okay - some photos

alright, alright... pictures of my little design studio

BUT, before I show you my tiny world of design... I insist on sharing this quote with you... it has been taped to my computer screen since the birth of this business...

"Goodness is more important than greatness,

And compassion more eventful than passion."

- Sambo Mockbee

Are you familiar with Sambo Mockbee? If not, you should read this, written by DK Ruth, a professor I had for History of Architecture while at Auburn. Sambo Mockbee's daughter Carol was a fellow Interior Design grad with me at Auburn. Her father (a professor of Architecture and creator behind the Rural Studio) passed away during our time at Auburn, but his legacy (built on goodness and compassion) will forever live on.  If my memory serves me right - that quote came from this book. So many designers get caught up in being "great" but how sad to miss the "goodness" in this business, I hate to think that it is rare to sincerely love "your job" and to do it with compassion for others. Okay... the pictures...       

Paisley - definitely the sweetest little thing in this place.

Left side of my credenza... still deciding where to hang my collection of letter Es.  Mega bulletin board is nothing fancy... just a 4' x 8' board from Staples - I covered it in white duck canvas and added upholstery tacks.  If you are a Mac lover - you may wonder why I don't have one... one reason: AutoCAD.  Not compatible with a Mac.  Maybe some day.  I've thought about getting a Mac for graphics and presentation stuff... but we'll see. 

Right side of credenza... more inspiration stuff on bulletin board... handy dandy {almost vintage now} HP all-in-one which I use for scanning only... little engine that could.  Diploma, sideways, waiting for the perfect place to hang her.  Heather - see your bedside table fabric... your skirts shipped Monday - get excited (I really wanted it to be a surprise, but I just blew it)!!

 

Penelope... guard dog... she bit Buddy (the UPS man) last week.  She's still grounded. Blurry because she's fast and moves a lot.

Printer station... (big bad printer bottom left) wall hung sorting cabinet (antique mall Nashville $14)- can't see it too well... but it's crunchy and peeling and from beneath the ivory paint is a light blue.  Makes me smile.  This sorter holds biz cards, paint fan decks, specialty paper, tags, envelopes, stamps, stickers, etc.  Beneath it hangs an Ikea rod that holds cup for scissors, box cutters, Xacto knives.  Afore mentioned orange boxes from dad.  White lamp waiting for a home.

Receipt center... not very exciting, but very necessary.  More daily system bins from PB in the filing closet - too messy to photograph now.

Bathroom. Chance and I laid every piece of that subway tile.  I used to like subway tile.

Only one mirror is hung... so I'll save a wide angle shot for later.  Behind those mirrors is the shower area (still awaiting frameless glass to separate vanities from wet shower area)... see shower head coming from ceiling.  Towel warmers... not being put to good use - hanging curtain panels from them... curtains on towel warmer go in window behind tub... will take another picture later when they are hung.  Shower system is Grohe.  If you want a sweet shower system - go Grohe.  When the shower is done (floor isn't even grouted yet) I'll snap some more shots - there are 2 shower heads (ceiling) and 2 body sprays, 2 thermo valves (dual temperatures) and 2 towel warmers (so no one has to share)... hope someday to use this shower! Oh and also in the shower... there is a bath tub niche... I insisted... more later.

Front entry - my baby... a circa 1925 (art deco) wedding cake light fixture.  Re-wired by my husband. Dad and mom gave this to me for Christmas 5 years ago.  I found it here... Joe Ley Architectural Salvage in Louisville, Kentucky. I lost sleep over this when I saw it - didn't buy it - then went back the following week and it was gone.  Upset would be an understatement.  Gone, only because my dad tore down there and bought it for me. Thanks dad. Love you.

Wide shot of my space.

I'm sort of embarrassed that this is what I refer to as a "clean desk".

And... the "tidy" women work here at this big island... {scary how obvious by the cleanliness}:

Archipelago candle from Patchouli's (best little apothecary shop in the world)... Pink Grapefruit is the flavor.  MMMM. 

