Small Home Office Solutions - In Search of a Secretary

The downstairs room of our duplex is a guest bedroom/ "home office" for me.  Right now, I have a small table serving as a desk, but I've been in search of a new desk and a secretary.  A desk to use as a workspace, and a secretary for everything in between - a secretary is great because you can close it up to conceal what's inside, and keep everything looking clean.  I found some great inspiration pieces, but of course they are completely out of my price range, so I'm looking for some alternatives that look similar.

Inspiration pieces:

Some possible alternatives:

Of course I would love the first piece designed by Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair, but at $5,670, I can think of so many other ways to use that towards our home.  The alternatives are vintage pieces I recently found, I do have an appointment to take a look, hopefully the first one is in great condition, and maybe I'll even have it refinished.  I just wish the second option didn't have that pediment on top... we'll see!  I'll keep you posted on which one I decide on!  

(Images 1&2 via elledecor.com, 3-4 via furnishgreen.com)

Small Spaces: Storage Solutions

Not everyone in NYC is blessed with beautiful flats, complete with natural light, unique architectural details, a beautiful roof top lounge, and most importantly, space.   Moving from California, I suddenly had to measure everything carefully to make sure it took up the least amount of space, but also maximizing use.  I found some great acrylic storage units at The Container Store that worked perfectly - and to top it off, the acrylic is clear, so it doesn't take up any visual space!

Single and Double Acrylic Shelves - Great for extra storage in the bathroom when your medicine cabinet is not enough.

Stackable Acrylic Drawer Organizers - Compartmentalizing utensils for small kitchen drawers or desk.

Acrylic Corner Shelf - Great for making an unused corner space to good use.

I tend to prefer acrylic over glass (for shelving and storage solutions at least...) because it is lighter, and because it doesn't have that greenish tint that glass gives off.  If you're trying to make it blend in with the surrounding, it does a great job!  

(Images via thecontainerstore.com)