How to style the perfect home desk in 5 minutes

As more and more of us are working from home, it can be hard to create an inspiring space dedicated to work. Most of us end up working from the sofa or on the dinning table and let’s be honest, that’s not ideal.

To make the best of these changing times, I’m suggesting a few tips that will help you create the office space you need to feel focused, inspired and ready for action.

When you think about it, this is the perfect opportunity to forget about your old blend cubicle and switch to a jazzy, creative work space packed up with your personality.

I’ve made a list of little touches that will help you turn any boring table into the perfect home office. But first you can watch me transform my desk into a colourful paradise.

1- The desk

You don’t need to break the bank to give new life to an old desk or table. You can sand it, paint, taint it,… But if like me, you have a basic white Ikea desk that has seen better days, the easiest way to make it new again is to cover it with sticky vinyl paper. It comes in a variety of designs and it’s really cheap. For my desk I used white marble but when I get tired of it, I can easily switch to a new design.

The good think about vinyl is: it’s inexpensive, it’s easy to install, it’s very easy to clean.

Here are example of some of my favourite designs available online:

(Top left Gold Stripped Hexagons from Amazon from £12, top right Jungle Leaves from My Folie from £4.90, bottom left White Marble from Wilko £5, bottom right Terrazzo from Wayfair from £8.72)

2- The lamp

Now that you have your background sorted, get yourself a kick-ass lamp. Nothing says “design” like a gorgeous lamp. It also helps you determine your style (retro, industrial, boho… whatever represents you the best).

Here are some of my favourite ones, from Ikea to artisan makers, whatever your budget, you can definitely find the perfect fit.

(top left Ikea AROD £40, top right Ernest & Cooper Woodworks co. table lamp £125, bottom left Wood Smith Works tripod lamp £85, bottom right Ikea RANARP £29)

3- Desk accessory

To carry out your everyday job, you will definitely need some accessories such as pens, stapler, organisers, envelops... Everyone does. The secret is to find lovely holders for your essentials, to add character to your home office.

Look around your house. You might have a lovely mug you can use as a pen holder, an unused basket you can put all your knick knacks in,…

Notebook and organisers come in all kind of designs these days and can add some colours and personality to your work station.

Here are a few of my favourites:

(Top left Mail holder A Softer Edge £50, top right Wire basket from Homebase £7, bottom left MiGoals desk pad £11.50, bottom right Handmade ceramic mug by Chati Handcraft £14.64)

4- Art work

Art works are a great way to add character to your home office. Whether it’s prints, wall hanging, mirrors… they all come together to create a cosy corner where you’ll feel excited to spend the day.

So many local artist create beautiful and affordable prints. It’s very easy to find something that represents who you are. And if money is tight, you can use some of your existing print or even some lovely cards to put on the wall.

Here are some of my favourite artists. They will definitely brighten up your walls.

(Top left Birds in Hats pigeon print £20, top right Jacqueline Colley Creative Juice print £9.50, bottom left Elle Sorridente Personal Growth print £12, bottom left Seek Print cat print £16)

5- Plants

Last but not least, get some plants in the space. They make a huge difference and turn any corner into a lively place. Plus they are great for cleaning the air and lowering your stress level.

(Top left Plant platform with mini fern by A Softer Edge £30, top right Hello Marilu hand-painted abstract planters with cacti £45, bottom left Plant shelves by A Softer Edge price upon request with spotted begonia, bottom right Mini desk plant stand from A Softer Edge with pilea plant £35

I hope you’ve been inspired to vamp up your home office and make the most of working from home.

For more styling tips and DIY ideas, check out the blog.

Now, it’s time for you to get the work done and create a fabulous home desk you’ll be excited to work from for years to come.

For more styling tips, make sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter :)

You can also follow me on Pinterest, Instagram or TikTok