). Although we did talk about a few other options and eliminate them based on certain factors, such as:

  • one giant piece of art on each side of the window = too symmetrical for our taste, and too repetitive with the big rectangular window in the middle (so it would look like three big boxes)
  • open shelving = too much shelving since there are two walls of it thanks to the dining room built-ins (it would be shelving with more shelving beyond it)
  • mirrors = too much, since we already have a large framed mirror hanging over the file cabinet on the opposite office wall

So we decided to use frames that we already had in a balanced-but-not-completely-symmetrical arrangement. And as is the usual agenda, we tried to go with things that have meaning, feel personal, and make us smile. Are they perfect? Nah. But perfect is overrated. They just make us happy like our chipper green office chairs. So in a way, the fact that it’s not perfect is kind of perfect for us.

Office After Art

We liked that we had a “John’s side” (the right) and a “Sherry’s side” (the left) so since John loves maps, typography/handwriting, travel, and high-contrast geometric shapes, he ended up with this little medley:

Art Right

Not only does it represent a bunch of things he loves (type, maps, travel, geometric shapes, etc), it’s also personal because:

  • the map is a typographic map of Richmond by a local artist (it’s actually made up entirely of words, more on that here) – I just painted the Ikea mat with the same gray paint that we used under the chair rail to help it pop
  • the handwritten/typed item on the far right is a blown up copy of a tiny comment card from a meal that we shared in Alaska during our Honeymoon (we wrote things that we ate and what we saw on the comment card and kept it as a souvenir to remember that day)

On my side I knew I wanted Clara to paint me something (everything she makes is my favorite thing ever, what can I say?) and I liked the idea of framing a textile that I loved (some fabric leftover from Clara’s weekly project, which I also used a few years ago to reupholster a bench that now sits in her nursery).

Art Left

It doesn’t hurt that the lattice shape of the fabric ties in with the lattice detail on the chairs… and also seems to relate to the high-contrast geometric print on John’s side. Gotta love happy accidents like that. To us that just screams: meant to be.

Office After Art

As for how we approached the whole office art thing, here’s the order of this whole project (although we’ve done this multiple ways so there’s definitely not one “right” formula):

  1. Went through our existing frames to see what we had to possibly work with (and found the five that we used for a grand total of $0 spent)
  2. Laid the frames out on the floor in groups until we hit on a balanced but not symmetrical arrangement that we liked
  3. Hung the frames without anything in them, just to get a sense of how they’d look on the wall instead of the floor
  4. Began the art hunt (we figured we could trim/blow things up to work with the frames we had – although sometimes art comes before frames for us – it varies)
  5. Pulled our typographic Richmond map out of the playroom since we knew it was one of the things we wanted to hang (and painted the mat for that frame with leftover wall paint from under the chair rail)
  6. Went through our “memory box” full of movie stubs and love notes (it’s just a shoebox-sized container full of keepsakes), which is where we found the comment card from our honeymoon (which we blew up 420% at a copy shop to fit the frame)
  7. Dug up some sentimental fabric that I loved (which was also used here and here)
  8. Found a high-contrast print in my little file o’ art from years past that worked nicely on John’s side (it balanced out the handwritten comment card and the detailed type-map)
  9. Stripped Clara down to a diaper with some water-based Crayola paint and had her go to town on a large sheet of paper that would fit the frame I wanted to use with it
  10. Ran to Michael’s to grab some large colorful sheets of paper to create “mats” for some of the art (to better fill the frames and tie in some happy color since the office is our cheerful little bubble of unicorns, rainbows, and puppy dogs)

It definitely feels mixed & matched yet balanced enough for us – and it’s bold & happy without giving us a headache. We like that the color palette is diverse (Clara’s painting is full of color and there’s a black & white print, so it’s pretty varied). Even with all those colors/styles, the dominant tones (like teal and grellow) relate to the chairs and the dining room curtains – and the white frames help unify things. We definitely plan to play around with room accessories in other colors though (some pops of orange or coral on the desk might be fun) so we’ll have to see where things go…

Oh and here’s the view from the dining room. I love that the office is so light-washed and the dining room built-ins are so dark. It really helps keep the spaces from blending into one big rectangle-fest. Oh and I’m on the hunt for a new runner that’s not so matchy (plum could be fun – or even textured burlap).