Where's Waldo?  Do you see Penelope?  Barn doors that separate me and my mess from the tidy women in my world. Barn doors from Architectural Heritage in Birmingham, Alabama.  Bought them online, risky, but sometimes risky is worth it.  School house pendant over my desk... old and original from Apalachicola annual yard sale (paid $8 for it - bought all 5 that the guy had) rewired myself.

 

Little niche by front door... the Keep Calm that was damaged in shipping, new and perfect one is at the frame shop.  Do you know Keep Calm?  Their service was unreal. My "eye chart" as Chance refers to it... is being framed right now too:

read: You Can Rarely See What Is Right In Front Of You

Kitchen... stainless sink system (5 sinks in an 11' long single unit) came from a side-of-the-road flea market in Alabama (photos in Christmas recap post).  Icemaker (nearest) and 18" dishwasher (awaiting stainless panel) finally were installed this weekend (thank you Chance). GM boys checking on a stainless panel for the dishwasher. Uncoated brass (the only way to do brass - "uncoated" meaning it will patina) cabinet pulls custom designed by me and my plumbing supplier.  They will patina out to a dull brass.  They are intended for plumbing - used around here for the popular "Seaside Shower" - outdoor showers that weather well with salt water air.  Love the contrast against the stainless.  The ikea lights have brass fittings on them also, but the light is so glared you can hardly tell (sorry the picture quality stinks).  Upper cabinets from my precious friend Jen's father.  A plumber in the hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio scored those 2 when they "upgraded" the cabinets in the hospital many many years ago.  Jen's father {"Pops"} gave us these cabinets (as in, they were free) and we are forever grateful.  WE LOVE THEM.  They have shelves - we still need to put them in.

Opposite the sinks (galley kitchen) are the under-counter fridge, freezer, and slide in dual-fuel range. And just what everyone keeps atop their freezer - rug samples and hanging files. And the gray rubbermaid storage box will soon make its way to the garage.

The floors are Benjamin Moore "Camouflage".

Upper counters - Cloud White Zodiaq Quartz. Would have been Carrara Marble, but I found a remnant of Cloud White.

 

Vintage coke machine also serves as a great dog food and water bowl station.

Basket storage and bulletin board shelf... not being put to very good use... need to be better about "putting things back".

I spared you the conference table, because I had a meeting and "messed" it up today.

The end.

Comments

[Kathryn]

I love your bulletin board with the nail head studded border! Thanks for sharing these!

[Courtney]

Your space is insane! You are incredibly talented Erika. OK - you MUST come down to Houston for say, like, 6 months. I'll hire you to redo my space and make it so much cooler - just like yours - and I'll take you on a Houston jaunt and to the Bingo Hall. Deal?

[Heather Spencer]

YEAH!! What a great surprise for me. I'm so excited. I didn't want to ask with all of the other craziness in your life but how exciting!! I love, love, love your office space, it is beautiful. Your bathroom is amazing. I simply must go to some yard sales with you!

Hey, if you guys ever need a place to crash in DC our doors are always open. We are perfectly happy to be a bed and breakfast, unfortunately with so many kiddos it's hard to entertain during the day, but I'm sure you guys could find plenty to do downtown!!

gotta run, baby SCREAMING, which I ignored while I read your fab post...I'm a bad Mom

H

P.S. LOVE Joe Lays!!!

[darby]

Love it! Love the kitchen pulls! Everything looks fabulous! Especially those two little terriuahahs (sp?)! Thanks for sharing and tell Chance not to worry about having it all cleaned up... it looked cleaned up to me! And by the way, you and Chance didn't lay ALL those tiles by yourself... Justin had to of done about 100!! :) Love you!

[Anna]

Love the pics, friend! I hope to get over there for another surprise visit soon :)

Hope things are going well and "Way to go" on the blog feature!! Super cool!

