I had extra time yesterday and, in strolling to work in the gorgeous 41-degree weather, I stopped in Crate & Barrel. There's something about stepping into an almost-set--it's fun to imagine your life there. ("Come live with me in a page of the Crate & Barrel/Pottery Barn/West Elm catalog," I've said on multiple occasions, after a rough day that could really benefit from all the restful blues, beiges and crisp whites.)
And then I started sitting at all the desks. Some are obviously meant for those with apartments large enough to have their own libraries; some are sturdy enough that I could stand on them and tap dance; some are more practical, some vanity-like, pretty, white with tiny drawers and the desk equivalent of fancy-pants crown molding.
I was sitting at one--tempted, as I was, to pull out my notepad and make notes, perch in the padded plush chair a little longer and pretend all that was mine--and then I realized: I could never have a desk like this. Why? Because I'd spill an Amy's pot pie on it within hours of its assembly.
So what does one do? Choose pretty, inspiring, functional, whatever's available, whatever's near enough that you can put it in a wagon and steer it home and up the stairs and through tiny doorways and around roommates and cats?
How do you choose the furniture that holds you as you write?
6 comments:
right now my desk is the same one i used in high school. from ikea :D
but i always choose pretty over functional. every single time. my body may be uncomfortable, but what's important is that my senses are aesthetically pleased. (comfortable *and* pretty is a close second.)
i say go for the pretty crate and barrel desk. maybe move the pot pies to the floor...? tehe
THIS is why I am the IKEA queen. Seriously... I can do an entire office for like 500 bucks, and then when spill blue nail polish all over the thing, I can just wipe it right up!
Like so many other things, I think one just knows when they see the perfect piece. I have several desks in my house - darn near one for each room - and my favorite of all is a huge metal army desk. A previous owner made a wooden "cap" that sits as the actual desk top, which I love. The rich color of the wood, the big drawers and the fact that it weighs a ton (One could certainly Riverdance on this one), make me very happy. I doubt I'll ever part with it.
Oh, what a dream it would be to shop for furniture to "hold" me as I write! We've been trying to sell our house for the past 10 months, and I keep promising myself a nice writing niche when we get a new one. Someday...someday...
I do know that a desk is my least favorite place to write...now a sofa (or possibly a kitchen table if sustenance is required) is where I like to dream of parking my Mac and typing away! Sofas are fun to shop for as well.
Eek. *pulls Gatsby hat over eyes with embarrassment*
I have a lap desk. Beanie bottom with cheap swivel light and handy cup holder. Not very impressive but it fits through most doorways with ease.
Hmm, wonder what this says about my commitment to furniture.
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