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Thursday 23 February 2012

Book Review: A Space of My Own

For many of us a desk probably plays a prominent part in our lives. Perhaps it's your cubicle at your nine to five office job, a small writing desk in the shed at the end of the garden, a place for crafting or simply a place to house your laptop and pay the bills. Whatever 'desk' means to you, the workspace is important to all of us in some way. That's why I wanted to share with you some of the spaces that inspired me most from Caroline Clifton-Mogg's new book, A Space of My Own. These pulls from the book should give you some idea of the diverse workspaces covered in the book's 176 pages. From country to colourful and modern to homespun, there's bound to be an idea that keys in with your personal aesthetic. I don't know about you, but given the sheer volume of time we spend working I'm always happy to learn of clever ways to make daily tasks more efficient. Yes? Then dive on in, friends...
A Space of My Own is authored by Caroline Clifton-Mogg | Published by Ryland, Peters and Small | Photography by (top to bottom) Polly Wreford, Lisa Cohen, Polly Wreford, Polly Wreford, Debi Treloar, James Morris
Caroline kicks off the book by taking the reader through the elements of creating a great space. From furniture to lighting, storage to decoration and everything in between, you can consider all elements of a great workspace covered! The second half of the book focuses on inspirational workspaces, themed together in relevant groupings such as shared spaces, children's work areas or craft rooms. From my top spaces I like 'Inspiration Station' best. There's something unusual about the juxtaposition of the structured, tidy storage area behind the graphic drape against the loose and freely pinned inspiration tears above the desk. It feels like the perfect fusion for Mr. Bazaar's OCD tidy/buzzing with ideas and creatively inspired personality! Have you read this book? What are your top workspace tips?

36 comments:

  1. As I looked at each one, I proclaimed it my favorite! Looks like a great book. My tip for a workable space at the moment has to do with climate control- not too hot not too cold. My office space in our basement has been so cold lately it's not inviting and makes me not want to be in there.

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  2. I have this book!!! I'd forgotten all about it.
    I have just redone my study and didn't even consult the book!
    Now I'm scared to read it because I'll see something I like better.
    I definitely like the modern industrial. It would suit the huge blackboard I just painted in my study. Now I just need the perfect light fitting...
    Thanks for the inspiration!!!
    ..........................................................................
    Tania Maree xx

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    1. Your blackboard sounds fantastic - stylish and practical! x

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  3. Desk space is so important isn't it? We have two office areas in our home. My office/studio, and our main family desk area in the kitchen. That space needs help! These photos are inspiring to me, for sure. Time to make some changes.

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  4. SO inspiring!!! Time to update the inspo. board behind my desk!

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  5. I was told that in order to keep a table "uncluttered" that I should focus on three decorate items and one functional! I don't remember where this bromide comes from, but it seems I can never follow the quintessential rules! The worst part is that I never even get myself to SIT at a desk, I always work in bed. Mixing business, sleep, and work gets a little wonky!

    http://thewalkup.wordpress.com/

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    1. I try to keep my bedroom a laptop free zone (the iPad on the other hand, not so much!) ;)

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  6. This book is next on my wish list, I love home books I can't get enough!

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  7. Ok, this book is definitly going on my wishlist! For someone as obsessed with workspaces like I am, this is my idea of heaven :)So much lovely inspiration! My top 3 workspace tips would be: make sure there is lots of natural light; make it functional as well as pretty (you have to sit there for long periods, right?) + use pretty boxes to store your 'clutter'in. Thanks for putting this book on my radar! xx

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  8. Personal work space so important I always seem to need more space, have to stop myself buying books!!
    I am with you I am a tear sheet girl, adore that space and look.
    I am sure this book will be a big seller
    Carla x

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  9. Nice review and I loved looking through these photos. Thanks so much for sharing

    xoDale
    http://www.savvyspice.net/

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  10. Excellent post, as always! My tips are to think outside the box (literally) when it comes to containers for things like pens, paper clips, and (obviously) candies. I use upcycled candle jars and small flower pots from Ikea, and it seems like I get compliments on them all the time at work. Plus, it's nice to keep everything just handy.

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    Replies
    1. Love these ideas, T! I like to use Weck jars for storing pens etc. in.

