Creating a Zen Workspace at Home

I’m a firm believer in everyone having a desk in their home and a zen workspace. If you have a space designated for creativity and inspiration you’ll have better, clearer ideas and you’ll feel more focused. Whether you work from home, go to school, love to write, mail letters to friends and family, or you’re a designer, a desk space is a must. After the past year, so many are finding themselves more inspired and creative than ever, because we were forced to spend more time at home and alone. COVID-19 has ravaged our world, stalking us silently, but 2020 was actually an incredibly moving and inspirational year for me. Being alone more often and being home helped me discover more about myself and I grew as a person. I found new hobbies, fell in love with old passions, such as ballroom dancing, and dove head first into home projects. I realized what I absolutely need in order to be happy and what I can live without. It has been a year unlike any other, but with each year comes important lessons, growth, and light (even in the darkest of times).

My desk area is very special to me because it’s where I’m most creative and peaceful. It’s a place where I forget about all of the noise around me. My desk is also in my bedroom, which is quiet and peaceful. I do my yoga in my bedroom, my kitties hangout in my bedroom, and it’s a calming room. It’s important to put your desk in a place that doesn’t get a lot of traffic and is for the most part, quiet. I write, of course, but I’m also obsessed with fashion and I’m currently getting my Fashion Business certification from Parson’s School of Design; All of my courses are online, which is the norm thanks to COVID-19 for all students. I do my schoolwork at my desk, write, read fashion magazines (constantly), and I make my lists (grocery lists, home project lists, goal lists) at my desk. It’s a perfect space to sit, think, and begin. My desk is from 1925 and belonged to my Great Grandmother. I love to think how many women sat down at this desk and wrote letters, paid bills, and created (including myself). Every mark and scratch on this antique is special. When I was in high school I did my schoolwork at this desk, I had a little makeup area set up to do my makeup every day, and I still do my makeup at my desk with my makeup mirror, because it feels natural at this point.

You can buy a desk from various retailers (Wayfair, Amazon, IKEA), you can find an old desk at a yard sale, or an antique store and revamp it, making it your own, or if you have someone in your life whose able to, you can have your desk custom built to suit your needs and your space. First, find the perfect spot for it in your home (adequate space is very important). Then, decide what you want the energy of your zen workspace to be. My desk area is very bohemian and connected to nature. I can look out two windows that overlook a field, with deer, trees, and perfect sunsets. I have faux flowers on my desk and celestial decorations all around to remind me of what I love. Lastly, you get to shop for all of your desk needs and decor (my favorite part). It’s very important to be selective regarding what you put on (and in) your desk and to keep it clean, organized, and clear from clutter and junk. Every item on my desk was hand selected for a reason, which makes the space that much more special. I have an iron Brooklyn Bridge, because I’m forever connected to New York City, my jewelry, because it’s beautiful and each piece is special to me, and my favorite fashion books for constant inspiration. Take some time to find what makes your heart and soul happiest and incorporate those items into your zen space. Also, candles are a MUST. Certain smells can calm you down, motivate you, and make you feel as though you’re somewhere beautiful, like laying out on the beach, or hiking in the mountains. I buy a Citrine candle every so often from a local shop because Citrine promotes success. Scents are everything. You can also buy and incorporate crystals. I’m coming up with a way to display my favorite crystals, which I’m excited about. Crystals can promote peace, healing, success, and spirituality. Have fun designing your perfect, zen workspace and remember to make it your own.

Here’s my zen workspace…