Creating a Better Work Space w/ Unexpected Items


Your work space.  You spend most of your days there, you sometimes eat there, you talk on the phone there…and the list goes on. It is a place that has to work so hard for you to allow you to do your best.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

So when I think of an ideal work place these words come to mind:

  • Beautiful
  • Inspiring
  • Organized
  • Functional

When I looked at my work space, I wasn’t seeing those words. There was some clutter and a hodge podge to it that wasn’t inspiring to me. Instead of sitting down wanting to work, I just wanted to get up and change it. So one day I did.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

I wanted beautiful items to store my office supplies. I wanted to find new uses for old things. I wanted some glitz and glam. These things inspire me.

I first began with a thrifted acrylic frame I found in great shape for under $2.I took out the backing and flipped it for a tray.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.comThen I layered in my beautiful items to hold my office supplies.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

I found the brass tiered stand at Goodwill.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

The green and gold container was found at a yard sale. It hides my writing utensils clutter free! I also found the Moroccan brass dish at a yard sale.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

The geometric cup was a thrift store find too.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

I layered in a few beautiful and necessary items in there too, like a mini pink stapler, a pen sporting my college’s name, a quote, and a special heart rock my mom gave to me.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

I also found an adorable brass cage with a hinged top that is perfect for business cards.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Next up was a HomeGoods tray with a mirrored bottom that I instantly fell in love with. I knew this would be a great place to store my files that I use frequently or items that I need to act on quickly. I know myself – out of sight, out of mind, so I needed an open storage so my to-do items can stare at me until I do them.

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

Organizing a Work Space with Unexpected Items | www.rappsodyinrooms.com

I’ve been using it a few weeks now and this system really is working for me.

How do you organize your work space so you’re working smarter, not harder?

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  • LOVE! Especially that amazing brass tiered tray!ReplyCancel

    • Thank you Jackie! Can you believe I scored that at Goodwill?!? ReplyCancel

  • What a pretty space! Did you go out looking for those kind of lovelies when you wanted to redo your workspace or were they trinkets you already had around the house?ReplyCancel

    • Thanks Suzanna! Before I go shopping (especially at a thrift store where your mind can really stray) I like to make a list of items that I need. This helps me stay focused. I knew I wanted to update my desk so I definitely included this on my list when I was shopping – although I was not heading out to specifically look for these items. They were one of the many categories I had on my list. This way I don’t feel pressure to find items right that day. It allows me to find the perfect items and not find suitable items because I need them that day.ReplyCancel

  • Who wouldn’t be inspired if that sat at your desk? I love your creative uses of thrift store items.ReplyCancel

  • Hey, Megan! Your desktop is gorgeous AND I love that lamp to the right with the hanging light bulbs. Do you have any idea where I could find a lamp like that?! I loooooove it! Beautiful workspace! 🙂ReplyCancel

    • Hi Jessica! Thank you! I actually found that lamp in an estate store so I don’t know where you could find it. I saw one recently that sort of looked like it on Craigslist so there have to be more out there. Ebay could be an option too.ReplyCancel

  • Glenn

    Wowwwwww….. Makes my office look like a Dungeon! I want a pink stapler ! Great job Mego.ReplyCancel

    • Haha! Not a dungeon – just a lot of stuff, right? And the pink stapler can be yours – it came from the dollar store! I’ll keep it in mind for your birthday!ReplyCancel