Monday, June 30, 2014

Restyling the Secretary

Hello everyone!

My secretary is a fun piece of furniture to redecorate.  I don't have shelving units anywhere else in my house, so every now and then, I like to tweak the shelves in my secretary.


I gave it a summer look by changing just a few things.


I changed the pillows in my slipcovered chairs by using this sweet floral pattern.


I leaned a floral canvas on top and filled the shelves with old books turned backwards to reveal the old pages.  


Old blue bottles and mason jars add a pop of color along with some faux purple lilacs.


It's light and summery but most of all sweet and simple.

Do you have a favorite item that you like to change up displays in too?

Thanks for stopping by.

~ Kelly ~

31 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That looks so good and I love the pillows, too.

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Very pretty Kelly! The trophy, the bottles and books look great! I have many shelves! I'm always tweeking. Maybe I'm a shelfaholic... I need to look into that :-)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

So pretty. I love the secretary, it is such a lovely piece.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

The blue bottles are so pretty and I think the floral pillows are perfect or summer!

chateau chic said...

Your secretary looks so pretty with your new arrangement. Love the blues of the bottles!
Mary Alice

White Lace and Promises said...

That's what I like about my kitchen cabinet. I can move things around on top like I would a mantle. It's fun. Mr. H never knows what to expect. I think he's quit paying attention. It drives my kids crazy.

Moni - Zuhaus at Home said...

I love the fresh summer look of the secretary…the blue bottles and mason jar really compliment your pillows…so pretty!

Blondie's Journal said...

Very pretty! I love how you turned the books...that really shows their age. I love that blue floral pillow, too!

Thanks for your visit. Yes...lake time is June, July and August! :)

Jane

Unknown said...

The blue bottles and floral pillows are so summery Kelly. :)perfect pop of colour.
Hugs, Gee

Stacey said...

Really pretty!

Katie Mansfield said...

I always love your secretary and your adorable jars.

Junkchiccottage said...

So pretty Kelly. I love the pillows and love the blue pops of color with the jars. So sweet and you definitely caught the feel of summer in your vignette.
Kris

Ron said...

Looks great, Kelly! I love the secretary. It is such a versatile piece.

Our Hopeful Home said...

What a great piece. I actually have everything you used, so I might just go and restyle a cabinet somewhere myself! I have been wanting to try turning the books backwards to show just the pages, now I think I will!
xo Kathleen

Brenda Pruitt said...

That floral canvas is stunning. Great job!
Brenda

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

I like how you turned the books to show the pages. The floral pattern (and picture) gives it a fresh look

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love how you turned the books backwards. It really makes it interesting. I like the floral canvas too. My mom painted one very similar to that years ago. I do have a favorite piece that I like to change up displays in. It's my buffet in the kitchen. I change it up seasonally. It's probably the first thing I change up when each holiday rolls around. :)

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Very pretty, Kelly! I'm loving the old books, and especially the floral canvas!

cynthia lee designs said...

Everything is so pretty!! I love to change up things on my corner fireplace in the living room for the different seasons and holidays...and on just because I want a change days too. LOL...
~Cindy

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

So beautiful Kelly...I love the different textures and the pops of blue...beautiful job!!

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Beautiful! Love it all :)

Art and Sand said...

When we downsized in 1997 to a little tiny beach cottage, I gave most of the large family antiques to my sister. We had a wonderful secretary desk from Steve's family and his brother took it on "loan" stipulating that they would give it back whenever we asked. I would love to have it in our home. BUT, we still do not have the space and Steve would never allow me to paint the walnut wood.

If I had it, I would stage it just like yours!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks great Kelly! I play around with vignettes on my dining table often.

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Always love when you showcase your secretary, Kelly - it is a beautiful piece. Have a fantastic fourth! Jane

Christine at Little Brags said...

love that piece!!!!

must love junk said...

I love how you added the bits of color-so pretty! I love making simple changes when I get bored :)
Susan

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the old books! They look good in any decor. And the lighter fabrics and colors are perfect for summertime. I have a baker's rack in the lanai that I change up a lot! Hugs!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Soooo pretty, Kelly! I really like the books turned backwards. Funny, I was playing around with the table in my entry hall, and used some backwards books! I've been seeing them on display in some stores. I have two secretaries...one is always kept closed, the other with glass doors could use a makeover! thanks for the inspiration!

Linda said...

I never thought to turn the books BACKWARDS!!! You are so clever!
Love your every 'tweek!!'

Unknown said...

So beautiful Kelly.I love the pillows and love the blue pops of color .
sets-for-your-bedroom

Anne said...

So pretty!