You might find this hard to believe, but working in a library is not the most glamorous affair. Our public area is quite colorful and attractive, but our staff room is, despite our best efforts, a bit dull, grey and cluttered with harsh lighting pouring down and casting shadows over everything. My desk faces a wall and there are dark metal cabinets surrounding me. It is hard to feel inspired in this setting so I like to add colorful and beautiful images to my work space to pull me out of the industrial, government issued feel of my day.
For several years I have bought the Metropolitan Museum of Art desk calendar. Every day there is a different work of art to admire as I sit at my desk. My heart has lifted and soared many times over the day’s art selection. This calendar is a must buy at the beginning of every year.
I save past issues of the calendar and hang up images of paintings I adore throughout the year on a metal cabinet bordering my desk. I usually switch them out every two weeks or so. Right now I have two Italian paintings on display to get me excited for my trip in June. I also have portraits of Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf and a favorite photograph of James Baldwin.
And I’ll occasionally buy clearance flowers from the market close to my library to brighten my day. This week it’s golden daffodils (a little wilted, but still glorious).
Do you work in an office? What do you do to make your work space a bit more inspiring?
*I’ve decided to stop writing the Sunday Bulletins as I was feeling flustered trying to think of something to write every Sunday.*
Have a gorgeous week!
A Certain Fondness 
My office is overflowing with boxes of records. We’re out of space, so I have to pile them around my desk. It’s cluttered and messy, and I’m starting to find it kind of stressful. I do have a window at least, and that helps. I think I need the Met calendar too! I hope you have a good week, and find a good book to break the reading ennui. Do you get an extra holiday for Easter?
LikeLike
Lovely ideas to brighten up your work place Anbolyn. I am very lucky that I work in an airy, bright and colourful school.
LikeLike
I love the touches you’ve added to your desk, especially because of the way that they offer a rotating selection of inspiration. I have a mix of personal photos and art postcards pinned up in my cubicle, but I’ve had the same group up for so long that unfortunately I’ve become immune to them and barely notice them anymore.
LikeLike
When I had my first office job, I bought a page-a-day calendar that had shoes on it. I loved that calendar — it was fun and whimsical, and it made me feel cheerful every time I flipped a page. I think the same company does one with hats. I should alternate — one year get hats, the next year shoes.
LikeLike
I love your calendar, it must really brighten up the space 🙂
I’m a teacher, so my ‘office’ is my classroom and it is a small one, so I’m constantly juggling paper/files/children’s books/stationery etc. It’s not very glamorous! Plus, no matter how strict I am with the children about keeping tidy, there’s always a rogue pencil or two on the floor…
LikeLike
I have a favourite poster on my wall of Rome (to remind me of life outside work), and a pretty desk calendar (this year it’s cats), and a nice china dish for my pens and pencils, and a few postcards, and – best of all – yesterday my workmate gave me a ridiculously cute fake green moss rabbit for Easter to brighten things up even more.
LikeLike
I work in the Information department of a hospital. I’ve recently moved into a new office with brightly painted walls and a window which lets the sun stream through. Of course I have my Reading Women calendar on my wall but your pinboard has given me a few ideas!
LikeLike