My gallery wall is finally finished! When we were apartment hunting in Connecticut, I knew I wanted an office space. Not necessarily a room, but definitely a dedicated space. Even a nook off a living room would have been fine. My desk in NYC was a foot away from the end of my bed and I felt like I had very separation of work and life.
While searching, we looked at two bedrooms and one bedrooms. The one bedrooms wouldn’t accommodate enough room for a separate work space for me, probably just a desk somewhere in the living room. And the two bedrooms felt like too much space for just Garrett and myself. And that’s when we found a one bedroom with a den. Game changer. It was just the extra space we were looking for without having to commit to an entire extra bedroom and bathroom.
The “den” is basically just an extra, extra wide hallway the connects the kitchen/living room/bedroom/bathroom together. There’s a closet with the washing machine and dryer. We fit my desk against the large wall and Garrett has a smaller desk on another wall. The space is far from finished and it seems to be like the poor middle child when it comes to decorating. Randomly, the desk was the first purchase I made for the apartment but it more or less ended there. Garrett got the gallery wall started while I was out of town and I finally got everything up last week.
I actually have a few extra frames that didn’t make it up on the wall so now I get to find homes for them in another part of the apartment. (You can see a few leaning against the bar cart there!)
– Secure the frames. I love the gallery wall, but our air conditioner/heat vent is to the right of all the frames. Every time it kicks on, the frames get crooked. I’ve been constantly straightening and need a permanent solution. I’ve heard these little rubber bump things can help. Anyone else have a tip or two?
– Keep organizing. Why the small crop on the space? Because if you were to see the big picture, you’d run away in fear!!! There’s boxes of paperwork still under my desk, frames that need new homes, our skis stored there, and a couple of bags of clothes to be donated. Yikes.
Having a huge desk makes me so happy. I loved my itty bitty desk and nook in NYC, but there’s nothing like having a huge space to spread out on. I’m so happy with it. The set of “three” drawers on the right is actually a pull out filing cabinet which is incredibly handy.
I love that it’s a good mix of things I love while still being super personal.
(People on Instagram asked how I hung everything. Garrett got it started for me which is always the hardest part. I wanted a good “eye line” so I tried to use that as the guideline. From there, I literally just grabbed frames, did a quick measure, and hammered in the nail. I definitely made a few extra holes on the wall, whoops, but overall didn’t worry about being too precise. Could it be more perfect? Sure. But I still really like the way it turned out!)
Can’t wait to share more as the space continues to shape up!
Your space looks beautiful! My working desk is also a foot or two away from my bed. I am trying to get into the habit of actually using my desk rather than laying on my bed to get work done haha. Although my bed is comfy the desk is a much more conducive space for work! Please keep us updated on your house decorations! http://amabemma.blogspot.com/
Carly (or anyone, really), where are good places to get nice looking (& not so expensive) frames from? I usually get mine from Ikea, but I'm starting to feel like they look all the same.
Great question! Should have added this in the post!
Some ideas for getting frames: – Antique stores can be good, even if you don't like what's inside of the frame they're often usable and you can find some unique pieces! – Target actually has some nice frames that are a bit more expensive than Ikea, but definitely more sturdy and a little more character too – If you have the patience to wait for the right one to pop up, Home Goods is also great!
For custom frames, I can't say enough great things about Framebridge. HIGHLY recommend. You can upload pictures from your computer and they print them and frame or you can have them send you packing material to send your own prints or artwork to frame. I love that they work with unique sizes and the frames are gorgeous. And, for custom framing, they're pretty affordable and super quick!
This post has come at the perfect time for me! I've just moved and am in the process of setting up a little office space – the first time I'll have one – yay! It makes a great change from working at the kitchen table 🙂 I'm thinking of doing a gallery wall too so it was great to read these tips! Miranda http://mirandasnotebook.com/ xxx
This looks great! One nice way to keep things from moving around are those velcro command strips. I know you've already used nails but the command strips are a great way to reposition items as you hang them, and for you now, you can use them on either side to keep them from moving around a ton 🙂
We use sticky tac to make our frames sit flat! The blue stuff. Just a little ball at the base of the frame holds it straight to the wall and it really does come off easily when you take them down. We did it in our old apartment and the one we just moved into! And the glasses print is SO cute!
Carly, Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful workspace. I've used the silicon 'dots' on the corners of my frames, but I find the humidity or temperature changes make them shift around. (the same might happen with your heater/AC right nearby). I've found the 'Cork' dots or squares work well.
My gallery wall was constantly tilting whenever a bus would drive by… 3m picture hanging velcro is a life saver. Cut it into small pieces and stick on the bottom of each frame and the wall. It's just enough to keep them in place.
My gallery wall was constantly tilting whenever a bus would drive by… 3m picture hanging velcro is a life saver. Cut it into small pieces and stick on the bottom of each frame and the wall. It's just enough to keep them in place.
