Most of the time I enjoy the movement of things. New experiences and growth always lead to unexplored places. Movement in the home and garden also have their place.
last year...
Now....
last year...
Now...
It was always the plan to have the 2 bean girls share a room. The nursery was to become the work room for creating and quiet study time. Though as the transition neared, I found that this movement stopped me dead in my tracks. There will no longer be a nursery in our home. Funny, I have been excited for some time to have a space to create in again. But now I find that I'm moving through the space clearing it similarly to how you would peel off a band-aid. Quick and fast.
The work room is going to be simple. Found objects and using what we have to create this new place for our family.
Inspiration paper and thrift store chair is the start...
closet cleared and supplies starting to get organized...
The movement of this space is bittersweet.
But then again I suppose that's life...
Matching baskets and/or jars are the key to organization, I've found. I've also invested in a label machine...
ReplyDeleteThe garden looks great! Change is always a bit scary :)
Hello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteyour posts are always a joy to read! Today I fell in love with your red chairs. :) I'm sure your transformed room will look amazing too! Have a beautiful week!
That's some positive movement in your garden! I can see how no longer having a nursery can stir up mixed feelings for you but it's quite exciting that your two bean girls are sharing a room and that the family will soon have a new area for creating and studying. Loving the veracity of that quote! Hope your week is off to an amazing start Nicole!
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Ah Nicole ~ your gardens look so pretty and they are filling in so nicely. Don't you love it when everything looks so natural like it just popped up there by itself?
ReplyDeleteYour craft room will be a mixed blessing. It is always hard to let go of the nursery, but you can keep lots of baby things as mementos. I have a box full of precious memories that I will pass to my daughter if she ever leaves home :) Sometimes you have them longer than you expected.
Cindy
Your garden is beautiful, Nicole - so peaceful and tranquil. I love your red chairs and I see the Sweet William is blooming - so is mine! I remember well that bittersweet feeling, but you are right in that you have to keep looking forward. There is so much to celebrate in watching your little ones grow, sharing in all their excitement and adventures and plans for the future. This new room will ease you forward as you dream and create, one beautiful day at a time. I can't wait to see it all unfold. Hugs xo Karen
ReplyDeleteI love the before and after photos of your garden, a good way to see progress. Your garden really is beautiful I love your planting schemes, and your garden furniture.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting designing the new room! Love the design on the wallpaper for your inspiration.
Change is a funny thing, for sure. It's a constant thing and you just have to run with the changes, even though a lot of the time you just want to yell at time to stop moving so quickly.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your garden has filled in beautifully in only a year's time. I see you've got the winding garden path and some really creative and funky eye-catchers in those red chairs(!) and the urn(!). All your hard work has really paid off. I know you're going to come up with some fantastic decorating in the studio too. Something like this will evolve on it's own, and the little pictures and love notes that your kids make just for you are going to find special places in little frames on those walls (am I right?). And all of that will ease the ache of saying goodbye to the nursery. You can never hang onto time when there are kids in the house. They drag you along with them whether you want to change or not. Just go with the flow and you'll always feel great about that next step. Big hugs to you, you sentimental mama ;) Wendy xox
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference from last year. Everything is looking fuller and you're using the space more efficiently, I think. You're very good at this stuff. Have fun with the girls' room. I love that paper and in fact, almost bought myself some note cards in that same pattern when I went to Paper Source in San Francisco. The colors are gorgeous and it will be such a pretty room for them.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking really beautiful and so green! Your inspiration paper is gorgeous, looking forward to seeing what transpires. Happy week to you lovely xoxo
ReplyDeleteThe yard is looking Soooo awesome. That pink Phlox is GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteMy mom had, and still has, a workroom growing up. All her art, craft, sewing supplies are in there. I used to love creating in that space. And now my kids look forward to it. I would kill to have an extra room for that. It was sad when I moved Baby in with The Girl, when we gave The Kid his own room again. Packing up the crib was really hard. REALLY hard. But, they grow up, don't they? Whether we're ready or not.
Great improvements in your garden! Good work!
ReplyDeleteYour garden is GORGEOUS! I can just imagine what you would do with mine.
ReplyDeleteIt is bittersweet when we transition from one stage of life to the next. I know that you and the beans will LOVE having a creative room. Both of my children are creative and I know that it is because we always had supplies and a place for them to make a mess.
Wow , before and after pictures look great! You'll love that new room, so much fun changing things!
ReplyDeleteHello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting to see the before and after pictures of your garden. First, it shows how much hard work to have given to creating this wonderful outdoor space and, secondly it gives many indications of your gardening style.
