Before
After
Lamp £20 Argos
Light Bulbs £1.75 eBay
Ampersand £6 Wilkinson
x2 Striped Tumblers £4.50 Wilkinson
Notebook £1.25 Wilkinson
x2 RIBBA Shelves £11 Ikea
White/Black Frames £4.45 Ikea
Organiser Boxes £1.60 Ikea
Total: £50.55
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to take part in a MoneySupermarket challenge by MoneySupermarket, with an idea to demonstrate that it doesn't cost a fortune to give an area of your home a bit of an overhaul and transform it into a nicer place to be. I chose my desk area, as I've been avoiding it for months. After years of study and rushing around, its a bit of a mess. The first 'before' picture is probably complimentary, as it has actually been worse. Random bits and bobs seem to have accumulated and papers piled up as I told myself I had nowhere else to put them yet but would 'sort them out at a later date.' Yeah, right.
So, armed with a £50 budget, I planned a few changes, and made my way to a few bargain shops. Lamps can be so expensive, and although I'd love an ornate gothic lamp, I opted for a subtle touch of colour and moved our old boring lamp downstairs. I then headed to Wilkinson for a few novelties, and although its not a shop I visit often, they have some genuinely nice pieces in their home section. I can imagine this ampersand would've cost twice the price in Next, and I love the simplicity. My favourites though, are the striped tumblers from the bathroom section, I really am a freak for stripes.
I added to the monochrome look with a notebook, to keep all my blogging notes in, and picked up some cheap magazine files from Ikea to keep my 'random bits of paper' in. They're categorised vaguely into, 'Important stuff to sort,' 'University stuff to file,' and 'I'm not sure I can throw this away yet.' Mhm!
And finally, the picture shelves, to tie everything up nicely. Before, I had a random collection of images stuck to the wall to cover up the mess behind it, but I much prefer this neater way of presenting my favourite pictures, and it was so cheap to put together. Dad popping over to put the shelves up, was free, thanks Pa!
So, armed with a £50 budget, I planned a few changes, and made my way to a few bargain shops. Lamps can be so expensive, and although I'd love an ornate gothic lamp, I opted for a subtle touch of colour and moved our old boring lamp downstairs. I then headed to Wilkinson for a few novelties, and although its not a shop I visit often, they have some genuinely nice pieces in their home section. I can imagine this ampersand would've cost twice the price in Next, and I love the simplicity. My favourites though, are the striped tumblers from the bathroom section, I really am a freak for stripes.
I added to the monochrome look with a notebook, to keep all my blogging notes in, and picked up some cheap magazine files from Ikea to keep my 'random bits of paper' in. They're categorised vaguely into, 'Important stuff to sort,' 'University stuff to file,' and 'I'm not sure I can throw this away yet.' Mhm!
And finally, the picture shelves, to tie everything up nicely. Before, I had a random collection of images stuck to the wall to cover up the mess behind it, but I much prefer this neater way of presenting my favourite pictures, and it was so cheap to put together. Dad popping over to put the shelves up, was free, thanks Pa!
All in all, I've got an actual atmosphere and more importantly my space back, to tap away on my laptop. I'm sat here now with a candle burning and an urge to make cupcakes. Mmm, how homely!
What do you think?
S xx
Looks lovely, and beautifully organised.
ReplyDeleteMy desk is currently totally out of control, need some serious storage solutions to house products and paperwork.
x
Love the striped tumblers! Everything youve added looks great x
ReplyDeleteWilkinsons do some amazing gems in the homeware section!
ReplyDeleteSophie
x
This is so cool! I love Wilkinsons.
ReplyDeleteHow did you get to take part in this if you don't mind me asking?
Love it! I love decorating and renovating rooms and areas at home :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! Very organized, love it! x
ReplyDeleteLooks cute, really lovely :) xx
ReplyDeleteStephanie
That looks amazing so tidy after as well - I'm awful for living in chaos! Adore your rubber duck by the way! x
ReplyDeleteThis looks lovely and so tidy. Surprising what you can do with £50! x
ReplyDeleteLove it, it looks so organised. I really like the little ampersand :) X justrach.com xo
ReplyDeleteLoving the notebooks - I miss Wilkinsons!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Excellent job indeed. This shows what a little imagination and £50 can do. You just don't need to spend the earth to make things look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous! I don't even have my own desk, I currently share my fiance's computer as my laptop is so slow and we share a desk in the living room due to space! It looks gorgeous! xx
ReplyDeleteI love Wilkinson's homewares! Those tumblers are so pretty :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo
Looks awesome, v inspiring, I am moving house this weekend and I'm having trouble imagining whats going to go where, can't wait to get in and see what I can do!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute work space. I'm attempting to re-vamp mine before I start my masters. Fingers crossed I will be as successful as you :D
ReplyDeletexoxo
jessica
from
www.thecrownwings.blogspot.com
its looks great!
ReplyDeleteanna (intheplayroom)
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ReplyDeleteYou have performed good changes and everything looks perfectly fine.
ReplyDeleteAnyClean
You have performed good changes and everything looks perfectly fine.
ReplyDeleteAnyClean
I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back at some point. I want to encourage you to continue your great posts,That's very nice and useful .
ReplyDeletePreformed Shower Base
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