Why not spruce up your desk in honor of spring? I am moving my studio this weekend to a bigger space (and therefore thinking about the new studio and everything I want/need to do to it). I am sprucing as I pack (and when I say sprucing, I mean purging!). Offices have been on my mind.
Amidst the chaos of boxes that surround me, I'm thinking about having two desk looks. One for Spring/Summer, and one for Fall/Winter. I know it sounds frivolous (and so far from my current situation, moving and all)...but really, its not that much stuff to switch out. And it could be really fun. I always feel left out when all the spring and summer stuff rolls out to retail. All of that bright and happy product doesn't quite fit in with my home style, which has developed into a decidedly British Colonial/Classic Transitional/kinda Restoration Hardware-esque/Masculine/ Ralph Lauren meets English Hunting Lodge Without the Taxidermy home style (probably due to Mr. Wonderful, my hardest to client to please).
But my office...that can be a departure, right? I have already painted the new space a soft, creamy butter yellow (my favorite color of all time...until I see an orange that makes my heart race). I am still pondering all the fun stuff...my new desk skirts (see my brilliant desk solution at the end of this post), what color I will refinish a vintage lamp that is slated for the new studio, what type of window treatment I want, which art I will hang...how big a bulletin board I want. All the fun stuff. And right now, I am thinking I might possibly go bright. Maybe its just spring. Either way, I'm going to punch it up.
Personalized pencils from Lillian Vernon.
Drop them into a shiny brass or chrome pencil cup. Look for a cool cup in the bathroom section of your favorite store. Usually they come with a top or a topper with holes for a toothbrush- just toss it and use it on the desk for pencils. This is why my pencil cups are always unique- they are really bathroom accessories.
"Croc Box Clock" from Room Service Home. In real life I would get croc for sure (do you know I have this thing with crocodile? See here and here. But I would almost for sure find one in orange croc).
"Marrakesh File Folders" from Ballard Designs.
I would use these for the files I keep out on my sorter, not the ones that go away and hide in the file cabinet.
"City Push Pins" from Ballard Designs. A classic bulliten board is a must. Whats an office without a cork board? I currently have loads of those clear ones (all left over from pin up critiques in design school). I think its about time to get some fun ones.
Brass Stamp Dispenser. This is possibly my favorite desk item ever. Love it.
Sailcloth Storage Collection from Exposures
I like this collection because its neutral. You won't have to ditch your whole collection of black boxes and mag files when you decide to depart from the toile* ridden Paris office theme (or whatever the theme du jour may be).
*Not that I have anything against toile. I actually quite like it.
Birght and happy-hued bound planners and desk journals. A must (although my current agenda is navy pebble leather, I can dream its turquoise). These are from Horchow.
"Newport Frames" from Z Gallerie. I have the tiny one on my desk right now. I love it. Bright and happy. And orange, which makes me happy. Glossy enamel makes it fancy.
A useful tip to anyone who actually needs desk space (and not just a pretty desk for writing thank you notes and managing a social calendar, which is equally important, for sure)...build them! I'm usually not a huge fan of D.I.Y. projects (or at least recommending a D.I.Y. project to individuals without knowing their capability with power tools or their interest in detail). Get 4x4's cut to size (mine are about 29" tall so I can slide file cabinets under the desk) and drill a door (yes, an entire door) on top of the 4x4's. You will have an instant, and HUGE desk (which is very cost effective)! This is what I have done in my studio from the suggestion of one of my past architect teachers. Both of the large desks in my home studio have taken a serious beating, and they are still standing. I will post photos when the new studio is finished.
