My Simple, Stylish Desk Setup That Keeps Me Focused Every Day
INTRO
If you’re anything like me, your desk is more than a place to work. It’s where you pay bills, build dreams, grow a business, and wrangle a million responsibilities at once. And let’s be honest — if the space is chaotic, your mind follows right behind it.
Over the years (and after a lot of trial and error), I’ve learned that the right tools don’t just make your desk look pretty — they make you feel more grounded, focused, and efficient.
So today I’m sharing the real setup I use every single day at ThriveCounts. Nothing fancy. Nothing over-the-top. Just five small, affordable essentials that help me stay organized and actually enjoy sitting down to work.
1. Leather Desk Pad Protector
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/47KIbOH
This was honestly the first upgrade I made when I decided to stop working on bare surfaces like I was in some kind of “startup survival mode.” It instantly makes your desk feel intentional and put-together.
Why I love it:
Gives your workspace a clean “home base”
Protects your desk from scratches + coffee spills
Makes your mouse glide (goodbye cheap pads)
It sets the tone for the whole setup
I use the lighter neutral tone because it feels calming and warm — exactly the energy I need when I’m knee-deep in client books.
2. Dark Green Pen & Pencil Holder
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3K34DcG
A simple pen holder doesn’t sound life-changing… until you stop digging through piles to find a working pen.
This one looks classy sitting on the desk — that deep green adds a touch of color without being loud.
It keeps:
pens
highlighters
scissors
my favorite 0.5 gel pens (the only acceptable kind, fight me)
Small thing. Big peace.
3. Metal Gold Cell Phone Stand
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/47L1gQS
Tell me why this makes me feel like my life is together?
Because it does.
I keep my phone angled slightly away from me — notifications aren’t in my face — but I can see incoming calls from clients or kids.
Why it's a must:
Helps with recording videos or quick reels
Keeps your phone out of the “mess zone”
Looks cute (yes, that matters)
Makes charging easier
For real: this is one of my favorite under-$10 tools.
4. Monitor Memo Boards (2-Pack)
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4pfvr8G
These little acrylic memo boards attach to the sides of your monitor, and honestly?
10/10 for chaos management.
I use them for:
client follow-ups
daily reminders
“don’t forget this” notes
positive affirmations
prayer points
It’s the perfect “right at eye level” place for things that matter.
5. 4-Tier Desk/Workspace Organizer
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4nUTMzn
This is where everything that used to clutter my desk finally found a home.
Mine holds:
mail waiting to be processed
client documents
checklists
sticky notes
receipts
my weekly task printouts
If you’re someone who needs things visible but not everywhere — this organizer is exactly what you need.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your desk should support you — not stress you out. These five little tools help me thrive where it counts (see what I did there?), and I hope they give your workspace a little boost too.
Let me know what you grab — and send me pics of your setup so I can cheer you on!
