Hello and happy weekend. It’s our weekend round-up time with Juliet and Elizabeth and I’m sharing a few things that popped on my radar this week..
My little office space is finally done and thought I’d share. After a wait, my desk chair arrived and the whole thing came together pretty easily once I made the decision to make this small space my own. I had originally wanted this space, which was our former kitchen, to be a small conversation or game spot for my kids, but that really didn’t happen. Since it’s been sitting here kind of unused, except for when I popped in here and read, it really became the perfect spot for a small study. My friend April suggested it, and once it was in my brain, it took off from there.
It kind of began with the rattan bookshelf from Serena & Lily which fit in a small niche here, and then this rug, ordered last year, seemed perfect and whimsical. After Christmas, I finally went for it and bought a desk and a chair. All my personal favorite furniture pieces are in here -a cool piece of art, a couple of swivel chairs, a white lamp I love, and a rattan chair with a cozy throw so my co-worker, Ms Cat, can snuggle nearby. I have a little succulent plant in a white pot, a vase that holds my pencils and pens, and a tray for odds and ends. My shelf has some of my Domino magazine collection, rope baskets to hold cords, etc, and some of my favorite design books. I also have a pouf to rest my feet up on if I want!
My glass desk I chose to keep the area light and as it’s in front of my French doors. I wanted this one from Williams Sonoma, but after seeing the reviews and photos of this one from Living Spaces, I chose it for the slightly smaller size and quite a price difference. They also have a nearly identical one on Wayfair in two sizes. I was very happy with the heavy glass and sturdy frame. My desk chair was also pretty affordable and on sale now and I liked the sherpa look in here with my mix. It’s adjustable height and for me is perfect for support and sitting working many hours.
These are some of the pieces that I used in my office and I tried to add similar choices in other price points..
Clockwise from top left: Love this white lamp , white rope baskets (on sale), Serena & Lily denim rug (similar to mine), and this denim rug, another flatweave denim option, my Balboa bookshelf, this cane bookshelf, and this Pacific Bookcase, Studio McGee boucle pillow, and swivel chair (similar), Anthro vase/pencil cup.
It seems like this week flew by… and our kayak trip to Sausalito last weekend turned out to be a lot of fun. We just kind of meandered along the harbor and went down the house boat ‘streets’ which was great house gawking. Only a sea lion came near and most boats were out in the boat lane. Afterwards we had lunch at a darling spot called Le Garage right at the harbor and it was French bistro food with very a fun vibe, views of the boats, great music and people watching.
After lunch, we drove through Sausalito and it was bustling on a sunny February day. We vowed to go back soon and check out all the little spots with views of the city. If you haven’t been to Sausalito in a while, this is a lovely time of year to go. You can combine it with a kayak or a stroll across the Golden Gate and make a day of it. More photos are on my Instagram.
A story of a local Eichler remodel made its way into Elle Decor this week and this home is a beauty. Built in 1971 for a Stanford professor who was a friend of Eichler, it’s been updated by a new family with four young girls using the spaces in new ways, fresh colors and a mix of patterns and textures. It is so uplifting!
I think this sort of happy, eclectic interior is something we will be seeing a lot more of. People are in their homes much more now and we want light, bright and joyful, don’t you think? I’m sure the kids growing up here are loving it. The mom also sounds very cool and someone who just got a more unisex shoe- the ballet flat, added to the Emoji spectrum, so it’s not just a stiletto for women. I applaud that. The whole story and photos here. The interior was done by the talented Jessica Davis. You can follow her also on Instagram here.
As for fashion, I’ve been obsessing now on puffy bags-quilted ones particularly. I found this quilted tote at Bloomingdales and loved the shape and lightness. I didn’t know it was a dupe of a very expensive Khaite bag! Here I am wearing it -(used my son’s room.)
It also comes in a cream and a smaller cross-body version and other colors. I don’t know how to describe why it’s so appealing, but it has something of a generic chicness to it that I dig and I am tempted to get another.
This is the Khaite bag, nearly identical except it’s leather and this is vegan ‘leather.’
It’s also $2,300 vs $98.
I also noticed Frances Valentine has a version of a quilted ‘puffer’ bag too, and it’s quite cute.
I think these lightweight and easy bags will get even more popular as they feel like nothing to carry and a kind of label-less which I think people want more and more as the designer bag market is so over saturated.
Do you watch Vogue’s Beauty Videos? I love them and was excited to see Brooke Shields, who is also 56, on this week. She’s very real and it’s nice seeing people without their makeup. I can feel better about all my spots and blotches and I like her tips ..
