There’s no way around it: You stay busy. Which is part of the reason why you’ve been neglecting that home office. Don’t sweat it! All that is about to change. Now you can spruce up your workspace — and get it looking spick-and-span — with products that scream, “I’ve got style.” Here are five simple ways to whip your home office into shape and crank your inspiration into high gear.
1. Unleash your inner artist. You don’t have to compete with The Met. A productive workspace is one that evokes creativity, and what better way to get the wheels turning than with a wall filled with beautiful imagery? Revisit that last family vacation, blow up favorite photos (those fishing boats, you in front of the Ferris wheel, that awe-inspiring cherry pie, etc.) and frame them in solid black frames. Pick up a cheap corkboard and create a collage filled with hand-written letters, glossy photos from magazines and found objects, like flowers.
Cheap art idea! Next time you’re at your local art store, inquire about area print sales — you can snag copies of original art for a fraction of the price and support a local artist while you’re at it!
2. Brighten up, sunshine! Trade in those blah office products for ones that scream personality. Get a punchy pink stapler, throw in a few neon-green highlighters, trade your standard pencil cup for an arty piece of pottery and top your desk lamp with a sunny lampshade. Visit your local hardware store and pick a paint color with panache; then, brush up the entire room (or just an accent wall) with your favorite vivid hue.
3. Personalize like a pro. If you’re jotting down your home address like it’s going out of style, treat your letters and bills to a handy upgrade: the personalized stamp. Not only will your friends and business associates appreciate the easy-to-read return address, you’ll be looking chic and polished with a custom stamp, like one of these self-inking address stamps. While you’re at it, stock your office suite with custom Post-it® notes and your own unique business letterhead.
4. Get organized. Deep clean your desk — you know it needs it — tossing out scraps of paper, receipts from two years ago and tacky trinkets you don’t really want (or need) to keep. You may even consider investing in a new desk or shelving unit like IKEA’s Alex Drawer Unit. (We love IKEA because everything is so customizable to meet your personal needs and style — whether you prefer a warm industrial or organic modern look.) After a thorough dusting, take stock of the paper that remains. Consider purchasing a solid filing cabinet for keeping all of your important papers in ship shape. Then, pick up smaller organizational products for your everyday needs. To-do lists, loose paper and Post-its can find a tidy place in an acrylic 4×6 Post-It® note holder, while that stack of business cards has a safe landing spot in a matching acrylic business card holder.
Find more organizing ideas here!
5. Start pinning. If you still feel like your office is void of creativity — or that you need help on creating your vision — turn to Pinterest for interesting decorating ideas. Take a cue from the blog hongkiat.com and start following boards like Organized Office by Ann W or Office Inspired by Nycia Emerson and imitate their ideas. Notice how everything is well lit, makes great use of both horizontal and vertical space, and has plenty of storage space? Plus, you’ll get inspired by their cool and collected color schemes and décor ideas, like creative chandeliers and wallpapers that beef up the look of a home office. Next up, start a board of your own with your favorite finds and inspirations — before you know it, people will start finding their inspiration from you!
What is your home office set-up? Let us know! Leave us a comment and/or a pic on our 123Print Facebook page, tweet us @123Print or write a note below.
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Great article! Unleashing your ideas could produce artistic designs. I love to create my own style when it comes to decorating my home office. Thanks for sharing this.