4 Ways to Adapt to a Chaotic Work-From-Home Environment and Still Get Things Done
Yes, it is possible to navigate all those WFH distractions.
Photo: Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels
So you’ve gone from working out of your Pinterest-worthy office to a corner of the spare bedroom hoping the kids don’t barge in? While we’re all still learning to navigate this weird Groundhog Day-esque situation, we’re also figuring out how to adjust to the new way of working the pandemic has pushed us into.
Right now, working from home is the rule—not the exception—which means the line between home and work has never been thinner. However, there are a few things you can do to help you navigate this new way of working and maintain your sanity! As someone who has been working remotely for years (and mom of a newborn!) here are my top tips for adapting to your work-from-home environment while maintaining productivity.
1. Create a daily routine that establishes work hours and family/life hours.
Sure, no one would technically know if you lived in pajama pants all day and maybe even finished working at 11 pm… but is that what you actually want? Not only can it hinder your productivity, but it can also make it harder to relax when you’re not on the clock. Working from your bed, for example, can hinder sleep when the time comes to wind it all down.
Because of the current lack of external structure like a commute or office culture and community to separate work and home life, it’s important that we create a working structure for ourselves. The first big thing you can do to create structure when working from home is to set work hours and stick to them. Pick the times of day that you’ll dedicate to your work, and focus on work during that time. And when those hours are over, focus on your life beyond work!
2. Use apps and tools that let you save ideas verbally.
When you’re working from home, there may be distractions you didn’t experience in the office. For example, many of us are navigating work-from-home with kids at home. It’s easy to lose your train of thought or forget what you’re supposed to be working on when you have to keep one eye on your children and one eye on your work—but it’s possible to find balance and stay on track!
Try using apps and tools that allow you to take verbal notes. Apps like Voxer allow you to record voice memos for yourself and other members of your team to secure your thoughts quickly in the moment. You can also use voice-to-text on Slack to take notes for yourself or others, or voice memos on your phone to record important memos for yourself.
3. Set a priority list at the beginning of the week.
Starting the week with a list of goals can help you stay on track. Set aside an hour or two on a Sunday night or Monday morning to map out the week’s priorities and tasks. When distractions pop-up during the week—which is inevitable—you’ll know how to bring yourself back. This also allows you to check work items off of your list and visually see your work moving through the week so that you’ll know exactly what you’ve done and what you still need to do.
You can keep your list organized in a project management tool like Asana or ClickUp, in a personal planner or notebook, or even on an old fashioned whiteboard. All of these methods allow you to easily see your work in front of you and know exactly where you’re at, regardless of distractions.
4. Build a feel-good practice into the end of each day.
Navigating working from home can feel isolating, frustrating, chaotic, and boring all at the same time. Making time to fill your cup will ultimately help you to feel better, work better, and get more done. At the end of your workday, make some time to do something that relaxes you, brings you joy, and takes you out of “work mode.”
You could go for a walk, drink some tea on your porch, practice some yoga, read a good book, or even play a game. The possibilities are endless, but whatever you do, make it something that recharges your battery and allows you to unwind from your day. Your work—and your physical, mental, and emotional health—will be better for it.
Remember, even though working from home can be overwhelming, it’s all about finding the right routine that brings some semblance of balance into your life. Your routine might be different from the next person’s, and that’s okay! It’s all about finding something that helps you work through the struggles and distractions that working from home—or living at work—can bring.
“Navigating working from home can feel isolating, frustrating, chaotic, and boring all at the same time. Making time to fill your cup will ultimately help you to feel better, work better, and get more done.”
—Cait Scudder, Entrepreneur
About the Author: Cait Scudder is a former high school teacher-turned-entrepreneur whose work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider, and more. An internationally-recognized online business expert, Cait is a TEDx speaker, host of the “Born to Rise Podcast,” and CEO of a seven-figure company—and she’s on a mission to reach and empower ten million driven, bold-hearted women so they can uncover their zone of genius and use it to create profitable, purpose-driven businesses that change the world. You can follow her on Instagram @caitscudder.
