* * * * *
Paint/wallpaper - The most obvious way to transform a space is to add a lick of paint, or a few rolls of wallpaper. Though funnily enough, I've actually just taken down a golden feature wall in favour of a simple matte white - I'll admit, mainly so I can continue buying accessories in every clashing colour imaginable!
Let there be light! - If desk lamps aren't your thing, consider other options such as skinny floor-lamps, or take a leaf out of H&M Home's book and opt for varying heights of chic candlesticks. As Christmas nears, I'm also turning my attention to fairy lights (check out this fun and informative Christmas Lighting Guide by House of Fraser)
Out of the picture - Framed prints and/or mirrors can go a long way to transform the space behind a desk. Alternatively, if you fancy a trip to IKEA, a bulk purchase of plain frames could make for a fun DIY. All that's needed is a a can of gold spray paint and some stencils!
A blooming idea - There's nothing revolutionary about bringing the outdoors indoors, though there may be something calming in seeing hanging plants trail from an above shelf onto the tip of your screen. Better yet, track down a nest of copper plant pots to assemble on a side table (try John Lewis or Trouva). If you're looking for high impact with minimal effort, consider artificial silk or dried flowers - you can always move them through the seasons with some spray paint and patience (see last month's DIY Autumn Wreath tutorial for ideas)
An old flame - Candles, candles and more candles. Not to be confused with the light sources above though, because let's face it, an increasing number of candle sales are probably due to appearance alone! I mean, I may not have chosen a desk yet, but I did buy a couple of bergamot & spiced tea candles yesterday thanks to their metallic jars...
Oh so pretty - I find the most exciting part of breathing new life into a home workspace is the process of collecting accessories along the way. As soon as I decided to rework the space and even before starting to decorate, I had amassed various marble and copper trinket boxes. Other items to consider investing in include small trinket trays (try Aspinal of London or Anthroplogie), as well as unusual cushions for your chair to be used in rotation. My current favourite is this pink metallic splatter cushion from Oliver Bonas
Ruler of my heart - With so many Pinterest-worthy desks overflowing with gold hole-punchers, and Instagram flatlays featuring rose gold paperclips sitting pretty on marble trivets; it's no wonder the spotlight now so regularly turns on stationery. It's certainly got my attention! If you're on a tight budget check out Wilko for office-accessories storage solutions, or Lily Rose Co. for affordable prints. If you're in the mood to splurge, it's time for a Kate Spade haul (available at John Lewis) - my current favourites include this gold stapler and acrylic file
Fill in the gaps - So, your new desk area is complete (ugh if only). The wall is adorned with gold-framed prints, your desk filled with chic accessories and the surrounding areas boast large plants and contemporary cushions. But wait, gaps! There's a simple, speedy solution - grab any of the magazines you've got lying around and stack them neatly where possible. Have any sturdy, stylish and clean shopping bags sitting around? Slide one or two of those into a negative space, making sure they're either filled with 'pretty things' or positioned above eye level on a shelf
* * * * *
With love,
Gabrielle x
That is one thing I am looking forward to in my future, having my own desk ! I live with my boyfriend and we share his... it's not nice at all but he likes it a particular way haha ! Once we have our own house with an office... well let's just say I will be coming back to this post <3
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jess
Http://jessprainstyle.com
I wish had an extra room in my house which I could transform into my office. I have an entire board on Pinterest filled with amazing ideas.
ReplyDeletewww.mydailywear.co.uk
Great post, my other half is starting a new work from home job in a few weeks and is going to be invading my workspace! I must show this to him to see if some girly vibes will rub off haha as he has already started talking about changing it up!!! Hope you are having a lovely weekend Gabrielle.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
All great tips for revamping your office space. Paint color and lighting are really key for me. They set the mood and as I get older I need to be able to adjust my lighting for ease while reading.
ReplyDeleteLaToya
www.toyastales.blogspot.com
Great tips!! I'm still trying to figure out a color for my office. Lol. I would love to do one of those wall papers on one wall in a black and velvet patter and the rest of the walls pink or grey.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe blue... hmmm
Such a cute post! Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteLIVING IN PLAID - Personal Style Blog from Brussels
great post and love the ideas, I love redoing spaces, so fun! :)
ReplyDeleteErin || MakeErinOver
Just as Izabela has said, i think we are in the same situation, i need an extra room for same purpose.. Love this post.
ReplyDeletebrendascouch.com
Great tips! I definitely agree about having white or neutral walls, I prefer it that way because then I'm not locked into a colour scheme when it comes to decorating because you can always move your bits and pieces around but it's much harder to change the colour of the wall once it's been painted. My desk set up is a bit of a mess at the moment, I had it really neat and styled and pretty but then the two shelves I'd had my dad install above my desk collapsed and I haven't sorted out what I'm going to put up there now that's not too heavy so it doesn't happen again. I really need to get around to it though!
ReplyDeletelittlehenrylee.net
So simple and extremely useful tips for my current mood!Thanks a lot for sharing <3
ReplyDeleteXO,
http://gingerdetails.blogspot.com/
Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Ugh I Wish I had my own designated space for an office/blogging space. Unfortunately we just don't have the room right now. I would so love to see your office once its all finished!
