Curating A Workspace Centered Around Wellness
Working from home is the new normal. How should we adapt?
The past couple months have been full of change and uncertainty. Many of us are remotely working from home, indefinitely. I’m lucky to have a loft with space designated to our design studio, so the idea of working from home is not new. Not everyone is this lucky, and many of my friends and family have begun the process of creating home offices. But how? How do you create a workspace that feels inspiring and comfortable at the same time? The Five Senses.
F I V E - S E N S E S
SIGHT | When selecting your future work space, first consider natural lighting. Will the space be well-lit during the day without using artificial light? As evening approaches, I recommend using a desk lamp that will provide task lighting without creating a harsh glare. Positioning your desk to face a window is a nice way to bring in light as well as the perception of nature. Nature, such as plants and flowers bring us closer to the outdoors. I like to get rid of unnecessary objects and keep the desktop simple and paired down. With that said, I style my desk with one or two small personal items that spark joy. I’ve placed one of my wedding photos on my desk that brings a smile to my face every time I glance at it. Artwork will also add a layer of personality to your workspace. I usually opt for pin-up boards that allow for constant transformation. I use a simple magnetic blackboard filled with materials, graphics, and textures that I love.
TOUCH | The materials you surround yourself with play a large role on your overall wellness. I like to incorporate natural and organic materials to warm up the space. I strive to find furniture that is unpretentious, earthy, and simple. I suggest a wood desk and an ergonomic chair that is both supportive and adjustable. Try to wear clothes that are soft, and comfortable for all day wear. You don’t have formal meetings to attend, so why not curate a wardrobe that is simple and breathable. Until the warmer weather hits, I suggest you do like the Danes, and invest in nice woolen socks to bring in a little Hygge (pronounced HOO-GA). This is the concept of creating coziness of the soul. Materiality matters. The workspace should feel like an extension of your home, while promoting creativity and productivity.
SMELL | Clean air and pleasant aromas make working from home enjoyable. I’ve placed an air purifier close by to remove toxins from my work zone. Palo santo is my go-to aroma and I burn it throughout the day. My brother gifted me an oil diffuser with essential oils which I often use as well. I find rosemary, eucalyptus, and lavender promote focus and induce a sense of calm. Candles are another way to make the space feel and look warmer, while smelling great. I always look for handmade ceramics and candles made with natural ingredients such as soy or beeswax.
TASTE | Coffee is a key to my morning ritual. Since I haven’t been able to go out for my favorite cup, I’ve splurged on a nicer bag of coffee. If you’re not a big coffee drinker, it’s important to have something else to warm the soul. Maybe that’s tea, a warmed cloth, or even a big bowl of soup for lunch. Taking small breaks to make these simple treats are important. Breaks enable a moment of peace away from the desk, which is key when creating a healthy routine.
SOUND | If you live in a city like me, you know it can be hard to concentrate with constant sound right outside your window. Just this week, the lovely sound of a jack-hammer was more than enough to break my concentration. I’ve placed speakers throughout our loft so the sound of “chill vibes” can be heard no matter where I am. If you can’t concentrate with music, a simple sound machine will also do the trick. Try listening to the sound of the ocean or light rain - I can assure you this is better than the traffic outside. If you’re lucky to be near nature, crack a window to hear the real thing!
If you have any additional questions about creating a holistic workspace at home, please feel free to reach out.
As always, I hope you and your family are staying healthy and safe!
xx
-A