It seems the entire world is now tele-commuting. Does your current set up look similar to this?
In my previous jobs, I had the opportunity to work from home occasionally. I thoroughly enjoyed those days because I was in an environment I created; I was able to be my most productive self. Now that I work from home majority of the time, I’ve found a few things help me maintain maximum efficiency. If you’re knew to such a work a situation, here’s my tips:
- Create a designated workspace. There needs to be somewhere you “go to work.” A place that has your laptop setup, a cup of pens, a coaster for your water, your notepad. When that space is designated, it makes getting up and taking breaks more enjoyable. If you’re sitting on the couch with your laptop, where are you going to go to take a break? If you’re sitting in the kitchen, you’re going to be very tempted by snacks.
- Stick to your normal routine. Do you normally wake up at 6 for coffee and get in the shower by 6:30? Stay with it! Routines setup the rhythm for success. You may not have a commute anymore, but adjust your schedule to that. Be committed to sitting down at your computer the same time you would if you arrive at your office. Which you are going to arrive to your office because you have a dedicated workspace as outlined in number 1 🙂
- Get dressed. Tagging on to the previous bullet, it’s so important to get dressed. It adds to the overall “showing up for work” mentality. It gives a signal to your brain; kind of like, ok, it’s time to make the day happen. Since you’re also likely to have others in your home that are working, too, them seeing you get on with the day can help keep them on routine as well.
- Natural light. Do you work in a cube typically? Now is the time to seize the natural light! There’s nothing like sunshine streaming in your home office. It truly feels homey and welcoming and creates a good atmosphere.
- Take breaks. While working from home can be super productive, it’s important to give yourself a break. I usually try to take a break every two hours. For example, if I start my day at 8, then at 10 am, I’ll take a quick break. That’s usually to get a cup of water and start a load of laundry. Then at noon, I’ll rotate laundry and make lunch. I love to eat my lunch outside if I can; getting fresh air is another critical element. Get back to work around 1pm and take the last break at 3pm. This could be finishing that laundry load by folding or getting a light snack. I try to finish the day around 5pm as a typical work day.
- Little Extras. This goes back to number 1. When setting up your workspace, use styles that you love. Get a pretty lamp; plant a house plant in decorative pot. Hang some pretty art! Use a silver mint julep cup for your pen cup. And so on. You’re gonna be staring at it for about 8 hours a day, so make it reflect your style!
If you never thought working from home was in your realm, and you’re eager to set up a workspace, I’ve sourced some fantastic desks for you! All of these are reasonably priced (because we hope this is temporary). And if you’re worried about having a desk you don’t need at the end of quarantining, there’s a ton of possibilities for how to use a desk. They make excellent bars instead of a bar cart. And they’re also a great height for a bedside table. I love tucking a garden stool or plant as an accent in the open space. See an example with my Mardi Gras styled bar using the same gold bamboo desk.
I am obsessed with lamps and lighting. I can’t stop collecting them. All of the desks above are modern and sleek; adding a vintage lamp would be the perfect mix. Here’s a board with a few of the previous desks paired with a vintage lamp from my booth inventory. Since you really only need one lamp for a small desk, a single lamp is the perfect way to add some character, charm, reading light, and style.
The first pairing of the blue desk with gold base is a good, deep grounding color for the floral lamp and brings out more of the blues. The turquoise pattern on the shade draws attention to the spectrum of blues in the lamp.
The gold fretwork on that white desk is so attractive! Adding the lamp base with gold crane and the gold studs in the shade give the workstation luxe appeal.
I’m loving this pink desk! This is an opportunity to use simple elements, but bold colors. Bright pink with a simple, white ginger jar lamp, and that turquoise studded shade….um, hello happy place to work! Add some blue and white chinoiserie elements, and it’s a girly girl’s chic office. Add a rattan desk chair, and it’s a teen’s homework dream.
I saved the best for last! Can you believe that white bamboo desk is only $120 at Target?! Go full chinoiserie with a garden stool lamp! The simplicity of the white desk let’s this statement lamp really shine!
All links for desks are in the photos above and if you’re interested in a lamp from my inventory, please message me! I’d love to supply your vintage lighting needs!
I want to know more about your work from home situation! I love learning some good hacks and tips so please share your tips in the comments!
