Creating An Inspired Work Space
With the year in full swing, it's time to prioritise your work space, creating a zone that inspires you everyday to ensure you can be the most productive version of you for the year ahead.
Sarah Elshaug : Friday 10th February 2017
At The Retreat Stylist I love helping clients to create work spaces that reflect their style and their business, helping them to do their best work day in / day out. Here I share my tips on a few key elements to consider when planning your ultimate work space...
Location
Do you have a separate room in the house, a studio out the back or are you restricted to just one wall? No space is too small for a little work space make over magic - you can achieve something beautiful regardless of your constraints. So think outside the box and consider which areas could be best utilised in your home.
Colour Palette
Creating a colour palette that either energises or relaxes you can have a big impact on your way of working. For me being creative is all about calming my mind, so I chose a cool blue & white palette with lots of greenery. But you may work best when your senses are invigorated by a bold, bright and uplifting palette of vibrant pinks and yellows. There is much research on the psychology of colour and how it can directly impact the way we feel, think and do. So let Google be your friend and discover the colours that resonate best with you.
Inspo Images
Start a Pinterest board or look to Instagram for inspiration and start building a collection of images that really resonate with you. The Workspace Stylist is a constant source of inspiration for me... you can find them on Instagram at @theworkspacestylist
Greenery
Be sure to add plants, plants and more plants! Greenery is not only good for the soul, but great for keeping the air in your work space as fresh as possible. I love having plants around me to tend and watch grow. Select pots that work well with your overall colour scheme and consider where they will be placed and what sizes you will need. A few of my favourite Melbourne greenery suppliers are Ivy Muse who make the most beautiful pots and stands; colourful pots by Pop and Scott; and for the most incredible indoor plant selections try Town & Country Garden or Glasshaus.
Storage
Storage is king! Consider all your files, folders, supplies, books etc that you need to store. Some you'll need close to hand and others can be hidden away, so be clear about where you'll need to place the items. Then research your preferred storage solutions... wall mounted shelves versus a free standing unit, cupboards, filing, draws etc. Give careful consideration to the space available and placement of these items.
Desk & Chair
Your desk and chair will be your source of comfort for potentially 6-8 hours each day, so make sure they are the best you can afford. Consider if you like to have things tucked away in draws, or visible on your desk. How tall are you and what desk height suits you best? Make sure that your chosen chair will fit neatly under your desk - there's nothing worse than a chair that can't be tucked in!
Artwork & Curios
There's nothing like a great selection of artwork to inspire you. With so much affordable art available, you can curate your own mini gallery wall in your space. Mix up your selection with framed quotes, personal curios and various frames. There is no 'wrong' way to do it, just go for it and make a gallery that uplifts and inspires you. It's always easy to swap things around when you're ready for new inspiration. I can't go past Norsu Interiors or Forman Picture Framing for a broad selection of beautiful, affordable art prints.
Sourcing
Create a list of your 'must have' items for your new space - the absolute minimum versus the 'nice to have' items. Then check off pieces that you already have that can be reused eg. an old desk that could be sanded back and repainted to suit your new scheme. Finally you can write your 'shopping list'. Be mindful of your budget and do some savvy sourcing for the big items so you can afford a few of your 'nice to have' items too:)
The Final Details
Lastly, once installed, your work space is yours to layer up with all the little bits and pieces that inspire you. A selection of books from The Collective Hub are always nearby for me, plus pics of my two gorgeous girls who inspire me to chase my dreams daily so we can enjoy the best of life together.
Feeling inspired to create your ultimate work space... get in touch here. I would love to help you achieve your work space goals too!
x Sarah