This is an old table that Philip used in his apartment kitchen before we got married.  I added a cushion to one of the chairs, and we folded down one side of the table to push it flush to the wall.  The lamp was in Philip’s sister’s old room.  I may change the shade so that it goes better with my blue/green color scheme.    

This is my “action file.”  Each day, I sort the day’s mail and other papers into these 3 categories:  to do, to file, and memorabilia.  Each week, I file the papers from the “to file” folder in our downstairs filing cabinet.  “Memorabilia” contains mementos like Jane’s art work or other precious memories to add to our scrapbooks.  “To do” contains things to read, bills to pay, correspondence to return, etc.  To make sure the folders don’t become another bulging mess, I built appointments in to my new weekly schedule to take care of these items.  I purchased the teal file holder and the file folders at Target.

The magazine holders are Vera Bradley “book keepers” in the pattern Rhythm and Blues.  I love the cheerful pattern!  They hold my unread magazines, prayer journal, Bible, Catechism, House Works, and a few other books.  The yellow book next to them, Home Comforts, is also a must-read!  I consult this home encyclopedia very frequently. 

This box was a big mess before I decided to add dividers.  I sorted through all of our stationery and greeting cards, separating them by family member or category.

The dividers are 5-tab Avery plastic write-on dividers.  They were actually made for planners, but they work perfectly on their sides in a photo box like this to divide your stationery. 


My only complaint with this workspace is that I don’t have a place to store tools like pens, scissors, stamps, a calculator, etc.  I fear leaving them out for little hands to discover.  I can picture our living room walls and furniture covered in ball-point pen.  Any brilliant storage solutions for my office tools?  


I love having this new “home” for our office needs.  Having an office on our main floor is making a big difference in tackling the mountains of paper.  While we still have the printer/scanner/copier, filing cabinet, and other office materials in the basement, this small work area serves most of our needs with the bonuses of being small and within reach. 

Hooray for tackling the paper mountain!