What would improve your work space?

Daily | August 14th, 2008 by Danielle LaPorte

Work space = head space. Either way, there’s usually room for improvement.

Carrie says: Our C&D studio is full of creative energy - but my home office…well, I don’t have one. I check my email from an antique table that is an ergonomic nightmare. The solution is…to not bring my laptop home! I need to let my home be for reading, making art, and dreaming.

Danielle says: Like Carrie said, our studio is great. I feel very productive here. I write from home twice a week and…THAT can be a trip. What would improve my work space (in additon to a Herman Miller Aeron chair) is sound proof walls, a moat, an electric fence, a security guard and a sign that said: BUSY BEING BRILLIANT. KINDLY PISS OFF.

Viewing 83 Comments

bene 08/14/2008 01:52 AM 1 point
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The biggest improvement would have to be myself. I have to get out of my head and onto the sheet. And I could do with a tidy up, I work best when everything is tidy and frankly, now it is a mess. I think I will start right away, now that I understand that there is no big, mental block crossing my way. Thanks:)

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Lisa 08/14/2008 02:28 AM 1 point
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A simple, fuss free, organized filing sytem and lots of shelf space.

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rebecca walker 08/14/2008 03:20 AM 1 point
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Oooh--is this a trick question? I'd like the BLUE DOT strut table in blue, the OXO lamp in white and that gorge wooden digital clock designed by Takumi...I have the address for delivery right here....no but really, for me it's all about beauty and proportion, color and lighting, and really great gear. xo

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http://www.rebeccawalker.com

Kristin 08/14/2008 03:23 AM 1 point
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More freedom to sprawl. I'm currently in a nook behind our kitchen/diner/lounge and would love a corkboard wall to tack up collages of inspiring and motivating ideas. And someone to whack me in the head when I stop focusing.

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Vix 08/14/2008 03:58 AM 1 point
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A room designed to have everything in its perfect place, soothing colours, music, pictures of loved ones, with a view to the lake where i can dream and be inspired, where the daily commute is in my flip flops and loungewear - and meetings are held around a table outside in the summer time with homemade lemonade and cakes.....

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Crys 08/14/2008 03:58 AM 1 point
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I'd like my office space to be cleaner and to reflect ME a bit more. Right now tis a cluster. A place for recycling items to go and a trash can near the desk. I like the desk - dh DID design it for me... I want a more comfortable chair too...

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Jamie 08/14/2008 04:18 AM 1 point
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In the immediate: a clear desk.
In the longer term: a large studio space where I can stretch myself and welcome others, wood floors, white walls, big windows, great sound system, an extensive music collection, shelves of art supplies, a tickle trunk of costumes, love and creative energy.

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http://www.openthedoor.ca

Jennifer 08/14/2008 05:02 AM 1 point
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our studio is perfectly located (50 steps from the house), full of light and organized... but just a tad petite. im all for small but if i could have 100 sq ft more/50% bigger, i could pace, stretch with a friend add a few more bookshelves for our resources and collected ephemera. POOP! now you have me desiring more! im curious to see if anyone answers this in a non-external kind of way...

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Joannie 08/14/2008 05:24 AM 1 point
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I work at home. What would improve my work space is my husband getting Danielle's message:

BUSY BEING BRILLIANT. KINDLY PISS OFF.

I don't know what it is about my need for privacy that makes my husband call me for something URGENT - YEAH RIGHT! - or knock on the door - anything it seems to get my attention and

piss me off.

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JoeM 08/14/2008 05:54 AM 1 point
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Three walls of glass windows twelve feet tall and a row of massive skylights across the top. A new anvil in the metal working area. Another seventy-five tubes of color I haven't seen before. A faster printer for my computer. But most of all; another seven hours in every day.

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Debbie R 08/14/2008 06:04 AM 1 point
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Better lighting, and an electrical boundary system that would keep out the cats and dogs (love 'em, though I do)

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Kerry L. 08/14/2008 06:14 AM 1 point
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A beautiful piece of art work just above and to the right of my computer monitor so I can look up and be visually restored.

