Design Your Way to Peak Productivity

 How to Dress Up Your Desk

On the desk surface

On top of the desk, one would need a stylish lamp, but it also admits a lot of light for those late-night cram sessions as no one likes having ample light on. I always think having a new view ahead of you is excellent. I have my memory board, but I have also had my collage wall. However, I can understand that this can become quite distracting, but it's perfect to look at you create a break from working to distract and decompress. Even a floor lamp that hangs on the desk is lovely. Next up are pots and pens. I always have some pens and all the scissors, tape, and staplers I can get ready to be pulled into action. Most of the desk surfaces you want to be clean and approachable to do work, so be selective. I usually have a little plant. A cactus is good, especially if there’s limited sunlight, which I struggle with in my room. Have a magazine or a book to dress up in the central area of the desk. This can be easily moved out of the way when need be. Please have a little trinket pot I use to store my ballet medals. It is suitable for removing any jewellery that gets in the way while working away. Finally, accessories could be a picture of flowers or a cute vase. I have one that is a beer bottle shape for strawberry lemonade with some crochet flowers in it. The best thing is to have an inviting, creative area with a comfortable seat but not one where you get too comfy and fall asleep, as no work will get done.

In the draw

Next up is my main draw. Unfortunately, this drawer is not deep enough for dividers or storage trays to be put in, so I divide myself. It looks overwhelming and chaotic to the naked eye, but you have to do what is best for you. I have all my glasses and sunglasses; I have an extensive collection of prescription and non-prescription, the more accessible accessories. Then I have all my to-hand notebooks. These are specifically selected. I previously had them all, but it weighed the drawdown, and I wouldn’t use them anyway. Next, I have all those essentials that don’t have a place but need to be at hand to grab, like the lighter for my candles. I also put my purse and keys here if they are not in a bag. I have a blue wash bag for all my wires and electronics, so they are all in one place and don’t make it look too messy. This draw is your go-to stuff.

The second draw is that I used to have all my art supplies while studying art at A level. However, I have now changed it and put this little wired basket in for my daily skincare. These are the things I use daily so I can sit in my seat and complete it, and they are not in a note or a pot on the surface, making the desktop more crowded and cluttered. I use the space around it to put all my prescriptions and cotton pads. Out of sight, out of mind. Tidy desk, tidy mind, in my case. 

in the cabinet

This cabinet has adjustable shelves that can be put at any height. It is easy to see why everyone loves IKEA furniture. This has plastic see-through containers as the shelves are deep; therefore, these containers keep everything organised. I placed all my notebooks in one box. These are ones that I will not be using at the current time but will route into the main draw. I have a cardboard paper storage for paperwork and a small tin with official essential documents, so if I need them, I know exactly where they are. I have a container for all my candles to quickly and easily change over.

So my tip is not to have too much stuff or items, know and remember where everything is so you do not lose it, buy a new one, find the old one again, and have specific areas for specific things. It would help if you considered what you would use daily or more frequently, so I replaced my notebooks with sunglasses. Now, I can open the drawer and grab a tandem before I run out instead of finding them in a box on a shelf in the cupboard.