A few months ago, before we’d even moved into our home, I was contacted by Made.com to see if I wanted to take part in a little psychological experiment. No, they weren’t going mess with me Darren Brown-style but they did want me to pull a home office space together and let a psychologist go to town on it to see what my desk space said about me. Now, I love stuff like this so I was totally into it. I chose a few items from their website – a desk along with some lovely accessories and created a home office space that I would love.
The items arrived after we’d moved in but of course, my office is not anywhere near a lovely finished space yet. So I moved a few bits around and created my fantasy home office to share instead – filled with items I loved that I felt reflected me and my style well. Once I styled and shot my home office space, I sent it off to Made who then sent it to a senior psychologist to see what my desk said about me. I’ll share what she said in just a bit but let’s talk through the design first.
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What I included in my home office
I started with Made’s Vernay console desk in white. It’s a lovely piece and narrow enough to fit even in the smallest of spaces but wide enough to allow for a laptop, lamp and plenty of accessories. I’m not one for practical office chairs (I know, I know!!) so I paired it with one of my dining room chairs – a little leopard print is always a favourite around here!
I also chose the white Vera Metal Table Lamp from Made. It is so striking in its simplicity and I thought it married well with the clean lines of the desk. It’s loveliest feature is that the inside of the shade is lined in gold so when the light is on, it reflects beautifully around the space. I also chose the Normos Metal Stationary set which comes with a nice long gold tray (perfect for housing my Kate Spade stapler and tape dispenser) and a gold pencil pot.
Finishing off this side of the desk are a gold metal basket with my planner, a pink and gold coaster and my favourite pink mug.
On the opposite side, a candle from Chase & Wonder, notebooks from The Curious Department and a business card holder from Kate Spade alongside the gorgeous gold Beaumont tapered vase from Made filled with faux flowers.
Of course, the desk wasn’t the only thing to be dressed. As the desk is small, I decided to utilise the little shelf on my tiny (non-working) fireplace in the room. It’s probably one of my favourite original features in this house and as I love greenery in my home, I thought I’d dressed it up with a potted plant, a stone bust I’ve had for years and Made’s gorgeous green marble and gold topped Badden storage pots. They are perfect for things like staples, paperclips or anything else you want to keep handy but not necessarily on display.
I also included my Amara award, a little brass elephant and plenty of greenery including a hanging planter with trailing ivy.
On the floor is my sheepskin rug (cosy on top of that horrible vinyl flooring! Someday we’ll change that!), a wire magazine holder and on the other side, a large faux palm in a brass pot. And finally, above the desk is a framed print from Made called Golden Perspective and a wall calendar from Desenio.
So what did the psychologist say about my desk?! (drumroll please)
Anna Sagredou, Senior Psychologist, comments: “The use of gold items can all be related to a generous, extroverted person with a positive attitude. Kimberly’s desk comprises items designed with contrasting textures, such as the simple straight lines of the desk alongside sheepskin rug and leopard chair cover, which are suggestive of a quirky personality and someone not afraid to make bold decisions. The way in which Kimberly’s desk is arranged shows a person with a playful personality, but who enjoys luxury.”
I would have to say that Dr Sagredou has got me figured out pretty well!! Aside from saying I was an extrovert (while I’m definitely not shy, I’m a total introvert in real life), I’ve certainly been called ‘quirky’ before (a nicer way of saying weird I reckon), I do try to keep positive in every aspect of my life and I definitely enjoy a touch of luxury – shame my bank balance doesn’t always agree! #champagnetastescavabudget
I so enjoyed this little look at the psyche behind my interiors and if you did too, then I have a treat for you! There are three other amazing bloggers taking part in this experiment and everyone’s desks are so incredibly different. Check out the other bloggers’ desks and what their desks said about them here:
“The colour green protrudes confidence and intelligence” Nicola Broughton – The Girl with the Green Sofa
“…this approach is indicative of a person who is very focused and efficient” Ruth Matthews – Design Soda
“Energetic and passionate in their day-to-day life” Jess Hurrell – Gold is a Neutral
Shop the Post
Love the look of my fantasy office space? You can shop it here…
I hope you enjoyed this fun post! Now it’s your turn: What do you think a psychologist would say about YOUR desk space? The comment box awaits!
