House Guest // Recently

Let it be known that I've already scolded today's house guest for making me look bad. I mean, who visits someone else's blog parading all of this gorgeousness?? Emily, that's who. She's sharing her stupid fly office and -- bonus -- also sharing how to get the look yourself! Yes, please.

. . . . . . . .

Hello all!  I'm so pumped to be here "house guesting" for the marvelous Tobe.  She probably already told you, but I'm Emily from Recently, and being here at Because It's Awesome is nothing short of, well, awesome in every sense.  (I know you've never heard that one before have you Tobe?) :)

Now, let's get down to it, shall we?  Today I'm sharing my newly polished office nook, along with some elements that I think any inspired office space needs.

Our home was built in the early seventies, so, besides a few annoying elements- like a skylight in our bedroom (a simple rain shower sounds like world war three, yikes!) - there are some super rad additions, like this built-in desk area in our kitchen/breakfast room.  It was my husbands idea to add the chalkboard wall when we moved in, and we added a coat of magnetic paint under the chalkboard paint, so it has the bonus of being magnetic as well.  He's a smart one, that man of mine.

I did some rearranging, organizing, and overall "fluffing" recently to bring our compact office nook up to par.  My goal was to create a space that was as inspiring as it was organized.  I'm a photographer (and blogger of course!) so I need my work area to be a source of constant inspiration and encouragement.

Since it's in the hub of our home, the desk is used as a catch-all for bills, receipts, car keys and school work.   Because of that, it needs to be overly organized, or I might go crazy.  That's where plenty of bins, boxes and trays come in handy.  It's also where much of my work happens, so I make sure there are more than enough objects close by that get my creative juices flowing. 

Since I know Tobe's readers must love to be inspired as much as I do, I rounded up the elements I think are most important to creating the perfectly productive office area:

Don't forget, you needn't spend your entire budget to outfit your office.  I found many of my favorite desk items at local resale shops, thrift stores, and estate sales for a steal.  As if you needed another reason to hit up your favorite flea markets, right?  

SOURCES:

lamp: gem lamp from furbish studio // lacquer boxes: c.wonder // acrylic trays: the container store // blue dot coffee mug: west elm // decorative bowls: anthropologie // pink le pens: design darling // my clear chiavari chair (pictured): find it on amazon  // my lamp (pictured): I found it at a resale shop, but you can also get it at wayfair  // creativity takes courage print: the recently society6 shop // tulip abstract photograph: the recently society6 shop // get it done notepad: rifle paper co.

Tobe, I hoped you loved my post as much as I loved being here!  Thanks for having me everyone!

. . . . . . .

p.s. You might recognize Emily from one or all of the images from this post, as they made their way all over Pinterest at lightning speed. While you're check that out, might as well stay awhile. You won't regret it.