Office Inspiration from Ballard

Yesterday, I began putting together some plans for my future office.  Since I was working on this plan while my sweet little boy rested between attacks of a nasty stomach virus, it was hard to stay focused.  Everyone in the school seems to be coming down with this stomach bug.  My 9 year old had it two weeks ago and unfortunately, my 6 year old had it all day yesterday.  Then last night he came down with a 102 degree fever so I kept him home today.

I was relieved to see him bounce out of bed this morning and back to his cheerful little self.  Today he is just taking it easy while I spoil him with all my attention.  Although, I think he already got tired of me because he asked if he could go play Wii for awhile.  Oh well, I will snuggle him more later.  Now that I have a little time to get on the computer, I will show you what I came up with last night.

As you might remember, (see Hardwood Floor Shopping), I am in the process of choosing a hardwood floor for my future office.  I think I am narrowing it down to a medium tone stained hickory.  Although I love the darker stains and woods, I do have light colored golden retriever fur flying around my house.  Plus, the hardwoods in my living room and dining room are medium colored.  I haven't ordered the floor yet but I am getting close.

Once I get the floors installed, I would like to start using the room as soon as possible so I started planning the look I want in there.  Last night I got caught up on the Ballard Designs website and came up with a tentative plan using just pieces from them.

This is my first mood board/collage - whatever you want to call it.  Well, actually I did make a Style Board recently, but this collage is my first attempt at a specific room.  I am sure there are more professional ways to design it but basically, I imported pictures into Picasa and made a collage.  Then I copied the collage to my hard drive and then went on to PicMonkey.  On PicMonkey, I added the watermark and the numbers to label the pieces.  (Yeah, I know you can't really see the desk very well but it was my first attempt!)

As stated above, all the pieces are from Ballard Designs.

1.  Fabric for Curtains - Cisco Blue

2.  Suzanne Kasler Small Gourd Lamp

3.  Rebecca Chair

4.  Delaney Pendant Lantern

5.  Bornova Side Table

6.  Lanier 36" Wall Clock

7.  Tuscan Bookcases

8.  Oval Lewis Sidechair with Hayley Blue Fabric

9.  Drawer Desk
10.  Woven Hurricanes

11.  Sepia State Map

12.  Suzanne Kasler Wide Stripe Rug

13.  Callisa Stripe Fabric (for pillow)

14.  Durham Console

15.  Giant Clam Shell

16.  Newport Baskets

Here is a picture of the layout I drew recently.

I just added in all the Ballard pieces to see what would fit.

It's not a huge room at approximately 12'5" X 11'4" (plus the little doorway area and closet.)  I think I like the idea of a bookcase wall with the desk in front of it.  That way I can see the doorway and out the window...because the whole feng shui thing is important to me for an office where I hope to be productive!  I am still not 100% sure I will use that layout because I also like the idea of the desk facing the wall with shelves above.  If I did that, I would add two chairs in front of the bookcases to give more of a library feel.

Anyway, that's where I am with my office plan.  It does take me awhile to make decisions, so don't be surprised if I change my plans a bit!  I am starting from scratch in that room and sometimes that is even harder than working with a few things you already own!  I don't think I have ever started with a blank slate before.

Do you plan a room in advance or do you just let it evolve as you go along?

Have you been hit with the stomach bug this winter?

Linking to:
The Dedicated House - Make it Pretty Monday
Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesdays Treasures
Not Just a Housewife - Show Me What Ya Got
DIY by Design - Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Home Stories A to Z - Tutorials and Tips Link Party
Design your Dwelling - Mood Board Link Party
Embracing Change - Creative Inspirations Linky Party
Chic on a Shoestring - Flaunt It Friday

Common Ground - Be Inspired Friday
Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading Link Up
View Along the Way - Monday Funday