Office Update & Thoughts...(Via Made By Girl)

This is a pic I shot today of my office with the updated black wall behind the shelves. You can also slightly see the 108" white curtain panel to the left. That glass door goes out to a lovely 3rd story balcony.... very convenient when I want to get some fresh air during the daytime. 

I'm REALLY considering changing out the WHITE drapes to either black, an IKAT, or a thin-lined zebra pattern.  What do you think?? Ideas??

(click on pic for larger image)


P.S. All the ARTWORK currently in my office is painted by me....


-image by jen
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75 comments

  1. Hmmmm...how about black and white animal print? Looooove that black wall behind the bookshelf. Genius.

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  2. I love, love the black in the shelves... it really makes all of your artwork and doodads stand out beautifully! I think a black and white Ikat pattern would be A-MAZING! I cannot WAIT to see what you decide on!

    abodelove.blogspot.com

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  3. So great to surround yourself with your own artwork! I think the black ikat would look great for the drapes.

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  4. Beautiful! I kind of love the white curtains. All the white light feels like you're working on a beach!

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  5. love the white drapes! wouldn't change them if it were my place!

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  6. A strong b/w pattern on the curtains would be awesome in your office!

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  7. Ooh, it really makes a statement! I think the ikat would be the cherry on top.

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  8. Yes, I'm thinking a black and white pattern or you could add some color? maybe red or green or blue? :)) hope that helps...

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  9. I really love those shelves! I also agree that black & white Ikat pattern curtains would look really good. I love the art piece on the bottom right of your bookshelf. I hope you start selling some of your art work soon!!

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  10. Dramatic change! Looks fantastic! Xo

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  11. I love the black! It really makes it pop! Great choice in doing that!

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  12. Your office looks fantastic! I would definitely add a curtain with a print like ikat or some other tribal print, just to add some contrast.

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  13. I like the black wall...I say yes to the Ikat fabric! West Elm has a blue Ikat I'm loving right now!

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  14. Love the black in the shelves! I'm thinking black and white Ikat or leave them white on the drapes. Can't wait to see what you decide. =)

    www.goodgirlgoneglad.com

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  15. Gosh I love your blog! That wall is superb. I am a subscriber now.

    I just started my own blog and I inspire to be bloggers like u with that many readers and following -- how do you do it?

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  16. LOVE the black behind the bookshelves. I think a black and white pattern for the curtains would be fab!

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  17. My vote is black and white curtains. Your office looks amazing!

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  18. I think the ikat would look awesome and truly chic. Go with that..

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  19. I actually like the white a lot, but if you want a change I think the Ikat could be really interesting....

    jen
    http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com

    ps I love the art you did behind your desk.

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  20. ooh black and white ikat sounds amazing! cant wait to see what you end up with!

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  21. Oooh... LOVE the black behind the shelves! Love the artwork. Definitely go for some pattern on the drapes!

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  22. A print would be nice but I also like it the way it is..it's fresh and clean and not distracting. I'm sure no matter what you it will look great!

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  23. Must be so nice to work there everyday... I would love a balcony next to my office space. Looks beautiful. Love the bookcase!

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  24. I love the idea of a black and white pattern!! :) Also, love, love, love, LOVE the painting you did above your desk. If that was a poster/print in your store I think I'd have to purchase!

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  25. I also like the idea of the white & black patterned curtain because it might balance the room out a little more, now that you've changed your bookcase (the bookcase looks great!)

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  26. I also vote Ikat. Some pattern in there would really go a long way and create such a statement! And I agree - the black wall is fantastic.

    - agata.

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  27. I think the black and white ikat fabric would look great in there.

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  28. I adore your office. I love how light and airy it looks, even with the black wall and how everything pops against the black wall.

    Denise
    Extreme Personal Measures

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  29. I love the white ikat idea! It will make a big difference in the room.

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  30. The black paint in your bookshelf really pops out, and has made a great feature Jen!

    A touch of black on the curtains would really finish it off. I think you could get away with a black/White pattern, either geometrical or animal print.....Or perhaps go either plain black or white curtains, but include some patterned sashes?

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  31. Definitely go for the Ikat curtains, it will balance out the room. Gorgeous artwork! The whole room is so lovely, the curtains will really give it the completed feel.

