Sunday, 18 February 2018

The World Within our Walls. Creating a space for you.

This week we are thinking about how we can make a space in our homes for ourselves.  I think every family member should have at least some area that is their own little sanctuary that they feel is a quiet place for them.  It should be comfy and reflect their own likes and needs.  While we all want to be together as family we all also need time on our own.  I am the type of person who needs a heap of time alone or I could a bit crazy! Today though we are working on a special place for us.

Very often we put ourselves last.  There might be space issues in which case our own personal spaces that are special might be our bedside table,  the chair we sit in during the evenings or somewhere to sit outside and have a cup of tea in the sunshine.  But we can do something!  

If we possibly can it is just wonderful to have a place to sew and craft, to write, to plan and think!  A little space that is a joy to us.  Decorated in a way that makes us happy!  I am working on a desk area for myself and on improving my craft room.
We can really make the world at home so much nicer with some imagination and for me being able to create something adds to my contentment so much.  Being happy and content at home is the most wonderful thing.  If your home is a retreat then your own little space is a retreat within a retreat! 

Today we are getting to see how Kelsey made herself some personal spaces.   She had a lot of work to do and took advantage of a loft space.   I knew Kelsey was working on this.  She took a "nothing space" and made it so fabulous for herself.  Here she can sew, work away on projects and have moments of quiet.
Taking on an area that has been unused for a long time can be daunting.  It was like that with my cellar.  At first I was too chicken to even go in it!  But now it is so useful!

Kelsey and her husband moved out to the family ranch.  It is a good house but it hadn't had a woman touch for a long time.   I knew it would take a while for Kelsey to make it home for them and get it feeling like home for her.  She started on the kitchen and pantry.  And she soon had these up and running.  Next she happily needed to create a nursery!  😊

Now to the loft.  I am so thrilled with what she created!


There is great storage,  a big surface for cutting out and sewing, a pin up board, lighting, baskets.... 
Kelsey said that really this space is hers and she can make it as girly as she wants as the men in the house won't be hanging around here!  


What struck me is what a good investment of time and effort this is to our future productivity!  And happiness!   And the use of a previously unused room!  
Sometimes too we have a space that has been allocated to something... but really it is never actually used.   This are fair game in my opinion!

Next Kelsey needed a desk.  She used everything she already had although some things were in storage.   For her desk she just found an unused nook.   She set it up with stationary,  her Bible, a lovely picture and light...


She made curtains out of painters drop cloths.  These worked out to be very inexpensive curtains and I love them!

Finally there was an odd space in the house.  It is narrow and a fireplace is on the other side of this wall.  The thing is the window looks out on a great view of miles of beautiful countryside!  So Kelsey has made it her quite sitting or reading place.


Kelsey you have done such a good job of taking what you have and making some spaces just for you!  Very inspiring! 

Next week we are going on with this and Kelley is sharing with us her Inspiration Station.  If you are creative or want to be creative then having somewhere to work is such a help.   Not only that but it is a kind of escape and really relaxing to drift off into your own little world even if it is only for a few minutes!  

Do you have an areas in your house that you feel are your own or that you have decorated just as you like?
Would you like to work on this and set yourself up a little desk, side table, work station or dressing table?  There are many other options too,  a chair in the sun,  a tray of bath salts and bubble bars next to the bath...  it could be anything you like. 

Today I am heading off to the farm.  I think my normal post on Wednesday will be late, maybe Thursday!  But I will get to it as I have both The Home Pharmacy and craft posts to do!  
Have a wonderful week! xxx







at

43 comments:

  1. Cheryl Kimbley18 February 2018 at 14:16

    Lovely job Kelsey. Just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous18 February 2018 at 16:33

      Thank you, Cheryl!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  2. Mimi18 February 2018 at 15:02

    Wow! Kelsey you've done a beautiful job! So many special little corners for contemplation and recreation. You've inspired me to tidy mine up...lol! Mimi xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous18 February 2018 at 16:35

