I bought a pair of IKEA Finnvard trestle table legs for $50 each, then asked the hardware store to cut a piece of plywood to 2½×8 feet to fill the space. I also had them cut strips of plywood to top $5 IKEA brackets. The total cost of the plywood, cut to size for the shelves and desktop, was $112. Two shelves give me ample space to store business documents in lidded boxes. I don’t file those papers because I’d rather be able to grab a box and take it to the kitchen table if I need a change of scenery. Neutral raw wood finishes and creamy white paint on the walls make my office fit with the rest of the house. A rosy sheepskin transforms the wood dining chair into a comfortable perch for longer projects. It also gives the industrial-looking raw wood finishes softness and texture. It has become my cat Lucy’s favorite spot. A quartz top turns the radiator into a usable surface. The display board is made from a $27 sheet of Homasote 440, a fiberboard I bought and had cut to size at a hardware store. I screwed it to the wall and then covered the fasteners with grommets. I hang pieces that make me happy. I raided the house for jars to hold washi tape, pencils, and paintbrushes. The glass jars are nice for being able to see exactly what I am looking for, plus they feel lighter and airier. Having my supplies out inspires my creativity. My desk doesn’t have drawers, so I needed storage. The Poppin file cabinet ($250, The Container Store) was a splurge but worth it for the sleek look. It comes in a range of colors. I keep printer paper in translucent drawers so I can see when it’s low. Smart buys minimize clutter and boost focus to turn your workspace into a powerhouse of productivity. Shop the look with these office helpers: Buy It: Lexington 3-Tier Rolling Cart by Recollections ($30, Michaels) Buy It: Bluelounge CableBox ($36, The Container Store) Buy It: Trenton Fold Out Table ($299, Pottery Barn) Buy It: Leick Home Corner Computer/Writing Desk ($320, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Safavieh Xander Modern Secretary Desk ($211, English Elm) Currently she owns her own business as a freelance writer and editor. She contributes regularly to a number of magazines and websites. She’s also an adjunct professor of features and magazine writing for Drake University.
