5 EASY TIPS TO A DESIGNER WORKSPACE AT HOME

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Hey guys! Hope you love this one… Make sure to stay to the end there’s a surprise tip that you’re not gonna wanna miss out on! Let me know if you’re surprised in the comments below👍🏻❤️😍

[@annbrookens945]

Yeah, I don't think of exercise options as being part of an at-home office!

[@sueleitch6396]

Fabulousio !!!!! Lisa gets prettier every day 😍 Love the plug tidy ideas 💡❤

[@naiiago9414]

The alternate space is such a good idea, it definitely will have a positive psychological effect to switch work spaces along the day. Never heard of the mirror, I'm intrigued.

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Totally!

[@annsmith7207]

Always great, Lisa! I would like to suggest dimmers -- I am very light sensitive and I have dimmers on everything. If I am working long hours, lowering the lighting soothes my eyes and relaxes me. Could you mention the brand of multiple charger you use when you have a moment! Thanks as always! ✨👏✨👏✨👏✨👏✨👏✨👏✨

[@TheTravelerMan]

This is going to be great. I'm planning out a new home office for a former utility closet.

[@squalloogal]

That sounds like a brilliant use of space. Very exciting.

[@marquitathatcher6286]

I love the idea of a chair and ottoman in a home office. So many people have the standard 2 chairs across from the desk set up which looks very “corporate office.” It’s also an odd set up if you don’t see clients or customers at home.

[@jeanvignes]

I have a living Peleton also known as a puppy who needs to be taken outside frequently for breaks. I have to get up and walk around at least once every two hours. He also makes a terrific office mate, as long as he's not barking out the window so loud that I can't hear myself think. My one concern is that he loves to sleep on/near my feet and I find myself unconsciously arranging myself around him at weird angles to avoid disturbing him. I think a defined puppy pillow space under my desk might be a good idea in order to position my little buddy in such a way that I can maintain a more normal/healthy seated position.

[@fitbeautynerd6073]

Thanks for this lovely video! You are talking much slower and less energetic - I kind of like it, but I also like your full power Duracell bunny mode :D either way, keep up the great work! Thank you

[@djlane5213]

I agree completely. She is so talented, and her style here seems closer to her earlier videos, which I love, rather than the silly, over-produced more recent ones. Lisa alone is plenty for us. She does not need gimmicks. MORE LIKE THIS!

[@eviemichael]

@@djlane5213 I agree!

[@Jules_Pew]

I used to work from home before retiring. My work had tons of paperwork from clients to go through. I kept everything in boxes when not working on them - they must have lids. When I had to spread out, the ironing board was great as you can change the height to suit and then just put it away at the end of the day.

[@MyFocusVaries]

This will be obvious to many others, but make sure you measure that comfie chair if your office is in a bedroom. Oversized chairs are not necessarily designed to fit through a smaller doorway (this may be a lesson I learned the hard way). Also, when considering lighting, think about where you place your computer. A screen backlit by a window can cause eye strain or migraine (also a lesson learned the hard way). LED lights are also nice and bright but can cause migraine as well. I just switched back to incandescents.

[@marycallahan2398]

Excellent suggestion about LED lights--they give me headaches & after a while, looking at electronic screens, in an LED lighted space, I see purple spots!

[@MyFocusVaries]

@@marycallahan2398 Purple! That is a wild migraine halo! Mine look like sparklers.

[@superfacch]

I have some color adjustable and dimmable LEDs so I can save on the energy cost but also adjust for eye strain

[@dalereid4199]

Absolute legend ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@philippapay4352]

I work from home and the conditions surrounding that keep changing, so this is crucial for me. Thanks. You showed some good options for lighting that are not the first that come to mind for us as non-designers. The secondary seating option is a big deal, which you covered with some good ideas. I cannot function out of chaos. I crave order for productivity. The sit-to-stand desks that change height are wonderful, but there are also standing desks that are attached to treadmills so you can walk while working, if you are comfortable doing them together. The bicycle, exercise ball, and mirror are good ways to keep moving at work.

