Erika Bennett Writes

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Home Office Retreat

I wasn’t supposed to move to Asheville, NC, until this month (moving is officially done now!), but COVID-19 sped up the process a bit. I’ve been in Asheville since March, and I tried working on the couch, the porch, the kitchen island, and more, for several weeks, but it was uncomfortable for my Virgo self to not have a dedicate zone. So, I casually started searching the internet for at least a desk and chair I loved—the a foundation for a home office so to speak.

I found my dream desk at World Market (hello side table extenders) and a gray velvet desk chair (the only way I’m ever going to be able to sneak any velvet into this house). From there, my home office took off.

Our overall vibe for the house is “Cozy Scandinavian Cottage,” and I feel like this office is my more feminine representation of that theme.

So, here’s a full source list of what’s in my home office.

Workspace Furniture

World Market – Campaign Desk [Sold Out] (similar) // I fell in love with this solid wood desk the moment I laid eyes on it. I’ll be honest, the side extenders truly sold me. As a writer, I enjoy having a plethora of notebooks around, so the fact that I can pull out extra desk space is pretty awesome.

World Market – Gray Velvet Cosmo Upholstered Office Chair [Sold Out] (similar) // I wanted a desk chair that didn’t look like a desk chair, but was extremely comfortable to sit in for more than 8 hours a day. And … the crushed gray velvet and rose gold base don’t hurt either. The seat is very cushy and the back is high enough to provide a ton of back support. I’ve been really happy with it the last few months.

Target – Fillable Accent With USB Table Lamp // I love this lamp because it’s mostly glass, so it doesn’t aesthetically take up a ton of space. I also use the USB port to charge my phone all. the. time. Since my phone cord plugs into the lamp base, I never have to go hunting for the cord.

Target – Ceylon Woven Accent Chair [Sold Out] (similar) // I so wish the chair wasn’t sold out at Target because it’s great. I do need a square pillow behind me, otherwise I feel like I lean back too far—like an Adirondack chair—but other than that I can sit in this chair and work on an edit or write an article for a few hours and be comfortable.

Target – Cloverly Chunky Knit Pouf // I knew I wanted a foot rest I could easily move around the office and something that wasn’t boxy. This pouf is great. The round design allows me to put my feet on it so my knees are bent or I can stretch my legs out all the way. I also like moving the pouf under my desk to prop my feet up if I’ve been sitting too long.

Target – Crosby Schoolhouse Floor Lamp // This lamp has so many adjustments you can make, so it provides the right amount of light in the exact spot you want light. I like that it doesn’t take up a ton of space. If it’s over the chair, there is plenty of head space (I’m 5’7 for reference), so I don’t hit my head on the lamp.

Target – Glacier Diamond Woven Rug (Color: Gray) // This gray rug has a thicker pile, so it’s really soft under my feet all day, but it’s not so thick that my chair won’t roll around easily. I have the 5X7 and the desk is perfectly centered on it.

Target – 23.7 X 7” Wood and Metal Wall Shelf // These shelves have been great for holding knickknacks, journals, photos, and reference books I use a lot. We did use more wall reinforcements than what came with the shelves to ensure the shelves could handle a maximum amount of weight. So, I think now these are good for up to 50 lbs.

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Workspace Accessories

C&Co. – Chamomile Lotion // I always keep hand lotion on my desk, and I am obsessed with all of C& Co.’s products. The lotion makes your skin feel so soft but doesn’t leave residue, so I always keep it nearby.

Candelles – Cabin Getaway Candle // I love a good cinnamon, cozy-feeling candle year-round, and right now I can’t get enough of the Cabin Getaway.

Container Store – Clear Acrylic Monitor Riser // In an attempt to focus on desk ergonomics, I ordered this long acrylic riser to keep my large computer monitor on. It gives me extra desk space too because it lifts the monitor off my desk and creates more space underneath the riser. The acrylic is great because it’s see through, so you don’t feel like you have a chunky monitor stand taking up space on your desk.

Container Store – Acrylic Standing Risers // I use this smaller acrylic stand for my laptop, so I can use both screens. My laptop has the camera that I use for all the Google Hangouts and Zoom meetings throughout my day, and I like having dual monitors for a more efficient work set up.

Staples – Gold Stapler // Who doesn’t love gold desk accessories?

Target – Gold Scissors // This pair of scissors comes with its own stand, which is actually really nice. I just leave it on my desk now, and never have to hunt around in the drawer for my scissors.

Target – Copper Mug (round) Copper Mug (hammered) // I like writing utensils, which means I have way too much. So, I like keeping them in cute cups.

Amazon – Essential Oils Diffuser // I keep this diffuser on my desk, and typically diffuse citrus scents—lemon, lime, tangerine—to boost my creativity.

Computer Monitor // This monitor is 27” and is AMAZING! It seamlessly connect to my laptop with a converter, and having the large screen makes is so much easier to edit documents.

Apple MacBook Air // When I need to get out of the house and work, this laptop is so light.

Apple Magic Keyboard (wireless) // The Apple keyboard is great because it’s wireless (and bluetooth), and when the battery gets low I just charge it with the same cord I use to charge my phone.

Apple Magic Mouse 2 // I like using a mouse over the trackpad on my laptop and this one connects so easily via bluetooth.

Apple AirPods Pro // The noise-cancelling on the AirPods Pros is no joke! Working from home with someone else who also works from home means I use these all. the. time.

Rifle Paper Co. – AirPods Pro Case // Not only does this case help me tell my AirPods apart from others in the house, but the keychain makes it super easy to attach to the inside of my bag, so I can easily find them in my purse.

Ember Mug // If you ever struggle to finish your coffee before it gets cold, this coffee mug is for you!

Rifle Paper Co. – Corkcicle Tumbler // I always have a drink on my desk and I like ice in my drinks, so this corkcicle keeps my drinks cold all day long.

Clare Vivier Monogram Journal // A friend of mine sent me this cute journal, and I just love the bright poppy red color.

Rifle Paper Co. – Washi Tape // I seal all the cards I drop in the mail with washi tape, so I always keep this trio of tapes on hand. I also block off vacation days in my planner with this washi tape!

Washi Tape Dispenser // I use this washi tape dispenser to easily tear off pieces and have a clean edge. I keep it on my desk all the time since I use it so often.

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