My Office Space

Do you have an office space in your home? I find that other bloggers and vloggers or people that work from home normally do. Or if they don’t they probably have a designated spot where they can focus on their tasks. At the current moment I don’t have my own place, so it was imperative that I find a space that I could focus on my blogging, vlogging and editorial work. At first that place was in someone else’s bedroom with the door shut, which worked for a little while and still works if I truly need it. Although I knew that if only for the sake of not throwing my back out and not reactivating some neck and shoulders issues I had, I needed to create an office space. I started to research desks and chairs, via Pinterest of course. I knew what kind of style I was going for thanks to the limited space in the apartment and my personal aesthetic. I have always been in love with the industrial, clean, luxurious and antique design aesthetics.  I watch so much HGTV that I also had a certain vision on what I might be looking for. I’m also a bargain hunter! I make sure to find a deal, coupon, discount, sale or special code before I make big purchases. Purchasing my office space items were no exception, I wanted deals! So with that in mind I began my hunt. My hunt and my overall obsession with Target lead me to the store one day. Reliable Target came through when I saw my desk in the store. The only problem was I wasn’t too happy with the price. As I left the store I knew I would check the website to see if there was a price difference. Unfortunatly there was not, but armed with the name of the desk and the manufacturer I went on a google hunt for that exact desk.

Lo and behold when I simply googled the name of the desk the website Blinq popped up with a picture of the desk! Now I know this desk was meant for me because there were only a few left in stock and it was cheaper! Much less than what it cost at Target. I made sure there weren’t any huge issues with the desk since it was considered a resell from Target for having imperfections. Satisfied with its description I put it in my cart, with only a few left I had to act fast. Although I wasn’t to keen on paying taxes plus shipping and handling so off I went to find a coupon code. The final price for my desk was $95.19, the original price on the website was $109.99. My desk is made of faux wood and metal, so I don’t have to tell you how difficult it was for two women to get it up three flights of stairs. We got inventive on how to get it up and thank god we’re pretty strong because it was HEAVY! The set up was pretty easy and I put it together myself, the desk is perfect except for a few scew holes that were not placed in the correct postion. Revealing why it was placed on the Blinq website in the first place. Which didn’t bother me at all, as it didn’t affect the stability of the desk or how it looks. And best of all it has a charging station within the desk that allows my wires to have a home and charge my computer as I work. It has four charging slots including two prong outlets, two usb outlets and two well sized drawers. It was a great purchase!

Next on my search list was a chair. I knew I wanted something that would be comfortable and that had a vintage feel. I also originally wanted a chair with arms, but couldn’t find a well priced option. Lastly I knew that I wanted the chair to be in a veveteen fabric and have a curved back, hugging the body. So my hunt continued on every website I could think of, with no luck I turned to looking at what Home Goods and TJMaxx had to offer. This hunt took me a little longer as I would find potential chairs but didn’t fall in love with any of them. Until one weekend on a random trip to TJMaxx I found it! The deep blue color is what I fell for first, although I wasn’t completely in love. So I walked a away to stroll the store, if you go to TJMaxx you know if you like something you should grab it! But I needed to think about it. As we came back around the chair was still there and a man was sitting in it! So I thought if its gone by the third time I walked around, it wasn’t for me. By the third time I came back around, it was still there! I tested it again, I loved the curved form, the velveteen fabric and the royal blue color. Price? Originally $200 but I paid $99.99. It fit perfectly in the back seat of the car and is lightweight, with polished gold legs and wheels. On another trip to Home Goods I found a fluffy pillow in the a blue/green color that went perfectly with the chair! Exactly what I wanted to add more comfort and texture to my little office space. The pillow not only supports my back but my nerves when I need to squeeze it as I try to figure something out for the millionth time!

Finally my decorative pieces and desk accessories were the next items I added to my office space. I found a modern yet vintage feeling lamp at Home Goods just as I was ready to leave the store. On a different trip to Home Goods I found some encouraging word art that I look up to when I’m tired and need a push to get my work done. For now they also serve as my backdrop for my Youtube videos. I use old magazines to add inspiration and color to my space and have also found a spot for my camera, which also has a charging home thanks to my desk. Stationary is also a staple on my desk as I’m always writing something down. I love traditional stationary as opposed to taking motes on my phone or computer. Having it written down for me to always see helps me remember what I have to do. I’m also just partial to the feel of writing something down. Ever since I started my blog each year I get a new planner and I keep the old ones, to look back on. The stationary not only helps keep me organized, but gives me a place to write down my goals, achievements and lessons learned along the way.

Here are the points I kept in mind when hunting for my office space.

• Space: My space is limited so I needed a narrow desk. I also needed a chair that didn’t take up much space. Consider your space options by measuring your potential office space before your search.
• Price: Since I bargain hunt I knew I would look for deals.  If you’re looking for furniture make sure to search in store and online. Compare and write down prices. Make sure to look for the best deals on sites like Blinq.
• Aesthetic: Whether you go for a mix of aesthetics like I did or stick to one, pick colors, materials, fabrics and products that will bring you comfort and inspiration.
• Reliability: Make sure your desk is well made, as you will be using it daily. Choose a material that won’t warp, break or chip such as wood, metal, steel or even slate and marble!

I plan to get a rug in the future, perhaps to add more texture to the space. I love all my purchases, as I know that when ever I get my own place they will fit well and go with my aesthetic. Do you have an office space? How was the process on finding or creating your office space? I will have a separate post on where you can find similar looking office furniture.

T.S.