Pottery Barn | Listen2Mama

I often wonder where people get inspired and get their blog writing done? Sure, I see these gorgeous home office spaces all over design websites, but I can’t imagine everyone’s space looks this magnificent? Take a look at this beautiful desk area, I’m sure this would make us all very creative…

Photo courtesy of simplyjessicamarie.com

Recently I came across a company called WeWork, a coworking company that offers members access to offices all over the world; and some of these offices are amazingly creative and beautiful. So I thought I would share my creative space with my readers and give you some insight as to how I get inspired.

I’ve always had somewhat of a “work” space, even before I started this blog, because I am a crafter, always have been. I have been making very elaborate scrapbooks for many years, it started with my trips to Europe, and after our daughter was born, I started making them for her too (she’s now 14). As my husband likes to say, our daughter has the most detailed documented life, through her scrapbooks. And in addition to my scrapbooks and blogging, I also still work on photo albums (yes, I’m old school and still print photos) and also dabble a bit in party planning making invitations and favors for my family’s events. So…I definitely need a large workspace, as I sometimes have tons of items spread out.

That’s why I love my Pottery Barn desk. It’s been almost 9 years that I’ve had it and while it’s definitely showing wear and tear, I still love it. It gives me a ton of space to spread out my projects and store all of my craft and office supplies. I don’t really have a need for wall shelves as this room has a good-sized walk in closet in which I had an Elfa system installed, providing ample storage space with plenty of shelving and drawers. (Those Elfa systems are amazing!) I’ve been meaning to give my space a small makeover, but for now, here’s what I have to work with:

My home office…

I love to have a lot of light, and this room definitely offers that. As you can see, I have travel prints hanging on the walls of some of my favorite places, as I LOVE to travel. The large frame is a Thomas McKnight print of Mykonos, and the smaller prints in the yellow frames are hand painted views of Amalfi, which I purchased on one of my visits to Positano. Also inspiring me are a small plaque that my daughter recently bought for me on a class trip…Home Is Where Your Mom Is…a phrase she knows I’ve always loved and a really cute trinket dish with an inspirational quote on it…Make Today Beautiful. Last but not least, a small photo plaque which I customized on Shutterfly, reminding me every day how much I love my little family.

Do you have a designated home office or creative space where you work from home? I’d love to see your photos.

It’s that time of year when you drive around your neighborhood and many homes are beautifully (and sometimes very creatively) decorated for Fall or Halloween. I’ve always loved decorating during this time of the year, as it eases everyone into the holiday mood. During our years living in Raleigh, when or daughter was much younger, I used to really spruce up our porch and decorate inside as well.

My front porch in my old home…(with my genie in the background!)

I must admit though, ever since we’ve been back in Miami, it’s always so hot and muggy, I really have been a bit lazy about decorating, aside from the wreath on the door. I decided to get inspired again this year and turned to Pinterest for some new ideas. Here are some really different Fall and/or Halloween crafts and decorations I’d like to share with you (I also love to stop by places like Pier 1 and Michael’s for inspiration):