Refreshing my desk for 2023

If there’s one thing I love doing when a new year rolls around, it’s got to be giving my desk space a refresh. Working from home means I spend the majority of my days tapping away at the keyboard on my office desk, so I need to make sure it’s a space I’m happy with.

Towards the end of 2022 my desk space had started to feel really cluttered – keeping it tidy felt overwhelming and I’d often start work with a messy desk, which always meant the day got off to a bad start. Despite having quite a large desk, I felt like I wasn’t maximising the space as much as I could and so it felt like the perfect time to switch things up.

I started by giving my desk a big dust and wipe down, and got rid of/moved anything I felt was cluttering it up. Then I added a few new items to maximise the space and make it feel all shiny and new again.

My new desk additions

Ikea ELLOVEN monitor stand, £27

I have wanted this monitor stand from Ikea for such a long time, and now I have it I can’t believe I didn’t buy it sooner. It’s great as it raises my iMac up so it’s at eye level, and has some super handy storage inside too. I use it to store my planners, pens and other bits and pieces, and it’s made such a difference to my desk space. I also like that I can tuck my keyboard and mouse underneath it at the end of the day, to give even more desk space.

Papier daily planner, £25

Ever since I discovered Papier a few years ago, the daily planner has been one of my desk essentials. It’s perfect for planning out your day and your week, tracking habits, writing to-do lists and even meal planning. When a new year rolls around I always like to update to a new one and this year I opted for the ‘Rise and shine’ multicoloured design. It really brightens my desk up and I couldn’t be without this for keeping my days organised.

OVEROSE almond croissant scented candle, £46

Definitely not a desk necessity, but I’ve been lusting after a candle from OVEROSE for so long and was delighted to be gifted one at Christmas. Almond is probably up there as one of my all-time favourite scents so of course I had to get the almond croissant scented candle. I think having the odd pretty or luxe item on your desk helps to beautify your space and it’s a good reminder of why you work hard – so you can buy nice candles, obviously!

Anthropologie daisy desk lamp, £55

Another Christmas gift that was thankfully in the sale (I think it retailed at £118 originally!), I am in love with this gold daisy lamp from Anthropologie. I’d been needing a new desk lamp and originally wanted the tulip one from Urban Outfitters, but felt it was a bit plasticky looking and would maybe look a bit childish on my desk. So, when I spotted this beautiful gold daisy lamp on Anthropologie I knew it had to be mine. It’s basically a grown-up version of the tulip lamp, and it looks great in the space. I love the switch on the front so I don’t have to reach for the cable to turn it on too.

Urbestself 6-minute diary, £20

I’ve been watching a lot of lifestyle YouTubers lately, and one thing they all seem to swear by is daily journalling. It’s something I’ve debated in the past but never really found the time for, so when I found the 6-minute diary by Urbestself (along with all the amazing reviews) it sounded perfect for me. You fill it out for three minutes in the morning and three minutes at night, and it’s just a really nice, mindful activity that allows you to embrace and reflect on your day. It’s ideal if you want to get into journalling but know you won’t have the time to write three-page essays everyday!

Martha Brook vegan leather personalised desk pad, £26.95

I’ve been admiring Martha Brook stationery for a few years now, but I only recently realised I don’t actually own anything by her! So, when I saw they had a sale on I knew I needed to add this gorgeous vegan leather desk pad to my desk setup. I’m forever scribbling down notes (and then losing them!) so I felt having this at hand on my desk would be really helpful. I love that you can personalise it too and make it truly your own. They do refills too, so it’ll hopefully last me for many years to come!

Have you/will you be refreshing your desk setup for 2023?