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Welcome to the second installment of monthly favorites! I’m focusing on things that make my life a little easier, more enjoyable and help me succeed. This month, I’m talking about the items that make my home office FUNctional!
I’ve spent some time on Instagram this month talking about my work space. It’s not the beautiful, perfectly curated office you may be used to seeing as you scroll social media. I am working in the office my grandad built for himself and his team in the 1970s. He was a real estate broker and general contractor, and his whole staff worked out of his home office. Walking into this space is a trip back in time, complete with wood paneling, avocado green bathroom fixtures and yellowed drop ceiling tiles. All of this desperately needs replaced, which will happen later this year as my husband and I take on a basement remodel of epic proportions! We purchased my grandparents’ home almost three years ago, and have already completed a significant remodel of the kitchen and main living area. We also had a baby, which stopped the remodeling process in its tracks. So, I’ve made the best of my wood paneling by adding colorful and functional accents. I’m also repurposing furniture and accessories from my previous home offices and using my grandad’s desk. I just can’t bring myself to invest in new decor until it’s truly time to furnish this space. Plus, no one sees it but my family - until I decided to share my “ugly” office on Instagram!
Here are a few of my favorite things that make my office functional while also brightening up a dark space:
Dry Erase Monthly/Yearly Wall Calendar - I like being able to look ahead at a glance. I am currently using a Simplified by Emily Ley version that seems to be out of stock, but I used this black and white damask design in my former home office.
Simplified by Emily Ley Desk Pad Calendar - I’ve started using this to plan weekly and monthly business goals. I break them down into tasks and schedule those day to day using the large squares on this desk calendar.
Lilly Pulitzer Loose Note Pad - Is it dramatic to say note pads are my love language? This Lilly Pulitzer version is perfect for all my turtle-loving Delta Zeta Sorority sisters! It also comes in other prints to bring color to any desk.
Lilly Pulitzer Sticky Notes - Why use plain sticky notes when you can use Lilly ones? Shout out to my mom for this fun gift that makes all my reminders a little more colorful.
Arc Systems Notebooks - I use both the large and journal sized versions. I like that I can customize them with tabbed dividers (large) (journal), which makes it easy for me to separate notes for different clients and projects. I’ve also added pocket folders (large) (journal) to organize materials I pick up at meetings, and a mini flag system for color coding. I use the large version for general client meetings and writing, and drop the journal size into my purse when I don’t want to carry my work tote. I customized my large version with a monogram decal similar to this one. Looks like it’s time to customize my journal size, as well!
Packed Party Tape Dispenser and Stapler - Are staplers and tape dispensers covered in confetti necessary? No, but they sure are cute! I grabbed this tape dispenser and stapler on sale at Dillard’s right after Christmas. They add a little happiness to my dark, wooden desk.
Colorful File Folders - As much as I try to go paperless, I still have client work and other business items that must be filed. I use colorful folders to color code and bring a little joy to my work space! These fun confetti print and flamingo print folders are similar to ones I’ve been using for awhile!
Desk Accessories - Speaking of file folders, they must have somewhere to live while they’re on my desk! I prefer a stand up folder organizer to letter trays so I can see the tabs. I’m currently using a gray and gold one I bought at HomeGoods several years ago, but I love this small pink file sorter with matching desk accessories and large pink file sorter!
Pilot G2 Pens - Did I mention these last month, too? Yup. They’re the best. I prefer the assorted pack because I am a color coding maniac, but you can also grab them in standard black and blue if that’s more your style.
Mugs and Cups - My office is in the basement, so I tend to tote mugs and cups downstairs with me and hold onto them all day. I usually have one full of water and one with coffee. This Yeti tumbler keeps my coffee hot all day and my beloved Tervis tumblers keep my water cold for hours. I am a little bit of a cup addict!
9-Cube Organizer - This piece of furniture has been through three offices with me and is still going strong! I bought mine at Target over ten years ago, so I’m not sure it’s exactly the same brand as the one on Amazon. It looks just like it, though! I’ve bought several colors of fabric organizers to use in it as I’ve changed decor. This simple piece of furniture has been so useful and really helps me organize office supplies and back stock.
Plants - I love to garden, and house plants add so much color to a room. My office has a great window that’s partially shaded, so I can grow quite a few types of plants. I’m currently working on a Christmas cactus, house palm and succulents. These are the easiest little guys to grow and really add cheer to any space!
There you have it…all the items that are making my home office a little more colorful and functional! I am so grateful to have this spot and be growing my business in the same spot where my grandad started his own company in the 70s. I love using his desk, and plan to keep doing so even after the remodel. I won’t be sad to say goodbye to the wood paneling, though!
Let me know if any of these items might bring joy to your office space! Where do you prefer to work? At home, in an office, co-working space, coffee shop, library? I’d love to hear what makes your work space FUNctional!