The Edit #4: Home office haul

Need a back to work pick me up?

You may have gathered by now that there are certain things that spark great joy in me, like stationery, paper diaries and anything organisational. And this is peak time for all of those. I say it’s a Virgo thing. Some of those closest to me like to roll their eyes at that, although I stand firm. Whatever the reason, I like to have beautiful things to aid my productivity and make my work environment look good so I actually want to spend time there.

I’m now ‘at my desk’ for two full days a week and balancing work, life, socials, childcare, [insert more here], so this month marks a new chapter in my new freelance life. It’s only right that I celebrate with the things I like most.

After deliberating my own home office set-up with a plan to move it to the spare bedroom and create a built-in solution within a fitted wardrobe, I have actually found a new solution and relocated into the study we already had. It’s always been an office – just not my office. I’ve moved in so it’s now a shared space to which I am intent on putting my stamp on my part of it. More on that soon.

In the meantime, this week, I bring you the latest edition of The Edit, a monthly roundup of ideas for your and my home, each along a theme. A lust list, something I have bought and loved or just an idea I’ve spotted and liked. This month, with back to work/back to school/back to some sort of routine in full swing, I’ve decided to dedicate it to ideas for the home office. Although I will caveat that by saying, these will work just as well in an ‘actual’ office too – they always need a bit of a zhuzh in my opinion.

I’ve left out the big items like the desk and chair to focus on the nice stuff that will serve to give a you a decorative boost – and (hopefully) a creative/productive one too.

Quick & easy home office updates to spark joy

Storage is always a good place to start and more is more when it comes to a home office. I have so many magazines, newspapers, brochures, notebooks and other bits and pieces that quickly end up being clutter when not given a proper place to live. Magazine box files and (nice) cardboard boxes with a lid that you can label are great for dividing things into categories and these can then be stored in a stylish locker that’s a nice balance between pretty and utility.

Mustard Made Midi locker in Olive Green, £319, Rose & Grey.

I did say more is more and extra storage in the form of shelving gives you the opportunity to add a bit of you into your work area. I love the original String shelving system – it’s super flexible and you can add various components to suit your set up (like hooks, trays and hang bars) and it comes in cool colours too. I’ve bought a similar design from Dunelm which I plan on styling up with some books and magazines, trinkets, photos and things I need quick access to.

String Pocket in blush beige.

Desk, chair, lamp. The necessities. Make yours a looker so it doubles as part of the décor, not just functional. I like to layer lighting so there’s a good task lamp, preferably an angled one that can be adjusted, and an ambient one like this one. I probably wouldn’t put this at eye level as the exposed bulb could dazzle the eyes, but it would look lovely on a shelf.

Zoja glitter lamop, £42, Oliver Bonas.

I find it really difficult to commit to artwork. I want it to ‘speak’ to me and feel like it belong in my home. I had a brief conversation with interior designer Mellisa Bolivar of House of Sui Sui recently over Instagram and she agreed and said it’s easier to find nice expensive art (with a laughing emoji) – quite. But there are affordable gems to be found if you look beyond the mainstream. A mum I know makes these David Shrigley-inspired prints featuring motivational words – perfect when you need a Hump Day reminder you’re doing great things.

Better silver print, from £9.99, Amelja.

I don’t need to tell you any more about my paper diary addiction. I’ve said it all here. So of course, a Filofax is on the list of home office must-haves. Endlessly useful.

Saffiano metallic Pocket organiser, £44, Filofax.

As well as a diary, a desk planner for those daily to-do lists is a mainstay in my working spot. The Productivity Method’s version is based on the productivity method from The Sunday Times #1 bestseller, Working Hard, Hardly Working by Grace Beverley. It features space for quick and long tasks, a daily timed schedule and goal-setting for non-negotiables to get done. Join the waitlist for the next drop.

Undated desk planner, £22, The Productivity Method. (currently waitlisted)

Complete the organisational trilogy with a wall-mounted planner. While I like the month-view paper versions (like a giant desk planner pad), a framed print that can be used like a write-and-wipe whiteboard is less wasteful. Just don’t use permanent marker!

Monthly wall planner, £21.95, Desenio.

Never thought I’d need a desk mat, but it’s now a permanent fixture. Mouse mat, coaster, smooth surface and desk protector, simple but multi-functional.

Desk mat, £14.95, Amazon.

When you start a new job, do you take a new mug to use? I reckon a mug can say a lot about you, no? These artisan-style beauties say all the right things.

Dahlia stoneware mug with reactive glaze, £18 each, After Noah.

And no room is complete without greenery. A small plant like a Chinese money plant is an easy one to introduce. They’re said to being prosperity, too.

Chinese Money Plant, £15, Windsor Sage Planter in Small, £18, Leaf Envy.

What’s your home office must have?

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