Interior design expert reveals tips for creating a productive workspace at home

In slowing the spread of Coronavirus, working from home is the new normal for most Americans.  

But for many, this might mean working remotely for the first time without a well-equipped office. 

Sarah Church Brady, founder of Salt Design Co., reveals how to create a temporary yet effective workspace to stay on task and productive during quarantine.

If you don’t have a traditional desk at home, ‘you’ll want a space where you can spread out,’ says Sarah.

‘Repurpose your dining table or the area where you normally eat. Clear it off entirely and set it up similarly to your desk at work.’

While the professional interior designer prefers natural light, she says that choosing the right lightbulb for your light fixture is equally as important to set the ‘mood’

‘Chris and Julia Marcum of @chrislvoesjulia explain how to pick the right bulb and why, on their blog. 

‘If you have a dedicated desk, choose a task light that can be adjusted to shine on a specific area. 

The expert recommends the Cylinder Task Double Arm Light by Rejuvenation because it can be hung on a wall and doesn’t have to take up precious desk space. 

‘I also try and limit my blue light exposure, which can be hard when your job requires you to stare at a screen all day, grab a pair of blue light glasses or adjust your screen preferences!’ 

To create an effective and productive work area, Sarah believes you should always start the day with a clean space. 

‘After the kids go to sleep, I spend an hour before bed cleaning up our house and putting everything away. 

‘I know we will just take it all back out tomorrow, but it’s refreshing to start with an uncluttered, clean space each day.’

To lift your spirits and calm your nerves in such uncertain times, Sarah is a fan of candles and fresh flowers.  

‘Live plants provide a fresh dose of oxygen. Personally, I love aloe plants because they also purify the air and the gel can help with dry skin from all that hand washing. 

‘A scented candle is a great stress-reliever for me, I love the Feu De Bois scent from Diptyque or anything lavender scented.’

To enjoy your time at home, Sarah recommends investing in comfy clothing options. ‘A few things that give you that feeling of indulgence, like a cashmere jogger set or luxe slippers.’

A quiet space is important, ‘try a portable white noise machine to help you drown out your surroundings.’ 

Sarah suggests one by Avantek because it has a headphone jack. 

‘I’ve also been sitting down at my desk each morning with a cup of tea in the Yeti Rambler by L.L.Bean (keeps it warm for the entire day) and a large glass of water, trying to keep my morning routine as “normal” as possible.’ 

For those that don’t have a lot of living space and need to break down their home office at the end of the work day, ‘use a tray to hold all your WFH essentials or dedicate a small area where you can put it away in an organized manner. 

‘If you’re spending half your day setting up and looking for your things, then you aren’t being as productive as you could be.’

Need help? Sarah and her team have been trying to help their followers solve their design dilemmas on Instagram, by offering free advice on photos that they share of their spaces.