ReplyDeleteRenee | Life After Lux
This is such a helpful post with all the breakdowns, it simplifies a daunting task!
ReplyDeleteI've just recently revamped my desk, it was an awful colour so I sandpapered it down and painted the desk white. It looks a bit basic right now but will definitely use some of your tips, I like the idea of copper plant pots! Think I might have some copper spray paint which I can use for some of my old pots!
Lima
Fashionicide | An Oasis of Colour, in a Sea of Nudes
xo
Hi Gabrielle :) this post is really good! I think I'll have to wait my house to do something like this :) xx
ReplyDeleteaishettina.blogspot.it
Hello Gaby! Beautiful workplace you have :)
ReplyDeleteYour post is really TOP. A desk area tidy and decorated facilitates clear ideas. One feels much better and efficient. At home, I have no office (Sweatheart has one which I strictly make sure he keep organised...cruela me....hahaha) but at my bank workplace, all my colleagues congratulate me because I have everything beautifully organised and bits of decor (DIY). So yes, your tips are important. Happy Sunday sweetie :)
I am sure your working space looks lovely! I think you have provided some real great and useful tips! xoxo
ReplyDeletewww.naomella.com
They are all great tips I would definitely try, thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeletexx
www.thestylefanatic.com
These are some good tips. It actually inspired me to revamp my own work place at home. Still trying to decide what sort of theme that I want but I guess I could do it one step at a time.
ReplyDeleteJoyce | Joycentricity
I spend way to long look at pinterest desks but this has given me a few ideas on how to make it a reality! Lovely post x
ReplyDeleteeleanorclaudie.com
Nice tips Gabrielle!!! Really useful!!! Don't miss my last outfit, now on my blog!
ReplyDeleteKisses from Italy and thank you for your visit,
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Bloglovin of Eniwhere Fashion
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://violettedaily.com
I desperately want some form of office! Unfortunately right now we just don't have the space but for now I can dream and will definitely be bookmarking your post for lots of tips to make it ever so cosy and chic!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
Oooh, this post is full of great ideas! My space needs a revamp ASAP, so I'll definitely keep this post bookmarked for future reference. Thanks for the help!
ReplyDeleteAmber | y a c h t s m a a n
What a great idea: to revamp my work space. Thank you for your tips, Gabrielle! Good luck on completing your project. I'm sure you will have a happier space, as will I once I try out some of your suggestions - starting with more light and a flowering plant. XO
ReplyDeleteJanea
http://theSTYLetti.com
These are amazing ideas! I love to have lots of frames from Ikea in different sizes behind my desk and I usually print quotes and lovely pictures of places I would love to visit! Changes my mood instantly!:)
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
My desk is very organized and has barely any decorations, surely not a happy place. But I need it that way to not get distracted.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I love reading this kind of tips, and I have to say that they were all super useful! Thanks for sharing beauty!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lucrezia ♥ (http://www.lucreziacandelori.com)
I really want to get some frames from IKEA and pop in some inspirational quotes!
ReplyDeleteAbigail Alice x
I love the idea of hanging those frames with inspiration quotes. Mirrors make the space more live, but for me mirrors interrupt you from working process =)
ReplyDeleteI love these tips and I've actually been thinking about adding a wallpaper accent wall behind the desk that I share with my husband. Even though he lets me do what I want with decor, I tend to hold back a bit since it is a shared space. I would complain but I do love having him next to me ;)
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas!
ReplyDeletexx LL
www.lalouuula.com
Such an inspiration and cool idea! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.ismurfshion.com
I LOVE this Gabrielle, I never feel like my work area is complete/looks perfect so I definitely need to play around and use some of these ideas!
ReplyDeleteElle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
Can't wait to see your finished project. Hope you will be sharing pictures.
ReplyDeleteGabrielle I would love to hear your opinion on my post today.
I appreciate and love how thoughtful your comments are.
Have a nice week!
Cheers,
Tatjana
https://tbymallano.com/
Marvellous tips! I agree that light makes all the difference, 'let there me light', as you say. I also loved your 'old flame' tip (lovely word play) because I've always been a fun of candles. Furthermore, bringing the outdoors indoors is always a great idea, but especially so in Autumn. The nature is so inspiring in the colder months, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough I've been wanting to buy a gold stapler!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to overhaul my office space a bit - I've got candles and house plants but need some more pictures!
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
www.callmeamy.co.uk
I have just been thinking about revamping my work space - this is amazing inspo! These are all such great ideas. It's so important to have lots of light! Something that can surprisingly be hard to find. Can't wait to see your finished space!
ReplyDeletexx www.qustomquinns.com/blog
I'm doing this so that I'll be more inspired to study and blog at the same time. Thanks for the tips! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
SHAIRA
www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
These are so great tips to transform home offices, Gabrielle, and I can't agree more about candles, I have bought many candles just because of their cute looks haha.
ReplyDeleteNina
Nina's Style Blog Giveaway__ Enter to win $100
Some great tips.. I could almost imagine your beautiful office. I don't really have a desk or office space for myself.
