Carving Out a Space for a Desk
Photo credit: Home and Found
Whether it’s the corner of a room, the nook under the stairs, or a stretch of hallway, a dedicated workspace can be every bit as beautiful as an entire room set aside for an office. The lovely spaces I’ve gathered this week are all so different, and yet, in their own way, each one is just as inspiring as the next.
As we plan our move to New York City, we’re looking at every apartment with one question in mind: where will our two workspaces go? We know they’ll be small. They may not be in front of a window (though we can hope!). But one thing is for sure: they will be inspiring places where we can create, write, and work.
Photo credit: Katherine Poulsen
Currently, we have two office spaces. Brent has the entire attic space with a corner desk, and I have an office right off the kitchen, which is perfect since I am constantly moving from one room to another. It will be interesting (and challenging) to find space for all that I need to store for the creative side of my business.
Do you have a dedicated office or workspace? I would love to know!
More Sunday favorites
Rain jackets that keep you dry
Everyone needs a “real” rain jacket. You know, like a rain slicker. Not a trench coat, but an actual rain jacket. I’ve been looking to upgrade my Patagonia rain jacket to something a little more stylish. I found some great options, starting at $89 for this jacket from Quince, with the most expensive being this one from a Stockholm-based brand, Stutterheim, at $400.
If I lived somewhere I only needed a rain jacket occasionally, or for travel, I would probably choose the Quince jacket or the one from Athleta, which is 40% off for card members right now. But since I live where it rains a lot, I am considering the Stutterheim, which comes in eight colors.
Left: Perfect Rain Coat // Waterproof Fishtail Rain Coat // Moosebacke Raincoat // Weatherproof Oversized Rain Jacket // RainOut Roam Jacket // Stutterheim Right: 1. // 2. // 3. // 4.
Shoe Care Kit
I finally found the perfect pair of flats to wear with a salwar that was custom-made for me in India. It’s this pair from Nordstrom. The associate suggested the Jason Markk Care Kit and said I could also use it to clean sneakers. This little kit has a foam cleaner, a bottle of stain and water repellent, and a brush. I’ve now cleaned every pair of my Adidas Sambas.
It’s lamp season
It’s time to get cozy and add more lamps. I love a small lamp in the kitchen, on a bookshelf, or even on a stack of books on a bench. There are some really good ones right now! Which one is your favorite? Mine would have to be the brass scalloped bell lamps.
Those brass scallop lamps are beautiful.
That was so helpful when you told me to use some space in our unusually large bedroom for a desk area. I mostly take my laptop to various porches around the house (especially now with the weather being nice). But when the kids come its an extra place with a monitor that they can work from home with the door closed.
Your examples (which I’m pinning) show you don’t need a lot of space to have a beautiful place to work.
Annie what a great post! As we are exploring a move I am contemplating the same thing! I cannot wait to see your new place, and your fabulous new city!!
Annie what a great post! As we are exploring a move I am contemplating the same thing! I cannot wait to see your new place, and your fabulous new city!!
My husband, Brent has an office/den where he has a desk and laptop for paying bills and reading the news. It isn’t large but we managed to get his piano, two bookcases his leather chair and large desk in the room. We are both retired so an office isn’t necessary but he prefers one to retire to and have quiet time. I’m sitting at my dining room table with my iPad where I can look out large windows at the mountains as we live in Colorado. I love small lamps at night! I have several circling our large great room. I love number three on the raincoats. It would look great on your tall height. I have height envy as I’m only 5’1’ like Mary Ann but will be celebrating my 82nd birthday in a couple of months. We both live in jeans and tees. Our winters lately have been warmer and extremely dry. Fingers crossed for cold and snow this year. My rain jacket is from Landsend. I use more for wind than rain.
Other thoughts for raincoats that will keep you dry — outd9or specialists like LL Bean, Barbour, REI.
Yes, that’s true! I was going for a little more fashion than function. But I do have a Patagonia for days when I need it!
Annie! So many good things today. We had a little sprinkle this morning which reminds me it’s time to think of rain jackets. Also lamps … love your edit. I’m excited for your move to NYC. Carving out desk space for two is a challenge I’m familiar with … you’ll work it out in the most stylish way. As you always do. 😊 xo
Ahhh yes, small houses (apartments) can be tricky, but it is possible…I think. Can’t wait to see your Juliet!
Annie The desk ideas for small spaces are lovely! You asked about desks. I have a desk in my bedroom that worked well for many years when I was going back to college in my 70s for another degree. Now I am using a very small stand up piece of furniture because I too go from room to room with business activities . This can be used as a prep station also but that is for a later time. This does fold down, has a butcher block top, and wheels with brakes and a shelf that I keep files on. Looking forward to your magic on the new space!
That sounds like a very functional piece! And cool too with the butcher block top and wheels!
Hi Annie,
Beautiful lamps! I love my little study area just off my bedroom, I love the fact it is my space and nobody else’s!! I found a really good rain coat from a British company called Seasalt and Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack often have them. Unusual colors ! All the best x