      Thank you, Mimi! I love having these spaces. Tidying is an ongoing process over here, haha!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  3. Nanna Chel18 February 2018 at 15:07

    How I would love a space for myself like Kelsey has but alas it is not to be. We have a very small house and a lot has been accumulated over 40 years most of which I would happily donate to the Op Shop (from where most of it came from originally) and be able to free up some space. So I will just drool over the lovely personal spaces you ladies create for yourselves. Well done, Kelsey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lana18 February 2018 at 15:47

      My daughter and I decided to think of those thrifty finds as things we are just renting. We don't feel one bit guilty using those things as long as we enjoy them and then redonating them so someone else can rent them. It was freeing and uncluttering for is both!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous18 February 2018 at 16:43

      Dear Nana Chel,
      Thank you! Yes, I am very fortunate to have this space. I was previously set up in the hall closet but then realized the loft wasn't being used so I took advantage. Still, it was quite an effort to carve this space as it was already furnished and we had to move lots of stuff. This was basically a dream, as I've never had a space like this!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  4. Mrs. Kelley Dibble18 February 2018 at 15:35

    Annabel and Kelsey,

    These spaces fed my eyes with peace. Truly they did. If these are this wonderful, we can only imagine how the nursery turned out... and the rest of the home. And that it was the family home. I am so jealous I could cry! How fun is that, to live in and raise your own family there. Precious!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

    P.S. Have fun at the farm, Annabel!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:06

      Dear Kelley,
      Our Little John will be the fourth generation here at the ranch so it is very special. Thank you for such a sweet comment.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  5. Lana18 February 2018 at 15:50

    Kelsey , you have done a wonderful job on making spaces in your home your own. I would love rocking in front of that window with the beautiful view.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:10

      Dear Lana,
      Thank you. When John gets fussy, if the weather is unpleasant and we can't go outside, I will take him upstairs to sit with me as he loves to look out the window. Colton's grandfather shared with me that he and his wife used to sit up there and watch the thunderstorms in the distance. It really is a nice view.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  6. Chookasmum18 February 2018 at 16:28

    Beautiful spaces Kelsey, you will enjoy and nourish yourself in these lovely spots x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:11

      Dear Chookasmum,
      Thank you! I do enjoy my moments upstairs.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  7. Kelly18 February 2018 at 16:53

    Wonderful job Kelsey! You have made these areas of your home very inviting and useful! I have a sewing table in my bedroom and storage for my fabric. I love having that small space that is just for me in the house. It makes it more possible to squeeze in a bit of sewing time here and there when I can, and I even just like going and sitting there with my cup of tea & just have time on my own to think and dream up future projects!! Like Mimi, this has inspired me to go and tidy up my little sewing area and make it even more nice! Have a good week everyone. Cheers, Kelly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:18

      Dear Kelly,
      Thanks so much! I love the sound of your sewing table. It helps to have a special designated space and I can relate to just going there to sit and think and be inspired without actually working on something. It's like our own personal retreat!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  8. Jane18 February 2018 at 17:14

    Kelsey you are one creative and clever cookie. Well done on producing such lovely spaces. I adore your reading and quiet sitting area. I just love how you have taken an odd and wasted space and turned it into an intentional living area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:20

      Dear Jane,
      It is an odd space indeed but one that I am now glad to have! Thank you for your kind comment.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  9. Mary18 February 2018 at 19:38

    I love your desk, Kelsey, with the cubby holes (and a kitty;). Your sewing set-up is well thought out....like something on Pinterest with all the storage and bins and peg board. And your sitting nook is wonderful! Well done!
    But, like you said, Annabel, it doesn't have to be a whole room we have to ourselves ....a prettied up kitchen sink area, for instance, or pretty glass bottles we've collected placed in a sunny window, a bird feeder out a window we look out of often, a chime to blow in the breeze. So many ways to make us smile during our days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:30

      Dear Mary,
      Oh, yes, my kitty haha! I inherited my love for cats from my grandmother, whose black and white photo you see on my desk :) I have to limit the cats to my personal spaces only lol.
      I am a planner and Colton teases me that it took three years for me to choose a paint color for the living room at our old house. So there was lots of thinking, planning, measuring, deal hunting, and Pinteresting going on before the loft came together!
      I agree, even small bits of beauty here and there, no matter how simple, can really bring sunshine into our days and I love your examples.
      Thank you for your comment!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  10. Anonymous18 February 2018 at 19:41

    How beautiful is the personal space Kelsey and I drooled over the large sewing cutting table and wonderful shelving. Thank you Annabel and Kelsey for showing us :).

