6 Essentials For Every Home Office + a $200 SkyMall Gift Card Giveaway!

I have a huge announcement:

I officially have a home office space, as an early Christmas present to myself and my blog I decided it was time to get off the couch while blogging and get into a more productive spot. Now that I have a designated work area, my life has changed completely. Havinng an office has helped me establish "working hours", something I never really laid out before. This has made me more productive and creative, so you could say I kind of love my little office space.

When I say little, I mean my gorgeous desk is able to fold up and out of the way if I need it to, and this is perfect since my office is technically part of my living room still... I suppose you could say I commandeered a corner of the room when I saw the The Fold-Out Convertible Desk on SkyMall.com made by SEI. I knew it would be perfect and our living room re-design started that day! Now that we've rearranged things a bit, this space feels so much larger and more open with more in it! 

I love the clean lines and the beautiful stark white color of my fold-out desk. The hanging of the desk was an adventure but not too incredibly complicated and that's the only assembly involved. The quality of the desk is perfect, it's sturdy, and even offers a little bit of storage space - everything you could ask for in an office desk.



I decided I really wanted to make my office my own once I set up the fold-out desk, so I began to add some flair by bringing in a fun piece of art work, a few personal pictures, a set of organization boards, adorable office accessories, and some fun knick-knacks! {Do you like the organization/dry erase boards? The Calendar, To-Do List, and Quote are all DIY and I'll be sharing a tutorial in just a few short days!}

I almost have my little office area organized, but I'm still wanting to add a few more things: a small plant for the top, maybe a few more folders so I can keep papers organized in the little pockets the desk offers, and maybe just a couple more pretty little things to add to the shelves because why not?

Today I want to share with you the 6 Essentials for Every Home Office:

1. Organizational tools - You should always try to keep all of your statements, invoices, etc. organized, even if you just opt to scan every single file - you need a way to store your important documents. I have the fun little pockets feature on the desk, as well as a filing cabinet that isn't pictured. I also highly suggest adding a calendar, planner, etc.

2. Get artsy - Put something fun, colorful, or inspirational in your office space. Encourage yourself to get things done with a quote by your favorite inspirational speaker or paint a cute picture of your dog. Whatever you want to add to your space to make you smile; make it, print it, photograph it, and hang it up.

3. Clear work area - I'm using my fold-out desk as my large work area, I want it to always be free from clutter. My laptop and a few other items are the only things I want left on the desktop regularly. This should be a goal in every office: don't overload your desktop. If you don't have the fun storage cubbies on your desk like I do, then think about installing some shelving or getting some storage bins. You'll love having your desktop clear of clutter and I promise it'll make you more productive!

4. Accessorize - Now that I've explained how not to clutter up your accessories, I highly suggest you add in some fun elements to your desk. I have an adorable set of matching clipboards and post-its so I use these as both functional pieces and gorgeous accessories! I have a few pictures on my cork board that the fold-out desk features, both photos reminding me how much I have to be passionate about; my family is amazing!

5. Let it burn - I highly recommend a candle in your home office, because they help relax a space and make it smell delicious! I love having a vanilla or lavender candle because both scents are soothing to me, I suggest using a scent that comforts you and makes you feel all warm inside. You want to be in "your happy place" while in your office, don't you?

6. Relax -  Add something to your office that helps you feel calm. Whether it be a stress ball, a yo-yo, or in my case, a small meditation garden. It's good choose to have something relaxing that offers mindless entertainment... It'll help get your creative juices flowing again when feeling a little drained.

Now that I've shared everything you need for the perfect office space, here's your chance to win a $200 SkyMall Gift Card. Have you seen some of the amazing prodcuts SkyMall offers? They have a little bit of something for everyone and with $200 to spend, I want to know which items are on your wish list this year?

Enter to win with the giveaway tools form below:

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I  received one or more of the products mentioned above to facilitate my review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.This contest will run through December 1st at  11:59pm EST. Must be 18 years or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter,etc. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.