Every now and again, we find that one piece of furniture that we just fall head-over-heels for.

After nearly a year of hunting for the perfect desk, I finally found the perfect piece. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a lover of burl wood. It just reminds me of the Italian classic films–showcasing ornate interiors shot in deep saturated color. So I thought, if I’m going to be sitting at a desk all day long–why not make it one I love?

Would I recommend this desk? YES, now here is the whole story.

I first laid eyes on this desk back in 2019 at the fall Highpoint market–and it was love at first sight. Nestled in the background of a shot from cb2’s new (at the time) catalogue, was this stunner.

The initial wave of thoughts ran through my head, where will I put this, how much is it, shortly followed by the affirming, I need this.

At the time, I was working from home one day a week or so. I was a little worried about use-case, and if I would get the value out of it. However I knew I wanted to keep this piece forever. A desk now, but in a few years (when we move to a larger home) I’d love to add this to our entryway. So I had a vision–which was important.

Had I known I’d be working from home full time for the majority of 2020, I would have taken the plunge right then and there–alas who could have predicted what work life would be in 2020??

So after the muck of 2020 hit, I ordered the desk in April, and patiently waited for three months for it to arrive. It came in perfect condition, no damages or issues–just slightly wobbly which I quickly fixed by leveling it with a thin piece of wood under one of the legs. It’s material is beautiful in person.

A few notes on burl wood as a material: Burl is not a solid wood here–instead, its applied in thin “sheets” to a larger wood and tiled together to look like one large solid piece. Therefor, there are slight imperfections in the surface visually. Knots can misaligned here and there but nothing eye-catching or super obvious. Because of this technique, each desk will vary in appearance–so no two are the same.

From what I’ve gathered, both from my experience and reading the reviews, this desk is a sensitive material. It won’t hold up well to harsh bangs and scratches–so gentle care is required (as with any beautiful piece of furniture). I invested in a few new pairs of coasters and a few trays to hold candles, etc.

I’m still on the hunt for a piece to hang on the wall above the desk–that is my last endeavor in our living room. I’m thinking perhaps a mirror or piece of art, reminiscent of something like this.

I find it incredibly important to empower your surroundings to fuel you. As a stylist and incredibly visual person, I need my surroundings to be calming and clean in order to fully concentrate. Therefore, my desk can’t be too cluttered or have any unnecessary crap on it.

My usual desk necessities are my computer, planner, a few favorite candles, fresh greenery and a few decorative objects that bring me joy–crystals mainly. Oh and rose facial spray–for a little spritz throughout the day.

I recently found these amazing trays on Etsy–I love their channeled detailing. They’re the perfect size to hold a few coveted objects.

I think its incredibly important to have a goal for your workspace. I normally can be pretty freeform in terms of where I work–in bed, at the coffee table. I’m more of a slave to my creativity and when it strikes than anything else. However cultivating a calming and inspiring space to nurture creativity definitely helps. My main goal was to feel happy and inspired simply by sitting at my desk–despite whatever work stresses may be unfolding. There is such intention in curating a space for a specific purpose. There’s something almost ritualistic to it–which I love.