Office Inspiration and Desk Reveal
I have spent the last month preparing a work space suitable for me, a gift for my one year work-anniversary, - One that would fit seamlessly into our apartment, keep me inspired, keep me organized and boost my productivity. I wanted something simple, elegant, and functional; and something within our budget.
I am slightly addicted to Pinterest. I binge pin from time to time. When I was ready to work on a small office space there was plenty of inspiration to be found on my Pinterest board. Here are a few of my faves:
This home office essentials work space featured on the Every Girl Blog
I liked that the desk was small but functional and I LOVE natural light!
This fabulous space by Decor8 Holly
Although this is more of a studio work space, I like that it is open and airy. And the hanging lantern lights set it off!
Another gorgeous space featured on The Every Girl Blog and designed for the 20 something post grad
I like the added glamour that the lighted arrow sign brings to this set up.
The fab and functional office of Chic Street Style
I really liked the shelves and the Eiffel Tower.
This refreshing studio from Sarah Sherman Samuel
Another bright and airy space. I like the wood white combination but perhaps my favorite thing about this space is the plants. Increased oxygen, increased productivity.
The gold accessories from Danielle Moss Work Station at featured on Mountain Modern Life
The gold lamp, the gold phone, and the acrylic and gold stapler and tape dispenser - Yes! Yes! And more Yes!
In case you missed it there were definitely gold elements in each work space. Apparently, I have become slightly obsessed with gold office inspiration.
I knew as early as last September that I wanted gold and white to be a part of my own little office theme. Then my mother came to visit and brought me the cutest little black, white, and gold trinket tray. I loved it at once! And set to work finding pieces that could work with it.
First I wanted a cute little corner desk with a hutch then I realized I didn't want to stare at the wall - it reminded me of being in a cubicle all over again.
When I finally started looking at desks I looked at white desks first - I Really like the clean look of white desks.
But it wasn't long before I realized how I needed something that would work for me not just something that looked good for everyone else. I have constant need to write things down. I have to or I will forget. That realization led me to think about glass topped desks so that I could write reminders to myself with dry erase markers.
After much searching I decided on a drafting desk - The Monterey Craft Station.
It only comes in black and white. I wanted my desk to be white and gold. We ordered the desk and bought a can of gold spray paint to go along with it.
Danny helped me with my first spray painting session but left me to it once he saw I got the hang of it.
It took me a total of two spray paint sessions and a bout a month to put the desk together mainly because we were just super busy. Danny helped me place the glass top but I was proud that I worked little by little to put the rest of the desk together myself.
By the time I added the finishing touches Saturday night the sun had gone down. But as soon as we got settled Sunday afternoon I snapped a few pics with the natural light.
There's still some work left to do in regards to decorations and office supplies. However, as with everything else, Danny and I have no problem taking our time, finding exactly what we want, and adding a little bit at a time.
I may not be anywhere near as fabulous as some of the inspiration photos above but honestly I'm probably more thrilled than any of those office owners, considering I've gone from working at our dining table to having a space all my own next to one of my favorite pieces of furniture - our bookcase!
God has been kind.
I also cannot get enough of all this natural light. Although, I will probably need a desk lamp in the near future but because I'm super choosy so I'm in no rush to make a decision there.
I'm obsessed with my space and feel blessed every time I sit down to it. (Right now, Im borrowing a chair from our dining table until I find the perfect office chair.) I kept the decor on my desk to a minimum and I actually like that there are not too many items because it will help me to keep it nice and neat and help me avoid clutter.
A lot of thought went into the few items that did make it to the table top.
Here are the details of what's currently on my desk and why:
1. Framed Art - African Woman with Clay Pot
My baby sister gifted me with this at Christmas. I'm amazed at how perceptive she is - she knows what I like. This is definitely one of my favorite desk items - it reminds me of my rich history - first as a Jamaican and then as a descendent of the great African continent - the cradle of civilization.
2. Pencil Holder
This pencil holder came with the drafting desk. The color is black so it matched with my color scheme right away. It's also very handy, as there are six individual holes that make it easy to quickly access a pen or pencil.
3. Monogram Trinket Holder
This was a just thinking of you gift my mom gave me in September and it solidified my office theme colors. Thanks mom! (Oh yeah, now I remember where my sister gets her perceptiveness from.) The holder is made by Tri-Coastal Design - I found a similar item here.
4. Soy Candle
For me there is just something so relaxing about watching the flame of a candle dance while being submerged in its sweet fragrance. Candles make me happy. And of all the candles I've ever owned this Juicy Gossip candle from the Soho Brights Collection is one of my absolute faves!
5. Planner and Notebook Set
One of my favorite tools is the 2016 Eccolo Ltd. Planner it helps me stay on track. Equally as important for me is the gorgeous, leatheresque Good as Gold classic notebook - I'm only writing things I know Ill quickly want to reference again and again in this one. Both were gifts to me from my older sister - quite obviously she gets me.
6. Inspirational Paper Weight
"The only place where Success comes before Work is in the Dictionary." - Donald Kendall.
Also, another gift from my big sister. If I ever get antsy while sitting at my desk and working all I'll have to do is look up at the right corner and I'll remember what's expected of me.
7. Fresh Roses
Currently my favorite desk item - Fresh "Just because it's Saturday Roses" from my Mister. I could go on and on about why these are so special to me but he knows himself. It's enough for you to know that I like fresh flowers.
8. Magazine
I have the current issue of the Better Homes and Gardens on my desk for a number of reasons: it's a classic, it's bright and colorful, but mainly I like to read and it's something else that reminds me of my mom - who always managed to be a good homemaker even with a demanding job and schedule.
Still, the bottom right hand corner is more of a miscellaneous space reserved for reading material.
9. Laptop
My laptop is the tool of my trade along with good old fashioned paper and pencil. I even created inspirational wallpaper to match my theme colors. I also recently bought a keyboard cover to protect some exposed keys - and yes that too is gold.
I decided to share my desk to show that you don't have to be like anyone else or have what everyone else has to create a space you can be happy with - whether its your work space, or your home, and life, in general.
Build the life you want, one piece at a time.
Grace.&.Peace
-CF