A Cleaner Tidier Version of my Office

If you recall, my office was mentioned on Centsational Girl's wrap-up post about where we blog.  You can see the photo she used below with my desk (on the left) next to the pretty little office from I Heart Organizing (on the right).

I wrote in this post, that I was a tad embarrassed that my desk, although organized, looked so messy, especially in contrast to my fellow office-in-a-closet blogger.   Well that was just the motivation I needed to tackle my desk and take it to the next level.   I've been working away since then, tidying and prettifying my desk and I thought I'd give you an up-date.

In the photo below, you can see the before (on the left) and how it looks now (on the right).

The first thing I did was buy some magazine boxes from IKEA.  I got the inspiration from seeing the white boxes in Angie's fantastic office (which you can read about here).  The papers were already sorted into files before, but they looked messy.  I organized the files together into groups and put them in the magazine boxes.  It's not quite as easy to access, but it sure looks better.

Yep I even included a box marked 'fun'? 

My friend Kim, gave me a wicker drawer tower that she didn't need anymore, to use in place of the plastic one that was to the left of where I sit.  Since the new one is smaller, I had to do some re-organizing and culling of things that were to be stored near my desk.  

I also added an IKEA file box under my desk so I can quickly put in the bank statements.  They arrive so frequently in the mail that they have a tendency to pile up when I don't get around to filing them (and I'm just being realistic that it's going to happen again, so I bought a box to keep the pile out of sight).  Juno often sleeps under my desk on a pillow while I work - doesn't the new box look great beside her!

I recently found this lamp at a thrift store for $5 and thought I would give it a home on my desk since my other one was constantly turning on and off.

I also sorted through the things that were on my desk and tried to find other places to put them - namely in the baskets, the drawers, or on shelves nearby.  It's now about as paired down as it can get and still be functional.  I do recognize that the magnet board makes it look a bit cluttered, but I love looking at the pictures and the calendar that I made.

And a before and after of the desktop - 

Several people suggested I either find another place for the games that are stored on the top shelf or try and hide them in some way.  I pondered and considered and considered and pondered and have decided to leave them as they are.  I use the games for work so need frequent access to them and I want it to be an easy task to find a game when we want to play one as a family.  Storing them on the upper shelf means they stay organized and it is easy to see what we have.

There you have it - an office update!  So now when you read my blog you can think of me sitting here - with a dog at my feet and a cup of tea nearby and maybe slightly less tidy.  I'm just saying....

Linked to My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
and My Favourite Cozy Spot at Bright Bold and Beautiful 
Best of 2010 Blog Party - Organizing at House of Grace