4 Easy Ways To Upgrade Your Office

In honor of Improve Your Office Day tomorrow (who knew?), today, Paige (also of Mudroom Boston) shares four easy ways to upgrade your office:

Have you ever had a moment when you look up from your dusty computer after a long day, turn off your company-issued brass lamp, glance at the framed snapshots that you haven't changed since your first child was born nine years ago, grab a leaky pen from your "Team Building 1999" mug to write a quick note, and think "how did my office get like this?" Yeah, me too.

Many of us spend the better part of our days in an office or workspace, but we're so busy when we're there that we forget to look up once in a while. It's time to give your office its due. So clear everything off your desk, wipe it down, purge and declutter, corral everything you have to keep (might I suggest a tray?), then upgrade one, some, or all of these four pieces for a new-to-you office in no time.

THE PENCIL CUP:

No matter how digital the world gets, sometimes you just need a pencil. There are still permission slips to sign, right?

This bright orange pen and cup set (1) is just the beginning of new office accessory purveyor Poppin's candy-colored selection. This brass holder (2) from Task is an investment piece, but it sure is pretty (and it comes with 25 colored pencils!). Classic and cheap, you can find a set of twelve Ball jars (3) for about $10 at Ace and other local hardware stores. Line up a few and put pencils in one, pens in another, and markers in a third for a clean look. Visit Staples for this aqua faux shagreen dream (4) from Martha Stewart.

THE LIGHTING:

I have a friend who, at the beginning of her creative career, spent her time working at a tiny computer station in a room with a single 60 watt bulb overhead. Unless you want to lose your eyesight, get yourself some proper lighting.

This coral task lamp (1) from Cost Plus World Market will do the trick. Add a touch of nautical (2) or a little glam (4) to your workspace with these lamps from Land of Nod. If you're short on desk space, consider a sconce like this gorgeous gold one (3) from Wayfair.

THE ART:

As in any room, I believe art is what makes an office come alive. I have this print featuring a quote from Conan O'Brien in my office and it stops people in their tracks as they pass in the hallway. Don't let your office be the depository for "leftover art" (like cheesy motivational posters from the '90s). Choose art that inspires, motivates, or helps you escape.

Escape to the sea with Tastes Orangey (1). One more awesome thing to add to the to-do list from Fresh Words Market (2). Pay homage to a favorite city with a print from Anderson Design Group (3). Can't live without books? Download this printable art from Caravan Shoppe (4).

THE CHAIR:

A giant black chair on casters that was free from your husband's company move belongs at your kitchen "command central" about as much as a dining chair belongs in the office where you spend 10 hours a day huddled in front of a computer. Make sure you choose a chair that fits the kind of work you do AND where you do it.

Get your executive on with this cushy Eames-inspired leather chair (1) from Pottery Barn. Like industrial-chic (2)? Check out this one from Cost Plus World Market. Add a subtle pattern to your office with this lovely swivel chair (3) from West Elm. Trade in that exercise ball for this springy stool (4) from Design Within Reach.

Finally, be sure to add life to your office -- a vase of flowers, a potted plant, and even a betta fish does wonders for the soul!

Inspired to upgrade your office? Do it! Then send us before and after photos for potential feature in a follow-up post!