Inspiring ways to use a neutral palette

It's no secret I'm a fan of grays, whites, and other cool neutrals.  Using neutrals really allows me to experiment with different accent colors via pillows, throws, and accent colors.  That means if I end up not being able to live with a green or purple I loved last month, it's not like I wasted a ton of money on a sofa I no longer like.  However, done right - with layering textures and patterns, neutrals can stand all on their own as a gorgeous palette.

via tumblr

I'm really liking gray and brown lately too, like the gray door and the wooden mirror frame.

via keltainentalorannalla

Drooling over this kitchen.  I don't know if I dust enough to ever have such dark floors, but they are gorgeous when contrasted with the white cabinetry.  And that Moroccan inspired tile? Don't even get me started.

via dustjacket-attic

A bit warmer tones than I normally go for but this is still working for me.

via lovelyclusters

Loving the coffee table.
via Sweet Home Style

via Schuyler Samperton

Must Haves for My Desk

It doesn't matter how many times I clean off my desk and try to remove the clutter, there are always some desk must haves that stick around. Here are a few of my essentials to keep me going:

via annixen

A cute pencil/pen holder is a must have. I need easy access to write or sketch out my thoughts and something simple like this is a perfect match for my desk. 

via letterlovedesigns on etsy

Although I love sticky notes, sometimes the clutter of sticky notes everywhere gets on my last nerves! Having on spot to jot all my notes down is much easier for me, especially when I can close the notebook for the day and have a pretty cover to look at!

via jasminedowling 

With most of my schedule and events kept in google calendar it's not as necessary for me to have a place to write down what I need to do on a calendar but I love having one to look at just as a reference. I think sometime's I'd be lost if I didn't have a calendar staring at me!

via pinterest

And last but not least, I need something pretty to look at! Since I spend most of my days at my desk, I need it to be a spot that I love to be at. Sometimes it's a picture, a plant, or even something as simple as a fun lamp. Anything to make me smile while I'm in the middle of working. I always have pictures of the pups in my life on pretty gold frames on my desk. You never know where your inspiration will come from.

via Lonny

The desk itself matters too.  I like a lot of clear surface space.

via Lonny

What are your must-haves for your desk?

Timeless Inspiration

Finding that perfect piece of furniture to fit your space isn't always as easy as it seems. Luckily there are plenty of timeless iconic pieces that have been making statements and creating inspiration over the years.

This chic colorful armchair adds a little hint of playful to a room but keeps the glamour alive! Perfect for small spaces where you are looking for a little more seating but you don't want it to just blend into the wall!

Looking for something a little more rustic and original? This coffee table would definitely be the talk of the room and pull together your room for a finished touch. The gorgeous wood taps into the traditional design but the wheels keep it modern and almost give it an industrial feel!

Going for a rich luxurious look? A desk like this would make anyone feel like a professional! I love the sleek look of the drawers and the rounded edges of the legs. It screams elegance!

If comfort is more you style then sit back and relax in this gorgeous simple armchair. This seat may not steal the scene in your room but it will definitely be a favorite among many! 

All of these pieces have been acclaimed iconic design and will be timeless additions to your home. You  might even consider them a piece of art! Each of these pieces have been found via Infurn who is known for providing great classic pieces of furniture at affordable prices.

Home office layout and inspiration

I am having a heck of a time arranging my home office in a manner that I'm comfortable. I believe I moved my desk 4 times now and I've only lived in our house since June. This morning I was in a rampage trying to find a photo or inspiration to use as a jumping off point for laying out my own home office. Here are some of spaces I found that I could see working in the room I use as my home office.

I tend to lean towards having a "floating" desk arrangement.  The only problem is that I either have to have my back to the door, which I don't like, or my back to a window, which causes a bad glare on my monitor. I'd like to do an accent wall in my office as well.
via Houzz

This could work for me, but where you see the cork boards I have a window.  I also have windows where they have windows, but mine are closer to the ceiling and only about 3' high.

via Pinterest via betterdecoratingbible.com

via Pinterest via theulifestyle.com

via Pinterest via easteregg.tumblr.com

via Houzz

via Houzz

What is your office layout?  Do you like a floating desk, or a desk facing a wall or window?

Quick tips for making over your home office

For those of us who work from home its important to have a dedicated work space, but making it look amazing often gets pushed down on the priority list because clients come first! Here are a few tips that should only take a minimal amount of time to make your office a bit more easy on the eyes

via Martha Stewart for instructions to create this project.

Location: Your home office needs space. Without space you aren't going to be able to focus on the task at hand. It doesn't have to be a huge space but it does need to be a defined work space. If you're really short on time, expert organizer Molly Boren of Chicago-based Simplicity Works says to "define the space if possible: maybe with a curtain or even a rug, the way you would define another activity's zone within the living space." This works even if you don't have an entire room to set aside. There shouldn't be anything else in that office except for what you need to work. My "sewing nook" is just a secretary desk in the dining room. You'd never know it was there until I put the top down!

 
via Houzz.com

Lighting! Overhead lighting is extremely fatiguing on the eyes, and personally sometimes I feel like I can feel it sucking the life and energy out of me like a UFO sucking me into it's spacecraft. Under cabinet and task lighting is crucial and quick to set up. Experiment with different wattage light bulbs until you find what works best for you.

