styleworkspace

     I don't care where you live, work, or hang-out, it is ALWAYS important to have your own space. Whether it's a room, a chair, a garage, or a corner,  having a "you zone" is good for both your body and your brain. I've spent lots of time organizing, styling, and building up and adding onto my workspace, and I continue to add to it constantly.

     Maybe you like clean spaces and live a more minimalist lifestyle or maybe you're like me and take pride in your collections. Clearly I have a thing for vintage camera, antique photographs and dead things. For me, clean walls are never an option and hanging a photo or two wasn't going to do it. While designing my wall space, I drew most of my inspiration from vision boards, instagram layouts and museum spaces. 

     Ebay, Etsy, thrift stores and antique stores are all great resources for adding to your collection, especially if you are interested in vintage items and taxidermy like I am. Many of my pieces have come from online sources as well as hand-me-downs and gifts. If you're into collecting, keep in mind, it takes time to grow your collection, you just need to keep your eyes peeled.

     Another important aspect of styling my space was accessibility and availability. Often, I use objects in my collection to create images and props for photos, so it is always important to have them handy, not to mention it's a super cool way for people to see what you have. 
     DIYing is another great way to style your space. Utilizing paint, string and glue can make a world of difference in your space's items. The lamp pictured above was a discolored brown and tan color with a really ugly yellow shade. I decided to spray paint it black and paint to shade gold to help match it with the rest of my room. One of my absolute favorite spray paints is the Rustoleum Universal Satin trigger paint because it's super easy to control and covers in just one coat. 

     My goal is to eventually cover the walls of my office with as many pieces as I can, however, I want to keep in mind their significance as well as their importance to my collection. By keeping the colors relatively neutral, (with a few pops of color) it helps create a calming environment that also helps me keep my focus on any projects I am working on. Most of my photographs have come from antique stores, Etsy, and Ebay. In order to hang them up without damaging them, I use clear push pins, making sure only the edge of the pin's plastic hold onto the photo. The decorative paper that I use to accent the photos has come from friends, scrapbook supplies, and framing projects. These can easily be found at craft stores like Michaels or even Amazon.

       Frames can add up, especially if you buy them brand new at certain stores. I have found one of the best resources for finding frames is Goodwill and Savers. (or similar stores depending on your area) Not only can you find an awesome variety of frame styles and sizes, but they average from $0.99 to $5. If I find one with a style that catches my eye but doesn't necessarily match my room, I'll use craft paint such as apple barrel brand to match them the best I can.

     Considering the available physical space and the mood of the environment you want to surround yourself with can ultimately dictate how you decide to style your space. While I am aiming to style my office with a specific aesthetic, it does not mean you can't mix it up a bit. If you like color, add color. If you like clean walls, go for it! Creating a space for you