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Brenda 08/14/2008 06:22 AM 1 point
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My work space is such a mess that it's hard to figure out where to start. If there's somebody out there who can give me a couple of bite-sized tips, I'd really appreciate it. Right now, the only thing I can think of to get me started is prayer. My style statement is "comfort-creative". As you can imagine, the closer I get to my desk, the more intense my anxiety becomes. This is REALLY a problem. You guys really struck a nerve today!!! Help me, please.

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http://www.signatureperformance.net

Tabitha 08/14/2008 06:25 AM 1 point
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More color, more art. I'm in a gorgeous historic building but the walls are beige and I have a cubicle wall that's grey. I'd like to go buy some fabric and staple it to the cubicle so my little area is more alive, less officey.

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http://www.lifealamode.com

Traci 08/14/2008 06:25 AM 1 point
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I'd move it to my house (and out of this stuffy old medical institution). If it were so simple...

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Xai Vicente Charles 08/14/2008 06:27 AM 1 point
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Great question. I am in the middle of a complete redesign of my studio space. The first thing I did was to paint one wall in an empowering color. I chose a golden yellow because according to Chinese culture it is the center of everything. Yellow also represents freedom from worldly cares. It was also important for me to choose yellow because it aids in clarity for decision making, sharper memory and concentration. It also protects one from lethargy and depression during the dark winter months.

These are all elements I need in my studio since my space has only one window and I am not a friend of cold dark winters. Two items I dream of owning for my space is the Eames lounge chair in brown leather with ottoman of course and the Lux table lamp designed by Alberto Meda and Paolo Rizzatto for Luceplan.

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http://www.manifestbeauty.wordpress.com

Shannon 08/14/2008 06:30 AM 1 point
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More filing storage would be a huge plus. An erogonmic desk set up would be awesome as well. Oh, and a nice background to do livecasting! All three are things I'm working towards.

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http://moviemoxie.blogspot.com

Lynda 08/14/2008 06:34 AM 1 point
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A home office would be great!! My husband works out of our home and it's terrific. I have a very nice space in the district co that I work, it's just that I do alot of work at home in the evenings and on the weekends so another space would be my biggest wish...filling the walls with lots of my favorite quotes....

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Kristin (The Goat) 08/14/2008 06:35 AM 1 point
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I would be the thing that would improve my workspace. I need to be in my workspace and work. My office is such a disaster at the moment that I have been using my laptop in the livingroom on the couch. I also need to get my desktop PC working correctly, that would certainly improve my workspace, too - having a properly working computer. Good thing my Mac laptop is working fine.

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http://www.ttelroc.blogspot.com

Cindy 08/14/2008 06:37 AM 1 point
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I suggest taking a trip to the Container Store for inspiration - they have beautiful and functional containers for everything! Then, once you get the clutter under control, take a trip to Target because they have lovely and affordable desk type items. Next, subscribe to Real Simple - always filled with easy to use advice. Happy organizing!

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Candis Hoey 08/14/2008 06:39 AM 1 point
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My salon is in a 100 year old house.... Windows that open would change my life.

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Cindy 08/14/2008 06:40 AM 1 point
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Your vision sounds lovely...the only thing that I would add is floor to ceiling bookshelves because I am a bibliophile!!

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Cecile 08/14/2008 06:41 AM 1 point
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BONJOUR MES AMIS!!

Actually I like my workspace. It's cozy and I have it well organized. I have my Paris posters and my Chinese calendar in addition to the other "spiritual" objects that are meaningful to me only. Classical music in the background and hi-tech task lighting that is energy efficient and goes off at noght when I leave. I also have a silk potted olive miniature tree... behind ther monitors. I have to admit, I can always use a bit more bookshelf space... But, it's ok. Perhaps I need to purge more often... lollollol

Cécile

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Brenda 08/14/2008 06:41 AM 1 point
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Thank you!