[@sannajohanna5579]

Thank you! I changed the job and my new office is moving next year. Now we have our workrooms, but in the new place, they will have only few rooms for common use, because workers like to work from home and visit the office only two-three times/week. It has functiobed so well that they decided to continue this hybrid-model of working and then also save office space. I like it. But it definetely means that at home, I must have room to my home office!

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Wonderful!

[@cathylehman7538]

I am starting a new contract job Monday. Normally, I receive a company laptop and that is it. This company has already sent me 2 brand new big monitors, keyboard, mouse, the works. Now I get to clear off the old and install the new. Thx, Lisa! Timing is everything

[@nalahbaer8290]

Amazing that they provide so much.

[@rochitarudra2080]

Nice, wahi h company is this

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

This applies to any storage system, but I feel like it's almost more important with a home office: *Overbuild your storage.* Having storage where everything fits just so looks really great when you're finished, but it's super impractical. I'd shoot for about a third empty space. When everything has to be really meticulously put back, it's going to be more tempting to leave things out. You also never know when you're going to have to take on a new project with additional folders, materials, whatever. Overbuilding your storage also allows more flexibility in terms of where you place things. You can arrange things based on when/where/how much you use them, rather than where they fit. In your closet you can weed out what no longer fits into your organizational scheme. You can't very well throw out a dossier from your boss because you don't have space to put it. Figure out how much storage space you need, and add at least a third more storage space to that figure.

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

Even if your storage is just a few pretty stationery boxes, buy a few extras. If you're using hanging file folders, go slightly larger than what you need. If you go too small, you'll regret it later when the product line you used is no longer available and you have an assortment of stationery boxes that don't look well together, or you have two file cabinets taking up twice as much space as a taller one would.

[@kittycraft3620]

Great video and so timely for me. Just moved and have to set up our office again. Will do a better job of it this time with your helpful ideas!

[@twilde3754]

Very informative Lisa! thank you! I am one of those workers whose department has been permanently moved home. I have a formal dining room in my teeny-tiny cottage that I've turned one side into my office space, the other the small dining area. Works for me. But besides my desk and great lamp I haven't done any real decorating on the office side. I got some great ideas from this video. Happy Spring!!!

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rmonson5002]

I need to take these suggestions to my office at work as well. It definitely needs an overhaul! Thanks Lisa for another great video!!

[@LisaHoltDesign]

You are so welcome!

[@cs4849]

This is timely, I’m in the process of setting up my home office in our new house. It is in a guest room, but we are installing a Murphy bed.

[@ew0215]

I would love a video on what to look for when hiring a designer or general contractor, or a what to consider before a renovation generally. 🤗

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Great suggestion!

[@annbrookens945]

Some really great ideas! I need to watch it again to absorb them!

[@scpatl4now]

You also want to check that you can control the height of your chair. If it is too low or too high for your work surface that's going to make your back sore really fast. I sometimes have a hard time finding a chair that has the range that I need (I use surfaces that are different heights.). I roll from one to another depending on what I am working on. I also built tables that can fold back up into the wall to save space (although they are almost never folded back up). I know this is mainly about home offices but some of us actually create stuff in a home studio. I really need to work on organization. I hate when I know I have something but can't find it. I am really bad about putting things back where they are supposed to go. I need to work on that.

[@patmiller774]

If there really is a spot designated for each item, follow the 30 second rule. Rather than leaving something where it has been used, take half a minute and put it back exactly (not just near) where it belongs. Organization!

[@jimandjudyc48]

I just ordered a cable box to put all my cables, plugs and power strip in (I didn't even know there was such a thing until I viewed your video!) Thank you for the tips. Beautiful office spaces! (Mine is just a large arts-and-crafts desk and swivel/adjustable office chair at the back of my family room.)

[@squalloogal]

Something fun to wake up to 😊😘

[@ilovebobsdonuts]

Thanks Lisa, needed this one!

