Style + Beauty

working from home and dreaming of fancy office supplies

February 6, 2013

I’ve never worked from home, but now that life has taken me down the path of a freelance writer — at least for the time being — I can roll out of bed, change out of pajamas (and into my harem pants from Thailand), and get to work within a matter of minutes. That said, I’m used to getting dolled up for the office, interacting with other people and viewing my home as a no-work zone, so it’s going to be an adjustment.

What’s not going to be an adjustment is being able to decorate my workspace however my heart desires. (The desk we got off Craigslist is a wee bit small for Eaman, so it’s mostly mine. Whoops! Not really.) This has meant an inordinate time drooling over beautiful workspaces on Pinterest and coming up with a few supplies I’d like to see at my desk once my wallet gets a little fatter.

1. I just bought a large daily planner for cheap at Target and then smacked my head because I realized I can’t lug that thing around to meetings. Instead, I’d love to slip this lime green pocket planner into my purse. (Graphic Image, $16)

2. The lighting in our living room is pretty atrocious, so a desk lamp is a must. Thanks to a clip-style base, this cute gold number would be a perfect fit for our rather small desk. (The Land of Nod, $49)

3. Pens! Sure you can get them for free at the bank, but wouldn’t these patterned ones be so much more fun? (Poketo, $4.50 each)

4. A pen holder? A vase? The possibilities are endless. (West Elm, $8)

5. I mean, who doesn’t need a gold-acrylic stapler? (Biscuit Home, $24)

6. I’m a sucker for most any print by Anna Rifle, and this floral print journal is no exception. It’s perfect for blog ideas, phone messages and doodles. (Rifle Paper, $15)

7. Our desk faces a wall, so when I’m typing away on the computer, I’d love to face a giant pinboard filled with inspiring pictures, cool business cards, to-do lists and mementos from our travels. And I’m not tying myself to a pre-made one; I’d actually rather exercise some DIY skills with new fabric on a flea market find. (Paper Source, $40)

8. I’ve always wanted a vintage rotary phone to sit atop my workspace. Since that’s completely impractical when we don’t even have a landline, this smartphone dock and charger would be the next best thing. (Jonathan Adler, $48)

9. Ideally, I’d keep a rotating mix of peonies, ranunculus, roses and tulips in a petite vase at the corner of my desk to remind me that it’s time for a break and walk in the park.

4 thoughts on “working from home and dreaming of fancy office supplies

  1. Amina

    I have been working from home for the past 7 months or so and finally have the opportunity to make a totally personalized workspace (starting with a Parsons desk that should be arriving in the next week!). It’s a huge change from office life, but I love the flexibility.

    You have great picks here, though, and I wanted to mention that covering a bulletin board with fabric is incredibly easy – I did it in college and it really adds a lot of interest to a functional item. Go for it!

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      Ah, the Parsons desk. I’ve been thinking about that one but will have to wait until I save up a little more. Good thing the bulletin board is cost-effective! Thanks, Amina — glad you liked the round-up!

      Reply
  2. Rashi @ Bucket of Squash

    That Land of Nod lamp is awesome. Working from home is the best (and occasionally the worst… but mostly the best)

    Reply
    1. Archana Post author

      Thank you! Yes, I’m mildly obsessed with that lamp. Less obsessed with figuring out my routine working at home. But I must say, being able to do laundry during the day is nice. It’s the little things…

      Reply

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