New Years Resolution: Revamp your Workspace

New Year’s resolutions are all well and good, but too often they fall by the wayside. One resolution many of us can relate to is reorganising our workspaces. Whether you have a little corner of the bedroom or living area or you are lucky enough like me to have your own office at home, workspaces seem to be a breeding ground for piles of papers, rogue stationery and, if we’re being particularly slobby, dirty dishes!

I have done the hard work for you, to give you the kick start you need with some fun and affordable tips on how to revamp your workspace for 2014.

If it all seems too much, do a little at a time

Give yourself a goal of when you would like to get your office fixed up by. For example before your next client meeting or in time for a work event you have been planning. Designate allocated times every day leading up to your deadline to sort through papers, throw things away and organise pens and pencils. Sometimes it’s easier to do things bit by bit. Also have a think about how you can re-configure the space to make it new again.

Create stylish storage solutions

Good storage is essential to your workspace. This is what keeps you organised and sane throughout the year. In October, I wrote about how to create functional, beautiful storage ideas for your home. Consider incorporating some of your own unique storage solutions or, if that is all too much, you can just pop into Howards Storage for great off the shelf ideas.

Give the cable monster a makeover

Workspaces are often home to a ball of cables from all sorts of equipment plugged into one mighty power board. Streamlining your cables with specially designed clips and edgings keeps them out of sight (and safely out of the way of pedestrians!) but if hiding them isn’t an option, you can always display them in a creative way like these cool ideas from lifehacker.

Keep your equipment clean (inside and out)

Things like phones and computer keyboards are breeding grounds for bacteria (especially if you like to snack while you work like I do), so make sure you give everything a good wipe down when you do your declutter. Similarly, now is a great time to start shutting your computer down every night. Shutting down allows your system to sleep and any updates to be installed that may have downloaded during the day. Machines need their rest, too!

Add some pretty touches

With working from home becoming increasingly popular, it’s important you make your workspace look the part, whether it’s a study nook or penthouse studio. Add some personal touches with a pin-board of your ideas and inspirations. It’s always nice to have a little daydream once in a while of that cool house you have dreamed of or even some lovely family photos to make you smile. Hanging some artwork is also a good idea, you could create a wall collage of your favourite vintage prints or purchase a special painting that makes a bold statement. I also recommend using colour in furniture and stationery to give your space an edge. It doesn’t have to be expensive to look fabulous and make a lasting impression.

One example of a home studio I would like to share with you, is that of blogger Alicia Parsons. Her blog Atypical Type A, shares wonderful and pretty things to inspire a beautiful home. I love how Alicia captures her personal interests and decorating styles within her own space. I was particularly drawn to her studio tour and thought it would be a good opportunity to share her images with you so you get some inspiration for your own workspace makeovers.

Photos taken by local Adelaide photographer, Mel Boulden.