CREDIT: BRITTANY ROACH
Above: Before all injecting the space with some creativity, my workspace wasn’t much to look at. Below: Now I actually look forward to doing my homework!

One thing that we all currently have in common while being students at Fanshawe College is that we all have homework. Yes, that dreaded part of your life — some of us have a ridiculous, mind-blowing amount, while others live virtually stress-free, with just a few assignments here and there. At the end of the day, though, we all have homework.

Students who spend hours at their desks understand the true meaning of having a functional workspace. A workspace must accommodate all your needs, whether it needs to be big enough to lay out all your notes and textbooks at once, to sew clothes, or even to draft. During our down times from busy school life, our workspace acts as a social and entertainment spot — you know, just sitting on our butts for hours watching Netflix, Facebooking and tweeting. Our workspaces are multifunctional areas that must accommodate all our needs!

I recently found that my workspace area only met the bare minimum needs — I could draft on my table and use my laptop. My workspace was boring and did not inspire me or reflect my style at all!

I decided my workspace must act for more than just working purposes. I spent a few solid weeks creating the workspace that I desired and needed. As you can see in my before picture, my workspace was boring and had no life until I added a little TCL to make it fun and motivational.

Here's how to get started on adding some creativity to your workspace:

Create your own inspiration board! I chose to create three DIY bulletin boards that would achieve several goals. One board is my inspiration board filled with positive quotes, decor and fitness pictures along with some breathtaking landscape pictures. My other two boards are filled with pictures of my goals in life and quick short-term memos to make my day go a little smoother. You can make or buy your own boards and fill them with pictures and quotes that inspire you and that are suitable to your personal taste!

Get funky with pencil and pen holders! As you can see, everything was just clumped together in one boring old pencil holder. I wanted something better so I found just that. I found a unique lazy Susan holder at Winners that would hold all of my supplies. Organization is key in a workspace, and don't settle for anything ordinary!

Last but not least: accessorize. It's always nice to have a little excitement in your workspace. I choose to do this by purchasing a peace sign candle holder with some groovy candles to add a little fun to my space. You can also add some fun to your workspace by incorporating a pattern! Having reminder books and a mouse pad with designs on them will surely add fun to your space!

A workspace not only needs to accommodate your school work and downtime needs, it has to mentally stimulate you! I hope my transformation of my workspace will inspire and help you out with creating the workspace of your dreams that will reflect your taste and inspire you. Never settle for the ordinary — enjoy!