(I can't wait to build a house one day and hire you ;) )

[Jenn]

I want it alllllllllllll

[arre]

girl - do you realize your office features a much more fabulous bath and kitchen than most people not only ever have but seldom even SEE?! WOW! everything looks so very you. i can't wait to see it in real life (which i do intend to do) xo

[Jan Anderson]

Yes, I knew him well. I dated him at Ole Miss some and he also designed a house for us in Clinton, MS....our favorite of all our houses. He was a wonderful architect and man.
Jan

[kristin (etter) horlings]

erika,
can i please come live at your studio??? it looks fabulous, and i love that you shared so many pics. you and your puppies must feel right at home when you're burning the midnight oil! :)
love,
kristin

[Pink Wallpaper]

erika- seriously?! i mean your office is AWESOME! i have so much design envy, i cannot even begin to tell you? you totally put me to shame...are you hiring :)
i adore your space and the kitchen is super fab...i cannot tell you how much i love the kitchen pulls! i would say so much more but i am becoming depressed the more i stare at my pitiful space i even attempt to call an "office".

[Tegan]

okay, i thought surely this was a mix of your house and your office, then i read all of the comments and i realized this was your office only! i'm freaking out right now, you are so talented and should be featured in every major design magazine that i read!!! i love EVERYTHING about your office! i also plan to pop in one day and see it in person. great job!

[erika]

everyone is so freakin' nice! this is a nice treat to see these comments after being in a cabinet meeting since 9am this morning. Jan, I totally envy that you had a Mockbee house! I hope you will show me pictures. Shannon (Pink Wallpaper) I am hiring, come on down! {And I've seen some pictures of your house on your blog, you crazy woman! I ain't got nothin' on you!}
xoxo
e

[Rachel]

What a downright fabulous space to work in. Love everything you've done.

[Sara LeCroy]

sorry, I posted this comment under your kitchen post. I love everything. I saw where you said you've tired of subway tile. I am about to redo a bathroom and love subway but feel it's just been done by everyone I know. Can you rec. any alternatives?

[jennifer Ramos]

WOW, i LOVE your entire set up. where did you get the butcher block desktop? Ikea?? I had those in my old house....but am looking for something similar for a custom desk in my office.. Your place is the COOLEST i must say ive seen online so far. Great job.

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards'
www.madebygirl.com

[liz]

Loving your space. You must be somewhere near me because no one else knows where Apalachicola is! Please tell WHEN the annual yard sale is. I would LOVE to go!

[ashley]

I've been meaning to comment on this since I saw it - your office is awesome! I guess I didn't realize you were out on your own - with real employees and everything! You are really living the dream. Looks fabulous! Keep the posts coming...

[Paloma (La Dolce Vita)]

Your space is amazing! There are so many things that I love. Your inspiration board, the lighting, subway tile, the girly details, I could just go on. I can't think of a single thing I would change!

[Joni Webb]

Loving your office - just found your blog. you are so organized. It makes me so jealous. A bin for receipts? Ingenious. I'm going to steal that idea.

Joni
cote de Texas

[Diana Jung]

Hi, I'm a huge fan of your blog and I love this office, I have it bookmarked, it's so inspiring to me. I noticed the white wood floors, can you tell me how you achieved that look? I would love to have the same in my office and rip out the carpet. I don't know if I need to look for white wood, or if this a finish. Thanks so much. Feel free to email me if its easier, I so appreciate it!

[Grohe Faucets]

haha its bad-dog! cute lil guy :D how many years is he?
-James

[Diana]

Hi Erika,

Wanted to share with you my office since your space inspired me. I think you'll know what idea I borrowed from you :)

http://silverspoonstudio.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/welcome-pictures-of-the-office/

[danielle]

I just found your blog today...and needless to say I am in love. You have a lovely blog. I must ask - where did you get your long desks? I have been looking for something similar. It is hard to find a long desk that is as beautiful as yours! Thanks!

[benson]

Hello Erika-
quick question-when you put the upholstery tacks in the board--don't they pop out of the cork?
thanks!

[Candi]

Such a gorgeous space. I agree with everyone else...I'd love to live here! :)

[Sarah Farrell]

Erika,

I love that you aren't scared to show it all, love it! I love both your office chair and the chairs at the island. I'm familiar with your chair but can't remember exactly, looking for a pair of rolling office chairs? Any ideas...

Thanks!
Sarah
The Estate of Things