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This Is What Founders of Successful Companies Wear to Work From Home
Anine Bing, Babba C. Rivera, and more on their WFH style.
As we enter yet another month of coronavirus-induced telecommuting, it’s certainly no secret that working from home (in the midst of a pandemic, no less) calls for a very different dress code than working from the ole office swivel chair. After all, signing online for a virtual Zoom meeting doesn’t exactly require the same sartorial standards as walking into a boardroom meeting, especially when you take into consideration the fact that staying healthy is (and should be) priority #1 right now.
Now that our business-as-usual attire has been relegated to the backs of our closets, we reached out to founders of successful companies to find out what they’re wearing to work from home during COVID-19. Ahead, Babba C. Rivera, the founder of the brand marketing agency ByBabba, Anine Bing, the founder and chief creative officer of Anine Bing, Blair Armstrong, the founder of the lauded beauty brand Gilded, and more divulge their WFH style staples they’re turning to day in and day out.
Co-Founder, Athena Club
What's your personal style?
Very laid back, clean, and classic. I typically reach for jeans and a T-shirt or sweater depending on the weather. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I find jeans comfortable! I’ve collected my favorite pairs and could wear them every day in any situation.
What are you currently wearing?
Even though I’m working remotely, I like to get dressed in the mornings to keep a routine. Right now I’m wearing Levi's 501 jeans with a J.Crew popover shirt.
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
It truly depends. In a formal meeting, I would wear a suit (I’ve kept a few of my most comfortable suits from my consulting days), however a lot of my important meetings are business casual, so a dark pair of jeans and a simple blouse are my go-to’s.
Founder, ByBabba
What's your personal style?
“Fashion meets business with a lot of colors and a playful Scandi vibe.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Right now, I am alternating between leggings-and-blazer looks or very colorful, more fun Scandi outfits to boost my energy. Peak Performance leggings, paired with a Ba&Sh blazer and a tee from Jeanerica. Or Stine Goya pants and top.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Suits are my go-to, but during quarantine times I've tweaked it slightly by pairing blazers with leggings, so that I still look and feel polished for video conferences, but can simultaneously be ready for a midday workout through Instagram LIVE.”
Ariyana Hernandez
Co-Founder & CEO, NORA the agency
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is very fluid, typically predicated on how I'm feeling in the moment. Generally, I gravitate towards unique stand-out pieces that make a statement and have a strong penchant for airy neutrals. If I had to wear one style for the rest of my life it would be minimalistic resort wear—lots of linens and crushed silks.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Currently wearing a silk cami, a lounge set from Shaina Mote, and Objet Pendant from J. Hannah Jewelry. I love that Shaina Mote's pieces are timeless staples, super comfortable, and sustainably produced in Los Angeles.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I can't bear to be uncomfortable while working from home but I still want to look professional (at least from the waist up)! I opt for a statement blouse or a loose jacket, simple gold jewelry, and lounge pants.”
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, ANINE BING
What's your personal style?
“Timeless style with a rock n' roll edge.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Florence Jeans. I've been wearing these jeans so much lately—they're so comfortable. It almost feels like I'm wearing sweatpants but the fact that they're denim, they make me feel so much more put together. Milo Tee. Everyone knows I love a crisp white tee, this one pairs perfectly with my Florence Jeans. Fishbone Blazer. Our Fishbone blazer is always my go-to. Getting up and getting dressed in the morning like I normally would to go into the office has helped me be more productive while I'm working from home.”
Founder & Designer, Printfresh
What's your personal style?
"Eclectic would probably put it best. It’s very dependent on how my morning starts off and what I’m up to. I’m also an aspiring (and failing) minimalist. Working in design, I’ve found that a bold outfit can really influence the color choices, pattern sensibilities, and other design preferences of the people around you. So when working with others, I tend to dress more simply, choosing neutral solids over bright prints. However, working from home has really changed that."
What are you currently wearing?
