I find the best way to redesign a space is to make decorating the last step and to take that step after a long pause.

Once the pieces of furniture are in place, rather than immediately putting decorative pieces back where they were, I think it is smart to first spend some time in the space with the absence of those things and decide if they still fit and feel right.

We can outgrow our appreciation for certain things over time and our tastes can change. For instance, I now have a pile of treasures (pictures, knick-knacks, inspirational quotes, etc.) that I put aside when I installed my new desk and repositioned the furniture in my office. I used to love these things and they were selected and positioned to add a positive feel to my space and to help create great Feng Shui flow. Now, I see them piled across the room from me, and realize that some of them feel more like “clutter” than beautiful additions to my space. They fit my space before – but not anymore.

I think we can numb out to our environment, but our environment and the stuff in it is still affecting us. By taking a fresh look at the specific things we are surrounded by, we can make sure their influence is positive.
I guess I will be booking a charity pick-up for these former treasures and keep my eyes open for something that fits the new feel in my office. Then again, maybe this new, more spacious feeling is kinda nice…

Like many home based businesses, I have been working from a make-shift desk from leftover furniture. A combination of an oak dining room table and a long fold down table served me well for a few years, and met most of my needs, but was not my ideal long-term solution. I have a great office space and all the necessary gadgets, I just needed a better desk.

Finding the perfect desk was a challenge. I guess I was lucky that I took my time, because I figured out along the way exactly what I needed in a workspace.

Here was my wish list:

• Maximum surface area – I like to pile projects separately
• A view out the window – for light, concentration, and curiosity
• Not facing into the light while at the computer
• Not having my back to the door = Feng Shui wisdom
• Access to my whiteboard - easy to write on
• No bars or legs in the way of my leg comfort
• A matching supply table within rolling distance – for quick grabs
• No built in wall or overhanging cupboards – for light and flow
• No sharp edges or legs = Feng Shui wisdom
• Easy access to technology

I shopped around at length and finally found the ideal desk. What a difference it makes to sit at a desk that fits. And to have more space than I need is a treat – even though I am sure I will soon spread out to fit it! The ripple effect of the move will last a few more days as I go through the old files I unearthed from the filing cabinet I needed to move… Then we’ll do a final clean and a Feng Shui tweak here and there and voila – a new beginning.

What kind of desk met my list of requirements? IKEA. I used the downloadable IKEA Home Planner software to create a floor plan of my office and “try on” different desks and tables. The software also created a shopping list for the many required pieces and parts. Great service all-round and I sure am enjoying the results. Hey, maybe this new desk will help me write this blog more often!! Stay tuned…