I love your desk space and decor! I've started making my little nook more calming and more "me." 🙂 Could you tell me where you like to store your makeup and beauty products? I keep mine on my desk in an acrylic drawer, but it takes up so much work space!
I love your gallery wall, so cute! I am currently working on a gallery wall for my bedroom and it has been quite the project, haha! I would love to see an apartment tour once you finish decorating!
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
Motherhood is pure JOY to me– nothing makes me happier than being with my boys! I wear my @haverhillcollection personalized jewelry every day as a symbol of my love for them– it’s a constant reminder for me of my greatest purpose. To celebrate my first Mother’s Day with TWO boys, I sent in my Haverhill necklace to add Rory’s birthstone and initial alongside Jack’s! I also got a second bracelet to stack with Jack’s. Love that this personalized jewelry can be altered as our family grows. Haverhill’s jewelry is designed to be lived in (perfect for busy moms!) made from solid 14k gold with high-quality birthstones so I never have to take it off to exercise, shower, or sleep. Use code MOTHERSDAY15 for 15% off!
We got a mama-approved family photo of the four of us 👏🏻 I wasn’t really paying attention to our calendar while in the end of pregnancy/newborn bubble and realized quite late that Jack had some time off from daycare and preschool this week. Mike and I quickly decided to book a last minute trip to Florida to visit my family and enjoy the warm weather ☀️
Your space looks beautiful! My working desk is also a foot or two away from my bed. I am trying to get into the habit of actually using my desk rather than laying on my bed to get work done haha. Although my bed is comfy the desk is a much more conducive space for work! Please keep us updated on your house decorations!
http://amabemma.blogspot.com/
I love it!
Her Heartland Soul
herheartlandsoul.com
I really love the idea of framing the pennant, I may have to do that for my UIUC one!
Love,
Ane | Basque Prep
Carly (or anyone, really), where are good places to get nice looking (& not so expensive) frames from? I usually get mine from Ikea, but I'm starting to feel like they look all the same.
Andrea | Twentyish Brunette
Great question! Should have added this in the post!
Some ideas for getting frames:
– Antique stores can be good, even if you don't like what's inside of the frame they're often usable and you can find some unique pieces!
– Target actually has some nice frames that are a bit more expensive than Ikea, but definitely more sturdy and a little more character too
– If you have the patience to wait for the right one to pop up, Home Goods is also great!
For custom frames, I can't say enough great things about Framebridge. HIGHLY recommend. You can upload pictures from your computer and they print them and frame or you can have them send you packing material to send your own prints or artwork to frame. I love that they work with unique sizes and the frames are gorgeous. And, for custom framing, they're pretty affordable and super quick!
This post has come at the perfect time for me! I've just moved and am in the process of setting up a little office space – the first time I'll have one – yay! It makes a great change from working at the kitchen table 🙂 I'm thinking of doing a gallery wall too so it was great to read these tips! Miranda http://mirandasnotebook.com/ xxx
LOVE the wall! I'm working on a gallery wall in my office as well!
XO Ellen from Ask Away
http://www.askawayblog.com
Love your space!
I vote the scallop board!
Love your space! Serious desk goals! That pic of teddy is too cute!
-Angela & Amy
FiletoStyle.com
Love this Carly! What a fun mix of prints and paintings!
-Maggie http://www.thatgirlmags.com
This looks great! One nice way to keep things from moving around are those velcro command strips. I know you've already used nails but the command strips are a great way to reposition items as you hang them, and for you now, you can use them on either side to keep them from moving around a ton 🙂
We use sticky tac to make our frames sit flat! The blue stuff. Just a little ball at the base of the frame holds it straight to the wall and it really does come off easily when you take them down. We did it in our old apartment and the one we just moved into! And the glasses print is SO cute!
Carly, Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful workspace. I've used the silicon 'dots' on the corners of my frames, but I find the humidity or temperature changes make them shift around. (the same might happen with your heater/AC right nearby). I've found the 'Cork' dots or squares work well.
My gallery wall was constantly tilting whenever a bus would drive by… 3m picture hanging velcro is a life saver. Cut it into small pieces and stick on the bottom of each frame and the wall. It's just enough to keep them in place.
My gallery wall was constantly tilting whenever a bus would drive by… 3m picture hanging velcro is a life saver. Cut it into small pieces and stick on the bottom of each frame and the wall. It's just enough to keep them in place.
I love your desk space and decor! I've started making my little nook more calming and more "me." 🙂
Could you tell me where you like to store your makeup and beauty products? I keep mine on my desk in an acrylic drawer, but it takes up so much work space!
I love your gallery wall, so cute! I am currently working on a gallery wall for my bedroom and it has been quite the project, haha! I would love to see an apartment tour once you finish decorating!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
I love your gallery wall, it look's great! 😀
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