"Luckily we design and make pajamas, so wearing sleepwear during our weekly Zoom call with the team is totally appropriate. I alternate between wearing a full set and then sometimes mixing PJ bottoms with a sweater or a comfy solid or Grateful Dead tee (the only graphic tees I own). Our Blush Bagheera and embroidered Daughters of Triton styles are my personal favorites from our pajama collection.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"Since our team is super small and we’re currently working remotely, these days I almost always choose to wear pajamas to our meetings. But if I’m feeling fancy I’ll do my hair and put on some of our little stud earrings that are easy for wearing at home and small enough that you can sleep in them (which is always a bonus!).”
Founder & Designer, Soluna Collective
What's your personal style?
"I love a good contrast, so I am always pushing the boundaries with how I style my clothing. Tight-fitting pants call for an extra loose top in my book and vice versa—bonus if texture and patterns are included in the mix. I like to build my wardrobe with simple silhouettes that can be paired with almost anything, the fun part is layering the different pieces! Layers are also essential living in Portland, where an afternoon sprinkle is to be expected, so I almost always carry an oversized jacket with me that can be thrown on at the slightest sight of rain. One of my favorite pieces to layer is a Woolrich jacket that used to belong to my grandma, and her brother before that. It's a rich royal blue color with a boxy fit, it adds the perfect pop of color and texture to any outfit. Finish the outfit off with wide-leg pants and a pair of boots and I call it good!”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am currently wearing our natural waffle pants (seriously the coziest work from home pants!) paired with a crop tank and an oversized vintage Pendleton shirt for an extra layer. During this period, where I have been home more than ever, I have found comfort in soft and cozy layers.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“For big meetings, I like to keep it simple. My favorite top to wear is actually from our new collection; the Wrap Jacket in Spruce Green Waffle. It has a belt that can be tied around the waist for definition and the textured waffle pattern provides an element of interest without being too distracting. I like to pair it with a wide-legged pair of pants, heeled boots, and statement earrings to finish the look.“
Founder, GILDED
What's your personal style?
"My personal style is feminine, elegant, and classic. I prefer well-crafted, timeless, and transitional pieces. My wardrobe is 99% dresses and skirts that I pair with complementary jewelry."
What are you currently wearing?
"I am currently wearing BCBG tanks. They are so lightweight and comfortable and I’ve been pairing them with my Alexander McQueen trousers."
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“My go-to for big meetings are power skirt suits and dresses.”
Founder & Designer, Indigo Swimwear
What's your personal style?
"I would say my personal style is pretty laid back beach vibes."
What are you currently wearing?
"I am currently wearing a white summer dress from Cleobella along with some of my favorite espadrille slides from Soludos."
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"For big meetings, I really just go with the flow of how I am feeling that day but a dress like today or midi skirt with a cute top is usually my go-to!”
Founder & Designer, Port de Bras
What’s your personal style?
"I’m laid back, so a tailored casual outfit that looks effortless but still makes a statement is a style that works for almost everything.”
What are you currently wearing?
"I’m so into these Chanel sandals I purchased from Farfetch through my personal shopper @paulaco_style, paired with our soon to be released summer capsule items—the Carla Top & Shorts. They are dressy and fresh, perfect for a sunset drink with friends."
What’s your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"Anything with the Port de Bras Shay Jacket. I designed it especially for meetings and now to WFH. They look amazing paired with our Jazmin Pants but can also work over a summer dress or even a bikini!"
Founder & Chief Exercise Officer, Pretty Girls Sweat
What's your personal style?
"Sporty chic.”
What are you currently wearing?
“PGS tees, Zara high-waisted pants, Kenzo sweatshirts, Nike sweatpants, UGG slippers.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Black Gucci blazer, simple tank from naked wardrobe, sweat pants (since no one can see them on a zoom call), and statement earrings.”
Founder & CEO, Parachute
What's your personal style?
