| Author | |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 11:10am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I was on Dawn's blog reading her posts on filing, but what caught my attention is how beautiful her workspace is. And she linked to Elizabeth's (I think???) blog with a picture of a desk drawer with pretty pink files in it. So I got the idea to do something about my extremely utilitarian looking office space. I am claiming it as my own and putting in extra shelving to house all the books I use regularly and my scrapbooking stuff.
I found a gorgeous seedling green paint, and painted the walls in my corner of the basement last night. The trim board color is called Welcome Mat or something like that. Its one of those creamy coffee colors that are popular right now. My shelves and desk space are either unfinished wood or a birch/beech color Ikea shelves. I'm covering my bulletin board with a calico that has shades of the green and brown and also some pink. I'm putting up some pictures of my kids and I am thinking about adding an art print as well that I saw in the Magic Cabin catalogue of 2 children sitting in one chair reading a book.
Here's my question: Where do people find those feminine looking shoe boxes and inbox racks and things like that??? I have some ugly clear plastic boxes on my shelf holding pens and glue sticks and things. I want to dress it up since its on the open part of my shelves, but I don't know where to look for something like this. My black Costco purchased inbox racks need to go, too. 
And if you have any other ideas that are *cheap* for dressing up an office space, I am all ears because I am very decorator-challenged.
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and  due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Servant2theKing
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 13 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1505
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 11:47am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Books, Your new space sounds lovely! If you can't find organizing containers you like, why not cover some with fabric, maybe something that complements or echoes whatever you used for your bulletin board. Think of it as gift wrapping shoe boxes or in-boxes, but tucking the fabric inside each section and perhaps affixing the edges with a glue gun or doublestick tape. Isn't it wonderful how everyone here inspires and encourages one another?
__________________
All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Cay Gibson
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005
Location: Louisiana
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5193
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 12:22pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Books,
Here is a picture of the simple woman's well-loved spot.
She writes:
"Believe it or not there is meaning to my desk area...this is where the gazette comes together, bills are paid, budget is made, letters are written, journals are kept, days are planned, homeschooling years are mapped out, tea is drank, birdie posts are shared with my daughters, bible and womens' studies written, ideas for the simple woman and all else that require some time and are important to me. I use every inch of space and all is organized and full of things that are pretty and useful."
I would love to do something with my desk area but until I can get it out of the living room area, it's a huge chunk of the living room decor. 
But this is exactly what I'm focusing on this year and am anxious for ideas as well:
Influence of Environment
__________________
Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BlessedMommy
Forum Rookie
Joined: Feb 11 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 80
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 12:54pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I like PBTeen's selection of bins, I personally purchased the Sweet Storage Bins (set of 2 mini and medium in white.) They aren't exactly cheap, but they are definetely worth the money.  HTH!
__________________
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BlessedMommy
Forum Rookie
Joined: Feb 11 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 80
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 1:20pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi again! I was looking for something COMPLETELY different and stumbled across THIS and thought you might be interested.  Have a blessed weekend!
__________________
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Cindy Mac
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 21 2005
Location: Florida
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 576
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 1:40pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Elizabeth's desk accessories are from Vera Bradley. I don't know which pattern it is (raspberry fizz maybe?), but they are awfully pretty!
__________________
Cindy - wife to Chris, mommy to my 4 sons!
Kellys Klassroom Korner
St. Anne's Academy
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MrsM
Forum Pro
Joined: May 05 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 202
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 2:30pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I've had luck buying pretty office supplies and desk accessories at Marshalls and Ross. They also had fabric covered boxes and beautiful handmade baskets from New England (for less than $10!) that I use to hold books and supplies. They carry decorative file folders that are nice for lapbooks and, of course, filing. It seems like the stock changes frequently, so if they don't have what you want you can always check back later.
__________________
Lynn in California
Homeschooling dd13, dd11, ds10, and ds8
Mom to Miracle Baby ds3
Mom to darling Elizabeth and Francis, held in Mary's arms and always in my heart
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
KerryK
Forum Pro
Joined: June 30 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 265
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 5:33pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I know that you can buy unfinished wooden trays from Michaels, and they work great as "inboxes"(you can paint them). In fact, I am almost positive that I got that idea from Dawn's blog, which I am always so inspired by!
Your space sounds great! My space is a tiny corner of the dining room, and no matter how hard I try it just doesn't stay "mine".