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post but was provided items free from Made.com to take part. As always, all words, images and opinions are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you’ll like too! Thanks for supporting the companies that support Swoon Worthy. Please note, this post contains affiliate links.
I absolutely love this space Kimberly, it’s so you! And I’m a little in awe that you’ve managed to create something so true to your personal style when you’ve only just set foot in the door. Absolutely beautiful and full of your creative flair xx
Oh cheers darling! I really wanted to keep it like this because it was so ME! Haha! xxx
Love your office area – it is definitely “you.” And…. hadn’t seen it before, but love your little non-working fireplace even more. How fortunate to have inherited it with the house. It’s probably a one of a kind – at least it would be in the U.S. Just one more place to display your style.
A psychologist would say my messy desk and computer area would speak volumes about my messy life right now – but that will be changing soon. I have a plan to declutter and improve on just about everything.
It’s all okay.
Isn’t that little fireplace just the cutest thing?! There’s another in the adjoining room which is Wayne’s office (his isn’t decorated as you can imagine! lol). A good declutter is always good – I always do a few a year but moving house definitely helped me to clear the stuff I no longer wanted or needed ;) xx
Aaah if anyone had shown me this desk and asked me who it belonged to, I’d have definitely said you!! Just fabulous Kimberley!
I’ve just been and read the other posts — it’s so interesting to read what the psychologist thought of everyone’s spaces. I would have loved to do this — I’ve always been intrigued to know what a psychologist would make of my workspace. Probably they’d say chaotic and disorganised!! ;) xx
Hahaha! It’s definitely me isn’t it! Thank you so much lovely. I found it so much fun and it was so nice to see how the others styled theirs and what the psychologist had to say about each. Chaotic & Disorganised = Creative and Carefree! ;) xxx
This was such a fun post! All these items are so gorgeous, & I’m loving the mini fireplace.
Ahh thanks so much Jill! I love that little fireplace too – one of my favourite features in this house! :) xx
too much advertising, the site is difficult to read
Hi Giulia, I’m sorry you found the site difficult to read. There is only one advert at the footer that comes up which you should be able to click to remove and there’s a pop up that is required by law (GDPR) that I have to have on your very first visit. Everything else is in between the content so there shouldn’t be anything blocking images or text on your screen. If there is, please let me know. Otherwise, advertising allows me to keep my site and content free. If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t be able to continue blogging. I’d love for you to read this post for more information: https://www.swoonworthy.co.uk/2017/05/truth-blogging-career.html/ Thanks x
Not that it bothers me but I have noticed quite a few ads in your posts as well. They were interspersed throughout the post (8 ads to be exact). But I love the content your create and your taste is so wonderful, I dont mind the effort of clicking them away :)
Aww thank you Tanvi! I wish I didn’t have to have them but it allows me to support myself and my content – hopefully it’s a small price to pay. Saying that, I’ve recently adjusted how many ads are showing up, especially in longer posts so hopefully the number of ads per post should go down a bit in the future xx
Psychologists don’t do “desk space” stuff. Lol…
Besides psychological experiments are used in research and follow the scientific method. You know… random group of participants, independent e dependent variables, control groups, …
Oh you’re absolutely right but this was just a bit of fun, that’s all ;)
You and I have the same style because when I do get to decorate my new place I’m moving into, I’m going to use a lot of white, pink and gold.. which is so interesting reading this assessment because I’m also very positive and outgoing. Thanks for sharing!
Ahh that sounds so lovely – it’s one of my favourite combinations too! xx
I love your desk and the way you styled it – it would be so pleasing to work there every day.
And another idea for the blog – more pics of the lovely Quito (sp?) – he is just adorable!
Ahh thanks so much Susan! Haha! He’s a cutie, isn’t he? My blog post today has a few pics of the pup so do check that out! ;) xxx
Home office looks really stylish and contemporary! Love every decor accessory used here:)
Oh thank you so much! Happy you liked it! xx