Dining Room View1

As for how much this entire update cost us, since we already owned all the frames we just spent around $9 at Michael’s on the large colored paper “mats” and $4 at the copy shop (FedEx Office) blowing things up. So that’s a total of 13 bucks for five pretty big pieces that we get to stare at whenever we’re not gazing at our laptop screens.

We still have other office things on the agenda, like: getting a permanent rug (most likely longer, not as wide, and darker), adding more permanent art to the other side of the room…

Office Side

… hanging some window treatments (probably homemade roman shades), and adding a proper lamp and side table for the leather chair corner, etc. But for now we’re just grateful to have something on those have-been-blank-for-the-last-ten-months walls. Can’t believe we have stared at blank walls for almost a year. The shame! Especially since the frames were just sitting around in our playroom and it was only $13 to fill them with some happy-go-lucky stuff.

But enough about us. Have you guys ever blown things up at a copy shop like a comment card from a memorable meal? How about stripping down your toddler and “commissioning” some custom art? I thought I was going to be really Type A about colors and design but I just gave her every color of the rainbow and watched her go to town. My little artist…

Psst- Here’s another post about a ton of sentimental things we’ve framed around the house.

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Filed Under: Crafting & Art, Our Second House

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Holly@Loveoflifeblog[email protected] says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:55 am

    I never thought about blowing up something to frame it until I began reading your blog! Such a great idea. And I love the new art.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Kristen @ My Covered BridgeKristen @ My Covered Bridge says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Love the art! I just made my first paintings ever for my dining room –
    http://mycoveredbridge.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-new-art.html

    It’s was a fun project!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:06 am

      So pretty!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for bridget b.bridget b. says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:23 am

      @ Kristen: sweet!

    • Avatar for Kristen @ My Covered BridgeKristen @ My Covered Bridge says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks!! :-)

    • Avatar for Kristen @ My Covered BridgeKristen @ My Covered Bridge says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:02 pm

      @Sherry – Oh and put me in the camp that thought you sat on the right side…

  3. Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:56 am

    I love that you went with an asymmetrical arrangement. It adds character. And, you each got pieces of art that represent you. I think that’s the best part.

    We have our kids make art for us and family. In fact, we recently hung some paintings they made in a gallery wall: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/gallery-wall-details/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:06 am

      So sweet!

      xo,
      s

  4. Avatar for Rebecca @This Nest is BestRebecca @This Nest is Best says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:57 am

    Oh, I looove it! It’s so evident you have an art background – I have such a hard time putting multiple pieces together like this and making them look cohesive, but you’re totally rocking it!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for CandiLCandiL says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:57 am

    The handpainted by Clara picture puts a smile on my face! Love it!!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:57 am

    I can totally see it all coming together now! The art really seems to make it cohesive. This is random, but based on the lamps, I thought you sat on the opposite sides :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Becky S.Becky S. says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:16 am

      Me too!! :-)

    • Avatar for kELLYkELLY says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:03 am

      Me too too!!

    • Avatar for MorganMorgan says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:04 am

      I thought the same thing!

    • Avatar for NikkiddNikkidd says

      October 27, 2011 at 1:12 pm

      Ditto here!