    We have recently created a lovely outdoor eating entertainment area on our back veranda with a privacy screen and set up our veranda. Now we have a wonderful area where we can sit and look out over the beautiful mountains while we eat or have our morning hot chocolates.

    Sewingcreations15.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:38

      Dear Sewingcreations15,
      Oh your veranda with the mountain view sounds lovely!
      Yes, the big table is so nice and keeps me from going back and forth and up and down stairs to the kitchen table. It also allows me to work on several things at once. I just have to discipline myself and not have too many things going, as I get so many ideas and it doesn't take long for things to become a mess, even with a big table lol.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  11. Anonymous18 February 2018 at 20:32

    I hope you have a wonderful trip Annabel!
    Kelsey you have done a wonderful job of creating personal space and it is just lovely! I am on the hunt for a desk myself. I really love your sewing and crafting space now that is a sight to behold! I would love, love a space like that good job sweetie!
    XOXO
    Vicky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:40

      Dear Vicky,
      Thank you so much! I hope you are successful in your hunt for a desk. I know whatever you find, you will make it pretty! I loved seeing the jars you made over for your amazing pantry.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  12. Anonymous19 February 2018 at 00:43

    Kelsey's pretty spaces are just lovely ! And Im sure took a lot of planning and thought,and work, well done Kelsey !
    Annabel -have a lovely time in the country ,
    with love Maria xxx
    PS I did have a spare bedroom space with all my pretties but had to make it into a twin bedroom for family who come to stay every month or so. I moved a lot of my craft items out but My sewing machine and the storage init it sits on is in there and also wrapping paper and ribbons and cards. The rest ie a table to work on and trays and drawers of craft card and embellishments are now squashed in the smaller room which is also hubby's office , hold linen cupboard and lots of other gear . Ive made it a snice as I can but its not quite doign it for me ie to encourage me in.
    A friend has lent me some of her jigsaw puzzles and Ive set up a card table in a tucked away alcove ,to go and do when I need to chill out .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 05:53

      Dear Maria,
      Thank you! Yes, there was a lot of pinning things on Pinterest going on before I decided on the layout! And I have to give a ton of credit to Colton. It wouldn't have been possible without him and he was so patient while I made up/changed my mind on things to get it just right.
      I hope you will find some solutions for your crafting space that work for you. Before I took over the loft, I was set up in the hall closet which was tiny, but it worked. At other times it was just a small table with some plastic drawers beside it for storage. I used to keep my wrapping/card things in one of those plastic bins that slides under the bed. Pinterest is my go to place when I need organizing ideas, especially for craft items.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  13. gardenpat19 February 2018 at 05:39

    Well done, Kelsey!!! This is the reason we love this rambling old Victorian house of ours! Now that. Only one of our 11 is still living at home, it gives us lots of nooks and crannies to make into our own little spaces! Dave has one bedroom that he converted into a room for his model trains that he builds. I have 2 bedrooms that we opened up into one big sewing/Craft/office space. We have the 2 third floor bedrooms that are used as guest rooms but in between can be another place to retreat for some quiet time as needed. So we are abundantly blessed with spaces that we can reconfigure as needed!
    We joke that we’ve been remodeling this house for all 24 years we’ve lived here and there are still enough projects to for another 50 years ! Lol!
    But we love working on it together!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 06:00

