So why did I name my post “Two-fer” Met Monday? You’ve all heard of a “two-fer” haven’t you? “Two fer the Price of One?” Well, that’s what you’re getting today. Two Before and Afters’s in one post.
I am also breaking away from my home to share with you my second home. My home away from home…the home that allows me to pay for all the pretties in my first home…the home I can’t wait to leave at the end of the day to head home…my office.
In July 2009, I made the decision to start my own Real Estate firm. It was a five year goal and I was on tract – and more than ready. I purchased a small office building instead of renting. The purchase price was “as-is,” and the Seller was mighty proud of how he had furnished and decorated it. Below is how it looked when it was purchased.
The ink where I signed my name on the deed was not even dry when I started painting and re-decorating. 🙂 The area you see is the large waiting area when you first enter the office. There are three larger offices and a conference room.
THE BEFORE
I needed something to go on each side of the print above the distressed, white cabinet. This is one of my favorite prints that I own. I love all things botanical. This used to hang in my former office, but when hung alone in the new office – it looked very insignificant. So, I searched in my basement and garage for items I already had. Nothing seemed to do any justice to the print. Then, I remembered two metal grates I had purchased at Michael’s at a year end sale, for about $6 bucks each. I bought them simply because they were on sale, but didn’t have any clue what I would do with them. (Oh please….don’t even pretend you’ve never done THAT before!) 🙂
Using some ordinary floral wire….I attached the planters to the fronts of the grates.
It then looked like this…
I am famous for saving wreaths and baskets for recycling the florals. My attic is filled with them, I never throw them away. And this was a time which called for recycling like no other. My decorating budget was….well….$0.00
I tore apart a wreath and a floral arrangement, too…and started filling the containers.
This is what I ended up with….
In case you’re wondering…although I am a huge fan of Creedence Clearwater Survival (its an old Southern band in case you didn’t know LOL) – that is not what the three letters on the wall stand for. It’s my business name – Crossroads Carolina Realty.
(By the way….my logo reads “…where all roads lead to home!”
Here is my business logo….
Here are some more views of the waiting area…
I hope you have enjoyed the tour of my office, and also my floral project. Thank you, Susan, for hosting Met Monday.
Happy Home Away From Home….Barb
Ma'dame French says
Wow what a transformation looks so much better and cozier;) Love the change with the iron very neat;) French
View Commenttexasdaisey says
Love the after versions! Especially love the planter idea.
View CommentDebbie
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Barb…this is beautiful! I know your clients must love cozying into this space. I am amazed with what you did with the iron pieces. They were beautiful but adding the floral pieces totally finished them. What a great transformation. I think this is soooo much better than before. Love your wingbacks and the botanical print! Susan
View Commentprof en retraite says
Wow Barb…amazing!! I love the furniture. It looks homey…not like an office at all. I’m sure your clients are at home and comfortable immediately! Great post…Debbie
View CommentLynda says
That is so clever! I’m impressed, and I would definitely want to do business with you after seeing your warm and inviting office!
View CommentKathysue says
Hi Barb,what a great place to work.I think I might get to relaxed and not do any work.How nice that you thought in such depth about your clients comfort.With this beautiful office and your wonderful personality it is no wonder you are doing so wonderfully.Great tips on the use of the greats.That is the way to think out side the box.Hugs to you my dear friend,Kathysue
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Your office is GORGEOUS! So warm and welcoming.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
View Commentxinex says
You have done an amazing job, Barb! The room looks so homey and warm. I bet your clients do not mind waiting at all. They probably are just content reading and relaxing there with coffee in their hands. The metal grate planter transformation is so creative….Christine
View CommentNancy W says
Great job! Love what you did with the wall pieces!
View Commentkbbryant says
lovely transformation! I hope your waiting room is full of clients enjoying their wait!
Kathy b
View CommentCynthia says
I love your transformation, everything looks so homey. If I came to your office I would feel good that you know something about what makes a home. Cindy
View Comment"Just Me - NC Beth" says
I loved the reformation of your office! I’m with you…the starkness of the original would have left me feeling “cold”, to say the least! Your redo is definitely warmer and very inviting too!
~Beth
View Commentmbkatc230 says
Beautifully done Barb. It’s so comfortable and warm. What a nice place to wait, so many waiting rooms are so sterile. Love the transformation of the metal grates. Great post! Kathy
View CommentKD says
Hmmmm if my dentist office waiting room looked like that it might make going there easier. 🙂 It looks fantastic Barb! DOn’t you ever just want to lay down on that soda and take a nap? I know you are too busy for that!
