Laura Engen Interior Design

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Friday Five // Zen at Work

Well, it’s no secret that uncertainty rules the roost these days. We’ve all been in WFH mode for a loooooong time, and I think it’s safe to say that we’ll be doing this for awhile longer, too. So, why not make your at-home desk situation a nice little calming retreat? This week, I’ve got a roundup of a few of my favorite zen-inducing must haves to make work life a little easier (even if the world outside is totally unpredictable). So, light your favorite candle, put on your go-to pair of WFH jeans, and get ready to transform your space into a corner of happiness you’ll never want to leave.

  1. Wall Calendar 2. Leather Desk Blotter 3. Blue Light Glasses 4. Headphone/Phone Stand 5. Signature Notes

NO. 1 WALL CALENDAR

Today's digital tools are amazing when it comes to keeping everything synced and accessible anytime and anywhere. But there's nothing quite like a good old fashioned paper calendar to make it feel real, ya know? I love being able to look at the month at a glance to mentally prep for any upcoming dates and deadlines (and as a bonus, a calendar like this one is extra chic!).

NO. 2 LEATHER DESK BLOTTER

If you haven't yet invested in a desk blotter, now is the time to do it! Not only does it add an instant visual upgrade to your desktop, but it helps to create a set zone for all of your work essentials, leaving the rest of your space tidy and uninterrupted. It might not seem like a big impact purchase, but trust me, organization goes a long way!

NO. 3 BLUE LIGHT GLASSES

For a lot of us, a day at work means staring at a computer screen for hours and hours on end (and nobody likes those screen time headaches). Make your life easier with a pair of blue light-filtering glasses! I use mine daily and besides being super functional, they make me feel a little cooler and cuter when I log into my email. Nothing like an outfit topper that's stylish and handy, am I right?!

NO. 4 HEADPHONE/PHONE STAND

For me, setting a good work mood often starts with a little music, so I've always got my headphones at the ready. But in all fairness, it's hard to know where to put them when I'm not using them (same goes for my phone) - after all, I need all the workspace I can get for actual, you know, work. Enter in this amazing stand - perfect for keeping your clutter in line and of course, it's cute to boot!

NO. 5 SIGNATURE NOTES

Emails are convenient, for sure, but is there anything better than getting a little snail mail with a hand written note (especially on your own signature notepaper)? Especially in these times, it can be a total day-brightener. Got a friend who could use a little pick-me-up? A family member who's extra quarantined and at risk right now? Go ahead and send a quick "hello" - you never know who needs a smile.


What helps you get settled into a WFH routine? Got a few essentials you can’t live without? Drop ‘em below! I love to hear how everyone has been creating their own havens to keep that innovation and creativity flowing!

Don’t forget to check out our Office & Workspace Pinterest board for more great ideas on how to upgrade your office!