Home Tour: How to Create a Zen Work from Home Space
work from home space - home office
All photos by Victoria Jane Photography
With the rise in remote jobs, start-ups, and self-employment, a home office is absolutely where it's at. After going rogue and leaving my 9-5 last January, I set forth on a mission to create a zen WFH space, so I could feel both productive and inspired. I'm FINALLY ready to share the new place with you! Whether you work from home sometime, part-time, or full-time, here are ways you can create a badass home office you'll actually love to work in.
Thank you to my amazing sponsors for helping me create the home of my dreams. My City Plants (all plants), nuLOOM (rug), Airweave (mattress), Horderly (organization) You've all made me so incredible happy, and I couldn't have done it without you. More info on these fine brands at the end of this post!
1. Clear the clutter.
I'm one of those people who loses focus easily when the room is messy. I start to feel anxious, and I end up leaving to go to a coffee shop. To successfully WFH, less clutter is key. Let go of anything that isn't the best of the best. Purge all of the stray papers, expired coupons, and little trinkets you never even touch. For those who need extra help letting go, consider hiring a professional organizer. I partnered with Horderly (@horderlynyc) to help organize my space, and she changed my world. My apartment has never looked better, and I feel so much lighter in return. Having someone with an outside perspective helps guide you into finding what is important and what is not - this is key to a clearer work space.
"Clear desk, clear mind." - Jamie Hord, Founder of Horderly.
work from home space - professional organizer
work from home space - de-clutter
2. Add some greenery.
I'm hardcore living the plant-life, and I couldn't be happier. House plants are known to purify the air, improve health, sharpen focus, and MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY. So, why not have a mini jungle?! I partnered with My City Plants (@mycityplants), a top online plant shop based in NYC to greenify my apartment. After a private tour of their studio up in Queens, we decided to bring home the Birds of Paradise, Snake Plant, Pothos, and a trendy Monstera.
work from home space - my city plants
^ with the sweet owners of My City Plants!
I chose My City Plants, because they truly know their stuff! They also use recyclable planters with a self-watering feature. Each planter has a sub-irrigation system which allows plant roots to absorb water upwards from below the soil surface. It makes it easier to take care of the plants, especially if you're out of town a lot. Be sure to check out their website for more info / feel free to ask me any specifics!
work from home space - monstera plant
work from home space - birds of paradise plant
work from home space - hanging plants
3. Display uplifting quotes as wall decor.
Guys, this gallery wall cost me only $36. I purchased a set of frames from Amazon that came with a real-size template that makes it super easy to mark for placement. I thought framing art was going to cost a lot more than that!
work from home space - gallery wall
4. Lift the energy with good tunes & scents.
I'm all about making my apartment smell like a spa 24/7. It puts me in such a good mood, and it can positively effect your energy. Try using a citrus to feel energized or a lavender to calm your nerves if you're feeling stressed. Since my trip to Bali, I've been all about lemongrass essential oils - I put 8-10 drops in my Art Natural's diffuser.
Another way to set the WFH mood is with an awesome playlist. Music can have a strong effect on our moods and emotions, so it's beneficial to incorporate focus-enhancing tunes into your work space. Use songs that keep you focused and motivated throughout your work day. (Follow me on Spotify!)
work from home space - oil diffuser
5. Designate a work space and a retreat space.
When you work from home, it's important to take frequent breaks. Find a space in your home where you can get away from your desk. It's so easy to get lost in your work and remain sitting for most of the day, but I'm a big believer in taking walks outside, midday yoga stretches, singing songs, playing guitar or anything else you enjoy doing to reset your brain.
work from home space - nuloom rug
^Retreating on my rad nuLOOM rug with @lifeaslunaloo!
work from home space - airweave mattress
^ My Airweave Mattress is THE best for late afternoon power naps + dog snuggles.
Thanks for reading, lovelies! I hope you enjoyed, and if you work from home, let me know in the comments below! I love hearing more about what you do and what you're passionate about, so keep sharing. If you're ever looking for some one-on-one consulting, I've been having a blast connecting with you girl bosses through these Skype sessions! Email me for more information.
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More on my incredible home decor sponsors:
My City Plants One of NYC's top online plant shops, helping over 1000 apartments, homes, and businesses to look and feel more peaceful, stylish, and comfortable. The owners of My City Plants are complete experts, and are the sweetest joy to work with!
HorderlyA professional organizing company founded by Jamie Hord. De-cluttering and organizing with Jamie is both a therapeutic and life-changing process. Sometimes we struggle with not knowing where to start, so we keep letting it pile up. I highly recommend working with Jamie to jumpstart your way into a more minimal, happy life.
nuLOOM Produces high quality floor coverings infused with inspiration from nature, textiles, and architecture from around the globe. Innovative color combinations and bold patterns come together to create an elegant and eye-catching centerpiece.
Airweave Inspired by fishing lines, Founder Motokuni Takaoka used innovated Japanese technology to create an eco-friendly mattress that synchronizes to the body and allows free airflow. The airweave concept has been adopted by professional and top athletes all over the world to do great things. I can't say enough good things about the effect my Airweave mattress has had on my back pain.