[@elainemitchell5755]

Lisa, thanks you are the best a wealth of Dezign knowledge!

[@deftauntie7582]

💖 definitely sharing this vid - your club will be uber helpful 🤗✌️

[@LisaHoltDesign]

You're the best!

[@deftauntie7582]

@@LisaHoltDesign 💖💖💖

[@squalloogal]

If you’re short on cash and/or space, I’ve found a large blowup gym ball can be a great secondary seat to help your posture and gives a passive workout at the same time.

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Great tip!

[@Silkelovesit]

Thank you, Lisa! Great suggestions as always.

[@seanferguson5460]

Re Home Office: "Only things that belong." OMG! Why didn't I have you in my life 20 years ago!

[@LE-nf3zm]

I know everyone wants to just store info on the computer but we still need storage ideas with furniture- help!

[@dolsiemercado3140]

Yes, helpful

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Glad you think so!

[@jonathanfgh1]

Love it ! Don't forget your wall storage, shelves and wall cubes that can hold art, photos, files, books and can add colour ! Jfgh

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Great idea!!

[@kimhaas7586]

I need a desk chair that isn’t a behemoth. The more comfortable ones take up way too much space in my office, which is a third bedroom. The room has a daybed and Alex desk from ikea. I just can’t find a desk chair that doesn’t look out of place in the room. It’s white and not a gaming chair. It’s just not attractive or in proportion to the rest of the space. I’ve tried smaller chairs. The size is right but the more comfortable small chairs cost a small fortune. Why is this so difficult for furniture designers to get right?? Small, comfortable, adjustable height, leather or nice upholstery for a reasonable price (under $200). Is there such a thing?

[@superfacch]

I have one from Elle decor but I think I will definitely need to add some lumbar support cushions. But that might be an option for you

[@tammiepulley7167]

The mirror looks great.

[@sherriewheelwright4137]

How do you make three large screens on the desk look good? No one ever addresses this? Yes, I need three of them for my work programing.

[@nalahbaer8290]

Look up gaming set ups...workspace tours etc. They always have a lot of monitors.

[@BubblyViolin11]

Staggering the heights can also help. Using a monitor/laptop stand can help with elevating one monitor, and the others can be right on the desk.

[@superfacch]

Hah just commented the same thing. I think gaming setups often look childish or...gamer-y. I'm a professional!

[@sherriewheelwright4137]

@@BubblyViolin11 Agreed, I'm not into gaming, I'm in my 50s for "heck sakes". So far, not much advice about the three screens, I've basically put house plants in back of them, to try to hide them from incoming traffic.

[@michelletothill8551]

I need this video as I contemplate having to create 2 home offices, one at the house, the other at the cabin. The one at the cabin needs to be moveable, or at least have a locking cabinet on wheels. One aspect of lighting that is a challenge in my house, is that no matter where I set up my office, I have to manage direct bright sunlight. Don't get me wrong, I love lots of natural light, but not when it is creating glare on my monitor or shining into my eyes.

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Hey Michelle, Are you in the Dezignclub? I'm answering questions about this very situation in a masterclass coming up next week! www.thedezignclub.com

[@fuzzylon]

Thanks for another great video. I have an additional suggestion - shelves. I have installed shelves on both sides of my home office so that I can keep as much as possible off the desk itself. Particularly for the gadgets and for keeping papers that I am not actually working on off the desk and out of sight.

[@superfacch]

Totally agree! I just mounted one of my Ikea Besta units on the wall and I don't know why I didn't think of it before! Really saves on footprint and so nice to be able to close the door and not see everything

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Thanks for the tip!

[@user-mf7zo7sw8g]

Oh my goodness another fabulous idea!

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Glad you like it!

[@kakylong2]

My Hubby has maybe 50 sq ft to work in. It doesn't give a lot of extra space for things, but he makes it work.

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Oh wow!