ReplyDeleteBut I feel similarly when revamping any of the rooms in my house. While I like a finished look I don't want to run out and by a whole bunch of stuff.. I like to collect and decorate as I go. Buy the big key pieces first and decorate slowly.. let the space come together naturally.
Love these ideas gorgeous! Having a nice home office is key for me as I work from home. And with all the Pinterest images I have saved for home office inspo, I could definitely get around and actually do some change. So thank you for the inspo! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
This is wonderful! Great tips.
ReplyDelete♘ www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘
Dang it! This post came too late for me. I JUST got finished sprucing up my home office. I did a lot of things you suggested though. I bought a nice new candle, a new modern lamp, and then I bought a few 'coffee table' books off Amazon. I also love adding in something green like a succulent, fake of course because I know I'd kill a real one haha. I also did the whole IKEA thing and bought a bunch of frames and I framed all my traveling photos in order to give me inspiration when I write. Lovely photo of your office space!
ReplyDelete-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
I wish I could decorate my desk area so it looks "picturesque and instagramable! :P I live in a rented flat and sharing a desk... and I just can't wait to get my own house and decorate my work area with all the nice things you've mentioned above. :)
ReplyDeleteOlivia x | Liviatiana
I am all about the candles! Love a great painting hanging on the wall, too. Great tips - all things I would consider if redoing my own space :)
ReplyDeleteEuriental
Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteFab post. Thanks beauty xxx
www.travelera.es
These are amazing suggestions! And you're right, you can never go wrong with candles, when in doubt, burn a candle! LOL!
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
These are great tips! I hope that your revamp of your office space goes well! It can be a lot of fun when it's all finished :)
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a wonderful start to the week :)
Away From The Blue Blog
These are such great tips! The image of you sitting on the floor covered in paint made me laugh...I've totally been there! I'm excited to see your finished product! Having a workspace that inspires you makes such a difference!
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips Gabrielle! Now if only I had a home office to decorate :( heheh
ReplyDeleteTina
www.justatinabit.com
These are really great ideas. I keep on rearranging my desk at home and I would like to try these.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous tips Gabrielle. I personally adore stationary and anything rose gold or gold always has my name on it, practicality be damned! I don't have a set work space right now as I'm always moving my tech around the house. I can't wait for the day when I can create a truly inspiring space. Florals, candles and artwork will be mandatory in my own space.
ReplyDeleteSxx
www.daringcoco.com
Oh, don't get me started on candles. I love having them on my desk, maybe more than 2 at a time haha. Sometimes I just stare at the flame to distract me from all my uni work! Bad choice lol. Have a lovely week :)
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
Tidying up My desk space isn't the only thing i have been postponing to do,my blog is in need of a makeover. I usually shop on Ikea for storage stuffs and shelves . The candle sounds like a good idea.My table is really small and i'm glad i stopped by to get some ideas on how to get rid of the clutter ,lets face it a good day starts with an inspiring working space.
ReplyDeletewww.stylenbeautylounge.com
Nice post! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete** Join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!
BEAUTYEDITER.COM
I love how your office desk is looking so far, the light colours and splashes of colour from the plants make it really calming. I'm currently going through a bit of a style overhaul at the moment too, and I'm drawn to lots of botanical prints and light colours, I find it instantly calming. I also love those trinket boxes you mentioned too. - Tasha
ReplyDeleteThese ideas sound lovely and I will definitely be saving this for next year when I move out. I'm really excited about being able to decorate my own space! :)
ReplyDeleteSarah | What Sarah Writes
Love these decor tips, lady- my office could actually use a little refresh!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
LOVE this post girl! I'm also in the process of renovating my office and have so many pins saved on Pinterest which is giving me SO much inspiration! I can't wait to add lots of bright prints and beautiful flowers too!
ReplyDeleteHayley xo
www.frockmeimfamous.com
Great tips, I love reading this type of post.
ReplyDeleteI am going to bookmark this post for future reference.
I don't have a desk at home (I went for a dressing table instead and just take over my boyfriend's office when I need too!) but I recently went all out with my desk at work which seems to have triggered a bit of a competition between my co-workers! After reading your post though I'm already feeling like it's in need of an update and can't wait to try out some of your ideas :) x
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see how it looks! Mums planning on repainting my room back home. I think it's time for a change :') I have light pink walls and a hot pink feature wall haha! So I think we will go for either white or cream XD xx
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips ! Love all yours ideas for an home office.
ReplyDeletexx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
hey hun, these are great tips! i need to re do mine so thank you for the inspiration :) xx
ReplyDeletewww.fashionjazz.co.za
Lovely tips! I used to have a home office, but now it's my husband who's been using it mainly. I tend to work at home on my favourite couch next to the window :)
ReplyDeleteI'm currently putting mine together and these are excellent tips. It really should reflect the person and their interests.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
nice tips
ReplyDeleteVery simple and useful tips. I have a home office but there's so much more I want to do to it so these are great tips! xo
ReplyDeleteFace to Curls | http://facetocurls.com
Great post and tips! :)
ReplyDeleteMERI WILD BLOG