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  32. I love the artwork. So beautiful and the colors are gorgeous. I have a question for you, how did you get that screensaver for your computer?

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  33. Jen..that black background of your shelving definitely gives it some punch..love it! And I say..YES..Absolutely..I think an Ikat print would def finish it off beautifully..but I would suggest another colour other than black..as I think it may be a bit of an overkill with your black wall...perhaps a lighter shade of grey? or a vibrant colour to bring out the colours in your artwork?

    Having said all that...I dont think the white curtains are bad at all...its gie the room a tranquil calming feel which is great for a work space..I would add a rug before I would change the curtains.

    Think Ive baffled on enough...I know you will ace it whatever you decide. x

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  34. i love what you've done. i do like the white panels, but.....i think a black and white medallion/ikat print would add a 'wow' factor for sure. :)

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  35. I would love to see some black and white curtains...love that room. Fab artwork too! Just gorgeous.

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  36. It's coming along well! I think the ikat would look great.

    LrnMDesign.blogspot.com

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  37. i think a patterned black and white curtain would look fantastic against the white walls and the black behind the shelves! i love it jen!

    i actually had a quick question for you - where did you get your acrylic bar stools in your kitchen? i am in love with them and am looking for two!

    thanks jen :)

    (new blog: thelovelyjuxt.tumblr.com)

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  38. JUSTINEMCKNIGHT: i purchased my lucite ghost stools from this seller on Ebay. If you buy make sure you get the right height for your home.
    LINK:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Set-2-Victoria-Ghost-Counter-Stool-Ghost-Stool-Clear-/370335753008?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5639bb2330#ht_1722wt_889

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  39. I love all the pictures of your beautiful home! The black wall really pops the room, I wouldnt change a thing!

    ~ Erin

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  40. definitely go for black and white, bold print curtains!! It'll pull the look together with the black and white bookshelf.

    Love your blog, btw!

    ~Drew (Coral Cafe)

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  41. JANDJHOME: I dont remember where i got it, ive had it for so long. just type in 'flip clock screensaver ' on Google, it should come up somewhere. :)))

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  42. LOVE the Ikat idea! Can't wait to see more of your artwork too =)

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  43. IKAT would be GORGEOUS. Have you thought of a subtle color change? Like a navy IKAT or deep purple?

    Beautiful workspace.


    creambyginger.blogspot.com

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  44. Ikat sounds like it would be beautiful. I just bought the Ikat curtains from West Elm and I love them- although they don't have black and white. The ikat pattern just really wakes up a blah space (and I mean MY blah space, because yours isn't blah at all)!

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  45. What about white and fucsia Ikat to pick up the color of your flowers and the main painting? Otherwise I vote for white/black ikat or chevron ;)

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  46. Love what you have created Jen! The painting looks amazing and the black wall behind your white shelf = brilliant!

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  47. Ikat is rad, cant discount that, but any pattern on the curtains would compete with your great artwork which I absolutely adore. I'd stick with solid black (or white) for the curtains, unless your thinking of also switching out the artwork for something without a "pattern". Love your site. You always have really fun fresh things to look at, thanks!!

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  48. CASA BELLA: Hmmmm black & white animal print sounds nice too!
    I was thinking of this:

    http://www.decorativefabricsdirect.com/PKaufmann_BANGAL_JET_Fabric_p/6617815.htm

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  49. I always loved your white office, but I'm also a HUGE fan of black & white!!! (especially a damask-ish pattern-- buy not too "old" looking, you know?)

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  50. Love the black, so bold and great with the white contrast!! I see where you are going with curtains... I am thinking IKAT! I think IKAT would just make it all come together:)

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  51. Black. Definitely. It will bring your eye in a full circle around the room and tie perfectly with the black wall.

    www.celebrityowned.com

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  52. I love the black behind the bookshelves.
    I think a zebraprint would look nice,i also love the white drapes so maybe you can add some border around the white drapes in zebra.
    Do you know what i mean?

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  53. I think zebra would be very flamboyant and modern... or the black and white ikat that match your tapis..

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  54. I love your office Jen...particularly your artwork...it adds just the right pop of color...I would go with thin zebra stripes in charcoal instead of black. Do share the image when you are done.cheers!

