We’re back with another installment in the home office makeover series. This time, I’ve got a round up of chairs. Jessica’s redesign has left her with a perfect nook for a reading chair, but she wants it to be just so–a chair with a high back and cozy feel. She asked me for some recommendations and here are some of my favorites.

The Alice

At 52″ tall, this Overstock.com chair is definitely taller-than-average, and the sleek wings keep it cozy. It would look absolutely stunning against Jessica’s painted purple brick wall, and would make a perfect spot for client calls or sketching design ideas.

Versailles Domed Burlap-Backed Chair

I’m a sucker for the high drama of this porter’s chair from Restoration Hardware. At a whopping 62″ tall, I think it may even be taller than Jessica herself, and it would create a cozy reading retreat in her office.

Sienna Chair

The shortest of the bunch, this sleek ivory leather chair from Jayson Home and Garden is still 42″ tall (which is taller than typical occasional chairs). The nailhead trim gives it a classic look, but the chair still feels really modern because of the clean lines.

Minimalist Wing Chair

The Minimalist Wing Chair by Pearson is upholstered in a menswear-inspired windowpane plaid which gives it a sophisticated, cozy feel. It’s 45″ tall, so it’s a bit taller than the Sienna, and it has classic, yet sleek lines.

It’s currently on sale via One King’s Lane for just $1099 (from its regular retail price of $2500). If you’ve never heard of OKL, it’s a members-only home goods site. To join (and see the Minimalist Wing Chair and other great deals), start here. (Note: that is an affiliate link–when you join, you’ll also be eligible for special rewards for recommending the site to friends.)

So, which chair would you choose? And how do you feel about extra-tall chairs in the office?

Ensconced in Jello™. Office Space obsession. Few office tools have aspired to such fame in pop culture as the stapler.

On the one hand, it’s such a strictly functional device–driving metal bits into paper to hold them together. On the other, even in traditional flavors, it’s design is rather adorable, and it comes in so many non-traditional shapes and sizes.

When you work in an office, having a standout stapler makes it easy to know when someone’s taken yours. When you work from home, unless you have home office Borrowers, your supplies are safer, but that’s no excuse to forgo the fun version.

Vintage Elephant Stapler

Like this vintage elephant stapler in mini from Etsy seller dragonflyonbrady. It has a cartoon-style charm that might look oh-so-whimsical on your desk. Plus, there’s something so sweet and dainty about mini staplers adorning a stack of papers.

Darling Red Swingline

Or, perhaps the classic red Swingline stapler is more your style. With Swingline’s reputation for making great staplers, and that retro red finish (and the nod to Office Space), this one will brighten up your desk if you decide not to keep it in a drawer.

What’s more, the Swingline has a nice, satisfying crunch as you staple those papers together.

Sparkly Crystal Stapler

If you really want some bling on your desk, this stapler fits the bill. For that price, this is definitely a stapler to display, not hide in a desk drawer!

It seems like this one might begin to feel a bit weird against the palm of your hand if you were stapling many piles together, but for the occassional paper-joining, it’d be great fun to use.

Utilitarian Electric Stapler

Not the most attractive of our roundup, what this one lacks in style, it makes up for in utility because it’selectric and can staple up to 70 sheets at once.

Though I don’t have this version (mine doesn’t accept as much paper), I’ve adored my electric for many years. It gets a regular work out when I file away all my tax documents–nothing makes tax time *enjoyable*, but it definitely makes stapling all those papers together fun.


And, just in case you want to put that stapler in jello, you can find instructions here.

***A quick note about endorsements, recommendations, and the like. Yes, when we link to Amazon, that’s usually an affiliate link and GirlyPC makes a (very) tiny amount if you buy one of our recommendations.***

Now, it’s your turn–which of these staplers would you want to find on your desk?

Last week, when I wrote about making a home office cozy one of the great pieces I highlighted was a laser cut wool rug. And it got me thinking–there’s a definite shortage of great rugs on the market. Most are a little… stuffy.

Intriguingly, many shops offer great selections in an unexpected place: the kids department. I know, your office needs to be professional… But I think you’ll agree that these cheery choices can keep a room grounded without being stuffy. Here are some of my favorite rugs, whether your home office decor is traditional or sleek, or (of course) unabashedly girly.

The Retro Ring Rug in brown is even on sale. With its graphic appeal and lovely texture, this rug from Pottery Barn is a great choice for a more earthy home office.

The Soft Spot rug from The Land of Nod comes in gorgeous, fresh colors you don’t often find in rugs. Sure, the pink is a surefire way to reveal your girly side, but don’t let that stop you from making such a bold statement. If you’d rather stick with something more neutral, the pastel blue is gorgeous, as is the green (plus it comes in really neutral, but un-stuffy brown and beige).

The Initial Rug from Restoration Hardware’s Baby & Child is a classic in pink or blue. The contrast of the chocolate brown makes a sleek style statement, making the rug equally at home in a traditional or more modern office space.

This week, I invite you to consider those kids accessories for more than just kids rooms–you might just find that’s where you find just the right accessory to revitalize a space just like these rugs would invigorate a home office.