There is a 4 foot by 3 foot little alcove off our main bedroom that I have affectionately termed my “office nook” over the years. We moved into our home in October 2020, when 100% working from home was still the norm, and this little spot has been through some highs and lows. Since I spent so much of my time here, I knew I wanted to make it a warm, personal and cozy space where I feel inspired and content to sit down and clock in an 8-hour day. Fun fact: the desk is the same desk I had in high school and early University years! Made here in Vancouver by my parents shop, Form & Function. This desk has seen some serious sweat and tears, it’s been with me through thick and thin. Everything else are things I’ve collected over the years or items I sourced specifically for this little space. Scroll down for a little tour, ideas on how to create your own personal work space and links to items you see below!
Tips for creating a cozy, personalized workspace:
1. Use a tray to corral items like a candle, diffuser, pen holder, etc. I have this one from H&M and love it.
2. Light a candle at the start of each workday. Instant coziness. My favourite candle brands are Brand and Iron, Homecoming, Sydney Hale, Makana, Brooklyn Candle Studio.
3. DIY or buy a pinboard to display momentos, magazine clippings, postcards, anything that strikes your imagination. I like to update mine seasonally. I made mine using a corkboard from Staples and linen fabric from a local fabric shop. I stretched it over the board using a staple gun.
4. A floating shelf is the perfect place to display stacks of your favourite books and store pretty boxes. I have this one from IKEA. It was easy to install and is very sturdy (just make sure you’re drilling it into studs). I love using boxes to store boring things like receipts or more precious items like birthday cards.
5. Your favourite magazine makes a great mousepad. It’s something you probably already have. I love the Mileu editions.
6. A ceramic vessel is perfect for holding pens and pencils. The one I have is a cup from Anthropologie. I use something similar for holding toothbrushes in the bathroom too.
7. Framed art is always a good idea and Ikea frames are always your best friend. I have a small sketch I picked up in Budapest framed above, along with a printed textile from Etsy and a fiddle leaf print from a local shop. I also have the large one hanging behind the desk, you can find that one here.
8. A textured throw blanket draped over your chair adds extra cozy vibes and comes in handy on cooler days.
9. A little greenery never hurts, real or faux. I have the faux olive tree from Ikea and while it’s a little shorter that I would like, it helps soften everything in the nook. It doesn’t look they Ikea has it anymore but this one would look great.
10. A statement lamp brings everything together and provides necessary light in the evenings, of course. I, and many others, have and love this one from Zara.
