I spend a lot of time in my little corner of the basement where my office lies. It started out as a slightly-cluttered, cold, disorganized space and it is now a nook that makes me happy. The systems I’ve put in place to not only work well but enjoy working there have been invaluable in my level of feeling contented as a business owner this year.

Here are five things I must have for a peaceful, organized, happy work space.

1. A place for all the pretty things.

Being surrounded by things that bring me joy is so important for my happiness level. So, the first thing I did for my space was to find a super-simple thing like a cork board to hang things that make me smile, make me remember who I am and make me want to keep doing what I do. For me, those things are mostly photos — my mom is on the board right in front of my computer and so is a postcard from our last home, photo booth pics with second shooters from past weddings, a couple of items from the National Down Syndrome Society events I’ve covered in the past and a handful of inspirational mementos.

2. Using things for aesthetics and purpose.

I love things with a dual-role. So, things like a post-it holder that it not only cute but keeps my post-its (something I use multiple times each day) in one location so I’m never hunting down the nearest pad is a big deal. (Of course mine is in the shape of a cat). I also like finding storage bins or baskets that offer a little more eye candy than typical office storage solutions. Something like this rustic one or one that even offers hooks like this one can be so much more appealing and helpful in your day-to-day routine.

3. Keep duplicates of a couple of commonly-used items.

For the things I use most on a regular basis — headphones for my computer for video conferences, headphones for my iphone, paper, pens, etc — I always keep an extra nearby just in case. I don’t want to be ready to start a wedding consult call or go to touch base with my Rising Tide Society family on a video chat and not have headphones. And I definitely don’t want to waste time searching for items that I should always have and always know where they’re kept.

4. Light it up well.

I never realized how important light was until I spent eight hours a day in a corner of my basement during the winter months. Lighting — especially good lighting — can be such a help in not only being able to see and find things but also in your mood. We have a lot of recessed lighting in our basement and so I made sure to try a few different types, styles and wattages in the light directly above my corner before finding one that worked best for me. And then, having a secondary light source like a fun desk lamp helps even more.

5. Surround yourself with practical items to keep you safe, healthy and happy.

This one sounds a bit crunchy but it may be the most important tip for a great workspace. If you sleep well, eat well, take movement breaks (I rely on my FitBit to remind me to stretch my legs at least once each hour) and protect your eyes when you’re staring at a screen all day, you’re going to have a more productive and enjoyable worktime.

How do you keep your office a happy space? What tips would you add? Share in the comments!