Organize My Office

Way back in September (seriously, it feels like forever ago!) I wrote a post on how I need to organize my life. One of the biggest reasons I did that post was because of the state of my office (well, office may be too grand a word for the corner of my bedroom that has become my workspace since my little bean’s birth).

It was and still is a complete disaster. I don’t know about you, but messes can really get to me when I’m trying to work. I can’t concentrate completely when I’m surrounded by clutter because it distracts me (honestly, it’s a wonder I get anything done considering the state of my house on a regular basis… just ask my husband).

I think my biggest problem is letting little things go (like the mail or papers sent home from school with my daughter). Little things become big things when they pile up. My workspace is just one big mess of little things.

I wish my office looked more like these gorgeous spaces (see Pinterest for sources):

Don’t these spaces make you drool?! They’ve sent me into an online window shopping frenzy. I love office products in the first place, but now I’m on the hunt for relatively inexpensive, clever organization solutions. Here’s a little taste of what I found:

spice rack :: drawer organizer :: baskets :: 5 drawer cabinet :: birdcage
shampoo rack :: cardboard organizer :: paper sorter

These ideas have totally inspired me to tackle my mess. I might (might) even go crazy and tackle one of these DIY projects (lord knows I have a hefty collection of empty boxes left over from the holidays!).

What is your work space like? Are you messy like me or does everything have its place? And if you’re neat, please share your secrets! I need them!!!

DIY Junk Mail Stationery

So you all know at this point what a big repurposing nerd I am, right? Eco-friendly + cheap = perfection in my book. Well, I came across this video on Poppytalk this afternoon and I absolutely had to share.

As part of the Unconsumption Artist Series (where artists were selected to repurpose things using the Unconsumption logo), Yellow Owl Workshop created this super simple video tutorial that shows you how to make stationery out of all of that annoying junk mail that fills your mailbox everyday.

I don’t know about you, but I’m amazed at the amount of junk mail I get even though I request to get things digitally whenever I can. This is a great way to reuse it, save money, and have super cool personal stationery. Love it!!!

Junk Mail Stationery from Yellow Owl Workshop on Vimeo (via Poppytalk)

Check out Uncunsumption for some other amazing repurposing tutorials (I might have to make some glass bottle vases with all of those mason jars I have lying around…).

DIY Shipping Pallet Furniture

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of both DIY and repurposing otherwise unwanted things (aka upcycling). Combining the two and saving money in the process is enough to make me salivate.

That’s why I’m sort of obsessing over the idea of shipping pallet furniture right now.

Super cheap (just run over to Home Depot and ask if you can take a few off their hands!) and relatively easy, it’s the perfect way to add a unique piece of eco-friendly furniture–that is sure to be a conversation starter–to the rest of your decor.

The key is adding details that dress up the wood so that your friends and family have to do a double take to realize what it’s made out of. It will make it so much more rewarding!

Here are a few of my favorites:

via re-nest

via re-nest

via Trend Hunter

via Ashley Ann Photography

via re-nest

I love that the pallets have built-in storage space. It makes it that much easier for those of us who weren’t shop class superstars (that would be me) to create something really functional–without pesky trips to the ER.

Related articles from around the web

•  5 Uses for Wood Pallets in the Home (apartmenttherapy.com)
• DIY Vertical Garden From Wood Pallet (beast4romtheeast.wordpress.com)
• DIY Succulent Pallet Table (faroutflora.com)

DIY Headboard Ideas

Do you ever sit in a room in your house and suddenly decide that just about everything in it must go? Do you feel like you don’t even know the person who decorated it anymore?

I do this all the time.

Usually it’s my open living room/dining room area, but today something in my bedroom needs to change.

I’m thinking a headboard could be exactly the kind of refresher I need. As I’ve mentioned before, my budget is kind of nonexistent at the moment so I’m on the lookout for inexpensive DIY projects–extra props if it’s eco-friendly to boot.

I did a little digging around and found some really cool ideas.

via marthastewart.com

Martha Stewart uses ornate wallpaper to create a really pretty, unique headboard that would look great with simple bedding. While I love this look, my bedroom has painted wood paneling so I don’t think wallpaper would work for me.

via Curbly

Another cute idea is using a shelving unit to define the area behind your bed. I like that it provides storage space but am way less enthused at the idea of having one more thing I’ll forget to dust. Plus, who am I kidding? I’m not about to build a shelving unit.

I need something salvaged!

via HGTV

I love that this one looks so fancy and expensive when all it is is reclaimed corrugated tin cut in an ornate shape. How cool is that?

It doesn’t exactly fit my room, although I would totally consider it if I happened upon some corrugated tin.

My bedroom walls are a light and airy seafoam color so I’d love something either natural or weathered to continue the laidback beachy feel that makes me feel so relaxed.

These next two are my absolute favorites.

via HGTV

via HGTV

I think the rustic doors might be my top pick. They’re so interesting and unique! It’s exactly the kind of kick my bedroom could use.

What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Do you hate them all? Do you have any other ideas for me? Tell me!