Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Desk Set


I love getting a peek at other people's desks. They usually include favorite pictures, and treasured bits and pieces of a life. They can be utilitarian or beautiful, or sometimes both. I guess I like the fact that they can be a window to the personality. Does this make me nosy? Probably.







I am lucky to have two desks. This red one belonged to my mother. My father bought it somewhere second-hand, and painted it for her. She used to keep her favorite prints in the drawers, and small porcelain statues in the slots. It now stands in our library, and I use it to keep my camera, some small prints that need framing, and cherished photos. There is always a bit of old fabric on it, and lots of ever-changing bits and pieces of china. The lyre-backed chair belonged to my aunt.










My second desk is in our bedroom. My husband and I bought this together when we were first married. It actually came with a top piece that has glass shelves and a pediment, but I like it better without. This is where I keep our important documents, and several sentimental things that belonged to my mother and my aunt.






I love small flower prints, so right now there is a painting of a yellow primrose leaning up against the back. Above it we have a group of family pictures, and underneath are pretty boxes for all those boring documents. The caned chair was my mother's, and a needlepoint pillow makes it a little more comfortable.






What do you keep on your desk?






21 comments:

  1. I don't have a desk :( Other than this nasty computer desk which I HATE with a passion. Yours are beautiful!

    Love,
    Julie

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  2. What beautiful desks! I agree with the Julie's comment from earlier, all I have is an ugly computer desk...I would love to have such a gorgeous desk for personal correspondence and such.

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  3. I love both of you desk! I have been looking forever and just not found one. this post makes me wanna go search!

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  4. Your desks are so pretty and organized! I've got way too much stuff on my desk, but now I'm inspired to clean it up!
    Thanks for the nice comment on my blog!
    Donna

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  5. Just found your blog and noticed how much we have in common... I'm 50... menopause on the way... collect antigues, have a antique roll top, sewing desk, office desk made of a formica top on two filing cabinets and antique secretary. Your desks are fab! I collect the same blue willow. My kitchen is black and red (not my style) LOVE yours! Cindy in Tacoma

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  6. I love your desks, they are both very beautiful! It's a good thing you can't see my daughter's desk (it is so covered with bits and pieces that I'm amazed she can find anything!)
    Kim x

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  7. Both of your desks are beautiful, Mary! I love old-fashioned desks with lots of cubbyholes and secret compartments to stash things in. I have a small writing desk but I'd like an old roll-top someday. ~ hugs, Lynda ♥

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  8. I'd be embarrassed to show my desk. It is knee deep in crap! Maybe I'll show it anyhow-it might get me to clean it up.

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  9. Both your desks are beautiful. I love the colour of the red desk especially - looks like the perfect place to sit and write letters. I have a secretary desk that holds my favourite little collectibles and a few favourite small books. On top I have photos of family & a framed 4leaf clover.

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  10. I love your desks! Now I am thinking about painting mine the color of yours :)

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  11. What wonderful desks. I love them both. You have them both so well arranged!
    We have one in our basement family room...there are family photos, a desk mat, a teak pencil holder made by a dear family friend. There is an old fashioned radio on it's second shelf, a carving Bill brought back from Africa.

    In our study there is a small secretary with family treasures, a sweet little lamp, books and old letters. A magnifying glass from England, my Grandfather's pocket watch and Bill's grandfather's spectacles.

    Your rooms are so lovely, so warm and such an inspiration to me.

    Hugs dear Mary,
    Sue

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  12. I am going to email you a pic of my desk (but not one of my computer desk...it is ugly !)Thanks for sharing your 2 pretty desks with us.
    bj

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  13. I'm so glad you can't see my desk. It is piles of piles! What a mess and I even have piles on the floor. Your's is so tidy and lovely!

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  14. Agreeing with everyone else, both of your desks are just gorgeous, as is the rest of your home from what I've seen. I'll have to take a photo of my desk later and post it on my blog for you to see. Certainly not as nice as yours, but I'm working on it!
    Amanda(aka Cottage Contessa)

    http://jacarandacottage.blogspot.com/

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  15. Your desks are far more lovely and tidy than my desks. I especially like the red one. It is gorgeous!

    My upstairs desk is where the computer lives along with pens, paper and whatever toy my son has happened to lay down.

    Downstairs is my desk, where I keep photos and sewing project ideas.
    Rhonda

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  16. I love both desks! I have wanted a desk like either of them for my bedroom a long time. Sadly there is no room in my bedroom :-(.

    My desk, has my computer, back issues of decorating magazines, decorating books, invoices for my website, etc...
    Penny

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  17. Hi Mary! I left a comment on here earlier saying that I would post photo's on my blog of my desk for you to see. The photo's are there now whenever you have the chance to check it out. Fun post!
    Amanda(aka Cottage Contessa)

    http://jacarandacottage.blogspot.com/

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  18. I am not only impressed that you have beautiful desks, but that you can show them on your blog. It would take me about a week to uncover mine. And that would be WAY too much effort!

    Melissa

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  19. mine certainly isn't that tidy. I admire your clean desktop!

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  20. Your desks remind me of one my mother had. It was an antique roll-top that had belonged to my great grandmother. When great grandma passed away, it had been sold to an antique dealer. Mom made dad drive 4 hours to the dealer and they bought the desk! It now sits in my sister's home; so beautifully decorated.
    Mine, well not much for decoration; but a few gourds that I half heartedly attempted to use to add a flair of fall amongst the piles of papers and sticky notes!

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  21. I love your desks. They're both tidy and elegant, and speak to the love you have for your family. My desk is a bit more eclectic and, well, chaotic. If you're interested, I have a couple of pictures of it on my blog: http://dustbunniesinthegarden.blogspot.com/2011/01/admissions.html

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!