“Comfort has always been my top priority when I’m getting dressed. I live by the beach and my style is definitely inspired by the outdoors. You’ll find me in an unfussy t-shirt, sweater, and Levis, or one of my go-to dresses. Much like Parachute’s aesthetic, I tend to gravitate to a neutral color palette and look for quality fabrics.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am currently in my Cloud Cotton Robe in Rose.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“We are pretty informal at Parachute. We make home essentials that are designed to be enjoyed and lived in, and our dress code is an extension of that laidback and welcoming brand ethos. For big meetings, I’ll throw on a pair of slacks and a leather jacket. I recommend having a big meeting uniform–one less thing to think about.“
Founder, Clare V.
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is always evolving, but I have an affinity for cropped trousers, a great blouse, and the perfect brogues or loafers—but right now, it's about staying comfortable throughout the day while working from home. While I typically always have a CV bag by my side, right now, it's the Emma in Yellow, a bright spot that I wear crossbody—it's the perfect size to keep my phone with me at all times, which has never been more important.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Currently, it's Richer Poorer sweatpants and our Blue Long Sleeve Hoodie with Poppy Jaguar Print.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Right now, since all of our meetings are on Zoom, it's typically business on top and cozies on the bottom. I have a soft spot (literally) for Richer Poorer sweats and my soft knits from The Great, and when I want to feel a bit fancier, I'll throw on a dress from Ulla Johnson or Doen. And always socks with Birks for walking around the house.”
Co-Founder, Creative Label
What's your personal style?
“Elevated streetwear/creative professional.”
What are you currently wearing?
“An Asos blazer, Urban Outfitters hoodie, and Amazon Fashion biker shorts.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Throw on a blazer over loungewear and it's instantly business casual. Some of my favorite loungewear items: Mayfair Group hoodies, Vida Moulin tie-dye loungewear sets (option 1 + option 2), and Asos blazers (option 1 + option 2.)”
Founder & CEO, Crown Affair
What's your personal style?
“My style is fairly simple and leans towards the casual side (even before we were all WFH!). I live in sweaters, denim, leather pants, silky wide-leg pants, and favorite vintage t-shirts and tanks. I'll usually pair that with a blazer or jacket to pull it all together. I like having my uniform, but then having variations on it that are a more playful, like tie-dye cashmere sweater instead of a neutral.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Right now at home, I'm here for something that feels like you're wearing PJs, but doesn't look like it. I've been living in these black Serena Pants from Billie the Label. They're so comfortable and I like wearing an actual pant when working during the day. I paired it with this neutral but playful cardigan from Jacquemus. Comfy enough to wear all day at home, but still feel like you got dressed for work. Taking a few moments to change from loungewear to a more pulled-together look has been helpful in creating new structures and separate my home and workspaces. I usually only wear Birkenstocks in the house, but I just ordered these Chuck 70s, so I've been wearing them inside to break them in a bit.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“As all meetings have been officially relocated to a Zoom link, it feels more natural to not get too dressed up even if you would wear a blazer for that same meeting IRL. Right now I've been wearing cashmere sweaters and I'll add an earring or necklace to make it feel more polished.”
Founder and CEO, Malai
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is comfortable but professional. I have a shop, and I'm often moving boxes around, and have to make sure that I stay comfortable. But my day also always involves speaking to vendors and investors, so I need to look professional. My style combines both of these things.”
What are you currently wearing?
“When I am not in my Brooklyn ice cream scoop shop, I am comfortably working from home in a Malai T-shirt with Lou & Grey linen pants. Our Malai tees are made with the finest California grown Supima cotton, and so incredibly comfy. The best part is that the T-shirts are created by my parents, who have owned their own textile company for the past 20 years. Their entrepreneurial journey and support has always inspired mine, so it brings me great joy that our businesses are united with our Malai T-shirts. Lou & Grey is my go-to brand for comfortable yet chic clothes. Their sunny-hue reminds me of saffron (one of my favorite spices that you find in our ice cream), and the airy texture keeps me calm during long days of our busy summer months. Most of all, they still make me feel super put-together (which is great when I have to jump on a video call or run down to the shop). While working from home, I basically have a rotation of both of these things: Lou & Grey pants and Malai tees!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“When I actually need to get dressed up, I wear a Tory Burch dress from their pre-fall 2018 collection. It's light, airy, comfortable, and most importantly, makes me feel happy and confident (key for any business meetings). I was a 2018 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, a fellowship that supports women entrepreneurs and provides them with a resource and network. I honestly think of my fellowship experience every time I put on that dress, which made me feel ready to take on the world.”
