Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1534028
98 maconmagazine.com | April/May 2025 I f you're digging for a boost of motivation during work days, you may want to take a peek at your surroundings – what's helping (or hurting) your workspace? We all know motivation can be eeting: one minute, you're ready to whip your to-do list into shape. The next, fatigue and overwhelm creep in. But the way you work, and where you work, doesn't have to feel monotonous. You can infuse joy into your productivity routine simply through the art of decorating. If your workspace could use an extra dose of happy – in just the right amounts to stay focused – keep reading. We'll explore how to bring high-quality pieces that blend function and beauty – so you can start working and designing at the same time (without even knowing it). Bonus: think of it as setting yourself up now for a workspace that'll keep you motivated and stylish for years to come. Future you will thank you, too! W H A T ' S O N H E R D E S K ? BY SHIVANI VYAS AND MEREDITH MCKENZIE Meredith McKenzie and Shivani Vyas specialize in crafting timeless interiors at The Selective Design, a boutique interior design studio based in Macon. They believe a home should always lift and comfort the spirit, providing a place of refuge from today's fast paced and ever-changing world. Their design philosophy centers on curating functional, yet beautiful environments that allow individuals and families to truly feel at home. With a love for classic, traditional interiors infused with a contemporary twist, Meredith and Shivani are passionate about creating spaces that blend timeless elegance with modern sensibilities. Whether transforming a single room or an entire home, they are dedicated to designing spaces that improve the quality of life for those who live in them. Follow them on Instagram at @theselectivedesign. For inquiries, contact theselectivedesign@gmail.com Upgraded Accessories (Even the Tiny Ones) Infuse some whimsy into your workspace through small accessories. Think quirky pineapple paperclips, black-and-white polka dotted pencils, or a sleek brass and acrylic stapler. Try a custom, monogrammed desk mat tailored to your style (doubling as a mouse gliding surface and protective surface for snacks and drinks). Small changes like these = a big impact! Beautiful Lighting A striking ceramic or adjustable task lamp can add structured elegance and provide just the right amount of light to tackle to-dos. When choosing a lamp, consider the size and shape of your desk, plus the colors you naturally gravitate towards. You don't want something overpowering in style and scale, but rather the right t – functional decor will add high style to your space while keeping it practical. Tabletop Organizers Polished tabletop organizers – like acrylic le drawers or trays – can complement any style while helping you navigate daily tasks. An acrylic tray for example, can corral your work accessories e ortlessly (while still looking chic), and a le organizer can hold notebooks and folders within arm's reach. Bonus: a charming storage cup tidies up writing utensils while a small decorative catchall can keep smaller items like paperclips or post-it notes visible. Meaningful Artwork or Displays Whether it's framed motivational quotes, pictures of your loved ones, or a gallery wall of full inspiration – use your o ce's tablescapes and vertical walls to create an environment that fuels bliss. Or, if you're passionate about physical calendars and organizers, explore systems with linen boards, mail sorters, and calendars in wood and metal nishes that align with your aesthetic (and save on horizontal real estate!). Mismatched Furniture Long gone are the days when o ce furniture needs to be a matching set. Instead, embrace your love for your built environment with re ned, dual-purpose pieces. Search for le cabinets that stray away from typical metal. Or incorporate heirloom bookcases with glass cabinet doors to display your collections. Think outside of the box, too – you don't have to stick to furniture that's categorized as "o ce." Even a beautiful credenza can serve as extra storage behind your desk. Pretty Odds and Ends Whether it's a silk painting of an elephant picked up while traveling, your great aunt's sculpture, or a handmade vase from a local artist – hone in on "feel-good" pieces. Surrounding yourself with sentimental value items will in turn, create a peaceful atmosphere to work in. Plus, decorative objects add character to a space, making it feel more lived-in. Even an irresistible decorative waste basket can do wonders for a cold, sterile o ce space in need of some TLC! Buttery Soft Textures If you've got space, add a cushy rug underfoot or a desk chair mat to protect your oors and help your chair glide smoothly. Skip the clear plastic ones – there are plenty of stylish iterations on the market now. A combination of drapery panels and shades can add a functional yet cozy touch, allowing you to control the natural light that enters your space (versus relying on plastic blinds). Textured baskets can help stow away any larger work essentials. Even a small accent lounge chair with a plush throw in a corner can create a small break nook to help you reset during the day. Or plop a decorative pillow on your desk chair in your favorite hues for added back support with a homey feel.