Office Cubby Before/After
So, I felt ridiculous even complaining about my work station, because I had a workstation! It is a pandemic! My desk is in the living room, which I actually love even though it definitely has its downsides. I can also touch the fridge, if that gives you an idea! But it’s actually in a kind of cute cubby and has given me a way to display a TON of art, which is my ideal. It was originally just a small white ikea table, which I was fine with for so long! it was pretty basic, no drawers, but I used it only sometimes. I did a lot of work at school, was gone all day, did work on the couch, in bed, etc. It was mostly storage for my impressive washi/card collection. But Covid and work from home made it clearly how problematic this situation was.
But as soon as I began using it for EVERYTHING (teaching, writing, exam prep, journaling, zoom hangs, my own classes) it was so clearly not enough space. Especially because, since I am teaching on Zoom, I invested in a few extra desk things: a ring light, a laptop stand, a mini fan, etc. It would not fit, clearly if you see the pictures above. I tried to so hard with the on desk drawers, the inbox, etc but I really ended up with stacks supporting my junk and no room to work.
The collage wall has gotten some new fun additions, but has otherwise stayed the same!
So I finally ordered a grown up desk. It was an investment, from the PBteen x West Elm collab. But it was absolutely worth it. I love it and I am so glad I ordered when I did (August) because the delivery dates now are way into the spring. So if you love this desk and can wait, I would order ASAP. The drawers are huge and fit so much of my desky junk and all of my desk stuff fits comfortably.
This was a day or three after I got it, very spacious but not cluttered/functional the way it is now!
It is obviously still clutterly, because I am a stuff person! But everything fits. I got the mat to protect my precious white desk from rings and spills (and me, tbh) as well as the ring light, and little timer cube (so helpful for my ADHD brain, omg). The little shelf under the desk can be used as a monitor riser on a desk or as a printer stand, which is what I am doing. And it has plenty of room for paper and other supplies in the little shelves. I got an under desk sticky headphone holder from amazon since I use them so much for zoom calls and teaching. I upgraded my lamp since my old clip on didn’t work on this desk (too thick) and its actually from the Pillowfort (kids!) section at Target. But I wanted something colorful and pastel. I got the letter trays from Poppin and they are stackable so I can always add more. And the rug is from the Rifle Paper collection at Anthropologie and I love it. It really just kind of demarcates my work space and makes it feel SO cute.
Do not worry, my art wall is still expanding upward with new additions constantly!