Is your house dedicated to literally everyone else in your family? Whether you need a space to work, to relax or to scream into a pillow, we have you covered with some great tips to make your own feminine space!
Capsule x Warehouse Stationery
Let’s be honest: in most homes, women tend to get what’s left over. The hallway cupboard. The corner of the dining table. A desk that’s also a laundry shelf because you got distracted with the washing in between answering your emails. Meanwhile, the “man cave” has a mini-fridge, lighting scheme and, even though you’d never admit it, cool stuff you actually quite like.
In all of our stories exploring what women really need – literally, emotionally, physically, metaphorically – the word space comes up time and time again. Whether it’s more brain space to think and less mental load, space to tap into creativity and joy or actual space to simply be, gals have a real tendency to take up as little space as possible. We prioritise everyone else and everyone’s else’s stuff and yes, use what’s left over.
But guys, we’re calling it. It’s time for your space. Your sanctuary. Your creative corner. Your wonder work station. A spot where no one moves your scissors, touches your candles, or leaves cereal bowls next to your keyboard.
Whether you’re working from home, launching a side hustle, or simply craving a place to read a book without hearing “Mum?” every 14 seconds, here’s how to claim and create a space that’s purely, gloriously yours, for whatever you need (and of course, you know our pals at Warehouse Stationery have literally everything you need!).
1. Identify What Kind of Space You Need
Before you buy the desk or hang the fairy lights (eeep!), pause and ask: what do I actually want to do here? Maybe it’s a calm meditation corner with floor cushions and incense. Maybe it’s a crafting HQ with washi tape, scrapbooking stuff, a Cricut machine and 72 types of glue. Maybe you need a proper home office space that doesn’t double as the kids’ homework spot. Or maybe, you just want a quiet reading or jouralling nook where no one talks to you for 25 minutes straight.
Knowing the function of your space makes every other decision easier, and stops you from trying to copy someone else’s Pinterest-perfect setup that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
2. Reclaim the Nook
Ok, let’s get into the nitty gritty – how do we actually do this in homes where space is at a premium? We get creative. That weird little corner in your living room? The awkward alcove in your bedroom? It’s not dead space. It’s your space. Add a fold-down desk, floating shelves, a dividing shelf or a comfy chair and you’ve got an instant cosy nook. And, bonus points for the aforementioned fairy lights.
Try this chic shelf to section out a bit of space – Workspace Moda 12 Cube Cubby White, $299
You don’t need a whole room. You need a boundary – even if it’s just a visual one. Use a rug, curtain, or screen to signal: This Is My Space.
3. Choose a Chair That Feels Like a Throne
Whether you’re answering 67 emails or cutting fabric for your side hustle’s latest launch, you deserve a seat that makes you feel like a CEO and an artist. Think sculptural, supportive, and aesthetically you. No dining chairs from 2004 allowed.
We’re going with this bad boy because it’s comfy but ALSO giving CEO power play and we’re here for it! Workspace Nelson Chair Black
3. Curate the Tools That Bring You Joy
This is your permission slip to ditch the ugly pen cup, the sad stapler, and the office supplies that give off “corporate tax audit” energy. Upgrade to tools you actually like looking at – pink scissors, pastel notebooks, a pink toolbox if crafting is your thing.
If you’re a visual person, grab a pinboard or pegboard or open shelves to display your bits and bobs like functional art.
Uniti Kiwiana Weekly Planner, $5; Uniti Cozy Core Spiral Notebook A5 Moment Cream: Uniti Kiwiana Magazine File, $10;
Uniti Western Florklore Spiral Notebook A5, $8; Uniti Bow Pencil Case Clear, $3.50; Uniti Little Things Storage Box Cream, $10
4. Light It Like a Vibe, Not a Cubicle
Overhead lighting is out – everywhere. Soft desk lamps, floor lights, and candles are in. You want to glow, not squint. Bonus: add a scented candle or diffuser that signals your brain it’s time to switch into creative mode. Aromatherapy, but make it bossy.
Living & Co Ceramic Textured Lamp, $29; Living & Co Enzo Lamp Natural, $25
5. Make It So You, It Hurts
You know how every man has a sports jersey framed in the garage? You deserve that same unfiltered self-expression. Hang up your vision board. Pin your embroidery. Frame that Beyoncé print you keep in a drawer because it doesn’t match the lounge This space isn’t about impressing Pinterest. It’s about you liking being there. Go hard, queen – hell, set it off nicely with a personalised photo mug of your choosing (kids, vision board, Taylor Swift? Chuck whatever makes you happy on there!)
6. Declare It Off-Limits (Yes, Even to the Cat)
The biggest challenge is getting everyone else to respect the space. That includes kids, partners, flatmates, and anything else that loves to encroach on your personal space. Set boundaries. Put up a sign. Lock the drawer with your fancy felts (remember when your mum absolutely went mental when you used her ‘sewing scissors’? Think THAT energy). Create a “when this candle is lit, do not disturb me” rule (you can even make your own with this kit!)
7. Make Your Desk an Extension of You
If you’re a work-from-home gal like me, you’ll spend hours at your desk. Why doesn’t it deserve as much love as the rest of your house? This is your chance to inject real personality. Are you a maximalist with a shrine to Taylor Swift and 14 gel pens in a rainbow holder? Own it. A minimalist who thrives in beige-on-beige with a single Monstera leaf in a glass bottle? Absolutely fair.
Your desk should feel like your brain, but tidier. It’s a space that supports your flow, your goals, and your vibe. Surrounding yourself with colours, textures, art, or affirmations you actually like looking at can boost creativity, productivity, and yes, your mental health.
When your workspace reflects who you are, it’s easier to show up as your full self. That’s not just cute. It’s powerful!
We love these Happy Frames from Warehouse Stationery – they instantly inject a bit of your personality no matter if you’re colour mad or minimalist chic!
Happy Frames Scalloped 10×15 Blue, $12; Happy Frames Checked & Gingham, $12; Happy Frames Layered Arch 13 x18 White, $12