[@michelletothill8551]

I was thinking about this video and something was niggling at me. With so many of us working from home, yes we need a functional work space as you wonderfully described. But the other thing we need today are cameras, great audio equipment and lighting for Zoom and Teams calls. I know these items are outside of decor, but I sure would appreciate if you could share resources. Does wall colour reflect on our faces? What about glare from windows?

[@barbaraderossi7]

i live in a studio apartment in NYC and the only work space i have is the counter height counter/table i built in my railroad kitchen, i like the space but struggle with where to put the paper stuff. so it has now become my desk instead of dining table and extra couter space. any of the spaces you show are always big spaces.

[@marylut6077]

Organizing tip - do you sort into a few categories or lots of smaller categories? Do you need to see it or hide it away for a clutter-free surface? Do you use it a lot or occasionally? Create a system that works for you.

[@jayneeduvaleus2375]

Can you give examples o how to decorate glass front bookshelves

[@koulamichail5238]

Hello Lisa! I just discovered your videos and they are really helpful. Thanks!!! Just a question......I have a small space 6- 7 sqm in the living room with a curved wall. Do you think its possible to make it a home office with a day bed?

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Yes, absolutely Make sure you're on my LIVE with LISA tomorrow!

[@debraphillips2993]

Hello Lisa, could you please give me information on the cord organizater units.

[@LisaHoltDesign]

linked below

[@bennygreene7748]

The wife I watch weekly and over the pass year. You are great at what you do and we love your channel. We would love to see more of your finished project, if your clients would allow you to video your workmanship. Also, why do you only wear black outfits? You are very attractive and we love your change in eyewear. Thanks

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Benny, you're so kind, welcome to the fam!!

[@superfacch]

Something I find frustrating about all office pictures and design advice is that they don't make any consideration for multiple monitors, which you need if you work on technical things! They are so ugly even with a proper mount and cable management. My office area is out in my living room and a room divider is not an option because I'm already working with a very small space. Help!

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Sarah, Are you in the Dezignclub? We're going over that very situation in a masterclass coming up next week! www.thedezignclub.com

[@indialeestarks3935]

I appreciate this, and you, Lisa…but it didn’t help at all. ☹️ You didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know, and have known for a while now. I hate to admit, because I rock with you Lisa✊🏾, but your suggestions were basic, at best :/…And in contrast from a lot of your other videos. I need ACTUAL design tips. Here are some examples:: -Where and how to fit in book cases, along with lounge seating? -Having your desk against the wall vs. in the middle of the room? -What if you want to put a Murphy bed in there? -How do you match and choose finishes, and color, of each piece? -Is it lame to keep buying pieces from the same collection as, say, maybe the desk you’ve already purchased (e.g. Arhaus, Pottery Barn, etc)? -What about ikea bookcase options/shelving options in a space with furniture that has more character and/or style (see example brand in previous sentence)? -Working all these design options around windows? -How to add a L-shaped/U-shaped desk but you already have a desk in your space? (And don’t want to get rid of it because it cost a few pennies)… -How to best use things for organization like bins, pen holders, baskets etc. when function and design aesthetics are important.? -When you have a lot of books, and I mean a lot of books, so putting a cute little cactus plant or vase of flowers in/on my book shelf is a waste of space (some of us actually still use books for reading, and not just decoration…and some people still actually read EVERYDAY) . (Also, some of us still hand-write a lot, and at our desks, using the computer much less in the actual office space). So many other tips that designers, as professionals, know how to do, that I don’t know how to do (and actually struggle with figuring out on a weekly basis). I was excited for this video (I have a new office space that’s mostly empty)…you let me down, Lisa. 😭🥺😪🤧

[@LisaHoltDesign]

Gosh I loved the idea of the Mirror workout!

[@indialeestarks3935]

@@LisaHoltDesign Aww Lisa, you’re wonderful 😭💝! It was a good idea.

[@vcr6854]

I’m annoyed my company wants us to come in for meetings when really we only need to go in to meet with clients 😑😑😑 and wfh for everything else