Founder & CEO, Love Wellness
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is a mix of high and low, and feminine and masculine. I love wearing baggy, high-waisted jeans with a spaghetti strap top, or a delicate dress with a men's cut corduroy jacket. I tend to stick to black, brown, white, and navy as my primary colors I wear.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Right now I'm mostly wearing sweatpants, just like the rest of the world. I love this Target brand I found on a recent trip to their headquarters in Minneapolis called Joy Lab. Everything is so soft and really affordable.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I like to wear a nice sweater and pull my hair back from my face in a nice bun. Definitely looks presentable and polished!”
Co-Founder, Creative Label
What's your personal style?
“Chic, but I also love a good sporty and comfortable outfit.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Forever 21, Forever 21, and Forever 21.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“Typically a really cute top with a very casual bottom (no one would ever know!). I also love The Mayfair Group and Vida Moulin they both have great options for work from home attire. ”
CEO & Creative Director, Same Los Angeles
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is always changing! Right now, I’d say it’s very classic and chic but with an effortless twist. My style is always confident, that’s one thing that never changes.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Loungewear, but not pajamas! If I stay in the same clothes that I sleep in, I end up being less productive when working from home. But I’m also realistic and why would I dress up if I have nowhere to go and no one to see? So I’ve been wearing mainly cute loungewear sets! If I have to do a video conference call I’ll change my top to look professional, but leave my cozy pants on bottom!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“A chic pantsuit. There’s something powerful and confident about a woman in a suit! I usually add a fun twist to make it modern and cool- whether that be a pop of color purse, a loose tee, or white sneakers.”
Founder of Sol Studio & Host of The Shine Online Podcast
What's your personal style?
“Comfortable, minimal, boho, relaxed, with a pop of color.”
What are you currently wearing?
My go-to outfit is a comfy bralette and sweatpants from Aerie with a headband or hair wrap.
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I love to wear my favorite Everlane tee with a statement pair of earrings from Arlo Jean, probably with the same sweat pants.”
Co-Founder & Chief Digital Brand Officer, Summersalt
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is casual, modern, comfortable and polished. I love being incredibly comfortable in jeans, a great pair of sneakers but with a structured sweater or shirt.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I'm wearing my Summersalt Joggers and a white T-shirt from AYR. The perfect at-home look but still somewhat pulled together!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“My go-to outfit for big meetings is usually a pair of jeans or pants that I feel incredibly confident in, a white button-down, gold bangles, and a pair of heels or sneakers. I have quickly learned that being confident and comfortable is the most important in big meetings, as opposed to trying to fit a predetermined norm. I'm not one for formal business attire.”
Co-Founder & CEO, Summersalt
What's your personal style?
“My personal style is modern classic but with a twist.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Today, I'm wearing jeans and a black T-shirt with Summersalt's Throw-and-Go Duster—my go to for my work from home routine.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“For big meetings, I love wearing the perfect blouse and Summersalt's Perfect Wide Leg Pant (sometimes a blazer) with my favorite Sarah Flint heels.”
What's your personal style?
“Menswear-inspired, classic with a twist. I like to wear clothing that's well-tailored and made from substantial materials; I prioritize comfort and softness when I buy things. My typical outfit recipe is a monochromatic or neutral base with colorful and fun socks, shoes, jewelry, and accessories to spice things up.”
What are you currently wearing?
“Lately, the concept of getting dressed revolves around whether I have a video conference that day or not. On days that I do, like today, it's business up top, comfortable on bottom. I'm wearing a Thomas Mason men's button-down (I like to shop from the men's department for a perfectly oversized fit), a pearl necklace, Hanes boxers, and cashmere Comme Si socks (ultimate WFH luxury). It's very Tom Cruise in ‘Risky Business’ meets Grace Kelly in ‘To Catch a Thief.’”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“For big meetings, I don't really deviate from my everyday style because I want to feel like myself, comfortable. You can tell when someone has dressed outside their norm, and they exude discomfort; I try to avoid that feeling. My go-to is a navy cashmere sweater with tailored navy trousers and clean sneakers.”
