Respectfully challenged by my "sister" organizer, Ariane Benefit of Neat Living, then shamed into action by Atlanta organizer extraordinaire, Monica Ricci, of Your Life. Organized. blog, I officially throw in my hat to the Organizer's Desk Challenge this evening by (FINALLY!) posting photos of my desk.
Now, in all fairness, this is after being away for almost two weeks, so even though it is never "Martha Stewart neat", oh, heck, who am I kidding? This is how my desk usually looks...
I prefer the "L" shaped desk for the same reason that Ariane has two desks: breathing room and a separate space for my computer.
I spent a long time looking for this desk and I ordered it online (BIG mistake). I don't really like it all that much, but I have learned to live with it for now. I do like that my CPU is hidden there in the cabinet on the right, that my computer is up against the wall so the hideous cords and cables are not usually visible, and my desk is in proper Feng Shui aspect---I do not have my back to the door.
What I don't like about my desk is that the corner is too narrow for my chair and it is hard to swivel around. I may get one of those cool balls to sit on and the problem will be solved. (Not to mention that my back will love me!)
The files to the right of my monitor are the ones I use all the time, and I also have a small file drawer to my left, which I keep only the most commonly used files. In fact, most of the drawer is taken up by one of my favorite organizing gewgaws: the file drawer organizer. I bought it for about $7.00 and now I couldn't live without it. It holds my labeler, stapler, three hole punch, pens, paper clips, etc. It suits me just right, but it's only good if you have a file drawer that has spare room. Since I have two more two-drawer file cabinets, I had plenty of space to spare and no where to put all that office junk.
By the way, the photos do not do justice to how gorgeous my office is. I painted it an outrageous Mediterranean Blue by Ralph Lauren. The color was way too intense, so I toned it down by sponging on a moss-colored glaze. I have orange and yellow sari material flecked with gold thread for the curtains hanging over my two closets. I took the doors off, gutted them, painted the insides olive green and had someone create custom shelving and a space for my file drawers in one and a small desk for an office assistant and my printer in the other. I hung colorful prints of Hindu gods and goddesses framed in gold on the walls and I found a nice earthy rattan roll up shade for my window.
Although I am not done with my redesign, I still need a great rug, I am loving being in this room. It really makes a difference to spark your space up with color and life and things that have meaning to you, I notice I enjoy my time in here far more since I put my loving touches in the room.
One day, I want someone to build me a desk to my specs. I still don't think it will be neat and tidy, though, because I am a very visual person, and I need to have the projects and paperwork out in front of me as ticklers so I get things done. This level of disarray works for me because I can just close the door and no one has to see my space. I am in heaven. I am VERY organized, I am just not 'tidy'. I recommend you try it, if that's what works for you---set yourself free!
So... I will offer this challenge: to the first person who sends me a photo of their desk, I will give an online lesson in how to make your space work better for you. We can chat by phone for a few minutes and then I will make an assessment on this blog! I may even throw in a free bottle of Cedarwood essential oil, which is great for helping get and stay focused. It smells great, too.
Thanks, Ariane, for challenging us, and no, I haven't forgotten to post the photos (she and I met in REAL LIFE when I was back east---more on that as soon as I have a minute to catch up!), I can't wait to show everyone how beautiful you are!
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Jessica -:¦:-