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  55. What if you did a black border around the white curtains? It would keep the clean, steamlined look that you currently have with the bookshelves and desk. Your artwork would then add pattern and color in the room. I absolutely love your office!

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  56. Ikat - definitely

    i love the black shelves. also, I sooooo love the painting above your desk!

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  57. Hhmmm, depends on what you're going to do with the rest of the room. How about putting a lovely subtle wallpaper on the wall behind the desk area (I think I saw panterprint wallpaper somewhere on your blog)? And in that case I would keep the curtains plain white, otherwise it would become too busy.

    I think putting a nice black/white/animal print wallpaper on that wall would look super. And would look even better with the black/white bookcase (p.s Love that bookcase!)

    And otherwise... IKAT curtains...

    Good luck deciding ;-)

    Natascha xoxo

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  58. Hhmmm, depends on what you're going to do with the rest of the room. How about putting a lovely subtle wallpaper on the wall behind the desk area (I think I saw panterprint wallpaper somewhere on your blog)? And in that case I would keep the curtains plain white, otherwise it would become too busy.

    I think putting a nice black/white/animal print wallpaper on that wall would look super. And would look even better with the black/white bookcase (p.s Love that bookcase!)

    And otherwise... IKAT curtains...

    Good luck deciding ;-)

    Natascha xoxo

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  59. I would either go with black or a deep iron color. My husband and I did that with our bedroom. We have white walls, white bedding, white rug, with a black bed, and dresser. We first tried white curtains with the room but we didnt love it and then we purchased black and an iron and we just loved the look that the iron gave the room. It wasnt as dark as a black but it still gave it the look we were going for. The curtains are actually from west elm...the link is below
    http://www.westelm.com/products/velvet-grommet-window-panel-r769/?pkey=cwindow-panels-curtains-shades

    They are velvet which is nice becuase it gives the room some texture!

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  60. LINDSEY:a black border? Hmmm i didnt even think of that! sounds nice though...

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  61. Would you do a gray and white ikat or zebra/animal print? Still the same color story but a little bit muted.

    I just wonder if black and white would be so bold it might detract from that fab black wall?

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  62. NAOMI: Yea I'm beginning to think the same thing. Something with a more muted pattern. I wish i could find a nice zebra print that will work...any IDEAS??????????

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  63. I adore the black behind your shelves, I'm sure adding some black to the curtain will tie it in nicely. Your office is looking great!

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  64. Ikat Ikat Ikat!

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  65. I think a colorful IKAT patterned curtain would add the right pop of color in your office space. Love everything you've done so far! :)

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  66. I think you should use a color from the painting above your desk for the curtains......

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  67. My two cents: Go for the zebra, but in a gray and white instead of black and white.

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  68. Love the idea of changing out the white drapes. Yes, there is something so crisp and calming about clean palettes but look what painting the back of the shelves did to the entire look and feel of the room! I am a freak for animal print...like secretly love Peg Bundy for always sporting some. But at the same time I think a geo print with maybe a deep charcoal? Ikat of course is wonderful but my gosh, there are so many fabulous prints to choose from!

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  69. Ikat! Especially in a black and white. Check out Lauren Leiss's new collection at Pure Style Home blog, she gave us a glimpse yesterday - gorgeous!

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  70. Love the black wall. Parson's desk from West Elm? Do you love?

    Also, love your Love posters... put one in a post today:
    http://simplifiedbee.blogspot.com/2011/02/bee-my-valentine.html

    So perfect for V-day!

    xo,
    cristin

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  71. Thank you so much for the link for the ghost stools! BTW - your blog is my all-time favourite! Keep up the outstanding work... you've got beautiful taste :)

    XO.

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  72. Jen, the last picture in this post by Suze is what I was thinking with a thin black border around your white curtains: http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com/2010/08/19-curtains-i-would-hang-in-my-home.html. I think since the curtains are at the same eye level as the bookshelves this will compliment the black background as opposed to compete with it. Maybe then add a black zebra print rug...

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  73. LINDSEY: Ohhh yes i love that! Will see if my upholsterer can do something like that with my already grommeted (excuse me if that;s not a word) curtains.

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Thank you for your comments! Be sure to visit my shop at www.madebygirl.com