We often feature compact homes here on our blog, and today we’re sharing another one. Alexandra Elisa’s Berlin home is a mere 85sq metres. However, the limited space is so well utilised, none of the rooms look cramped or cluttered.
Take, for example, this desk space that she has photographed at different times, in the various seasons. It has HUGE windows and is dual-aspect – flooding the corner with natural sunlight, so it’s the ideal spot for her to sit and do her artwork.
The majority of the walls are painted white or cream, which gives a calm, easy flow to the home. The footprint of the apartment may be small, but the ceilings are high. Alexandra Elisa makes full use of this vertical space with her lighting, storage and decorative choices. Go check out her ingenious shoe storage/display solution!
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When I saw this photo, I immediately recognised the pattern on the wall. It’s inspired by the Martinique banana wallpaper which famously adorns the Beverly Hills Hotel. The original was designed in 1942 by Albert Stockdale who was commissioned to create it by the company, CW Stockwell. Helen even uses the iconic design as her laptop’s wallpaper!
To add to the jungly feel of the corner, there are lots of lush pot plants dotted about; including a Swiss cheese plant, string of pearls and mother-in-law’s tongue. The use of natural wicker accessories continues on the tropical theme. What a lovely place to sit to embark on a day’s work!
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Prices & links correct at time of publication.
A window desk can be an inspiring, relaxing and interesting place to work. I always prefer a view of a garden or a street rather than a solid wall.
Didn’t Catherine score a belter with that 1950s desk? She saw it advertised on her local Emmaus Facebook page and grabbed it first thing the following morning. I’d do that too – it’s so unusual with that side file storage… look at those lovely legs, too!
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Prices & links correct at time of publication.
It doesn’t take much for us to lose motivation, or get distracted easily. Work-flow can then decrease rapidly, and we get stuck in a vicious cycle. But have you ever thought that maybe your work desk might be the problem? If you’re working in an uninspiring environment, your work might then be uninspiring.
Whether you work from home or in an office, we wanted to give you some ideas on how to make your desk come alive and make it a bit more ‘you’.
Is your desk suitable?
First, you need to make sure your desk isn’t the problem. Are the drawers falling apart? Is it covered in pen and pencil marks from previous colleagues? Is it too small to hold your computer, paperwork and stationary? It might be time for a new one. Furniture At Work do a range of office desks to choose from, that will surely boost your productivity.
Photos
Displaying your favourite people, places and memories around you while you work could give you the motivation you need, whilst also brightening up your desk. And photo frames don’t have to have pictures of you in, but maybe inspirational quotes or even a pretty landscape or cityscape.
Plants and flowers
How many times have we heard that having plants in the office increase productivity? They produce more oxygen helping us to work more efficiently, and can even make us happier. Maybe buy some small plants to keep on your desk, or even bring in a vase to put fresh flowers in. They’ll be sure to brighten the place up. You could even choose something like Aloe Vera that could come in useful if anyone burns themselves, or needs a good moisturiser!
Stationery
The stationery you use can say a lot about you as a person. Do you want a dull notebook and a standard pen that you got free from work? Personalise your desk using your stationery. Buy notepads in your favourite colour, of all shapes and sizes. Buy a few pens to match. You can display them nicely on your desk.
Personalised items
The final touch on your desk is personalised items. You could have a personalised mug with a photo on, or maybe your first initial. A huge bonus is that no one can steal it ‘by accident’. The other bonus is that it will brighten up your desk. Maybe you got a mug as a birthday present one year. It’ll always make you think of the person who gave it to you.
There are tons of ways you can personalise your desk without having to change too much, and without spending too much either.
Are there any other ways you’d choose to personalise your desk? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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