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http://www.signatureperformance.net

Krystl 08/14/2008 06:45 AM 1 point
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Oh, boy. This question is timely! One of my three top priorities for this week is to clean and organize my workspace at my office. (We'll get to home, later) I work in a corporate cubicle. I have customized my space to include things that make me happy and more efficient, but lately certain areas have gotten out of control - the filing is stacked everywhere, there are too many personal items, and i have bags and boxes against the back wall that I knock over every time I push back my chair. I want to:
a) actually do my filing and get it out of my sight
b) take out all personal items and only put back a few, well-curated pieces
c) get rid of supplies that don't fit in my space and put them in the supply closet. sure i'll have to go fetch them when i need them, but i won't feel so cramped in, and i'll save all that time that i am spending restacking them when i knock them over.
..
Fantasy workspace makeover: my hobby is photography, and i'd love to have a little gallery show in my cubicle. i'd take all the random stuff off the walls, and just put up maybe 10 8x10 prints in a series.

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Ginger 08/14/2008 06:49 AM 1 point
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To provide a balance to my 9-5+ workspace(the job which pays)I would have a playroom at home filled with light, creative energy, fresh flowers, soothing colors. Room to organize my art supplies so they weren't covered in dust & hidden in a closet, a place where I could leave unfinished masterpeieces sitting to dry and the cat wouldn't walk across them & leave a trail of little footprints all over my furniture. A comfy chair to read and a computer with no access to "work" email.

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Mackenzie 08/14/2008 06:59 AM 1 point
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I could go on and on with this one! I work in a typical office tower space and it is a very artificial atmosphere because everything is controlled (i.e. air conditioning, security etc.). I would make the following adjustments: fresh air! (I have never seen a living being i.e. a fly other than humans on our floor!), a more inspiring paint color (it currently resembles pea soup or bile), an enclosed office space (although I see a lot of value in our open space set up when it comes to sharing ideas, communication etc.), a complete interior design overhaul to reflect where our company is going rather than where we have come from...we pretty much need a corporate Style Statement!

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Cecile 08/14/2008 07:05 AM 1 point
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Oh, sorry, but I forgot to mention the one thing that REALLY would improve the workspace: My own drinking water cooler!!! lollollol

Cécile

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Ellen 08/14/2008 07:07 AM 1 point
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Ha! Love your answers C & D!

As for me, I would like to be respected as the professional adult I am. I have a boss at the moment who insists on treating our professional staff as if we are children.

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Angela 08/14/2008 07:12 AM 1 point
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For my Work workspace, there's alot that could be done to improve it. First of all it's a communal workspace, not just in the fact that several people use it over the course of 24 hours, but it's a congregating area for others as well as being a high traffic area. Secondly, alot is spread out across the workspace. Not much is right at your fingertypes, meaning there's alot of getting up out of the chair, or rolling the desk chair to the area you need to be. Finally, I like to be organized, but I'm not the one in charge of organizing the workspace (I think that might go by seniority or who works there the most). It's frustrating to know where every single piece of paper is......until someone decides to re-organize or straighten things up.

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Jen 08/14/2008 07:15 AM 1 point
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Sharing space with my daughters has brought many shifts to my workspace. It has been in my bedroom, living room , kitchen, basement. Now I have made the leap with my business and my studio is going in the livingroom . Serene and open. Not very big but it going to be a place to share my photographs with clients. I am creating four spaces in the basement for us. Entertainment, creative, Workspace, and play. Since we will be in the basement I am going to have the Creative space/ workspace a light icy color of green. That way we always have that space to work in. What ever it is that we would like to achieve. Be it bills or homework. Now, where do I put the piano that is in our kitchen?

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laurie_matthews 08/14/2008 07:18 AM 1 point
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A long white table. Lots of light and color. Surrounded by inspirational photographs and quotes. Tons of storage. French doors that lead to my garden. Within walking distance of a great cafe.

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Yvette 08/14/2008 07:19 AM 1 point
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Plants, A great chair, a cubicle with a door, a rug under my desk (I like to be bare foot) a fresh bowl of fruit every morning. A place to take a nap (over 45) and an exercize room with soft music playing.

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MoJo 08/14/2008 07:39 AM 1 point
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People...

I recently jumped ship from the corporate world to a small management consulting business - I LOVE the work, and the woman I work with, and the home-based office is perfect (even down the the HM Aeron chair I'm sitting in!), but I didn't realize until now how much I would miss the little human distractions that so often annoyed me in a big office.

Perhaps that explains why I'm on this site instead of diligently working away at the moment ;-) Live 'n learn...