You clearly have an eye for colour and combinations. Your borders flow harmoniously but, then, you inject an explosion of colour, such as your fabulous red chairs, and the whole composition comes to life. It is these contrasts of light and shade of mass and void, of green and not green which really makes a garden come alive. It is wonderful.
And now you are to turn your skills to the transformation indoors. Already one has a tantalising taste of what is to come. It will be a wonderfully creative space for you and your family. Do not look back!
Your garden is looking fabulous, so verdant and lush - love those red chairs. Looking forward to seeing your workroom as it progresses.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking fabulous, so verdant and lush - love those red chairs. Looking forward to seeing your workroom as it progresses.
ReplyDeleteHello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteHow intriguing it has been for us to see your before and after photographs of the garden. Clearly, the results show that you have put masses of hard work into the development of the garden and also that you have an artistic eye for colour combinations.
The borders flow harmoniously and we love the way that one is occasionally shocked by the inclusion of a vibrant colour such as your red chairs. This makes the garden so much more exciting and dynamic. the contrasts of light and shade, mass and void, harmony and dissonance make a wonderful whole. Lovely.
And now you are turning your hand indoors. The first tantalising glance has been given. This will surely be a place of creative joy for you and your family. Do not look back!
Hello:
ReplyDeleteThis is really a test as we have now written twice on this post and each time the comment has disappeared. We shall try again later.
What a difference a year makes in the garden, eh! Aw about packing up the nursery. They really do grow up so quick.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole, Your garden is beautiful. It's fun to see how much has happened from last year to this one......
ReplyDeleteYour beans are growing up! Being on the other side and looking back.....I can't believe how fast time has gone by and I wish I had cherished each event and age much more than I did. Now......there's nothing like adult daughters! They have given me 3 wonderful grandsons and are two of the best friends I have ever had. Because we are wearing the same "genes", we like the same things and laugh at the same things.....we really enjoy one another. It's a blast! xx Sally
You have so much talent Dear Friend. I love your garden, it looks so peaceful and beautiful. I hope you and your family have a great holiday.
ReplyDeleteyour garden is so so pretty nicole. and i love what you did the nursery. i'm sure the workroom will give new energy to your place. i hope you'll share the progress!
ReplyDeletebeautiful garden, very nice
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks beautiful!!!!! There is such a change from last year to this, everything has grown and filled out and it all looks so settled in now!! I hope that the transition to the new room arrangements all goes well and that you enjoy your new crafting space when it happens and that the beans enjoy themselves too!!! xx
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteOh my sweet I read this in work today & couldn't comment until I got home. I've had such a lovely journey with my eldest son from being a baby into adulthood & am now experiencing all the lasts as my youngest turns into a teenager. A bitter sweet time yes but you have many more adventures to come. Your thrifted chair is fabulous I love it, & your garden is looking as luscious as always! Hope you have a super week, take care xx
ReplyDeleteLove the changes in your garden, in only one year it has become much more grown up and I like the red chairs. I am sure the changes of the room will turn out beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
the growth in your garden is wonderful, Nicole. I'm so envious. Can't wait for my garden to hurry up and grow! Love the paper in your work room. It's going to look lovely. Keep us posted, please....x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful changes! How nice that everything grows!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely rest of the week my friend!
Helga
MOVING right along, girl - I always love seeing what you've been up to - the garden looks incredible this year, but I would expect nothing less from you, my friend! XOXO
ReplyDeleteLovely changes - change is our friend :) That's a great saying too... one good to remember x Beautiful garden :) Have a wonderful week xx
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks just beautiful! I love the contrast of the red furniture.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week ~ and your new work room . . . children bring so much change to our lives, don't they? Mine are 22 and 25 and the changes keep coming! :-)
Your garden is growing and changing!! It's looking like a peaceful oasis!!! Yep, it's bittersweet when you're confronted with the fact that your beans are growing up but that's what they are supposed to do. Kind of a conundrum.. Your indoor changes will be well used - can't wait for more pictures! Have a Happy and Safe 4th!!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have your own space to work in, somewhere where you can leave something out that you are working on, lots of shelves to display your finds - I am envious - I would love a garden room for exactly this - unfortunately we would need a lot bigger garden to fit one in - oh well,. Your garden is changing and evolving and like all gardens has your personality stamped on it. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI think change is a great thing... look how many new doors open to us when we allow ourselves to change! Yes it' sad to see the beans grow but they grow no matter what! Plus selfishly... I really want to see more of that stunning PAPER!! Oh my gosh... you don't need a nursery. You need a you room with all that colour and loveliness :) Have a happy 4th my dear friend, Hazel x
ReplyDeleteYour garden space sure has filled in nicely! I love all of the extras you have here and there. Good luck in your transformation. The paper is awesome! I am sure you will create even more memories in the space where you rocked those beans!