      Dear Gardenpat,
      Ooohhh, a Victorian home! Now I am drooling, haha! I love all of the charm and character those houses have and it sounds like you have made the most of it.
      Colton and I love working on our home together, too. That is how we spend our Saturdays and really, it is so much fun that it is better than a date to me. Then there is nothing like sitting back and looking at what you have created together and the memories that holds.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  14. Little Penpen19 February 2018 at 06:18

    Love it... and I especially love the rocking chair. I would spend a lot of time there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 06:04

      Dear Little Penpen,
      Thank you! I do enjoy the moments I get to spend in the loft.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  15. Holley19 February 2018 at 06:52

    Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I love all of it! How special that you get all that lovely space to yourself!!! Enjoy, Kelsey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 18:54

      Thank you so much Holley! It really is lovely to have so much space.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  16. tealady19 February 2018 at 14:10

    Very well done. My hubby and I are soon to be full time R.Ver's we have been talking space also. Good thing we get along so well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 18:57

      Dear Tealady,
      You gave me a giggle. Thank you for your comment! I hope you enjoy lots of adventures together.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  17. Leslie McKinley19 February 2018 at 19:23

    So lovely and organized! Thank you for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 18:58

      Thank you so much, Leslie!
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  18. Anonymous19 February 2018 at 19:36

    Oh my goodness! Wow, wow, wow! I am swooning over your spaces, Kelsey! They are magnificent. Your craft room is like it is from Pinterest. I love it. I love how neat and organised it is and I love how the table is big, so you can spread out your projects. It really is magnificent. I love your table with your pretty things on top of it. Plus your reading corner is so calming and relaxing. My goodness, you really are wonderful at creating a home. I think all of these things are not only wonderful for the mind, but also for the pocket. You can create some fabulous gifts in that craft room that will be well-loved.
    This is a big area I need to improve on and it probably is a reason why I find it so hard to make anything, because I am not well-set up. I don't really have a space just for me, that really is my own. I think I will start with my bedside table and go from there...I have my Bible and books. I also have lavender essential oil, but I could pretty it up a little more with some greenery/flowers. I'd love to have a dedicated reading spot and craft area, this is my dream... I need to think on this! Thank you for a very encouraging and positive post. Thank you Kelsey- you really have inspired me! Love, Bridge

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 19:13

      Dear Bridge,
      Thank you for such kind words! It really does help to have a designated space for things like crafting, even if it is just a small area or table even. This way you can leave a project out and work on it a bit here and there as time allows without having to put everything away. This is especially true when our attention is constantly on little ones and we don't have much time! I know you can relate right now!
      The bedside table sounds like a good place to start. Having that looking nice with things you enjoy would be relaxing when you go to bed and a lovely thing to see when you get up to start your day.
      I hope you are doing well, Bridge!
      With lots of love, Kelsey

      Delete
  19. Anonymous20 February 2018 at 16:48

    What a beautiful space you have created Kelsey. I have a room overrun and this has inspired me to bring some order to it. Lyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 19:17

      Thank you, Lyn! I find order to be very relaxing and it helps me be more productive as I can think more clearly when things are organized. It is just not very easy to maintain order in a craft room sometimes lol! I am glad you were inspired by this and hope you are able to make the progress you would like.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  20. Janine20 February 2018 at 20:15

    Kelsey, you've identified some lovely peaceful spaces for yourself.
    Best wishes,
    Janine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 19:18

      Thank you, Janine. They are very peaceful, indeed.
      Love, Kelsey

      Delete
  21. Annabel21 February 2018 at 23:59

    Thank you for all the beautiful moments on Kelsey's efforts to create some spaces for herself. I hope you are encouraged! I have run out of time to reply having been away. Thank you all.xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22 February 2018 at 19:21

      Dear Annabel,
      Thank you so much for sharing my spaces! I always feel very honored when you post something of mine on your lovely blog. And thank you to everyone for such nice comments on my sewing and reading areas.
      With love, Kelsey

      Delete

I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

Spam is never published... if you are advertising a product or selling website your comment wont be published. I am inundated with stuff about drugs, horses and weird things! I am not going to publish this stuff! Thank you.