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In the past two years, we’ve spent more time at our desks than ever—albeit not the one in the office with our coworkers that we’re most familiar with. That extra time sitting in the at-home study has many of us rethinking our current WFH setup. Is there a better way to store pens? What’s the best way to untangle all of these wires? Do I need a letter opener? Turns out getting your desk organized and beautified can be quite inspiring—especially when our favorite interior designers offer their help. Here, they’ve selected the bits and bobs that have helped them get work done during quarantine, from glassy teapots to colorful paperweights.
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FTF Design Studio P Pod Tray
Image Credit: FTF Design Studio “FTF Design Studio’s collection of Corian trays and accessories is so minimal and versatile they can really be used anywhere, from storing pencils to serving hors d’ourves. Their furniture line also includes a number of Corian pieces, a material which is amazingly durable and easy to clean, so it’s perfect for clients with kids.” —West Chin, West Chin Architects and Interior Designers
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Emma Thermic 3cups Teapot
Image Credit: Ichendorf Milano “A favorite item that I keep on my desk is the Ichendrof Milano Thermic Teapot and Teacup. Health and wellness are important aspects of the work we do as interior designers and are something I consider for my own work environment. Having a beautiful vessel for hydration while I work is essential. I like this particular design because of its simplicity and functionality, which aligns with one of my philosophies, ‘less but better.'” — Stanley Sun, Mason Studio
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Alexa Hampton Estelle Display Lamp
Image Credit: Circa Lighting “This unique and stunning desk lamp from Circa Lighting not only adds additional work light to a desk area, but also provides the ability to showcase a beautiful photo, a piece of artwork, or even a coffee table book. It works especially well for floating desks, as the piece is lovely from both the front and the back.” —Cathy Purple Cherry, Purple Cherry
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Carl Auböck Earlobe Bookends
Image Credit: Sigmar London “I’ve always preferred to dress my desk like a contemporary version of a traditional ‘writing table,’ so that books mingle with objets d’art. These Earlobe Bookends from Sigmar London were designed by Carl Auböck in Vienna in the late 1940s, and I love them for their tactile materiality, being a wonderful mix of polished gold and matte black. They’re the perfect size for propping paperbacks on your desk and work beautifully.” — Tara Bernerd, Tara Bernerd and Partners
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John Derian Color Wheel Paperweight
Image Credit: John Derian “My must-have is the John Derian Color Wheel paperweight. I work with a lot of colors in my designs, so this piece feels like a symbol of my work, and the richness and abundance color brings to my life and to my clients. It holds papers, fabrics and floor plans I’m reviewing. Also, good to have in case of a windy day!” —Sara Bengur, Sara Bengur Interiors
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Crane Custom Stationary
Image Credit: Crane “A New Year’s resolution of mine is to write more correspondence, so I’ve recently purchased new stationary. Crane is such a classic—it’s thick and weighty, but can still be updated with a variety of San Serif fonts to choose from. There’s just something about sending and receiving hand-written notes that makes one feel special. It’s a true everyday luxury.” —Dan Mazzarini, BHDM Design
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West Elm btw Ceramics Torrent Vase
Image Credit: West Elm “I love using a small decorative vase as a pencil holder. It adds loads of functional style to my desk and keeps sharpened pencils within reach.” — Courtney McLeod, Right Meets Left Interior Design
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Pinetti Letter Tray
Image Credit: Pinetti “I’m in love with Pinetti’s beautiful desk accessories. They have wonderful desk trays, paper holders and leather bins that are versatile enough to be used in an office or anywhere else in the home. Their quality, detail, and palette are just perfect for any luxurious home office.” — Claudia Afshar
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Smythson Portobello Agenda
Image Credit: Smythson “I look forward to a new Smythson planner every year; we even get personalized ones for our whole office. When you are tracking so many different moving pieces and meetings it’s really important to have something on hand to jot everything down in. This design is a much more attractive option than a large desk calendar and Smythson’s new monogram font is so chic and fresh. Not to mention it has a vintage wine chart and list of the world’s best museums and galleries in its first few pages.” —Cindy Rinfret, Rinfret LTD.
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Hermés Pantographe desk lamp
Image Credit: Hermés “Pantographe is a classically articulated desk lamp. It offers the perfect balance of industrial design, refined form and impeccable craftsmanship. The gracefully imagined silhouette is reminiscent of a heron. Consistent with Hermés other creations, the lamp possesses a material richness and signature refinement. Pantographe is tactile and visually appealing; a sculptural form in space in tension. Its timelessness offers a comforting nostalgia.” —Simon Hamui
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Parvum Opus Planter Box Waste Paper Basket
Image Credit: Parvum Opus “The team laughs at me in the office as I am always talking about waste paper baskets but I really believe that every room needs an attractive one. I like to scribble and sketch on scrap paper when I’m working and I constantly need to clear the decks. The charming design of these planter style baskets transports one to the garden when you are stuck at work. It’s decorative and practical which, for me, is the perfect combination for a desk accessory.” —Mary Graham, Salvesen Graham