  7. Avatar for Melanie @ Mailbox JourneyMelanie @ Mailbox Journey says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:57 am

    That office is so inspiring! Just sitting in there would get my creative juices flowing :p

    Reply
  8. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:59 am

    That office just keeps getting better and better!! Hooray

    Reply
  9. Avatar for JodiJodi says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:59 am

    I had really pictured Sherry on the right and John on the left. This is throwing me for a loop! It’s like asking me to sleep on my husbands side of the bed!
    I love the art work and how it all ties in Sue the Napkin!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:05 am

      Haha- I actually used to sit on the right but have been on the left for the past few months. We switched when we built the desk for some odd reason!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for AzureAzure says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      I think it’s the lamps. The heavy black lamp looks more masculine than the clear glass lamp.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:59 pm

      Yup, originally we were going to put the tripod on John’s side but it cut into his writing space (since we’re both righties, it worked better to the left of my computer since no one writes there).

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for tinatina says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:59 am

    Our playroom has a wall full of kids art, LOVE it.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Seriously Sassy MamaSeriously Sassy Mama says

    October 27, 2011 at 9:59 am

    I like that the that the art is not formal.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for RhondaRhonda says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Is that Snow City Cafe I see… I love Snow City!!!! Makes me miss AK.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:05 am

      YES!!!! MOST DELICIOUS MEAL WE EVER HAD. Had to frame it. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for Kelly {the Centsible Life}Kelly {the Centsible Life} says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:00 am

    LOVE the way they all seem to tie together and pop. I know you said it’s a happy accident, but I definitely think part of your subconscious must be fine tuned for decorating. ;)

    We have so many bare walls I don’t know where to begin, and we’ve been in our house for four years! Someday we’ll get it done.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for ErinErin says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:01 am

    It looks fabulous! I love the way you personalize. I’m going to have to dig through my boxes of mementos and get something up on my builder beige walls. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Miranda @boucksyMiranda @boucksy says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:02 am

    I think it’s great you have such different things on both of your sides! …But is it weird that I automatically assumed you (Sherry) would sit on the right side? Ha!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am

      I actually used to! For some reason we switched when we built the desk- probably because I drink water all day and it keeps me closer to the kitchen (and the bathroom- haha)?

      xo,
      s

  16. Avatar for HeidiG.HeidiG. says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:02 am

    Your site is such an inspiration. I really appreciate how you take your updates & projects one day at a time. We did 3 months of everyday craziness remodeling our house, scraping down our popcorn ceilings, texturing, painting and now we are so exhausted we haven’t done much in the last month or so. Lots of good lessons we can learn from YHL!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for kristenkristen says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

    We just got a new kitchen table and I have spent many hours hunting down a eggplant table runner in RVA with no luck! I ended up picking up some fabric at Joann’s to make one myself :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am

      Love that idea!

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for dianadiana says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Really great! On the list is there a new rug, maybe? (you know, I have plenty of ideas for you:). Good idea with the runner, and plum will make a nice choice.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am

      Yup! Mentioned that on the bottom (along with a few other things on the list)!

      xo,
      s

  19. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

    LOVE IT! my husband and i are real cheese-pots when it’s comes to keeping things like tickets from the movie on our first date and the gifts bottle of wine from our b&b on the honeymoon. I LOOOOOOVE the idea of blowing up the images and making them art. LOVE IT!

    my wheels are a’turnin!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for EricaErica says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:03 am

    AW! I love love love it! I am in the works of redoing my office and I love how simple, yet perfect you guys did this. Such inspiration to use things we already have. I might find a letter my hubby wrote me now. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Maureen @This (Kinda) Old HouseMaureen @This (Kinda) Old House says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Love this! I love looking at how clean your house is. LOL Mine is a wreck right now since we are moving/switching rooms. The choices for artwork are perfect. I love the idea of having some real personal touches instead of run-of-the-mill prints,etc. Still trying to find my Pinterest challenge project too, by the way! Can’t wait for that!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Angie KAngie K says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am

    When my son was about 3 I gave him a canvas and paint and let him go to town. He did an amazing job…people always comment about the art asking where I got it. I tried this again when he was 8, but he ended up putting too much thought into it and we ended up with a “mud” looking picture. It made me sad that he was so quick to become so hindered by what other people thought.