__________________
Kerry
Mom to
Matthew (10)
Mary (6)
New baby Samuel 2/26/07!
and 9 angels in heaven
The Eyes of My Heart
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 8:50pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ack! I could never work at her desk spot!  But its cute. I am a minimalist at heart, but color and fabrics have a deep impact on me. I am only now realizing just how much. I peeked at your thread, too, and was struck by the comment about things that have meaning. We do that with our Christmas tree ornaments...if it doesn't have a meaning, its *out* because I want to have a story behind every ornament. No satin balls! In my home, I try for either meaning or function. Nothing can just "sit" somewhere and be cute without a purpose. Walls don't count, though.
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 9:27pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you so much! There are a ton of ideas here. I found canvas boxes at PB Teen that look lovely, if I can't find something locally that is more affordable. And I am looking forward to poking around at our local Marshall's and Ross too now. I should have known it was Vera Bradley! I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate a bit of that into my workspace too, now! 
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
cornomama4
Forum Pro
Joined: June 20 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 189
|
| Posted: Aug 16 2008 at 9:57pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi Books,
Meijer has some fabric storage totes/boxes in navy and other colors. I would also check out Garden Ridge, TJ Maxx and Michael's especially for those pretty shoe boxes (photo boxes).
The fabric idea is great, and I'm also covering some things with really beautiful thick wrapping paper, and slipping it (pink geranium..who knew!) in my home management binder sleeve. You can do a lot with just a few personal touches....doesn't all have to be from some designer line (though they are so pretty!) Happy decorating!
cm4
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SuzanneG
Forum Moderator
Joined: June 17 2006
Location: Idaho
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5465
|
| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 11:42am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Does anyone know if you can buy pretty, decorated Hanging File Folders??
__________________
Suzanne in ID
Wife to Pete
Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BlessedMommy
Forum Rookie
Joined: Feb 11 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 80
|
| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 12:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I purchased THESE at Staples, they are a lovely seafoan green color....they were the prettiest hanging flile folders I could find....and believe me I looked!
__________________
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 3:47pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Well, I found some cute boxes and a basket at Michaels today, and Suzanne shared a link with me at Current for magazine file boxes that are lovely as well.
Current magazine holders
Thanks everyone!
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Aug 18 2008 at 4:25pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
http://www.ontimesupplies.com/Ampad_Pastel_Colored_Hanging_F ile_Folders_skugroup_7295.html
Here are some more hanging file folders I found, Suzanne...
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
stefoodie
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 17 2005
Location: Ohio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8457
|
| Posted: Aug 19 2008 at 7:07am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I have the Pastel colored hanging file folders... I wish they'd make some in floral though!! I've looked everywhere...
I did find, last year, some really pretty ones at Tuesday Morning, really cheap 
like these (I wish I could buy all of them and have different themed file folders in every room of the house )
Seems they always have a bunch of those in their stationery section -- not a whole lot of people browse through there I guess... my only complaint: I got 2 kinds -- some pretty pink floral ones and some library themed ones. All were Made in China. And the library themed ones, when we got home and opened them -- smelled chemical-y. Yucch.
__________________
stef
mom to five
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
BlessedMommy
Forum Rookie
Joined: Feb 11 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 80
|
| Posted: Aug 19 2008 at 8:41am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I couldn't find any place that had pretty hanging file folders, but when I found THIS (click on the pictures and it takes you to the store) website the folders reminded me of scrapbooking paper, so I had a thought.....maybe you could find some pretty scapbooking paper and cover them with it? Just a thought. 
__________________
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
So Blessed
Forum Rookie
Joined: Jan 11 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 61
|
| Posted: Aug 19 2008 at 2:51pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Books,
I don't know if these would work with your color scheme but I saw them while paging through the Land of Nod catalog last night:
I thought they were so pretty.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Angie Mc
Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005
Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 11400
|
| Posted: Aug 21 2008 at 6:15pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
The timing of the topic is perfect! I haven't had a chance to read the whole topic, yet I'm inspired. I was planning to shift *my* work space from our study to a corner in the dining area and then rearrange the study. I'm such a practical gal that I wasn't even thinking about making it pretty! Well, I am now! If I'm successful (hoping to have it done by the end of September) I'll post pictures. Thanks, I need all the help I can get  .
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Cindy Mac
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 21 2005
Location: Florida
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 576
|
| Posted: Sept 10 2008 at 9:40pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
A few days late, but I came across this beautiful desk set and I just had to share. I'm thinking I need to get this. I'm just loving damask right now - and it looks so Vera Bradley without the huge price tag!
__________________
Cindy - wife to Chris, mommy to my 4 sons!
Kellys Klassroom Korner
St. Anne's Academy
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Forum Locked) 
4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: help decorating my computer space...