I worked for 6 years in cosmetics at Nordstrom back when I was going to school and I still am a bit obsessed with skincare and makeup. I’m wondering if you all would be interested in some of my favorite skincare and makeup things if I do a post? I eventually left that job to do an advertising position, but continued to freelance and do makeup for weddings and a few events for a while. It was a fun time in my 20’s and I met so many cool people and learned loads about skincare and makeup… Perhaps more stories for another day!
Now please go see what great ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you this week..
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
Have a beautiful weekend!
x Kim
You might also like : Signature Style: Leopard in the Wardrobe, our Signature Style post for the month was last Tuesday and a lot of fun.
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Hi … office space looks great and interesting location. Hopefully it won’t become a drop zone like it would in my house. Can you tell us more about your sons room? Source on + blanket and wall hanging? Working on redoing a boys room and those pieces would fit right in. Thank you.
Hi thank you! So far, it hasn’t gotten to be too much of a drop zone and we have a little mud room space right next to it, so maybe that helps!
I’m glad you liked his room! It’s mostly him. I helped find the bedding. I think it’s hard to find inspiring guy’s rooms!
The Swiss Cross blanket is our favorite thing in the house- and I actually bought four, as both guys wanted to take one with them. The quality is excellent and they are very nicely made. Here is a link to it. https://rstyle.me/+U5fKLAE1w-Ea4_IMA8XJWQ
As far as the wall hanging you can find it here and it comes in different sizes https://rstyle.me/+FCfPnHVhaIRF_9Ki-BsHvQ
His bedding (duvet cover) is from IKEA and is you can find it here: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vitkloever-duvet-cover-and-pillowcase-s-white-black-check-40490638/
I hope that helps!
Thank you very much for providing links!
LOVE THE OFFICE!
THIS IS ON THE WAY TO THE LAUNDRY ROOM AND GARAGE RIGHT?
YOU WILL LIVE IN HERE!I WILL LIVE ON YOUR FRONT PATIO AND YOU CAN LIVE HERE!!!
Eichler………I have never seen the name spelled BEFORE!There are a lot of these homes in NORTHERN MARIN COUNTY.I grew up hearing the name and had a few friends who lived in them.Very spacious and OPEN for the light to stream in.
WE HAVE A KAYAK as well but ours is for TWO……..MAYBE we can meet up in SAUSALITO and do it together!
XXX
Thanks Elizabeth! Yes it’s right next to the mudroom/laundry, which is sort of convenient. Yes I think this space and the front patio are my two favorite spots. You know I sometimes dream of living in an Eichler. I just love the atriums and windows. They are the perfect California home. Hey we need a kayak meet-up maybe?!! xo
Love your tote bag! I just git a new tennis bag from Oliver Thomas that is rose gold puffy nylon and am living it. You can customize them with patches. You should check them out. Tennis?
Suzie, I know these totes are kind of fun. I will check out those tennis bags! Thanks so much for the tip.
I would definitely be interested in reading your makeup tips. Like your office.
Thank you Linda!
Yes, makeup tips would be very welcome! Love the office and this entire post! More on your son’s bedroom please. Very cool! Kim, I so enjoy your blog. It has a different feel (more personal?) than many of the blogs I follow and love. Great read!
Hi Catherine, Sure I will share more about Griffin’s bedroom soon. That really is such a nice thing to say about the blog and it means a lot!
Hi Kim,
Your new office is perfection! I admire how quickly and effortlessly you put this together. You have such a good eye, real California style! I think it will be a pleasure for you to work in the space, it’s so light and all the texture makes it cozy, too.
Your puffy bag is chic and looks great on you!
Make up tips would be fun, although I do tend to stick to the same old products from the drug store.
Glad your trip to Sausalito was so nice. My girls and I are going to take the ferry over from SF next weekend and do a little exploring, can’t wait!
Have a great weekend.
