A Little Chronicle of My Desk Makeover
I recently finally transformed a cluttered corner of my home into a proper desk area. Living in Barcelona for these past few years, I’ve always wanted a dedicated space for work and study. Since the pandemic, I’ve been working from home more often, and using the dining table was just not a long-term solution. It caused backaches and wasn’t great for productivity. I finally decided to make a change, and after two weeks of work, I’m quite happy with the results.
Space Planning and Furniture Selection
My place is a typical old town apartment in Barcelona, so space is limited. I had to make every inch count for my Daily Life in Barcelona. I chose a spot by the window in the living room, which gets great natural light and ventilation. The desk is from IKEA’s MICKE series; at 120 cm wide, it’s just the right size, with enough drawer space without being bulky. For the chair, I went with the MARKUS office chair. Although it’s a bit pricier, it’s incredibly comfortable for long sitting sessions. Investing in your health is absolutely worth it.
Here’s a list of the main items I purchased and the budget:
| Item | Brand/Model | Price (€) |
|---|
| Desk | IKEA MICKE | 79 |
| Office Chair | IKEA MARKUS | 189 |
| Desk Lamp | Philips Eye-Care Lamp | 45 |
| Storage Box | MUJI | 35 |
| Plant & Decor | Local florist | 20 |
Storage and Decoration Tips
Storage is crucial. A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. I bought a few transparent storage boxes from MUJI to organize small items like pens, sticky notes, and charging cables. I also installed two wall shelves for books and decorative items, which are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. I highly recommend placing a small plant on your desk. I got a snake plant, which is easy to care for and helps purify the air.
I also put some thought into lighting. Besides the main ceiling light, I added an eye-care desk lamp. The sun sets early in Barcelona during winter, and working at night without good lighting can really strain your eyes. I chose a lamp with adjustable color temperature and brightness—warm light for reading and cool white light for working, which is very convenient.
Two Weeks In: My Thoughts
It’s been two weeks since the makeover, and I feel great about it. My productivity has noticeably improved, perhaps because having a dedicated space helps me get into the right mindset. I used to always be tempted to grab snacks from the kitchen when working at the dining table, but now I can focus much better at my desk.
My only minor regret is not considering the outlet placement beforehand. I’m currently using a power strip, and the cable management isn’t perfect yet. If you’re also planning a desk area makeover, I strongly recommend planning the power outlet locations in advance. It will save you a lot of trouble.
This project cost me less than 400 euros, but the improvement in my quality of life is tangible. If you live in Barcelona with limited space but want a comfortable corner to work in, I hope my experience can offer some inspiration. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, and let’s share our home improvement tips!
