A Box Room

So called because it's big enough to hold a box or two, and a bed at a push. Some people might call it a walk in wardrobe or suggest it would make a good size en-suite, but it was our third bedroom. When we first moved into this house, it was the room where the still-to-be-unpacked boxes were stored. When they were unpacked it held clothes airers and drying washing. Then it was a nursery for Bella, then for Angus, then Angus's bedroom. Now it's an office, of sorts. 

It's also very small, bright and incredibly difficult to photograph, as wherever you stand you are confronted by a window. We've painted it white, for now, which seemed easier than making any kind of decision about colour, and furnished it with a mismatch of items from all over the house. The desk we bought years ago and has been stored in the garage until now, but we did buy a new desk chair. John chose it. I wanted to find and paint an old wooden chair and put a cushion on it but John wouldn't let me. It won't be comfortable to sit at for hours, he said. His choice of chair is comfortable, I'll give him that.

There is a also small bookcase and our Poang chair for lounging. That's really nice spot to linger, I have to admit. 

After not having any kind of office space for so long, I am positively giddy at the thought of having the laptop, filing cabinet, printer and shredder in the same room rather than scattered all over the house. I'm a whizz at admin and paperwork right now, let me tell you. MOT? Booked. Tax disc? Renewed. Bills? Paid. Paid AND FILED!!

It's actually a lovely room in which to sit. Cosy, quiet and warmed by the sun, various members of the household escape up here to read, work, colour and play. When it's too bright, the pink curtains are drawn and give the room a rosy glow. I've been surprised by how much the children enjoy using it, particularly the desk. Since they share a bedroom, it's nice for them to have some space to spill over into. I thought I'd move my sewing machine and fabric up here, but I haven't yet. The thing is, it's a shared family space not my office and so, for now, I find it easier to have my things downstairs where I spend most of my time, where I can get on with being creative amongst and around the hustle and bustle of family life.

But, if I'm honest, you know what the best thing about this room is? That white desk and the good light make it an excellent spot for photographing things. I didn't plan it that way, honest! Remember my leaf skeletons? Photographed here, along with a lot of other things lately.

And speaking of photography, I am still working on a post all about photography tips. It's taking a while to put together (it's long!) but I hope to publish it next week sometime.