Something is exciting about writing this article - about how, ever since I quit my full-time office job to become a freelancer, I pull off this task: meetings, make time to gain some creativity, meet the deadline. I am convinced honestly that this is my lifestyle now. Ever since I adopted the home-office workflow, I can not imagine a minute going back to a regular office. From the time I graduated from university until the beginning of COVID-19, I worked in several companies as a marketeer. I commuted to their headquarters, attended their meetings (hell yes, they could be an email!), worked overtime, lost meals, and prepared thousands of unnecessary presentations.
But offstage, I side-hustled my projects with my eye on the prize. I quit my job and become a full-time freelance digital marketeer that could work from home (or anywhere I like). This year it all happened! I am not the only one who has decided or been pulled to bow out of office life. 77% percent of millennials report that flexible work increased their productivity, and 90% of current work from home-ers plan to keep doing so for the rest of their careers. When people ask how I push myself to get stuff done, I put it like this: self-motivation, as opposed to external motivation, is inherently much more stimulating to me. Also, an important factor for me is the environment that I work from, and this is the reason that I’ve created a functional and inspiring home office corner. As it helped me, I am sure it would also help others that are seeking some inspiration. Let’s see how you can get started.
My design philosophy is simple: Your decor should make you happy. Nowhere is this more important than in your workspace, an area you spend hours (if not all your day) in, yet one that is rarely prioritized. It’s tough to make office decor feel inspiring, especially when you have a never-ending stack of files and clunky computers taking up permanent residence on your desk. But to ignore your office decor is to do yourself a disservice. Many workspace surveys have found a positive correlation between workplace design and employee performance. It’s a logical connection: The more inspiring or personal your workspace is, the more likely you want to spend time there.
You may not have a whole room that you can assign as an office area. But that doesn’t stop you from creating an inspiring corner for you! Many office essentials focus primarily on function. We also focus on the “practical style”, there are a few easy upgrades you can make for an instantly cooler workspace.
Let’s get started!
Find the perfect notebookMy agenda is my bible, so I make sure to find a design that is simple but at the same time inspires me to get the work done. While I was searching for my 2021 notebook, I came across Marjolein Delhaas, a Rotterdam-based graphic designer and a trendsetter in perfectly designed pocket-size planners, wall planners, and desk pads. She strives to create work that is functional but also attracts the eye. Her never-ending search for minimalism in layout, typography, paper, and color results in work that can be described as raw industrial without ever losing a touch of refinement. Bold typography versus a thin elegant line.
The persistence to analyze, organize and create systems evolved in 2008 in an annual collection of pared-down planners. A playground to experiment with different techniques and materials results in clear, graphic, and functional everyday systems, which also serve as exquisitely cool objects.
All products are printed and bound in the Netherlands, against fair prices, and conform to EU production standards. All paper used is FSC®-certified. Marjolein Delhaas’ modest collection of refined paper goods is sold in selected stores around the globe. We are delighted to be one of the few selected stores in The Netherlands to offer this beautiful collection.
Do you want the perfect notebook? Just look for one that is preferably inspired by your favorite color trends, design-inspired or minimalist, and which should probably help you stay organized. The notebooks designed by Marjolein Delhaas are the custodians of your thoughts, big and small. Your secrets, crazy ideas, and big plans are safe with them. Every office must-have. You can use the left page for structuring your day and notes and the right page for ticking off all your achievements. Give priority to tasks by ranking the stars. If you want to complete your daily tasks without stressing yourself and your mind, I highly recommend you to get a notepad, a great example of design meeting functionality. There is something for everyone. Use these colorful 100 pages to keep track of important information for yourself or that colleague who left again for a snack. If you want a more simple solution that can be carried everywhere I introduce you to sticky notes. Chaotic or not, this is a must-have. High-quality paper sticky notes combine beauty and functionality. With soft colors, they are perfect for everyday use. They can be used as bookmarks or as unique-looking sticky notes! They will remind you of your daily tasks with elegance and simplicity.
Having an unorganized office desk can lead to a scattered mind, which reduces our performance. As a person who can easily get lost, I advise you to take some time and create a functional home office. My desk was piled high with papers, samples and there were magazines everywhere. So I decided to get some essential items to make my chaotic desk a peaceful environment.
When it comes to organizing a home office, it is important to keep productivity and efficiency in mind. A wildly colorful space can be overly distracting for some, while a sterile scheme can verge on the unmotivating for others. Either way, we have some creative solutions for you. Bring order and personality to your desk with a simple and practical magazine holder. You can use it to store any desired books, magazines, or paperwork with a stylish approach. Find a unique pencil holder so you can keep everything in one place. I recommend the sculptural yet practical pencil holder made entirely of brass, which is why it has a very exclusive and shiny look. The pencil holder is ideal to use as an original and unique accessory in your office space. Use jars to store small items. This collection of storage jars will fill your desired area with the perfect vibes. It is a functional solution to store essentials in your living room, kitchen, or nightstand. A timeless piece to complete your storage needs with a chic approach.
Just wake up and get started. Think about designing your home office for maximum productivity. Organizing your office doesn’t have to take days, it can be done little by little at a time. Maintaining an organized office is much more effective if you treat it like an ongoing project instead of a massive assault. An organized workspace is not a magical time-saver, but it helps you to get more done. Because you know where everything is, you are not overwhelmed by visual distraction and can focus on the task at hand. Plus, an organized desk helps create positive mental energy that can spread to your enthusiasm for your daily duties.
When you complete the transformation of your home office, you will be set for productivity. Make sure your office stays organized. Straighten up a little every morning and evening. Try to tidy up around at the same time each day, so it becomes routine. This method will help prevent a time-consuming, big clean-up every week.
It’s time to enjoy every little moment (and zoom calls) at home.