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Kristin 08/14/2008 07:55 AM 1 point
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I had this same problem for a long time, and what finally cured it was a good old clear out. Three boxes: 1) Recycling/donations. 2) Might need someday. 3) Vital to my life. Taking the time (took me a week!) to get through all your files, collections, ten-year-old planners, etc. is both emotionally draining and cathartic. And box #2 is a saviour - it's a holding place for things you're not ready to get rid of yet, but don't need on a regular basis. The trick is to keep these things to one box that can be put elsewhere, then sorted through in a year, two years, whatever. Once you've got your space sorted out, make it yours so that you respect it enough to never let it get messy again. Good luck, Brenda! You can do this!

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Kristin 08/14/2008 07:58 AM 1 point
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Do it! I once thumbtacked my cubicle with beautiful patterned papers, and it made such a difference to my mood. That's the coolest thing about cubicles - the ways creativity can transform them into stimulating workspaces.

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Kristin 08/14/2008 08:00 AM 1 point
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Interesting musings on the color yellow. The feature wall in my office space is a mustard yellow, and though I loathed it when we moved in, it's now growing on me. Thank you for sharing. (Loving your furniture choices, by the way!)

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Kristin 08/14/2008 08:03 AM 1 point
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There's an idea...corporate and small business Style Statements...Danielle? Carrie?

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Dena 08/14/2008 08:18 AM 1 point
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A larger desk and a better chair!

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Brenda 08/14/2008 08:19 AM 1 point
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Will do!

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http://www.signatureperformance.net

Tina 08/14/2008 08:42 AM 1 point
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Our family has gypsy blood - I'm always changing things... I need it to stay fresh. We have a basement office (sounds bad but we've made Cnd House + Home!) that was all white (read: ikea central) with touches of pink. Recently, the girls from the office came to work and I had ditched the pink, kept the white base and added light, fresh pale blue. I ordered storage boxes, glass pencil holders, file folders - all in the blue from seejanework.com and gave everyone a breath of fresh air. I need the space I work in to feel organized, refreshing and clean so I can focus on the tasks at hand!

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Tina 08/14/2008 08:44 AM 1 point
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when I gave Style Statement to a very cool friend of mine, her husband, who is in the branding business, immediately grabbed it and used it with his giant shopping mall client that was trying to reposition themselves!

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marn 08/14/2008 08:57 AM 1 point
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Since my 'workspace' is my home (I am a stay at home mom... or as I refer to myself, a 'domestic goddess'), so I will say more organization!

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Mel 08/14/2008 09:04 AM 1 point
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My work space is consumed with piles of files organized by priority and type. Not too bad, but I'm always looking for a better system.

My home work space is miniscule for all the things I use it for. I have my laptop and scanner there, with all my office supply stuff. Then there's my sewing machine and materials, which have been exiled to my closet, because my desk is 2'x2'. I don't have enough room to be creative. If I want to sew, I have to drag out everything to my utterly unused dining room table, which is definitely not good for sewing on!

I would benefit the most by getting a long desk/table to create a multifunctional space for my laptop and scanner, and my sewing stuff. Now to find space! Perhaps it's time to sell the dining room table....

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http://bettysbees.blogspot.com

stella tinglin 08/14/2008 09:27 AM 1 point
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I just moved into a new office space and it has much more light than I had before, therefore, I need some plants in this space. Promotes oxygen and helps the vibe when people come to visit.

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Carol Z 08/14/2008 09:43 AM 1 point
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I have a home office, which I like but have trouble keeping tidy. I work better everything is orderly. I'd love to have someone come in & give me some tips on how to keep my space less cluttered. It's a constant battle.

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http://www.acclaroediting.ca

Connie 08/14/2008 09:55 AM 1 point
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Probably a new computer with more hard drive; oh yeah, and less clutter.

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Keiko 08/14/2008 10:48 AM 1 point
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I actually really like my work space! It's the best spot in the house with lots of natural light looking out onto the sidewalk and bike path so there's just enough "human interaction" (in a non-interactive sort of way) that I don't feel COMPLETELY isolated. I also get to spy on squirrels and the crow family in the trees outside. I just scored a kneeling chair which is a lot better than what I had before! The only thing that I'd indulge in now is a laptop, so I could be more mobile and take my work outdoors for a change of scenery and inspiration!