    If only we could keep them little for longer!!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Totally agree! I’m tempted to make Clara paint me something once a week! I love that reckless abandon that she has now!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for KarlaKarla says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:14 am

      I love this too! Maybe you can do something similar to what you did with your ‘P’ pumpkin. You can tape off words or you can do it in reverse. have her finger paint the whole canvas then tape off letters, paint over it and then peel off the letters? That could be cute!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:14 am

      Such a fun idea!

      xo,
      s

  23. Avatar for KateKate says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Up to this point, I really disliked the color on the chairs, and I especially didn’t like them with the fabric you put on the seats. But I totally get it now with the colorful art. Still may not be my style, but I really see it coming together and appreciate where you’re going with it. Great job!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:14 am

      Thanks Kate! One of the challenges with sharing stuff on a blog is that unlike a makeover show, it takes months and even years to get to the after! So a lot of people have no idea what’s going on in the middle part (especially us sometimes- hahah). We just take it one day/project at a time and build as we go! Those chairs looked crazy at first to some folks because the rest of the room was sooooo neutral (gray walls, white trim, white desk, white file cabinet, wood desktop) – so when they were added without art and accessories and all that good stuff they definitely stuck out a lot more instead of tying in!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for SalehaSaleha says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:01 pm

      I agree! For me it all clicked after you added the lamps. Looks awesome now!!

    • Avatar for AnnaAnna says

      October 27, 2011 at 2:03 pm

      I completely agree, Kate. I was just going to post this but you did it for me! I love the art on the walls and am still not in love with the color of the chairs — but they do go together. Definitely seems like your style, John & Sherry! Great work guys.

    • Avatar for MeridethMerideth says

      October 27, 2011 at 2:15 pm

      It clicked today for me! What fun to see the room evolve :)

  24. Avatar for BethBeth says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:05 am

    I love your approach to putting up and choosing art. We just hung groupings of art in our basement, and we were looking for the same kind of feeling: balance, meaning and fun. Perfection is totally overrated!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Meg@Keeping up with the Jenks[email protected] up with the Jenks' says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:05 am

    I have to learn to wait until ya’ll are done to see if I like it! With the new art, the lamps totally work! Love it.
    I love the idea of blowing up something sentimental and making it art. I’m hoping to try something like the “P” art. My husband hates sappy stuff, so I don’t think he would let me blow-up anything too personal (like a favorite card or something). Ahhh, the joys of decorating when your significant other has an opinion about it. I don’t know how you and John do it!
    Again, great job!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:12 am

      Aw so glad Meg! I knew the lamps might throw people off without art (my mom was confused) but once they weren’t the only thing on that wall it would hopefully balance out. Mom already called to say she loves it! Whew. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for John@ Our Home From Scratch[email protected] Our Home From Scratch says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Really like the idea of hanging up maps. I like the old antique ones, makes me feel like Indiana Jones is gonna come over and have a scotch with us. Big fan of your desk lamp too. I’m aiming to replace ours.

    Reply
    • Avatar for PennyPenny says

      October 27, 2011 at 1:05 pm

      Oh man, is that the secret to getting Harrison Ford to show up and hang out with me? Time to go buy a million old maps.

  27. Avatar for MeagainMeagain says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Darn…I wish I could say that I like it….I’m more of a symmetrical type girl. There just seems to be too much going on…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

      No worries! Art is definitely one of those personal preference things!

      xo,
      s

  28. Avatar for Elisa @ The Self LifeElisa @ The Self Life says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:06 am

    Happy = check. Unsymmetrical = check. Awesome = triple check. We are also aalll about hanging concert tickets and fun cards, although they all remained at 100%. Hah. http://theselflife.com/2011/08/01/guest-room-tweakin/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Such a sweet little cluster! And those curtains are awesome!

