Photo: Hannah Schweiss Photography
Working from home can be great. You can have flexible hours, live in your Lululemons, and go a few too many days styling your hair with just dry shampoo. It may sound like the dream, but it can be very easy to get distracted or become unmotivated or uninspired in an atypical office space, especially one that is steps away from your laundry room.
How do you remedy this you ask? You’re in luck! Ahead, Courtney Schrank, an interior designer and lifestyle consultant, is sharing her tips for how you can personalize your desk space for optimal inspiration and productivity while truly representing the brand you’ve worked so hard to build. Let’s get started!
1. Create a Mood Board
You can change this out by the week or month or just as you find new images that inspire you! There is something inspiring about physically having this hung up at your desk (instead of just having a completely digital one). Remember to include pictures, quotes, fabrics, photos, anything that inspires you.
Pin them to a bulletin board, use magnets, clips and a metal grid, or, my personal favorite, wallpaper the walls with your inspo. Use whatever you have on hand—no need to go out and buy bulletin boards and push pins if you don’t have them already. Go big or go home— well you are home, so I guess you can have your cake and eat it, too!
You can download my exclusive mood board template here!
2. Accessorize
Now don’t go crazy because you don’t want to look like a hoarder with a desk full of tchotchkes. We’re talking a picture of you and your family or when you got drinks with the girls, a calming lavender candle or diffuser, even a vase of fresh flowers to boost your mood! The key is odd numbers when it comes to a visually pleasing grouping. Think one item by itself or three items grouped together, even five if you have a larger space.
During this time, no one needs to be leaving their house for nonessentials, so you can either order items online from places like Target or West Elm, or you can give yourself a fun challenge by re-purposing items you already have in your home! Finding new homes for items is a great way to give your space a fresh vibe and make it feel new. Bonus: this one costs zero dollars.
Photo: Hannah Schweiss Photography
3. Have Defined Working Hours
This one is so important. Am I the only one that feels like they are working even more than before all of this craziness began? We want to seem like we are always available and since we are sitting in our PJs on the couch then working 14-hour days is okay, right? Wrong!!
Set defined working hours to give yourself, your family, and your boss/co-workers structure. Let them (and you) know when you are available and when you are done for the day. Set boundaries or you will end up burning yourself out, and no one needs that, especially now. Also, remember to take breaks. Apps/websites like Stretchly, Regularbreaks.com, and Awareness are great for reminding you to step away from your desk.
4. Add Color or Pattern
Let me guess, this room also functions as your dining room, your family room, or your guest bedroom? At this point, anything goes, am I right? Steal some table space and you have an “office.” No worries. If it’s your own home, you can still paint the walls a different color. Some of my favorite nontoxic paint brands (that are currently still delivering paint) are Clare and ECOS Paints.
If you’re in an apartment or just want something temporary, add some fun artwork or get a great wall mural to make a big impact without spending a fortune. I love Deny Designs and Society 6 for some really creative options. If you are looking for a more permanent addition, check out some of the great wallpapers at Drop it Modern, Deny Designs, and MuralsWallpaper. You can also create the inspiration wall I mentioned earlier!
5. Get a Sit/Stand Desk
Now that you’re home every day now, I’m sure you are working on your couch, bed, kitchen table, and everywhere in between. While those may seem more comfortable in the moment, you need to stand up sometimes or at least put your laptop closer to eye level. Enter the sit/stand desk. This is one of my faves if you are looking to get a whole new desk. If you would rather get a convertible desk stand (this is what I have) then I like this one. If you would like even more options, you can check out this article.
Photo: Hannah Schweiss Photography
6. Get a Great Desk Chair
You may think that this is a given, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t have a supportive desk chair! If your desk chair isn’t comfortable (and let’s be honest, cute), you are probably going to end up working on the couch (or your bed—guilty!) and that is terrible for your back and neck.
Unless you want to take permanent residence at the chiropractor, I recommend putting a desk chair with both looks and comfort at the top of your to-do list. If you’re looking for something feminine you can check out this one. This one has the executive chair vibe but with a glam flair. If you are wanting something a little bolder then this is a great choice.
7. Add Plants
Multiple studies have shown that employees who work in offices with plants tend to be more productive, feel better about their jobs, worry less, and take fewer sick days. Plants also purify the air! My favorite, low-maintenance plants for the house include snake, aloe, and spider plants. Check out my blog post on all things plants for more recs.
About the Author: Courtney Schrank is an interior designer and lifestyle consultant that helps working women maintain their sanity, identity, and well-being while working for someone else. While we do talk about how to design your home, it doesn't stop there. I am here to help you thrive in all aspects of your life—career, fashion, finances, health, and whatever else we can think of! Think of me as the work wife you never had.
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