Change your perspective.  Literally.  I found I could focus better when my desk was not facing a wall.  You may be different.  Only when you are comfortable will you be able to focus.  Move your desk and see if your productivity improves within a few days.  If it doesn't, reposition and try again.

Monique Lhuillier’s office via Elle Decor

Storage and desk surface are two workspace elements that are really important to me.  These changes may take a little longer to employ, but you can't really work without them. Having cabinets and drawers really keeps the clutter off the desk and gives you a more relaxed feel to your day. Desk surface space is something I simply can't skimp on. Give yourself enough space to spread out your work instead of being cramped up and unable to visually breathe. If you are looking for great desk cabinet and counter top ideas, Corian has some beautiful options. Some storage options, like desk height filing cabinets or bookcases can double as extra desk space and allows you to keep your office better organized. I have trouble sitting down to work if my desk surface is cluttered.

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Creativity. Feel like there is no room for an office in your home? Makeover a closet! This can be done in a weekend.  Turn your closet into a working office and when you need tuck it away you can just close the doors and it's back to the room it was before! This may take a little more creativity, but it can make a huge difference in a small home.



via HGTV.com

Authenticity. The most important thing about a home office is making sure it inspires you. It has to be a space that you love in order for it to work. Having a space that is yours with your style can really improve your mood as well as your work! Have fun with it!

Another great resource I always turn to is the 2009 Decorology post, A Room of One's Own - Creating Your Creative Space

  This post was in partnership with solidsurface.com

It's the small details

that make some spaces so delicious

I am crushing on that blue hexagon tray SO BAD.

Love that table - I suspect it is a lucky antique fine.

1.,2.,3. High Gloss, 4. Llamas Valley, 5. Lonny Mag, 6. Sweet Home Style

Fresh and inspiring home offices

As some of you know, I work as a freelance web designer. Working for oneself definitely has it's perks, but with it comes a lot more responsibilities, as you are accountable for everything. I am always extremely busy, which I enjoy, but last week I was drowning, and spent most nights up until 3:30 AM to meet my deadlines.

Paramount to working from home is having a home office and work space that is extremely comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Everyone has different work styles, and the furnishings and layout you choose will depend on that and the type of work you do.

A lot of desk surface is a MUST for me
via 91 Mag

Inspiring artwork is always good for when you're having a creative block.
via Small Space Style
 

This office is probably closest to my own, except I have to have one of those ugly office chairs in order to be comfortable.  I also need a very large monitor for my work.
via Adore Home Mag
 

A little chest of drawers helps organize smaller supplies and various cords we need for all of our gadgets these days.
via Bolig
 

I keep magazines for reference, and have several shelves dedicated to storing them.
via Heart Home
 

via Rue Magazine
 

via Southern Living

 I'm interested to know, what is essential for you in your home office?

Home Office Furniture – A worthwhile investment

A doubled edged sword, working from home has both advantages and disadvantages; some people are able to manage it, whilst others find it difficult to get into a work mentality what with all the distractions and temptations that come with having all the home comforts just a door away. Of course, for some people there may not be a choice due to disability or family obligation and working from home is the only option.

If do you happen to be working from home the furniture that you have in there is going to have an effect on many aspects of your productivity, morale and attitude. By having functional, attractive and good quality furniture you can make sure that your work output is not affected by disorganisation or by being uncomfortable.

I personally like my home office furniture in white. It keeps the space looking clean and bright.

One of the most important things to consider with your home office furniture is comfort and back support, especially if you are sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time; a low quality chair will do nothing but leave you with back pain, and over time may affect your overall posture. Investing in an ergonomic and quality chair when putting together a home workspace should be a top priority.

I think open "cubby" shelving such as this are great for storing office files, binders, and magazines in an easily accessible way. I plan on getting a similar piece in white and placing it horizontally, so it acts as a table surface, and storage. 

The second most important thing to keep in the back of your mind is how you can augment and improve your productivity levels; your computer desks and workstations should not be there just to prop up your computer and your files, it is the centrepiece of your work and needs to allow you to reach all of your important tools, peripherals and documents within easy and convenient reach. Having to scoot around in your office on a chair can get tiresome and often lead to breaking concentration and affecting those all-important productivity levels. A cleverly designed desk can go a long way, giving you the nooks and crannies in which to store the things you need.

This desk is great if you don't have a separate room for your home office, because at the end of the day you can close the cabinets and drawers and be left with a pretty piece of furniture, without having to look at your office tools.

Comfort and productivity aside, aesthetics are the final element in this holy trifecta; having attractive office furniture can have a positive psychological effect and can go a long way into improving the quality of your work. Attractive, modern furniture can really give a room a professional atmosphere. Additionally, ensure that there is a window in your home office; natural light can have a wonderful effect on how you work, and also gives you something to glance at, other than a computer screen which can alleviate eyestrain.

Below are a few more examples of the impact that furniture can have on your home office:

A pretty file cabinet in white wood is much more inspiring than a traditional metal one.
 2 above via Ballard

 A mix of different style furnishings keep the space functional but also personal.
via High Gloss

via Lifework

Different people have different needs to be at their most efficient.  Even if you're a minimalist - lighting and a desk with enough space for your materials is a must.


*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Wooden Furniture Store.co.uk