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Rushmi 08/14/2008 10:50 AM 1 point
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I have two offices. One at home, the other 45minutes away from home. I wish I could bring the energy and the buzz of doing imporant things in to my home office. I wish that I could take the serenity and solitude of working from home to my other office. So instead, when I am at home, CNN keeps me company; and at the office well - still working on achieving the Serenity! A picture of my kids playing on the beach sits on my desk in both offices...that's what energizes me, and gives me serenity. Everything else, I have.

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http://www.jazmyn.ca

Cecile 08/14/2008 11:17 AM 1 point
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Danielle,

You are missing the most importamt part of your improvement plan: the dragon!!! lollollol :-)

Cécile

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Gina 08/14/2008 11:25 AM 1 point
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Ideally my workspace would be mobile and I could work from anywhere with an Internet connection. I feel confined when required to be contained in an office. My true creativity flows, and surprisingly enough I work longer and harder with more enthusiasm, when I am allowed the freedom to roam.
But for now... I think my office could use a few inspiring pictures.

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Linda Borland-Fitzgerald 08/14/2008 11:29 AM 1 point
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I currently use a corner of my LR but would like to have a dedicated room.

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Carolynn 08/14/2008 11:46 AM 1 point
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I think my perfect workspace would be located above a stable, with a window overlooking a riding ring and pasture, so I could look out and refill my soul from time to time. When I need a break, I could simply walk downstairs to commune with the horses. A cuddly barn cat would be essential, as would a horse-friendly dog who would trail along at my heels and be a constant reminder of what's really important in life. Add to that, a whip-fast computer that never goes down, fresh flowers in a vase, yummy coffee at hand, happy clients, and my loving boyfriend to plant a kiss on my cheek and rub my shoulders from time to time.

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http://aglowingember.blogspot.com

Phyllis 08/14/2008 12:17 PM 1 point
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I would love to have more table space to spread out when putting my kits together as well as color planning different projects. And...a girl can never have too much shelving. Creativity takes lots of resources and to have them all at hand and easily accessible would be divine!

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http://www.winterberrycabin.com

Phyllis 08/14/2008 12:22 PM 1 point
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I did this same exact thing, especially with the OLD paperwork for both my personal and business life. I printed out retention guidelines from the internet, sorted it all (from boxes!) and went to town shredding stuff and filing the keepers. I am completely organized and my space feels so much better. What a terrific feeling! I think has been instrumental in giving me some clarity on what is important to keep and what is not. I also am more diligent about taking care of the paperwork issues immediately.

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http://www.winterberrycabin.com

Kat the Drumming Diva 08/14/2008 12:35 PM 1 point
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LOVE your room idea! kids can have playrooms, why can't we? I have some of these elements here & there in my home but the idea of having them in a nice space with a COMFY reading chair (and bookcases and lamp)... well that's just making me want this even more!
thanks for the inspiration

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http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/

Kat the Drumming Diva 08/14/2008 12:36 PM 1 point
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my desk at work is great, very organized, a nice system by teknion... but what i really want to add to it is a big pitcher of water (a nice pitcher!) with ice and slices of lemon or lime. This way, I'd have a better chance of finally drinking enough water at work, instead of just dehydrating myself further with coffee.

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http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/

Amanda | Cultivated Grace 08/14/2008 12:56 PM 1 point
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Yellow was my grandmother's favorite color...I used to hate it but now it always reminds me of her, and by association: love, safety, and cookies!

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Amanda | Cultivated Grace 08/14/2008 01:02 PM 1 point
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Ooh, definitely timely. I just started clearing out the stacks and stacks of messy boxes I have stashed underneath my desk.

For now: Clean/toss/reorganize paperwork and art supplies. Buy bulletin boards and a shelf for over the desk. Little boxes from Ikea for all the little odds and ends. Workable filing system.

Also, a plant and a creativity totem for my desk. I'm not sure what I'm looking for yet, but I'll know it when I see it.