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking so beautiful! What a gorgeous space :) Good luck with the nursery/work room transition, I'm sure it'll be exciting when it's all finished!
ReplyDeleteyour garden is amazingly creative and beautiful. You are a talented lady.
ReplyDeleteNicole, it doesn't take long, does it! (Which can be good OR bad - or rather 'bittersweet').
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking gorgeously lush Nicole! I hope you enjoy creating your family work room, you certainly have a beautiful piece of inspiration paper there, I hope it helps move you on to a new place, full of happy memories... the quote says it all! xxx
ReplyDeleteWow it is amazing how much your garden has grown, it looks so beautiful! I love that quote, so true! It is sad to leave the nursery phase behind, but all that is ahead will be wonderful too! Hugs good friend!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the garden changes! It is a milestone when you finally put the crib away and realize the kids are getting older. But they are so fun as they get older. Even after raising 2 kids and teaching for 17 years, I just love kids. They are so cool and funny. It's also fun creating a space out of stuff you already have with some thrifty treasures thrown in. Spending a wad of cash is easy but being clever with what you have is more of a creative challenge. It's also more satisfying. :o)
ReplyDeleteI think your garden is developing brillianty. I like those chairs and the Hosta. Jo x
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. First of all, your garden is truly an inspiration. I can't wait to see your new creative space when you have assembled all the pieces. Your inspiration paper is absolutely amazing-fantastic colors!
ReplyDeleteI have just discovered that for some reasons your comments (and only yours) are not getting through to my email. Apparently this has been the case for the last few weeks. So, I want to thank you for all your sweet comments and I will check and see what is going on with my blog! -Derrith
I really enjoyed looking over the changes in your garden, everything looks so lush and thriving in their new spots. Good luck with the nursery transformation, I think it's a great idea to have a 'creative' space and I am sure you will get lots out of it! Have a great weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteGreat changes you have made around your garden - the pathway looks good.
Much luck with getting your new work room done - love the paper inspiration.
Happy 4th of July and have a wonderful weekend
hugs
Carolyn
Your garden before and after shots are amazing--your hard work really paid off, Nicole! I also am in love with your red patio chairs--beautiful! Your inspiration paper and chair are lovely--I can't wait to see the finished room, bittersweet though the process is:)
ReplyDeleteYour gardens spaces are looking so great. I laughed when I saw your sewing machine in the closet. I know you just stored it there but once when we lived in a Navy Housing Townhouse we had little extra room so I used the closet in my son's room as a place to sew. When I was done you would close the door and it just looked like a little boys room.
ReplyDeleteI have two big boxes crammed with momentoes from all the stages of my children's lives. I imagine after I'm gone they will go through it and exclaim "I can't believe she kept this!" Change is tough but often beautiful just like your garden.
ReplyDeleteIts wonderful to see the progression of you garden. It love that you used gravel and natural stone instead of manufactured materials. I just posted about my recent front landscaping makeover and I now have a blank slate - a bit daunting but after seeing your lovely photos I'm encouraged to be patient. A year goes by in the blink of an eye, after all. And your nursery turned work room will surely bring your family lots of wonderful times, and memories!
ReplyDeleteLovely garden transformations. My oldest will be in middle school and wants to change her room for a more "grown up" look. I'm excited to do it and yet sad at the same time. My baby is no longer the needy, clingy thing any more, which at times, is a relief, and yet, I miss the needy, clingy thing all the more. Crazy.
ReplyDeletexo Jen
What a lovely thoughtful post. I love the CS Lewis quote. Enjoy and embrace the changes.
ReplyDeleteYour garden has come such a long way Nicole. You should be so proud!
ReplyDeleteIt must be a little sad not to have a bean in the "nursery". They seem to grow up ever so fast don't they? I am sure the repurposed space will continue to be the place of many happy memories.
Hi sweet lady. I wanted to say I really love all your comments on my blog, I want you to know that I've been meaning to tell you thank and thank you. But.....now about this post. You are always inspired and it's inspiring! Your garden is so green and lush. And there are those cute red chairs again....I did see them earlier on this blog, right?
ReplyDeleteWow, Nicole, Your garden is looking lush. The new red chairs are an exciting touch of color in the area you've created for them. You are smart to make a workplace in your home as creative as you are. Best to do it now. And, I like your quote. xo Jenny
ReplyDeleteI also like to move things around -in the house and in the garden too. I guess it is the artistic side in me. We already planning to move the sitting area in the garden where the veggies are. Hmmm, the possibilities are endless. Have a great moving around:)
ReplyDelete