Chic for Cheap: A $50 (or less) Office Makeover

I loved the Chic for Cheap challenge that reader Lindsey gave to us this week.  She has recently taken on a new job and wants to jazz up her workspace, but painting or drastic changes to the room are out of the question...that and she wants to spend no more than $50!  This truly was a challenge and forced me to try to think outside the box a bit...especially when it came to bringing color into the room.  Here my ideas are for a chic updated space...with only $27.00 out of pocket!

• Use pretty paper to line desk drawers and add some much needed color to your work area (keep paper in place with double sided tape) or use it to dress up the covers of plain plastic binders ~ Gift Wrap from Parkside Papers
• Flowers on your desk are an instant pick me up and you can change them as frequently as you'd like.  Before you run out and buy some though, take a look around where you live and see if there are any blooms that are free for you to clip and enjoy.  During the Fall, look for pretty leaves and in the winter; decorative branches, pine cones or fir branches  ~ Floral inspiration by Something to See
• Download and print decorative labels to keep your files, books, and such organized.  Visit the following links for some great free printable labels:  Oval Labels (by me)  |  Rectangular Labels (by me)  | Pretty Rectangular Labels from i-DiY (found via Yellow Goat)
• It's important to surround yourself with things that make you happy.  I have these pencils on my desk and they never fail to bring a smile to my face.  You might find some other little affordable detail that means something to you. ~ pencils by Simplesong
• A vintage milk glass container can serve as both a pencil cup and a vase.  Smaller vintage containers could be used to organize paperclips, pushpins and such. ~ vintage milk glass from Adventures in White.
• Keep your files in order with this great vintage wire basket ~ from 26 Olive Street

I hope this has given you some ideas for your space Lindsey. And if you want to see a fabulous office makeover for $0...visit Suzanne's lovely blog! xox Ez

Comments

[Meg G]

I love this.

Question: Where do I write you about room challenges? My husband and I are renting a two bedroom apartment where painting is not an option and white walls are what we have to work with. How do we bring color into that?

[Yellowgoat]

I have the 2 of fire king milk glass. They're really great and seem to fit like anywhere in my little apartment.

This is another great collection of finds. Affordable too!

[Laura Trevey]

I SO need those wire baskets to organize!!

[Nadine A]

I'm always looking for cute binders and can't believe I didn't think to use pretty paper in plain ones!

[Daniella]

Wow! This is such a great post! I'm moving soon and my 'office' will just be a desk, these type of items will be a great way to snazz things up! Thanks! Oh, how I love your blog...

[Molly]

I am so in love with this post. Really, for some reason I think it might be my favorite CC post! It's just so sunny & happy + the gift wrap binder idea is brilliant! thanks so much for sharing!

[Lindsey]

EZ-

I love it!!!! These are great, beautiful and yet simple ideas, that I would have never thought of. Thank you so much! I love everything that you and Melissa have suggested. I think I am going to have to adopt all of these ideas! I can't wait for my new office!

Thanks again!-Lindsey

[Melissa]

Oh, this is perfect hun! I adore the color and it is so cheerful, adorable and pretty!xoMelis

[Tango K]

Too funny, I have a similar hobnail milk glass vessle on my desk for pens/rulers/scissors. Love your blog!

[Sal]

Brilliant! I've got to chuck the corporate junk on my desk and get more customized. This post provides great inspiration!

[Lizzy]

Loving the yellow!

[carrie]

I love this idea! I would love to see more of these in addition to the already fabulous fashion ones that you do!

xoxo

[Little Paper Dog]

I adore everything about this one ... especially the binders. Brilliant!

[stephanita]

These are great ideas! Totally need to apply to the office/workspace to give it life (oh and keep it organized as well!) Anything can be made better by great labels (esp. from you and IDIY, that's where I find the fun ones!)

[Shanon]

Yay! How great? =) Love it.

[Katja]

I love that milk glass container and the wire desk organizer! :) Our office is still a mess, half-finished after 3 months of living here in our new home. This is good inspiration for me to finally get it together :)

[mosey]

This is lovely. Now I need a desk! :)

[Manvi]

Cool! I love the pencils. You do such a wonderful job of creating printable labels and things. I use them a lot. thanks!

[Claire]

Such an inspiring office makeover, I love pretty things in a home office to make it more appealing.

[Bri]

Great idea, thanks for the makeover pointers!

[Amanda S.]

I just bought that white milk glass container from Goodwill the other day for 99 cents! Yahoo!!

[Cracking Good]

Love the binder idea. I'm now inspired to beautify my office.