In the future: Someday I would LOVE to have a whole room for a library/studio. Two walls with floor to ceiling bookshelves (with a ladder!). Skylights and huge windows, looking out into leafy trees. A white leather Eames lounge chair (man looks like everyone dreams of one of these!). A large farmhouse-style table for writing and art-making. A vintage typewriter. Millions of canvases and a whole wall of bulletin boards for a massive, constantly-shifting inspiration and story board.
mmmyes.

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Jessi 08/14/2008 01:20 PM 1 point
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An orchid, a window, more photos of places I've been and places to go, more music, a tazer to hold interrupters at bay and my cats to "keep the papers from escaping".

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jennb 08/14/2008 01:46 PM 1 point
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Im a stay at home mom right now. So a dishwasher that works would be great.

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Marie Leona 08/14/2008 02:53 PM 1 point
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If I could just declutter it!!!! I have such an overhaul to do that it is overwhelming.

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Danielle LaPorte 08/14/2008 03:58 PM 1 point
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I just came across these great images of INSPIRED WORK SPACES today!
http://inspiredology.com/inspiring-work-environ...

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http://carrieanddanielle.com

Danielle LaPorte 08/14/2008 03:59 PM 1 point
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what a creativity totem?

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http://carrieanddanielle.com

Danielle LaPorte 08/14/2008 04:00 PM 1 point
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I'll rent the space next door to you -- sounds divine!

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http://carrieanddanielle.com

Daniel Gibbons 08/14/2008 05:25 PM 1 point
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Another Apple 23" HD display.

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http://carrieanddanielle.com

Amanda | Cultivated Grace 08/14/2008 06:35 PM 1 point
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An object imbued with spirit or energy that reminds me that it is safe for me to be playful with creativity. It could be anything, really...it all depends on how it feels. Like a comfort object, but one that helps me feel safe with the yang, outpouring, action energy of creativity.

The world hasn't always been safe for me, and my psyche has built an elaborate defensive fortress around some major traumas (on top of being taught not to trust my Self), resulting in a PAINFUL artistic block that has lasted for 8 years. With therapy and the help of my True Self, I am overcoming! Still, small, young parts of me can be terrified of speaking (of telling their truth, in any way), and a creativity token is whatever symbol or object that I decide will help me with this.

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SRead 08/14/2008 06:39 PM 1 point
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I have managed to create an inspired oasis of a small and narrow space that still needs more natural light and somehow is a magnate for others so I totally relate to Danielle's desire to have "sound proof walls, a moat,... etc". Now that I am happy with the space itself I crave new & different work!

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Beth C. 08/14/2008 07:28 PM 1 point
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Four walls, a HUGE window looking out onto a lush garden, a door, a sign that reads "Don't Speak to the Animals," white paint on the walls and lots of Vera Bradley's Pinwheel Pink office stuff (the pattern makes me happy and VB gives a portion of proceeds to breast cancer research).

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alligator_kate 08/14/2008 07:39 PM 1 point
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As I work for myself... beyond having an office outside of the apartment, which I am working on achieving, it would be healthy lunches lovingly prepared for myself in the morning, or the night before, so that when I am inspired to go go go... I don't burn out by skipping lunch or eating whatever is easiest, which usually doesn't involve green things. I think I will start implementing this change right away.

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Jane 08/14/2008 08:16 PM 1 point
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some aesthetically-pleasing desk accessories, as opposed to the company-issue, creaky black plastic "organizer" that I have now.

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Lori_from_Texas 08/14/2008 08:39 PM 1 point
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Love the french doors leading into a garden. That is exactly what my work space needs. Thanks!

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Barb 08/14/2008 11:03 PM 1 point
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Other than an assistant to remind me where I was going on my last tangeant...a big desk clear of clutter and my notebook readily avilable for taking notes on my next big idea...currently on a counter in my kitchen under my 2-yr old's sippy cup and a sample of a new garment bag! And maybe a nice fountain in the corner.

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http://www.moveathletics.com

Kirsty 08/15/2008 05:47 AM 1 point
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Go for it Kate! Get a pepper...cut it into strips...keep it in the fridge...munch on that.

