Here we are in 2021 and a lot of us are working from home, otherwise known as WFH if you’re into the millennial lingo. I realized deep into month 9 that my dining table wasn’t going to cut it for virtual meetings because between my husband making coffee (read: obnoxiously loud) and Coconut (cutest Westie puppies ever) crying at me at very inopportune times during a very important meeting and me trying to not lose focus, SOMETHING needed to change. My environment. One that was conducive to creativity, room to spread out to take notes, CLOSE THE DOOR, and having a nice aesthetically pleasing background for those gazillion virtual meetings.
{If my face can’t be presentable at 9am, at least the background can look pretty.}
We live in South Korea and have a large luxury house and by Korean standards, a VERY westernized home complete with 4 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms, American and Korean plugs throughout the house, upstairs/downstairs, 2 living areas, and all the more reason I need to do additional home tours, but for now, let’s focus on the office.
{put your personal or luxury items on display like artwork}
My clothing and purses haven’t really seen the light of day and I honestly miss looking at how cute they are. Why should the inside of my closet have all the fun?! I decided to put those babies up on display (Ikea shelves – here) so when I need an eye break from my computer screen I can look at my pretty investment art pieces and at least appreciate them. Who’s with me?!
{have a focal point and build the office around it}
The main focal point of the room is my PINK ITALIAN MARBLE DESK. I had my heart set on a marble desk, so when I saw a pink one, I nearly died! I found it locally in Seoul at Le Marble and the display was actually half the size and more of a cafe table set up. They worked with me on doubling the size and with rose gold legs. Instead of using it as a table, I made it my new desk!
I kept the colors to white, pink, black, and very small pops of baby blue to keep it interesting; I kept my overall office accessories as close to this palette as possible. If you stray even a little, it’ll start to look messy; you’ll want to keep the cohesive colors to ensure the office has that aesthetic you’re looking for.
Even my office supplies reflect the colors. You can have other shades for functionality, just keep them stored away in a drawer (or not, you do you) but this keeps that cohesion.
An office must in 2021 is a ring light – or two. I have the Diva Ring Light which is the most epic one in the market. Mine is dimmable and large to ensure all your flaws are washed away even if you opt to go makeup-less. The smaller one is a cheaper version and easily mobile if I need to do a quick shot and need some extra light.
I have extra seating in my office in the event I need to conduct face to face meetings with clients or just want a change of scenery and want to sit somewhere else. I got these from G Market (basically Amazon or eBay of Korea – here) for an incredible bargain – some items do ship internationally!
{create a space you want to be in and make it fun}
I need some sort of sound while I work. It’s nice to listen to something.. anything! I have internet radio on my Urbanears speaker (in blush pink!). With Spotify, I can throw on some French music or sing along to some Cardi B.. whatever the mood, it livens up the space, especially at 11pm when I have a deadline.
DE-STRESSERS. I have my Saje oils I discovered during a trip to Vancouver and I regularly keep stock of my most favorite scents (Peppermint Halo, Stress Release, Eater’s Digest) along with diffuser oils (any of the forest ones I’m obsessed with like Deep Forest. Liquid Sunshine is fun if I need some uplifting. Not pictured is my Vitruvi diffuser that works like magic.
I also have my Korean brand Soohyang diffuser in Champagne Rose that I can’t get enough of. You can get refills so you don’t always have to buy a new bottle – they even personalize it for you!
My husband and I have our college degrees displayed here next to the guitar I don’t know how to play (randomly it has 3 Doors Down signatures from a radio contest I won) next to some artwork of my face (which was made into a wine label called Look Me In the Eye sold at Whole Foods – it was limited and I don’t think it’s available anymore) and a piece from one of my favorite watercolor artists The Aestate.
{your new office doesn’t have to break the bank}
The white shelves from Ikea (here) are decorated with some books about home decor, inspirational business endeavors, and all authored by WOMEN. I also ensure to keep things functional with my HP printer (in white of course) for when I need hard copies to send to clients or mail my Poshmark labels. The drawers behind the desk are also from Ikea (here) and I store all my products for review and client partnerships and also extra office supplies – keeps things tidy and out of sight. I wanted a comfortable chair but also one that wasn’t obnoxious and distracted from the desk – I found the perfect affordable one also from Ikea (here).
I need easy access to some kind of sugar in the afternoon. As you can see, these Sugarfina boxes are almost empty and I have no idea how I’m going to get more because they won’t ship to my overseas address (sad face). But I again, kept it pink but also in the flavors I liked for a mood booster at 3PM. Now I think I need another mini fridge and coffee maker here so I really don’t have to go far..
There you have it, my very functional yet creative space for work. I honestly don’t mind being in this little place I’ve made for myself. I spent HOURS here. While I’d rather be in a cafe sipping lattes with easy access to pastries or collaborating with friends in person, this has been a nice getaway from the dining room table.