Guest Picks: A Creative's Desk
Shape up your desk this season with 20 pieces that organize and inspire
When I was little, I loved back-to-school shopping: the smell of a new box of crayons, placing my pencils and erasers in the perfect pouch, filling each binder with enough paper and dividers to ensure my scholastic success. While I'm no longer going back to school every autumn, I always use the time to reorganize my desk and "office" area. I look for pieces that will both spark my imagination and improve my efficiency — style really can be functional. — Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary
Eiffel Tower Letter Holder
I haven't been to Paris yet, but with this letter holder on my desktop I'll be reminded to dream big and start planning.
Mini Goals Chalkboard by Mary Kate McDevitt
I need a to-do list that stays visible, and this mini goals chalkboard is one of my favorite ways to do that. I keep mine at eye level just off to one side. And I adore the little extra inspiration.
Correspondence Desk
A good desk needs three things: (1) nice drawers, (2) shelves, and (3) ample space. This desk has them all. I love traditional wooden desks that can handle everything I need them to.
Whispers Bud Vase
"Life whispers, listen closely" — a tiny desk accessory with the perfect reminder to pay attention to what surrounds you. I bought this one the moment I first saw it.
Tourne Ceramic Tumbler
You could use it for tea, but I like the idea of using this tumbler to hold a fresh set of colored pencils. It doesn't matter how long I've been out of school, I always look forward to that.
Rustic Wood Chalkboard Wine Crate
These old wine crates with chalkboard fronts would be ideal to keep files or stacks of paper. I love that you can label and stack them in different ways to create interest.
Amazing Things Will Happen by Mary Kate McDevitt
Really, you can never have too much inspiration on your walls as you work at your desk. My walls are filled with artwork, drawings, magazine clippings and inspirational sayings like this one. No matter what you do, amazing things will happen.
Printer's Writing Desk
A desk with good nooks and spaces makes my heart flutter. Imagine all the organization that's possible with this desk and hutch.
The Four Seasons Candle Set
There's one candle for each season to light the way as I sit at my desk and work. I've loved the Four Seasons collection from Bailey Doesn't Bark for a long time, and these scents are stunning.
Baroque CD, DVD or Bookshelves
Books are the only thing I collect, but sometimes I long for more than a regular bookshelf. I love how these showcase books and turn them into art.
Smith-Coronia Sterling Typewriter
It might be rare to use a typewriter, but I think it'd be sweet to jot a note to a friend now and then on this vintage piece. Bonus: When I'm not using it, it's still quite stylish.
'Adventure Awaits' Globe
No office is complete without a map of some sort, but I like the way this globe and the original art on it is unique. It definitely adds some interest while simultaneously being informative.
Tin Trunk
I always end up with small things that I need nearby when I work, but I have no real home for. These boxes would be perfect for that. I like that they come in a variety of sizes and colors too — always good to add a splash of color to the scene.
Vintage Wood Office Chair
For years, this was my ideal desk chair. The smooth curves of the wood, the traditional style, the ability to move around without having to stand up repeatedly — it all appealed to me. I still think it's a classic and I'd add it to a home study any day.
Ellery Chair
There's nothing that conveys authority — and comfort — like a wingback chair. If I had this one (preferably in blue), I suspect I'd want to work around the clock.
Gardner Street Frame
A simple but stunning way to showcase those most important to you (or me, since this is my desk I'm talking about) and inspire you every time you glance up.
Pilot Desktop Stapler
The classic look of this stapler would complement the other sleek lines on a desk — and you'd never have to look for that mini-stapler again.
Mirror Jar Base, Small
A good lamp is needed to shed some light on your work. I like that this one would also reflect the light in the room to sparkle a bit.
Numbers Paper Tape
I didn't truly appreciate decorative tape until I started using it; now, I simply can't get enough. It's perfect for gifts, envelopes and just to stick things up on the wall temporarily.
Folding Desk Organizers
These folding desk organizers are easy to move and store away, and I love that they feel like they're from another century. I wouldn't be surprised if Isaac Newton had something like it.
Next: More lovely finds for the home office
Next: More lovely finds for the home office