HOME OFFICE REVEAL

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After writing about interior design and organization from the messiest, least-aesthetically appealing corners of my home for the last three years, I’ve finally invested my energy into creating a workspace that feels distinct from the rest of our home, ignites inspiration and caters to my general, daily needs. (Specifically? Vintage reruns of Real Housewives keeping me company throughout literally every working hour of my week via a large, wall-mounted television hung strategically within eyesight of my desk. Priorities, people. Priorities.)

Black-and-white photographs, textured fabric swatches, vintage art prints and family mementos come together to create a statement-making and sentimental gallery wall that serves as the focal point of my home office design. Inky black frames complete with crisp, white matting soften the dramatic accents and create a sense of cohesion in the otherwise diverse collection. A single, brass frame with an off-white matting provides striking contrast, leaning against the base of the wall. The gilded finish ushers warmth into the space, adds interesting asymmetry to the display and enhances the creamy, ivory undertones of the aged photographs and antique book pages, overhead.

A chinoiserie table lamp and two, blue-and-white vases brighten the left corner of my desk and enliven the otherwise neutral design. A flirty ivory tassel dangles beneath the dramatic empire lamp shade and pops with whimsy against the ornate, porcelain base.

During the second week of March, Joey randomly asked me which piece of our bookcase decor was my favorite. I picked up a small, tarnished silver bowl that came from the Italian-American club my grandparents were members of many years ago. As I showed Joey the bowl, I flipped it over and found a surprising message in my late grandmother’s handwriting attached to the bottom with tape.

“Buona Sera - Good Evening”
”Buona Fortuna - Good Luck”

The message sent chills down my spine because the second week of March was during the height of the COVID19 crisis in Italy and just the beginning of the virus surge in the United States.

I’m a big believer that, sometimes, your passed loved ones will give you subtle signs from beyond. Little nudges here and there.
Other times? They give you no room to second-guess or doubt their presence around you. This was one of those times.

I peeled her message from the bottom of the bowl and encased it behind glass beneath one of her wedding portraits with my grandfather. It’s, without doubt, my favorite piece on the gallery wall because it serves as a daily reminder that love, luck and protection is abundant around me.