Building the Ideal Work Environment: How to Craft a Workspace That Sparks Creativity and Drives Success
Curating my surroundings to ensure focus and productivity has a significant impact on the success of my projects. This marks the beginning of my second year running my business and working remotely. While many people tested remote work routines during the pandemic, I did not and felt a bit late to the game in transitioning to working from home.
Generally speaking, I am an organized and ambitious person, so developing a routine isn’t an issue. However, shifting the perspective of my home from a space of rest, relaxation, and disconnection from external stressors to a full-time work environment took considerable time to accept.
I began to think about what I truly needed to set myself up for success. After all, difficulty can lead to discouragement, decision fatigue, and, ultimately, stagnation. The moment I started feeling this way, I realized that the right environment is key to combating these challenges. That's when I also considered finding places outside my home that could serve as workspaces.
Curating the Ideal Creative Space for Productivity
Identifying my needs in a workspace is the first step. For any writer, certain basic elements must be present to create a conducive environment for work. These elements include:
A flat surface, such as a desk or table
Comfortable seating
Sufficient lighting
Power outlets for devices
When working for extended periods, it’s also important to have ergonomic options, such as sit/stand desks, kneeling chairs, and angled footrests. Having a variety of lighting options, like natural light, task lighting, and up-lights, is crucial for different times of day. The placement of power outlets and the overall layout should integrate these elements while considering the available space.
My Workspace Setup
At home, I’ve curated my workspace to incorporate all of these elements. My flat surface is a 26" sit/stand laptop table, and it’s adjustable from 27.5" to 45" in height. The desk has casters for mobility, which works with all my seating options, and the surface can be tilted to ensure my wrists are comfortable while I work.
I also enjoy a variety of seating options. I have a bean bag chair for when I want to be low but not on the ground, a cushioned armchair with throw pillows for comfort, large pillows for floor seating, a deep-seated sofa, fabric bench, and small stool that doubles as a step-ladder.
I position myself to face the window to take advantage of natural light during the day, complemented by a task light and an up-light that I can adjust to different intensities and color temperatures. I’ve also made sure to include plenty of power options.
To stay motivated and relaxed, I’ve filled my workspace with things that inspire me. These include images and books written by strong women, notes of thanks from colleagues and friends, Bluetooth speakers for music, and some house plants to bring a bit of nature inside.
Setting the right mood may be easier when you live alone, but if you live with others, it can help to establish physical cues to signal when you’re in "work mode." For example, if you have a dedicated room, closing the door can signal to others that you’re working. Lighting a candle, burning incense, or starting a focus playlist can also create a specific atmosphere. It’s also important to communicate your break times to others, so they know when you’re available for check-ins or socializing.
Coffeeshops & Coworking Spaces
In addition to curating my home workspace, I also seek out external spaces that offer the right environment. When considering places like coffee shops or coworking spaces, I look for several key elements. Noise level is a big factor. While I always carry a good pair of headphones, I enjoy the energy of a busy environment. There’s something motivating about seeing and feeling others working toward their own goals, especially in a communal setting.
Seasonality also plays a role in my decision. I love being outdoors when the weather is warm, so I look for spaces that allow me to work outside. In colder months, I gravitate toward indoor spaces that simulate an outdoor vibe, with earthy tones, warm colors, and indoor plants. And, of course, good people, drinks, and food options are a must.
Writers often flock to coffee shops for the free Wi-Fi, easy access to beverages, and a comfortable place to work. There’s a unique sense of camaraderie in these spaces—everyone, whether they’re working on manuscripts, emails, or invoices, is engaged in some form of writing. I appreciate the respectful, focused atmosphere in these spaces and the sense of connection to the community. Coffee shops often showcase local art, promote events, and give back to the community, making them an ideal spot for a creative workspace. Coworking spaces offer a similar sense of community, with the added benefit of memberships that grant access to meeting rooms, printers, and networking opportunities.
Both coffee shops and coworking spaces offer a sense of togetherness and support, even if there’s little direct interaction with others. Being together doesn’t always mean being in the same physical space or engaging in live, real-time conversation. For me, the energy of working in these spaces, whether alone or among others, fosters a sense of collective focus and motivation.
One thing I really appreciate is when people take the time to curate public spaces. These are the people who not only consider the atmosphere they want for themselves but are also able to read the room and adjust the space to ensure others feel comfortable and productive. This is essential because, just as people evolve, the atmosphere within a space can change. As a curator of my own environment, it’s important for me to continuously observe how my space affects my work and make adjustments as necessary.
Additionally, I like to keep a list of locations outside my home that work for me, so when I find a space that fits my needs, I can cycle through different places regularly. This variety helps me stay engaged, and once a location becomes more of a distraction than a productive environment, I move to a new spot.
Final Thoughts
Whether at home or in an external workspace, the right environment can make all the difference in how productive and inspired you feel. By curating your surroundings to suit your needs—whether that’s through lighting, seating, or the atmosphere—you set yourself up for success. And remember, it’s okay to switch things up when one space no longer serves your creative needs. The key is finding what works best for you in each moment and ensuring your environment supports the work you want to do.
