Light and Texture in the French Attic

Welcome to my "French Attic" 

-- my private little upstairs space where I write my blog and read and daydream.
Please, come on up. 

The sun is slipping away so early these days, but I'm just not ready for these dark days.
So I'm making some changes in my office to make the most of the daylight hours. 

Here is a "before" picture.
Notice how the outdoors changes with the seasons. 

And here's the "after."

 I swept the sheer curtains to the side of the tall windows instead of tying them in the middle 

to let in more light. I even washed the windows (inside and out!). What a difference! 

Who knew they were so dirty?

Another change in this space was moving my big red leather chair and ottoman 

to face the windows instead of into the room. 

I wasn't sure how it would look until I lugged it around and tried it. Yes! It works!

It's a perfect spot for reading or just watching the noisy Canada geese fly by on their way south. 

Light and texture are two important design elements that bring a French feel to any space.
As the light outside changes throughout the day, this room is bathed in dramatic shadows.

I removed the shabby chic floral slipcover, revealing the rich red leather
that seems to feel more like Fall/Winter than the summery print did.
It's a simple change that gives the space an atmosphere of sensual warmth.

Draping a chunky white throw and an airy piano shawl over the back of the chair

also lends some interesting texture to the smooth leather 

A sheepskin and a textured blanket on the leather ottoman cozies up the space and says 

"put your feet up!"

(Loved this book; you might enjoy it too.)

Roxy thinks this window seat is a good place to watch for squirrels . . .

or maybe take a little afternoon nap.
She blends in so well, sometimes I can't find her nestled in the blankets.

The top of a red mid-century modern stand in the corner adds a nice shiny accent 

and holds some of my favorite finds including 

a vase of white silk flowers and a vintage beaded compact.

On the opposite wall, an old wicker planter corrals favorite magazines 

and displays my collection of monogrammed linens. 

And a stack of vintage suitcases, a poster of Venice and an old hall tree in the corner 

makes me dream of traveling somewhere exotic in the winter months to come. 

My "French Attic" faces east and the morning light pours into this room, 

the windows unfettered by curtains and the glass sparkling in the sunlight.
I can watch the silent snow dressing my street in white in the morning

and the full moon floating up over the rooftops like a giant silver balloon in the evening.

As I watch the day drift by my French Attic windows,
I find a peaceful solitude in this room of my own.

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Linking with:
Dwellings, Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia,
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Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, 21 Rosemary Lane, Peonies and Orange Blossoms,
Adirondack Girl at Heart, Charm of Home, French Country Cottage