      xo,
      s

  29. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:06 am

    LOVE IT! You guys definitely have “the eye” for hanging pictures/art. I am working on hanging items on our picture wall along the staircase, trying to get the non-symetric layout it hard but looks awesome when you get something good.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Ade@FortheLoveofPainting[email protected] says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I love how all of your framed pictures have a special story!
    I came up with the perfect pinterest idea…can’t wait to show you! Hey I may even give it as a few Christmas gifts…

    Reply
  31. Avatar for AndyAndy says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I would use some of the orange flowers that are in grocery stores right now to test drive the pops of orange idea. Or plumy purples. Kmart usually has Martha Stewart Christmas stuff in plumy purples, you might find a runner there. You could sew something too, maybe from place mats?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

      Fun ideas!

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for KrystalKrystal says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    This is very weird and it’s been happening for about a week now, but this post doesn’t show up when I go straight to YoungHouseLove.com however it does show up when I go to the website through the Facebook link. I just thought I’d let you know. About the art: I am absolutely loving the Richmond typographic map and wish I could find one for either of my two hometowns (it’s been about a year of searching without hope).

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

      Sounds like a cache-ing issue with your comp. If you empty your browser’s cache it should pop right up! Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for KrystalKrystal says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:12 am

      That did the trick! Thank you.

  33. Avatar for jordanjordan says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    It is so fun to see you adding layers! Is the black chair a keeper in the room, or just a temporary fill in(looks good, just curious)?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

      It’s actually brown leather! Yes, it’s staying for now. We use it a lot more than we did in our bedroom (to read to Clara, etc) and love how it works with the dark desktop (although in the pics it looks much darker than it does in person).

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for LisaLisa says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:15 am

      Just curious – what do you have in that corner of your bedroom now, where the leather chair was?

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:40 am

      The rocker I upholstered is hanging out there now.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for LisaLisa says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      Ah, of course! Sure wish I had the smarts to keep a cohesive pallet and style throughout my house like you have. My rooms are all so different, it’s impossible to move furniture, pillows, art, etc between rooms. And go figure, Hubby won’t let me “start from scratch” and re-do the whole house! :-(

  34. Avatar for Brandi @ His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    It looks great! The office is really coming together! I would have never thought of blowing something up to fit a frame, even though now it seems like such a no brainer…

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Wom-mom EthneWom-mom Ethne says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:08 am

    There’s nothing I love better than hanging my kids’ art. You can give her holiday-themed colors to make lots of decor for any given holiday. Love that + it’s free or almost free.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for KateKate says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

    Oops… little typo — I think in the last paragraph you meant “copy shop” not “coffee shop”. Fun art :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:10 am

      Haha, you’re right! Thanks!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for StefanieStefanie says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

    Love this post! Your office looks great. I take lots of inspiration for artwork from your home.
    In regards to roman shades…have you DIY’d them before? I’m looking to put light colored shades in a linen fabric in my kitchen but all the ones I’ve come across are EXPENSIVE! Do you know a place that has them on the cheap or how do I DIY them?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:10 am

      I have pinned some things over on Pinterest about how to make them. For cheap ones you can try Ikea too!

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for ESBlondieESBlondie says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

    Looks straight out of a magazine PRETTY!!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for heatherheather says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:10 am

    From one blogger to another, I have about 30 yards of burlap at my house (from my wedding) including a bunch of table runners. I will gladly send you one. Or yards of burlap. Please. Take it from me. I’m in burlap overload.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:18 am

      Aw Heather you’re so sweet! Our no-swag policy keeps us from accepting but it’s so kind of you!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for heatherheather says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      No problem! I thought that only applied to businesses, etc. not readers too, but I completely understand! I got ours at Joannes with a coupon, I think I paid $1.99 a yard – maybe. They have all different colors too, not just natural.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:39 pm

      Thanks so much for the tip! We’ll have to check out JoAnn!