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  11. fantastic that you featured this book, it is on my must have amazon book list an i couldn't decide if i should get it or not. i would say now to definitely get it. my favourite work spaces would be modern industrial and inspiration station, i would try to mix both. this book really needs to come home with me since i would like to redo my cluttered workspace now... thanks for sharing. have a lovely day. xo, Helene

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    1. Thanks, Helene! So pleased the post inspired you to buy a copy because it really is worth a read. Great choices on your favourite spaces, too!

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  12. I love all of these looks!

    My main tip would be to keep the desk surface clear and tidy (not something I do often!), but it makes it so much easier, particularly in a small space.

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  13. Looks like a great book. I love these workspaces!
    I guess my favourite is the Inspiration Station, as I love moodboards. It´s lovely with all the colours as well, even though I don´t use much colours in my own home :)

    We had a great time in London btw. We didn´t had time to visit all of your suggestions but we had lunch at Flatplanet - very cool place.
    And lucky you who live close to Anthropologie. Lovely store!

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    1. Ah, so pleased that you enjoyed London! Flatplanet is great for lunch and as for Anthro? Such a dangerous temptation! x

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  14. Interesting book, Will. Never heard of it. Need to have a closer look. Regarding the different looks up there, I think I'd go for the first option:-)

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  15. This one is going on my shopping list! I love that first space most - just gorgeous :) I shouldn't really be trusted to give out any tips - my office at work is a mess!

    Abbey x

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  16. Looks like a great book, I have always dreamt of having some extra space for a desk and a bit of beauty! Alas, in London its not always possible!

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  17. haven't read this book yet, but I know about it on a show called The book Report - http://bookreportradio.com, Elaine Charles does a great job.

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  18. Hi there,

    Love your blog; I'm a new follower :D

    My desk for work is a teacher's desk and to the best of my ability, I've made it my goal to make not only my desk but the classroom as well, an inviting place. Though, I do need help doing the same thing with my desk from home. I definitely want to check this book out to see if I can get some ideas on that; thanks for the post :)

    http://www.ladyonaroof.com/

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  19. inspiration station my fav. but still look at each one individual am confused.

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  20. Oh no, now I have to go out and buy this one, and I was actually trying to cut down on my book shopping. The book looks really interesting, and just what I need right now in order to finish my work space. My favourite is the modern industrial look.

    I've been following your blog for quite some time now - thanks for all the inspiration; loved your post from Paris.

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  21. Oh gosh I need this. I'm having to move everything around in the jungalow including my work area to make room for baby--this spaces look so inspiring! There will def be some shared spaces happening too-- so this book looks perfect.

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  22. Interesting! Personal work space it is so important!Looks like a great book!!!

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  23. Great ideas! Thanks for the inspiration!
    xoxo
    SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

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  24. I find it really important to have a nice work space especially because I spend almost all my evenings there. It really has to be uplifting and inspiring, because after coming home from my day job I need to come up with something nice and inspiring that others will enjoy.

    The hardest part for me is to find a place for the printer. I have yet to see a pretty printer so until then I would love to hear good suggestions for hiding it :)

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    1. I hide my printer under a Kilo table from Habitat that sits down the side of the sofa out of view (http://www.habitat.co.uk/kilo-occasional-table///fcp-product/19566) but you could make a fabric cover for the Kilo table and hide it that way, with a panel that lifts at the front (with weights in the bottom of it) when you want to use it. Good luck!

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  25. oh man, my works space needs all the help it can get. Thanks for the great inspiration!

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  26. what a fantastic book - i'd love a copy for myself! this goes hand in hand with my blog post on home office spaces yesterday :) xoxo - julie

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  27. Looks like a good one!

    If I have a fairly big desk (white or oak), good lighting, bookshelves within reach and no clutter around me then I'm good ;-) Funny how I'm drawn to these vintage looking photos when in fact that's something I'd never go for if I was setting up a home office.

    Off to check your Rice post. Have a wonderful weekend ;-)

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  28. This is a great review and you've captured great highlights. My fave is industrial style. I've just redone my own home office and went a bit industrial and white.

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  29. Thank you for sharing all theses ideas!! :)

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