My Work From Home Essentials for a Productive Space

Hello from my home office! I don’t talk about my day job here much (which I’m going to start doing!) but recently our entire company has moved to work from home to flatten the COVID-19 curve. Making the jump from the shared office where I have a dedicated space that put me in a productive mindset to turning my studio from a creative, experimentation place more attuned for video calls was thankfully easy with some minor tweaks. I realized working from home might be a new experience for others, so I wanted to share the small additions I use to carve out a dedicated workspace in our home.

Row 1

Zhuzh the Overall Look
Abstract Art Print $27+

Just because it’s your home office or temporary space, doesn’t mean it has to look like a traditional office. Add some fun prints, pictures, or even fresh flowers to carve out a truly beautiful workspace. A happy mood is a productive mood!

A Video Call Appropriate, Wearable Blanket
Madewell Cardigan Sweater $50

That hoodie or fuzzy blanket doesn’t exactly say “professional”. Keep a blanket cardigan nearby for WFH coziness that you wouldn’t mind showing in an impromptu video call.

Get the Coffee Station Ready
Bodum 8 Cup Pour Over $20
At work, you might have had easy access to a Keruig or Starbucks. Make sure you get your own coffee station ready at home for a seamless, habit transition.

Row 2

Go Wireless for Your Command Station
Wireless Desk Organizer $30

A simple desk organizer can help your dining table or desk feel more like a dedicated space. I like this wireless charging dock that can hold my phone for calls and has a spot for my sticky notes!

Block the Blue
Blue Light Filtering Glasses $20

Honestly, grab these for when you go back to the office as well. The average adult spends 11 hours looking at screens. That’s a lot of blue light messing with our sleep patterns. Cut down eye strain and end the day more refreshed with a pair of these.

Get a (Better) Grip
Ergonomic Wireless Mouse $20

Speaking of 11 hours of screen time… How many hours do you use your mousepad or a mouse? Ever since I entered the workforce as a designer, my carpal tunnel has built up from poor ergonomic tools. This mouse shifts how you operate so you have less strain on your wrist.

Row 3

Build Up Your Own Supply Closet
Papermate Fine Liners 12 pk $11

No more running to the supply closet to grab what you need. Stock up on your favorite pens, sticky notes, etc. as soon as you get word about WFH.

Set the Mood
Lavender + Eucalyptus Room Spray $10

I bought this for our bedroom to spray in the evening but brought it over to my studio for a little mood booster throughout the day. We can’t have candles or scents in an open office, so I’m taking full advantage of making my home office cater to every sense while I’m here!

Improve Video Calls
Eco-friendly Over the Ear Headphones $200
These are my favorite!! You could use a cheaper pair for calls or music, but if you’re wearing these all day, isn’t it worth getting a pair that’s actually comfortable? I always look for an over the ear pair with a built-in mic for max comfort and sound control. Besides just looking cool, these House of Marley headphones use FSC certified wood and recycled materials!

Row 4

Take Your Work to New Heights
Standing Desk Converter $180

A full standing desk costs A LOT. But you don’t have to shell out for a full setup! Try a mid-range desk converter to get all the benefits of alternating your work stance. Why mid-range? The cheaper ends are crank levers, which means no assistance and rough adjustments and lower supported weights. Look for one with a balanced base, hydraulic lift, and enough surface area for your work.

Find an Adult Fidget Spinner and Work Out Kinks
Cork Massage Ball $15

I don’t know about you, but I need something to fidget with during long calls. I like these cork balls since they don’t look distracting on a call and double up as a wrist, foot, or any kind of massager for in between meetings!

Don’t Rely on Mental Notes
Dot Grid Buller Journal $7

I got a Taotree journal at a conference this year it’s quickly become a favorite. Over moleskins, over the special ordered Japanese spiral bound- these little journals have a great paper weight, work beautifully with the fine liners, look professional, and come in at a great price.