Bonjour! Happy Monday, friends! I’d like to share with you one of the projects I have waiting in the wings. Since our current house is smaller than the previous one, we are trying to be creative when carving out usable spaces for what we need. My husband is using one of the bedrooms in the basement as his office so I need a spot where I can work and blog. I’m going to call it my Petite Salon!
Recently in a magazine I saw a small desk area in a designer showcase home they called “Le Petite Salon”. And since our new house has a French Country flair, I dubbed my tiny desk area The Petite Salon! This is how it looks on a daily basis. (I know, yikes.) The alcove sits off of the great room and outside the master bedroom, sadly making it visible from all public angles. I need to design a space which is functional, organized and attractive.
The previous owners had a large floor to ceiling bookcase in the alcove, which is a great use of the space. And I adore books and looking at them. But, I need an organized place to work, pay bills and blog and this is the only spot in the house, other than a bedroom. I thought about having a desk built in to the space, but I really love this little writing table and would like to keep it. (And a way to hide the cords, etc.) Here’s the plan!
I found this beautiful wallpaper from Anthropologie to use as a feature wall in the Salon. It’s called Distressed Paisley in Gold. I only ordered one roll and keeping my fingers crossed it will be enough to cover the back wall of The Petite Salon. (Side note, I just asked my husband, Brad, if he would help me hang it and he reminded me of our near divorce after last hanging wallpaper together. However, that was many years ago and it was a small bathroom with vertical stripes. I should have known I was asking for trouble with that pattern. This wallpaper will be MUCH easier. And, it is just one wall.) So this is the starting point!
To add storage and functionality I want to add some shelving for books, pretty accessories, and maybe some attractive boxes to hide clutter. This is my inspiration photo via Susie Harris Blog. (I tried to go to her blog, but it seems to be expired? I found this picture of hers on Pinterest.) Anyway, this is a great use of space. And while my space is not a closet, this is about the same size. Isn’t it pretty?
Also, I’m on the lookout for an attractive file cabinet I can tuck into the corner for those pesky bills and files. This cute little file cabinet from Ballard Designs is around $225 and is wooden with 2 drawers and one file drawer. I will wait until it goes on sale or until I can find a good knock-off version, but the size is perfect! And it comes in several colors. I think I like the gray. 
I have some pretty vintage metal brackets I want to use as the base for two wooden shelves. I want the shelves to go from wall to wall and will put a decorative trim on the front to dress them up. (Technically that will be Brad, but I will assist, direct and paint.) So now I’m praying for a good steady day or two of rain so there is no opportunity to play golf and my husband is bored enough to help me with my vision. Fingers crossed!! Oh, and I need a new desk chair, to be determined at a later date. Maybe one with wheels? My target goal is to keep this project under $500. Hopefully, much less.
I also have big plans for the other bedroom in our basement. If only there were two of me! Thanks for stopping by and supporting my little blog. Tell me, what are you working on, or wish you could tackle if you had the time or won the lottery?? I hope you have a great day! xoxo Dell
