My New Room

Well helloooooo from the Empty Nest! Yes, Abby is officially in college now, and we have survived to tell the tale. We had a wonderful time, spent a few days in Austin, and got her all moved in. I'll have to write more about the dorm later, it's really amazing. We feel so good about having her live in such a nice place, and with lots of really nice people. It's definitely helping us deal with our emotions about having her gone. It's the best situation we could have imagined for her to be in while she starts her new life in college. 

We moved all of the new Pier 1 pillows, most of her linens and all of her bedroom decor, so I have a blank slate to start over with in her room. It's been a long time since that has happened! I want to create a room that's enjoyable for company, and a room that Abby (and maybe a few friends) will be comfortable staying in when she comes home for weekends. I wouldn't mind using the room as a private haven for me, too :)

I unearthed a pretty matelasse blanket that I have mostly used as a tablecloth in the past. It's the starting point for this room's decor. I don't want to spend a lot redoing the room, and this is a great basic item for me to build around. A friend gave me this quilted, velvety throw, and I haven't had a place to use it until now. Next, I just couldn't resist this beautiful ruffled pillow from Pier 1. I usually make everything in my home, but really, for $30, it's such a bargain. I wanted to do something to support the store Abby worked at, because the people there are amazing. It's the happiest, most positive group of people I have ever seen. But we already knew that from shopping there, which is why she wanted to work there in the first place.

These neutrals will be a great backdrop for some seasonal color accents. For fall, I'll definitely use this blingy thrift store pillow. It's really nicely made. I also found a coordinating one that had a West Elm tag in it.

Want to hear a quick work story from Abby? One night a girl came in said, "I'm the new intern for the show Big Rich Texas, and how cool is it that I work for this awesome show, blah blah blah." She had bags and bags of returns that she claimed were things that had been purchased for the show and weren't needed. Abby was still new, so she went and got the manager who started teaching her to do returns. They are pulling these plates and platters out and realized, these all have food on them! They had been used and then just packed up to be returned! The girl was really embarrassed and started making a bunch of excuses, and the manager refused to take back any of the items that were dirty. Can you imagine doing that? I really think the poor girl had no idea. Talk about a terrible first day of work. Although I don't know why anyone would want to work for such an awful show.

So anyway, we brought in the TV armoire that was formerly in the living room, after getting the new Freecycle TV armoire (you can read about it here, if you haven't heard of Freecycle). And two pieces that were in Abby's room are going to go back on Freecycle. There was really a lot of furniture that had gotten planted in there to contain all of her stuff, and we're keeping only the pieces that we really need, and that work for us. I also scored this unfinished bench on Freecycle, and it's perfect in front of the bed. Maurie will put a new top on it, as this one is MDF, then I will get it painted. Or I might stain the top of the bench, and paint the base. Or stain the whole thing. I think it will work really nicely here. It can be moved aside for Abby and her friends to put their luggage on when they all descend on us for Texas/OU weekend. 

Now I have a matelasse coverlet, a throw, and a couple of pillows. A bench. I'll hem that bedskirt now that the bed risers are gone. We have the black TV armoire but I'm not doing any black in the room, so that will get painted too. I also have the dresser that was in my first apartment. Mom and I bought it at Salvation Army for $40 in 1982. It's in need of a little redo. All that's left in the windows are bamboo shades -- that's good, I like those.

Thank you for coming by to visit! There will be many new projects coming up, because I need to keep myself busy! I look forward to catching up with you all, too.

I'm joining Nita's Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life and Brenda's Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House.

 

Comments

[Brenda Kula]

The little bird has left the nest. How is Mom feeling? Sound like you're handling it all right.
Brenda

[Shenita]

My last one left for college, too. The hubby and I are officially empty-nesters. It is truly "different". I'm excited to see how you decorate the room!

[Stacey]

Woo hoo! You are on a roll. :) So glad to hear that Abby is all settled. You know, girls are so different from boys. Both of mine left...went to excellent colleges...and bounced right back. My oldest is on the five year (seems like eternity) plan and will finish this year. Youngest son came home from Chicago and is going to school here. He doesn't have a clue what he's doing. I have faith that it will all work out though. Keep us posted on how Abby's doing.

[bj]

Wow...everything is GREAT. I am really lovin' that bench..it sure looks good at the foot of the bed.
xo bj

[Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Flea Market Makeovers]

Looks like you are off to a great start!

[Jaybird]

One day on your tour from Dallas to Austin, you need to stop off in Waco for a visit with a blog reader....this blog reader :^)
Your room is going to be beautiful!!
Thanks for posting,
J