Recreating my Cozy Desk Setup

We recently moved to a new house and I gave my large L desk to my teen. I ended up purchasing a standing desk for myself and now my work space is smaller.

I have to redesign my entire setup.

My original setup included:

• Dual Monitors with risers

• PlayStation 5

• XBOX S

• Controller stand

• Hue Lights

• Decor

The walls had dimensional art panels and an Ikea organizer for pens and small items.

My original aesthetic felt more in line with other cozy creators than what I felt in my heart. For instance, my use of a bright white desk setup with hints of pink, this was inspired by the many bright setups I saw and adored.

If you scroll to the bottom of my Instagram you’ll see what I’m talking about. You’ll also notice about half way up, I start introducing more color. I’ll admit a lot of the color shots are terrible, but this isn’t about photography.

A much smaller desk means less room for what I once had, and more room for what I want.

I purchased a black desk this time, because at my core, I prefer darker aesthetics.

I love religious based art and the dark baroque periods. I love neon lights, robots, and cyberpunk vibes. I love apocalyptic wastelands and biophilic reverie.

I want to show me in the most authentic way possible.
It will definitely be a learning process.

I’ve mirrored others for so long that I’ve lost myself. That changes with this desk setup.

Im keeping the main components of the desk: dual monitors with risers, ps5, xbox s, small decor. I’m unsure if I want to dedicate myself to a color scheme, but right now I’m aiming for black & white with glitch highlights aka magenta and blue. I have my gorgeous Kwik Trip photo taken by thecolorfulkid, but I have a blank space directly behind my monitors.

I had the idea of bringing back my dimensional art panels and to add a shelf with some decor and plants, but I didn’t like how it blocked the lights.

Scrap that idea.

So I brainstormed all night thinking up different layouts and couldn’t land on anything. I like the thought of pictures, but glass is too reflective. Shelves are a no go. The old texture panels bore me.
If I could just have something large that covers most of the space, that would be perfect.

I set my mind on a large canvas. The plan was to paint it all black with something in the center and then embroider moss onto it for the biophilic look. That seemed cool, but time consuming. So i drifted off to Pinterest.

I knew I wanted the canvas all black, but I didn’t want a blank black canvas. It needed… something.

.

.

This!

This is beautiful! There’s texture, it’s all black, and I can add a spot of color for a focal point.

So I went out and purchased a large canvas, some light weight wall spackling, and a plastic putty knife. I found the halfway point on the canvas and threw down a strip of painters tape. Added my spackle all over and let it dry.

Here’s the finished painting and current set up.

Write down somethings you like. It can be different vibes, movies, genres or themes. Pick your favorite things about each and then mix them together to find what’s authentically you. From there it’s time to piece together your setup.

Honestly it’s up to you. Just stay true to yourself and view other desk setups as helpful tips for layout. You’ll gain more by being unique.

What’s something you have or can add to your desk to show the world your authentic self?

💖