Xo Heidi
Heidi, thanks so much. I’m loving the light in the space. I use a mix of skincare and cosmetics, some high and some drug store things too. I am excited for your girl’s trip and I hope it’s a lot of fun! Happy weekend Heidi! xo
Good morning, Kim! You hooked me in with with puffy purses but I can’t stop looking at (and pinning) your beautiful new office. I think we need a meanderings planning session … in your office, of course. I’ll plant myself in one of those great swivel chairs and ideas with spring forth. As for cosmetics … I had no idea you worked at Nordy’s for so long … and in cosmetics. We need to hear more … and get your product recommendations. Yes, yes, yes. My husband loves an Eichler. In his previous life he owned one … in Palo Alto or Mountain View or somewhere over there. Imagine what that house is worth now. Best not think about it. .Wishing you a happy weekend! xo
Juliet I know who knew puffy bags? Thanks about my office. Yes we can do it here and you can put your feet up on the poufs! Lol. Oh my Nordstrom past..Some good stories! Wow I didn’t know Jim was an Eichler fan and cool he owned one. We have some real estate regrets too. As a Californian I swear we can’t think about what money we could have made or lost in property. Too upsetting! Hope your weekend is great.xo
I love you office ! So chic !!! Looks like you had a great trip! and those purses! Until I saw the price Lol thanks for sharing a better price point! Thinking I may order one from your site!!
Have a great weekend!
Hi Mary Anne! Thanks so much. I know love the puffy purses. Can you believe the price difference? I mean part of me just knows the quality is probably wonderful, but the markup is crazy. Hope your weekend is lovely! x
Kim your new office looks beautiful! I love the desk, the bookcase and the view! Your kayak trip looks like fun, my husband and I used to kayak all the time, we had a kayak for two, but then we took up paddle boarding and sold the kayak. I am definitely interested in hearing more about skin/make-up. I have never been a make-up person, I typically wear eye liner and mascara. A). Because I do not have a clue how to put it on. B). I have very sensitive skin and C). I am lazy. I might need to do a tutorial with you just like Cindy did with Sandra!
Love your new bag! Thank you for sharing , it is fun to meander with you and Juliet! Have a fabulous day.
Thanks Elizabeth about the office. How nice you switched to paddle boarding. I think it’s a great workout and so challenging! I haven’t done it as much, but in a lake like Tahoe, I feel safer. Nice to know about the makeup/skincare thing. A lot of people are in the same boat. I think we are similar as I didn’t really wear makeup until I was recruited into the cosmetics department while working in retail during college. I do now credit that with any skill I have with makeup. I was clueless before. I also have rosacea and very sensitive skin which stinks, but I’ve figured some things that help. A tutorial would be fun. Sandra might be better than me. She’s practically a pro now. I agree love our meanderings! Have a great weekend! xo
Hi Kim, I came across your website a little while ago and really like your mix of topics and the natural, relaxed vibe of your posts. Very relatable! Enjoy your office- it’s lovely! And, yes please, to posts about makeup/skincare, which I am semi-obsessed with, along with fashion and home decor!
Hi Anna and thank you so much! Really appreciate it and that it is relatable. Thank you about the office too!
Yes, please, on the makeup tips. Really enjoyed the Brooke Shields video. And your office looks great! I’m definitely checking out the Living Spaces desk.
Love this new Saturday post!
Thanks so much Sarah! I will share my makeup tips soon . I’m glad you liked the Brooke video. The Living Spaces desk is definitely well made, sturdy and nice quality for a desk. xx
What a great looking space you’re created for your your own niche. Will you be able to keep your mind on your work with the view of your pool and pretty yard? I just had to buy a new desk chair also and really liked the look of this when I was on Wayfair. However, I was afraid of the light color and it soiling so steered away from it for another. This was my #1 though so I hope it works out well for you. Yes to your make up and skin care hints because you always have a natural look ( and you’re in another animal print that didn’t make it into your previous post!) Happy weekend, Kim.
H Wren! I know I do get distracted easily.. LOL. I hope you’re enjoying your chair. Let’s hope I can keep it looking good. I’m not the so good stain abatement..You were probably smarter! You noticed my leopard and floral blouse. I was going to out it in the leopard post, but I thought I’d save it for this one. Thanks door noticing. Hope you have a great weekend too! xo
Love the quilted bags!! And your office is perfect.
Thanks Mary Ann! They are kind of fun. xo
What a lovely space! Now I can imagine you when you write your blogs. So thrilled you have a dedicated area to call your own. I’m still working from my armchair 😂
Thanks so much Sarah. Well I did almost 10 years writing at the kitchen counter, so it feels good finally! xo
Hi Kim, your new office space looks gorgeous – enjoy working in it!
I would LOVE for you to write about skin care, make up etc. – you must have learned a lot in those 6 years. I especially love reading about skin care. I’m looking forward to watching the Brooke video. xx
Hi Patricia! Thank you so much. Really enjoying finally having a space of my own. Okay I am working on the skincare! I loved the Brooke clip. xo