Founder, Megababe and The 12ish Style
What's your personal style?
“Colorful and fun.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am in Maine and currently am wearing Megababe x Day/Won Leggings and a J.Crew Tie Dye Sweater. On my face, I am masking with Megababe’s Le Tush mask, which is facial grade, so I can use it on my face!”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“My go-to look is a Veronica Beard blazer. For summer, I will pair it with a Katie Sturino x Stitch Fix dress and a Lele Sadoughi headband.”
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Hilma
What’s your personal style?
"I have actually never been asked to describe my personal style before, but I guess I would articulate it as casual but kind of modern? Is that a thing?! I am often wearing jeans and T-shirts but in varying degrees of nice. I will dress myself up or down based on accessories like earrings, shoes, and a blazer or sweater."
What are you currently wearing?
"Currently wearing old Acne Studio Jeans that I got seven years ago, an oversized Isabel Marant sweater that I love, and no shoes. I usually never work from home, but given today’s circumstances, that is obviously the new norm. For me, it is important to be really comfortable but to also not just be sitting in PJs all day."
What’s your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"I am big on jeans, a crew neck T-shirt, a blazer, and a great flat or stacked heel. I keep my blazers for years (I even have one from when I was 16 and interning at Theory) and wear them over and over."
Brett Heyman
Founder & Creative Director, Edie Parker and Flower by Edie Parker
What's your personal style?
"My personal style is comfortable. But before this pandemic, I did have a better relationship with a waistband. Not so much anymore."
What are you currently wearing?
"I’ve been wearing knit sweat pants for the past ten days—mostly from Alexandra Golvanoff. I feel like I haven’t given up completely. Today, I decided it would be smart to put my jeans on to make sure they still fit. It wasn’t great, so I settled on my trusty pair of oversized vintage 501s. It’s a compromise. My hemp Edie Parker flower tee is warm and cozy, and my Elder Statesman socks make me feel like all will be okay in the world."
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
"I don’t have a go-to outfit for meetings. I’m pretty much always in vintage jeans and a sweater or blouse. But if I have to look a little more presentable, I’ll throw on some earrings and a kitten heel."
Founding Partner, Sol de Janeiro
What's your personal style?
“Casual and chic. I like my outfits to seamlessly take me from work to dinner out with friends or a date with my husband. I always wear jeans with a fun top and cute flats. I love making my outfits super colorful.”
What are you currently wearing?
“I am wearing Lululemon leggings with a fun and colorful T-shirt. While working from home, I need to be comfortable because my ‘office’ moves from the dinner table to the couch, to my bed.”
What's your go-to outfit for big meetings from home?
“I basically wear what I usually wear and take it up several notches with high heels, a tailored jacket, and statement earrings and necklaces. Also, more eye makeup and more fragrance! I love working at Sol de Janeiro because we’re very colorful, which is exactly my personal style.”
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If You’re Looking for Stylish Yet Practical Workplace Solutions, We’ve Got Them
WFH just got a makeover.
For many of us, our home office is a sanctuary for creativity so it needs to be stimulating to get those juices flowing. But there is definitely a fine line between designing a space that’s visually interesting but also has a purpose too. And with more renters in large cities than homeowners, we need to find practical (and pretty) solutions that suit any space.
This also means versatile, multi-functional furniture and décor that can turn any nook or tiny area at home into a productive workspace, because let’s face it, not all of us have room for a designated home office. When Create & Cultivate editorial director, Sacha Strebe works from home her dining room converts into a home office (Bonus: it’s right next to the kitchen for snacks on-the-go).
In this story, we tapped our C&C team to share how they work from home using the stylish, multi-purpose pieces from our friends at Pottery Barn. You too can design a convertible home office that's both inspiring and productive.
Photo: Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Sacha Strebe, Editorial Director, Create & Cultivate
The Home-Office Tip: Don’t overfill it.
