5 Ways to Create the Desk of Your Dreams

Consider #DeskGoals achieved!

By: Bridget Mallon

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Now that August is winding down, it's officially back to school time. And even if you're not actually a student gearing up for a new year of classes, it's still the perfect time to get organized. Not only are your favorite stores stocked with stylish office supplies and the cutest planners, but the changing season means it's the ideal time to refresh your desk.

White Home Office With Glam Gold Leaf Desk

Glam up your home office by adding shimmery sheets of gold leaf to a basic desk. Complement the glass desktop with a clear lamp for unobstructed creativity.

Photo by: Honey & Fitz; photo by: Ruth Eileen Photography

Honey & Fitz; photo by: Ruth Eileen Photography

So, to get you inspired to whip your workspace into shape, I chatted with organizational expert Alejandra Costello, who recently teamed up with Marshalls and T.J.Maxx to make #deskgoals a reality. Read on for tips straight from Alejandra, as well as a few of our favorite office products, that will help you create the desk space of your dreams.

1: Keep your needs in mind.

Because everyone has different expectations for their desks, Alejandra suggests keeping you and your desires in mind at all times, whether that means you need a stylish set of desk accessories or a more sparse space. "It’s important to surround yourself with the right systems that will allow you to be productive and feel focused," she says. "There’s no 'one size fits all' approach to setting up a workspace, as all of us have different needs and priorities!"

2: Don't focus on perfection.

If you're not sure where to start, or you're feeling overwhelmed, Alejandra suggests taking a minute to remember why you want to update your workspace. "It’s easy to get bogged down in the details or get caught up in the mindset of creating a 'perfect' workspace. Remind yourself of your high-level goal, and keep taking steps in a forward direction," she says. "Think progress, not perfection."

3: Just forget about trends.

"Trends fade away and oftentimes leave us with possessions that turn into clutter," Alejandra cautions. So, instead of following fads, she suggests investing in "classic desk items that speak to your individual personality. For example, if your style is traditional, add a simple clock to your desk to help you manage your time more effectively. Likewise, if your style is bold and edgy, use fun and quirky organizing products in your favorite color that won’t fade away as trends change."

Home Office With Black Bookcase and Charred Wood Desk

Elegant Home Office Includes Charred Wood Writing Desk

Though at first glance the office at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2015 appears perfectly traditional, a closer look reveals a charred cedar wood writing desk that offers a bit of destructive, rustic charm. "The design was inspired by the idea that some of the most beautiful pieces of literature, art and design result from destruction," designer Brittany Haines says.

Photo by: Jason Kisner; Design by Brittany Haines

Jason Kisner; Design by Brittany Haines

4: Don't go overboard.

While Alejandra says there's nothing wrong with picking out accessories that speak to you, she says it's important to keep cohesion in mind. "One thing you want to avoid is using too many patterns, incorporating too many colors or buying too many accessories, which can create a visually distracting environment and be counter-productive," she says. "Ask yourself what you need, while being mindful of how you want to feel."

5: But surround yourself with items you love.

While it's easier to stock your desk with a few mismatched pens, plain folders and an old letter organizer, decorating with pieces that inspire you will keep you feeling inspired and excited to work. "It’s about finding what speaks to your own personal style and creating an environment where you feel good," Alejandra says.

To kick-start your desk revamp, we rounded up a few fun office products below:

Blue and Gold Desk Lamp