Make your workspace your own!

I sit at the same desk, in the same chair, looking at the same stuff 40 hours a week. I think it's important that I like what I'm looking at, what do you think?

My goal with this blog is to encourage you to find a way to turn that drab cubicle into a cute and modern workspace that's totally you, while still being professional :)

Tip #1
Add color!
Bring a lamp in with a unique lamp shade, dry some flowers and display them in a stylish mason jar, and bring in office tools or accessories that are colorful and/or unique! One idea is to go to Ross or Marshall's and get that statement paper weight, the letter filer with floral detail, or the chic blue vase that doesn't seem to work at home. Whatever you decide to do, just go for colors that you like!

 I love the office space below because they chose to brighten it up with some unique floral wallpaper to cover up the ugly brown cork, and it goes great with their orange lampshade -- bringing things together.


Tip #2
Add a personal touch. I love having pictures of my family and my dogs that I can look at any time I want. I have a little section on my corkboard that has pictures of me and my husband and our two dogs. I love looking over and seeing them, and people often comment about how adorable the pictures are. It's a nice and easy way for me to add something a little personal to my workspace without overdoing it.

Below is a pic of the bottom half of my cork board with pics of my husband and my furbabies. It's facing me so it's not like it's on display for everyone. But if people come into my office, they get the privilege of seeing my little family too.

Tip #3
Reflections
For the longest time I would always go to my coworkers office to look into her mirror. I finally realized that I just needed bring in my own mirror! It's nice to be able to check myself out every once in a while, touch up my make-up, notice if there's broccoli in my teeth... you get the idea.  I found a gorgeous mirror at Cost Plus World Market years ago that is oval with a green border. It's just another little pop of color to add to the drab neutral of a cubicle.

I love the mirror below because it's small, but it's got great mosaic detail that makes it interesting.


Tip #4
Make it Functional!
Last but not least, make your work space work for you. Get help to make sure your work space is ergonomic so you are not hurting yourself and are at less risk of problems down the road. Keep the things you use most often near to you, and make sure you get out of your chair whenever possible. It sounds funny, but sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours a day can be really hard on your body. The rigid motion of mousing and typing can be murder on your wrists, shoulders, neck, and back if you're not aware of it. Just make sure to take care of yourself. Below is a link to the United States Department of Labor, which includes information on how to make your workstation ergonomic to limit or eliminate the distress you could be putting on your body.
OSHA Ergonomic Solutions

I hope that these tips will help to expand your idea on what a cubicle or workspace should look like. You are young and chic, your workspace should be too!