Why It Works: “To limit any distractions when you’re working from home, be sure to create an environment that’s both stimulating yet minimal. You want an inspiring space to get those creative juices flowing but you also need to focus and get your work done. So, create a streamlined, clutter-free space in the house (for me it’s my dining room table) and only keep the bare minimum. I love to have fresh clippings from the garden in a vase next to me while I’m burning a candle to enhance the mood. The only other things I keep nearby are my laptop, a bottle of water, pens, and a notepad. Sometimes I will even put my phone away so I can really hunker down.”
How to Get the Look: “This vase is decorative yet minimal and I just know the palo santo scent of this candle will ramp up my productivity.”
Pottery Barn Quinn Ceramic Vase
$39
Carly Johnson, Senior Director, Brand Marketing
The Home-Office Tip: Think outside the box.
How It Works: “You don’t need to settle for the traditional office furniture for your workspace. A credenza can double as a chic storage solution to keep all of your files and papers, while also being a space to decorate with objets d’art and inspiring pieces. Then you can keep your desk very minimal and work-related.”
How to Get the Look: “This credenza from is a practical size with a classic look that will stand the test of time. And while it’s sitting pretty, you can store all of your office essentials without anyone noticing.”
Pottery Barn Dolores Cane Media Console
$999
Caitlin Shier, Vice President, Brand Partnerships
The Home-Office Tip: Use a console table as a desk.
How It Works: “We don’t always have the luxury of space but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or function—turn your console table into your part-time desk.”
How to Get the Look: “Place decorative items on this modern rustic console so it adds to the overall design of the room, but keep a space clear front and center or to the side so you can shimmy a stool underneath when you need to work.”
Pottery Barn Malcolm Console Table
$854
Adry Perez, Social Media Manager
The Home-Office Tip: Use stylish storage to hide your office supplies.
How It Works: “If you have a roaming home office as I do then various furniture throughout your apartment can be turned into a temporary workspace. But that means I need somewhere to store my office supplies. My solution is stylish storage.”
How to Get the Look: “I keep notepads, pens, paperwork, and files in my chic rattan baskets either underneath my console or near my couch in the living room, where ever I typically work from home the most—no one will know the wiser. And when you don’t have a designated space, then I recommend this organization system that can be set up on a wall nearby to keep you on task. Working from home can be filled with distractions so any help is appreciated to stay on track. ”
Pottery Barn Jacquelyne Lidded Barrel Basket
$129
Nairi Najarian, Senior Director, Digital Marketing
The Home-Office Tip: Invest in double-duty furniture.
How It Works: “Customize any space to suit your needs with a modular pop-up desk that doubles as stylish storage.”
How to Get the Look: “Since I only work from home a few days a month I need multifunctional pieces that look like stylish furniture when they’re not being used. This modular system is fully customizable and looks like a compact storage area with a hidden compartment—a popup desk hides all of my cords and even has a place to stash my cell phone and smaller desk accessories when not in use.”
Pottery Barn Mission Modular System Collection Pop-Up Desk
$209
Kylie Tansey, Vice President, Sales
The Home-Office Tip: Light it up.
How It Works: “Lighting at home isn’t always optimized for working—think warm, soft, and moody which isn’t really what you need when it’s time to focus on a project or tackle your inbox. That’s why I love to have a task lamp nearby so I can shed some light on the space I’m working from.”
How to Get the Look: “Opt for a table lamp like this stylish bronze lamp which can be moved around the house from the dining table to the sofa, or wherever you feel inspired that day.”
Pottery Barn Stella Task Table Lamp
$137
To shop more of the stylish, multi-purpose pieces from our friends at Pottery Barn, visit potterybarn.com.
Considering Going Freelance? Here's What You Should Know
One is (sometimes) the loneliest number.
photo credit: unsplash.com
FREELANCING IS KIND OF LIKE BEING YOUR OWN BOSS. But it's not rainbows and butterflies. You need to hustle and you're constantly at the whim of clients.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MAKING THE SWITCH TO A FREELANCE LIFESTYLE.
