Sitting at my cubicle... happily working, of course.
If you have a desk job, you know, there are little things that make the day go by faster: An afternoon coffee break, taking a quick lap around your floor or building to move your legs (or clear your head), and a work space that has something inspiring to gaze off to for those moments when your eyes need a break from the computer screen. Even though you don't work at home, you can still decorate your desk with some of its comforts. Below, I breakdown how I attempted to do just that to my conventional cubicle.
1. Set your desktop image to something escapist and office-appropriate. For me it's Oscar de la Renta's impeccably manicured garden.
2. Also, a desk lamp is crucial. Luckily, my prime cubicle location welcomes in tons of natural light. But, when working late this brass and marble beauty brightens things up.
Arteriors desk lamp, lampsplus.com
3. I love leather desk blotters, but this Moroccan rug sample keeps my palms comfy and keyboard secure just as well.
Rug swatch, restorationhardware.com
4. On the topic of comfort, a chic throw (you never know when office temps will be low) and pillow (I find that a small pillow helps with posture) are a must! Plus, an easy and very practical way to disguise corporate furniture.
Scalamandre pillow, artemisiainc.com
5. Confession: I have an obsession with coffee table books—at my house you can find them in nearly every room. On my desk, their covers provide both color and familiarity.
6. You might have noticed that I have a surplus of writing utensils as well. Handy pens and pads are essentials for dashing into meetings and recording those brilliant ideas that randomly hit you.
Notebooks: Astier de Villatte via johnderian.com, crocodile diary via smythson.com, mouse pad via alexapulitzer.com
7. In a work force dominated by pressing send, it's sooooo nice to say thank you with a handwritten note. Keeping these monogrammed cards in view subconsciously reminds me to do so.
Personalized stationery, thestationerystudio.com
8. I cherish thank you notes so much that I pin my favorites, along with an assortment of other inspiring objects, to a bulletin board backing my desk.
9. On top of collages, I also look to art for a creative energy jolt. I adore this framed print of Cecil Beaton's living room—a testament to timeless decorating.
Cecil Beaton print, art.com
10. This myrtle topiary requires lots of water/attention, but looking at greenery is an instant stress reliever! 11. To the right, a silver mint julep cup serves as the perfect pencil holder.
Topiary, shopterrain.com
12. I keep paper and hair clips corralled in a pretty porcelain dish.
13. I have to admit that the contents of my deskside filing cabinet are not work-related (hair brush, lipstick, mirror... Advil!). Two products I do keep tabletop: Hand sanitizer and lotion.
Antica Farmacista via neimanmarcus.com, decoupage tray via johnderian.com, Le Pen pens via amazon.com
Photography by Kelly Stuart for Hearst Digital.
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