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http://www.sarniabricks.wordpress.com

Emily-Sarah 08/15/2008 05:47 AM 1 point
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Wow! I gave up reading all the replies -- and yet I'm adding to the deluge. Whitline Ink is in the midst of moving offices, and it's exciting how I'm using my Style Statement (Genuine Heritage) to thoughtfully and deliberately create my new (smaller!) office, both in large and small ways: plastic trash can? I think not! I'll have one room as all mine in a 1950s house that has a delightful "cottage" feel, complete with Brazilian hardwood floors, fresh paint ... and a lovely view of two huge oak trees out my office's front window. A lot of what I do is "creative" and so having a more naturally creative environment, atmosphere, and space will be, I hope, revolutionary. Or at least rejuvenating!

I have to share a portion of one interview from a current project I'm writing on female entrepreneurs (for a college alumni magazine): This alumna, Jill Rossi, began her own interior design firm in 2002. On her website (www.jillrossi.com) she writes, "The spaces we inhabit and the objects with which we surround ourselves have a direct impact on our emotional well-being. By creating positive, nurturing environments these places can serve as constant wellsprings of positive experience in our lives."

Something Jill said during our interview that struck a chord with me is that "One of my biggest pet peeves is lifestyle magazines. People subscribe to a lifestyle and then go through as a checklist, getting items without putting thought into what their bringing into their lives." Not that magazines aren't a great source of inspiration, but we shouldn't be content to reproduce someone else's vision without injecting our own. "Cultivate a lifestyle that nurtures you. YOU can create your own lifestyle that's reflective of you, not a marketing agency."

Jill provides staging services for people selling homes. (Where less is always more, and clutter-free is key.) When she was having part of her own home renovated, she packed everything away in that room -- every picture, every nicknack. Afterward, she said, "We moved the furniture back but no things. It was wonderful. Peaceful." She said sometimes that removing everything, even if only temporarily, can help neutralize a room and give you a new perspective (and you can put more thought into what goes back).

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Jamie Wilson 08/15/2008 06:20 AM 1 point
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Sit on a Humanscale Freedom chair before you spend money on an Aeron.

You'll thank me for it.

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Ngonzi Truth Crushshon 08/15/2008 11:37 AM 1 point
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Artwork at my job....and the bright colors in my home office are great!!! Maybe I could use more organizational tools (files, bookshelving units, labels so I could find what I'm looking for, etc) for all my papers, books and other junk...

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Colleen 08/17/2008 09:35 PM 1 point
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I think I need a personal organizer. I have the most beautiful studio with all the right stuff. Each time I do a project it goes from tidy to trashed. I just need to make it a time priority. Artists are messy!

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Vanessa Rae 08/18/2008 10:29 AM 1 point
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I would love to be a professional blogger ( I could certainly consider myself one on my own terms but it would be lovely to be paid well for it!) which means a good desk space, inspiration board, chair, scanner/printer, widows with lots of natural light and a great camera. The hardest part about starting a good blogging schedule is inspiring myself to get out there and live my life- to have something to write about. I would want a home office that is my own little haven, a space that inspired me to live my best life and gave me a comforting space to come home to and write about my life at the end of each day.

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Dolly Hopkins 08/20/2008 08:16 AM 1 point
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In my loctation of work there is a lot of construction dust and general dirt and I always have to wipe things down. We painted the floor a beautiful blue and unfortunately it show's the dirt big time.
I need a twice a week cleaner - that is affordable. Any help on that front would be greatly appreciated.

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Lisa M. 08/20/2008 12:24 PM 1 point
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Gawdah - LIGHTING! I am lucky to work on the waterfront with beautiful views, but the god awful FLORESCENT tube lighting is an eyeball zapper...not to mention, its fake rays are not doing anything flattering for some of my more pasty-faced co-workers (me included, ahem). What nut invented these?

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tiberiu 10/15/2008 06:38 AM 1 point
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Hello. My name is Tiberiu and I'm a brach manager in Romania for an advertising company. The most important improvement I would like to make is buying some new scanners because the old ones just don't seem to be reliable any more.

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angela 11/18/2008 02:37 AM 1 point
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I don't have a perfect working space, I have my oun home office furniture but something doesn't fit and I don't know what... all my furniture is new but I think I need to rearrange it, I need to find a way to make it fit, only this way I can enjoy working. Any tips?

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