If you’re thinking of ditching the 9-5 and working independently you’re not alone. According to a survey by Freelancers Union and Upwork, one in three Americans are now freelancing, and 50% say they wouldn’t trade their freelance career for a more traditional job even if it paid more.
Of course, it’s not all that surprising considering that freelancing allows workers to choose when and where they want to work and build their career around their lifestyle.
The independence freelancing provides means it’s often an ideal choice for women who are juggling the demands of a career and motherhood, and research shows that the majority of full-time freelancers (53%) are now women.
Flexible doesn’t necessarily equal easy, though, and going freelance also means taking on a lot of additional responsibility. So whether you’re a writer, photographer or web designer, here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.
1. YOU MUST CREATE A STRONG PERSONAL BRAND
Having a strong personal brand is important for any professional, but even more so when you’re a freelancer and are essentially marketing yourself.
If you’d like to start freelancing full-time, spend some time thinking about your marketable skills and qualifications as well as what sets you apart from the competition. Once you know what sort of image you want to project, you can start building your personal brand using social media, blogs or your own personal website.
2. NETWORKING IS ESSENTIAL
As a freelancer, the wider your network, the easier it will be to find jobs. One study that looked at how freelancers get gigs found that 81% of freelancers refer work to fellow freelancers and 37% trade or barter services.
Fortunately, 65% of freelancers also say technology has made it easier to find jobs. Before you leave your current job behind, start building up your network by joining relevant groups and online forums, connecting with like-minded professionals through sites like LinkedIn and Twitter, and attending conferences and industry events.
3. YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SET YOUR OWN RATES
As a freelancer you’ll have the freedom to set your own rates, but you’ll also be responsible for handling everything from your taxes and insurance to your pension plan, so when deciding how much to charge, you should consider both your budget and your time.
Of course when you’re just starting out it can be difficult to accurately estimate how long a project will take to complete, so time-tracking tools like Harvest can be useful for figuring out how long each task actually takes you and how much you should be charging.
4. SPREAD YOUR RISK AND HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND
The Freelancer Union report shows that 87% of freelancers earn their income from more than one source in a given month. Why? As a freelancer you never want to put all your eggs in one basket, because if your main source of income dries up unexpectedly, you’ll be in a very difficult position.
With that said, having more than one client also means sending out multiple invoices and chasing more than one person for money at the end of each month, so it’s important to have an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses and stay afloat when clients don’t pay on time.
5. YOU SHOULD HAVE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE
Although freelancing means you can work anywhere from your local coffee shop to the living room sofa, it’s still important to have a dedicated workspace where you know you won’t be distracted by kids, visitors, non-work-related phone calls or household tasks. Having your own office will also help you separate your work responsibilities from your personal life.
This could mean designating a room in your home for work, renovating a garage or even looking for a coworking space in your area, which is an increasingly popular option for freelancers.
6. SETTING BOUNDARIES IS IMPORTANT
When you’re freelancing it can be harder to draw a line between work hours and leisure time, but answering emails at all hours of the day or taking on extra work without being adequately compensated can quickly lead to burnout.
Set some boundaries with your clients early on by letting them know when you will be available to discuss projects and then sticking to those hours. Also, before starting on a new project, make sure both you and the client are clear on what will be included so you can charge for any unforeseen extras and avoid working for free.
7. FREELANCING CAN SOMETIMES BE LONELY
Although freelancing does give you enormous independence, it can sometimes be a bit lonely too. If you’re working from home, you’ll probably end up spending the better part of your days alone, and meeting up with colleagues for a quick drink after work will require more planning than it once did.
With this in mind, you should consider whether working in a less social environment would suit you. Of course, there are plenty of ways to socialize outside of work, from volunteering to taking up new hobbies to scheduling lunch dates, but you will need to make more of an effort to stay social and connected once you start working for yourself full-time.
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Are you a full-time freelancer? What tricks do you use to stay organized, motivated and connected? Let us know in the comments.
An original version of this article appeared on Career Contessa.