I once had someone explain our obligations in life as balls we are constantly juggling. Some balls we can afford to drop because they are rubber and will bounce back, while others are more fragile. These are made of glass and, if dropped, will shatter.
On which balls are you placing the most importance? Are they rubber or are they glass? Everyone has their own “right” way to juggle their work-life balance, but I think we can all agree that the family, relationship, and passion-pursuit “balls” are incredibly important to your self-care. Don’t get me wrong, you can’t ignore your responsibilities (I’m all about the hustle!), but we need to carve out time for what we value. I therefore live by the old adage, “work hard/play hard.”
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Our Top 5 Tips for Peaceful Living
My number one tip for how to work hard and not feel so burnt out? A well-designed office. Okay, I know that seems trivial in comparison to advice like “get plenty of sleep” and “start your day with a workout,” but our atmosphere has a huge effect on our mood and thus our productivity.
With a world full of distractions and noise, we really have to focus on being efficient at work. If you work in the office, it’s chatter, social lunch breaks, and people popping in to ask questions. If you’re at home, it’s the laundry signal going off, the Amazon delivery person at the door, or the cat begging for a scratch. Good design places equal importance on form and function. Smart, beautiful design clears your mind and sets the mood for a productive day. You will feel inspired to take on your day with energy and positivity.
My top 5 tips for an inspiring and more productive work environment:
Smart Storage
Next time you walk into your office, stop and take note of how you feel. Do you see reminders of unfinished tasks? Clutter? How does this affect your mood? Start by taking stock of what you have ON your desk. Does it all need to be there perpetually? Tuck away absolutely ANYTHING that you are not currently using. Actually use your desk drawer for tape and staplers. This may require a deeper dive into those drawers to make room, but it will be worth it when you can walk into your office with a blank slate. Keep your to-do tasks in notebooks stacked in neat piles. I keep my current client files all in green folders tucked neatly on a shelf in a white file tray. The less that is on your desk, the more focused you will be. (This goes for your virtual office too- put your phone away and logout of social media if you want to be efficient-I promise it will help).
Add Plants
Seems simple but just having some nature around you helps to elevate your mood. This is especially important if you don’t have a view of the outside. Succulents, pothos, and snake plants are all plants that are easy to keep alive. Still afraid to be a plant parent? Go faux! They’re SO cute and realistic now, plus Target has a TON right now for $5.
Related Post: DECLUTTER AND CLEAN | 5 SIMPLE STEPS TO HOME OFFICE ORGANIZATION
Comfy chair
You cannot out-design a bad chair. Contrary to that suggested morning workout, your office is not the place to work through the pain. Know your body and what you need. Do you need extra lumbar support? Add a pillow or invest in an ergonomic chair. Choose the correct height of the chair for your desk, or go with an adjustable seat. There are tons of cute chairs out there that still protect your back and your body.
Consider your brand image
Whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee, you likely have your own niche. There are tasks you are good at, little quirks you are known for around the office, or things that make you smile. When designing your home away from home, be true to yourself, your personal brand, and how you want others to perceive you when they walk into your space. Are you known for your feminine flair, serious accomplishments, or killer jokes? Run with it. Be true to yourself and you will feel inspired and confident.
Don’t ignore your senses
This is especially true for hearing. Invest in some noise-canceling headphones to help drown out the noise. Then spend a few hours making playlists that make you feel productive and not distracted. When I’m designing, it’s easy to vibe to 90’s jams (a personal fave), but when I’m writing I need simple white noise. Make playlists for your different tasks. This will help immeasurably. Light is another biggie here. At the very least, swap your bulbs for a wavelength that agrees with your work. I personally love daylight light bulbs because for me, the more light the better. However, I know plenty of people, like my husband, who thrive with a more warm tone.
*Trend Alert*
Here is what I am loving for productive but beautiful offices right now.
1. Metallic accessories. These instantly add a touch of glamour to your space.
2. Salt Lamps. Give yourself a bit of zen and a smidge of ambiance.
3. Diffusers or candles. Whichever you pick, the rich scent will go a long way (I choose coffee scent but that’s another story).
4. Peel and Stick wallpaper. There are so many options these days that you are sure to find the perfect one to fit your brand.
5. Fabric Cord-Wraps. These are so great for helping streamline the cord clutter.
6. Closets as Offices. Don’t have an extra space you can use for your office? Clear out an unimportant closet and convert it into your home office space. The bonus is you can close it away when you’re done for the day.
Still feeling stuck? A part of achieving a more peaceful life is investing your energy into what you enjoy. If designing and shopping for your home stresses you out, hire it out the same way you might hire out your taxes. Many designers will pass along their furniture store discounts to their clients (I know I do) so the expense may be far less than you anticipate. As a professional, my job is to help you feel happy and peaceful at home (and at work). This is my passion and what gets me jumping out of bed in the morning. I would love to hear about your trouble spaces and would be honored to help you achieve a sense of peace at work.
Jennifer Rose
House of Rose Design
JENNIFER ROSE
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, Virginia Tech
HSR Certified Home Stager & Stylist
I help clients curate beautiful, functional, and aspirational spaces in their homes. I love giving them the confidence and peace of mind to relax or entertain at the drop of a hat. I can’t get enough. I eat, sleep and breathe home design. At night, you’ll often find me with a glass of bubbly in hand perusing and studying homes on Zillow and Realtor or binging design shows on Netflix. I’m fascinated by the real estate market and the psychology behind what makes someone fall in love with home.
I grew up not only designing and rearranging my own room but also my friends’ rooms. I remember late-night sleepovers pushing furniture around their rooms and raiding their attics for fun art. Looking back, I can only imagine what their parents thought. My creative aspirations led me to Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture & Design where I was awarded my Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Design with a minor in Art History. After school, I worked in graphic design and, being the child of 2 strong entrepreneurs, opened my own firm where I was on track to becoming one of the top graphic designers for the wedding industry in Hampton Roads, VA. It was then that I met my husband who took me into the exciting world of military moves. I put my professional design career on hold to raise my 3 beautiful daughters while flexing my creative muscles completely remodeling and redesigning our own 5 homes. I am so happy being back in my element and absolutely love helping my clients love their spaces.
When not designing, you’ll find me swimming, crafting or dreaming up my next home.