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for StaciStaci says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Typo in the last paragraph, I’m sure you meant copy shop not blowing up a coffee shop ;) Unless you’re the rabid anti-Starbucks types…

    Love the art, and the balance is 100% perfect.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:17 am

      Thanks! All fixed.

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for ReenieReenie says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Love it :)

    Reply
  42. Avatar for mollymolly says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Nope, never had copies made at a coffee shop!!!! hehe

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:17 am

      Haha- all fixed.

      xo,
      s

  43. Avatar for Krysta @ Domestic for DummiesKrysta @ Domestic for Dummies says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:11 am

    I love it! It looks much more complete. Can’t wait to see what kind of rug you pick out!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Paige @ Final Clothes-OutPaige @ Final Clothes-Out says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I love the room even more now that it has art! I didn’t think it would make such an impact, but it really pulls everything together.

    The quirkiest thing we have framed on a wall is a record of “our song.” It’s in a frame that’s glass on both sides, so you can see the wall color in the negative space.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for bridget b.bridget b. says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:12 am

    this looks great. the arrangement is perfect and i really like that this wall contains only inanimate objects/prints. i’ve been wanting to do a gallery wall in our living room, but i was weary about picture over-load since we already have a gallery wall of actual pictures in our front entry hallway.

    if the living room wall contains meaningful objects (but no pictures) it should work out well.

    i also never would have thought about upgrading mats with paint or colored paper. great idea.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Kristen @ Popcorn on the StoveKristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:15 am

    I love that both sides are different! It works so well :)

    Reply
  47. Avatar for AnnelieseAnneliese says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:16 am

    This is one of my all-time favorite posts of yours… the art is spot-on and so personal (love that!)

    Have you ever considered a round rug for that room? Seems like it would echo some of the other circular things going on (light fixture/side table) and bring in some curves. It would also keep the rug out of your chairs’ way…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:17 am

      I actually have thought about that a bit! It’s a bit harder to find them but we’re definitely open to that possibility too!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for CarolCarol says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:47 am

      I am a stickler for function and it would make me crazy if my chair fought with the rug every time I sat down and stood up from my desk chair (many, many times considering all the water and potty breaks!) Anneliese’s great suggestion also made me think of an asymmetrical hide (that would just happen to perfectly correspond to the extra spaces needed to move your chairs??!!) I think Ikea might have some. It’s hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like a narrower rectangle will look like a runner? Anyway, if anyone can find a solution to a tricky problem, I’m sure you two will!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 12:37 pm

      A faux cowskin is definitely another option! We love the idea of breaking up all the angles with something a little more organic!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Karen JKaren J says

      October 28, 2011 at 12:42 pm

      I like the idea of a round or faux hide rug too. I’m dying to try this faux antelope rug but haven’t figured out a place to put it. Maybe someone else can use it:

      http://fabulousfurs.com/product.asp?pn=11089ANTELOPE58X93

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 28, 2011 at 1:37 pm

      Ooh so cool!

      xo,
      s

  48. Avatar for MeaghanMeaghan says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:16 am

    Oh, I just love it. This is my favourite room of your house. Even though, they are all really my favourites. It’s so hard to choose!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:20 am

      Aw thanks Meaghan!

      xo,
      s

  49. Avatar for JaimeJaime says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Very nice! I like it a lot. The chairs make sense to me now. You really have a knack for design.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Erin S.Erin S. says

    October 27, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Snow City Cafe!!! I’m drinking coffee out of my Snow City mug right now! Love that place — we went there for a delicious lunch when we visited Alaska a few years ago. . . and we also posed for lots of silly pictures since our last name is Snow. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 27, 2011 at 10:20 am

      Isn’t that place the best? We talk about it weekly. Sometimes daily now that we have our new art. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Elisa @ The Self LifeElisa @ The Self Life says

      October 27, 2011 at 11:24 am

      OH man — I’ve been wanting to go to Alaska for ages and you guys are not helping! Hah!

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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