View Commentcarolinajewel says
That is an amazing change even if you had spent lots of money!!!! The grates are my very favorite – you are so creative!
View CommentThanks for giving me your friends website. I _Love_ her home! There was no contact info on the website, but feel free to give her mine. I would love to chat with her about historic preservation! Thanks! 😀 Jewel
Linda says
Just gorgeous! I especially like the metal grates and the way you re-made them…great idea! Very charming area.
View CommentWendy says
Wow, I can’t believe the change. The office looks fabulous. The grates look amamzing. You are so right, the moss does add the finishing touch. Wonderful transformation.
Wendy
View CommentLynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says
Barb, what a beautiful transformation. Congrats on owning and running your own Real Estate Office. I love the warm cozy feeling your room gives off. Would sure take the nervous out of signing on the dotted line. Your metal pieces are out of sight girl.. reminds me I have a few things I can pull out, tear up and redo.. Love it… have a super day my friend.. hugs ~lynne~
View CommentMomovthree says
This is just the perfect place for your clients to walk into! What a great job you did. I used to work in real estate and I have to tell you, our office looked absolutely nothing like this. Yours is so warm and inviting. Great job!
View Comment~Michelle
ellen b says
Hi Barb!
View CommentI love your office redo! It looks so much more inviting. How clever of you to add the metal planters to the grates!! The florals in the vase are very nice, too!!
I enjoyed seeing your home away from home. Have a good week…
santamaker says
Very huge difference! Love the furnishings and coziness that you achieved and no wonder you call it your second home. I would feel right at home there as well!
View CommentYou are one clever lady to have come up with the planter idea..looks great and perfect for the space. Just love sales at Michaels…been there …done that! I have things put away ready to come out and play!
marty39 says
Wow Barb, what a transformation. I would love to wait in a room like this. It just makes all your clients feel at home already even before they buy their home. I love the grates and the floral arrangements, and the color and furniture are just gorgeous. As usual you do great things. Hugs, Marty
View CommentKimm at Reinvented says
That’s the prettiest waiting room I’ve ever seen! I wish I could buy a house!
View CommentCami @ Creating Myself says
Your office is wonderful Barb! I love teh grates w/ the wall urns…great idea!
And the cottagey touch of the white buffet/ dresser (whatever it is) is perfect!
View CommentHappy To Be says
Oh Barb…I just love what you have done here..it is so comfy looking..and congrats to you on owning your own buisness..I did that for 32 years..Thanks so much for sharing your Home away from home girl…hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
View CommentScooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda says
Our business letters are CCR, also, but we are health-care! We get that question about “the band,” too…all the time. LOL! Your office turned out great! Much prettier and warm! ~Rhonda 🙂
View CommentDoodles says
What a beautiful office. It is so homey and cozy. You did a wonderful job!!
View CommentBlue Eyed Tango says
Love what you did there Barb. I had a friend that I helped decorate her waiting room as well, ReMax. She wanted hers to be comfortable too and to say “you are home”. You did such a great job and the grates are beautiful! I love it when those creative wheels turn out of necessity! It’s so much better than just going out and blowing big wads of money for something that isn’t near as interesting!
View CommentLinda says
Great , so less clinical feeling, feels like home. Not only can you sell them a home but you could decorate it for them too!!
View CommentLinda
Cottage Lifestyle says
Your office is beautiful…so welcoming.
Renee
View CommentThe Bliss Journey says
You did a great job of making your office very homey.
View CommentKathleen
laurie @ bargain hunting says
Wow! This “after” looks great! So inviting and comfy. laurie
View CommentStacey @ The Blessed Nest says
You did a GREAT job on your office makeover!! Love how warm and cozy it looks!! 🙂
View CommentBo says
Congratulations on starting your own RE business…anyone could feel comfortable in your beautiful waiting room. 😉 Bo
View Comment~CC Catherine says
Barb, Fantastic M.Monday makeover! I really love what you did with the $6.00 plaques and the planters…This really is a super look, and a great combination! Best wishes on the business! I used to live in NC, great area! Blessings… ~CC Catherine
View CommentLiz says
BEAUTIFUL!!! From Dull to Dynomite!!
Good Job!
~Liz
View CommentOur really empty nest says
Your office is gorgeous! And I am so happy to know other people buy things just because they are too great of a deal to pass up, and somehow, if you stick to what you like, you can always manage to find a place for it, even if it is a year or so later. I really enjoy your blog, thanks for sharing, sue
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