Showcasing one’s home office has become something of a fashion or trend amongst those of us who are fortunate enough to enjoy the privilege of regularly working from home. There are some pretty impressive YouTube videos showing some premium home office setups – Oliur has a recurring “Rate and Roast” feature on his channel. I don’t have the time or the photographic/videographic skills to match up with some of the presentations YouTube and Instagram influencers are able to put together, but I’ve decided to take the opportunity at the beginning of the New Year to show off what I’ve been able to put together in my home workspace.
I work with a triple display arrangement with my 13-inch Intel MacBook Pro as the main workhorse. This setup allows me to have multiple windows open and easily accessible, increasing my productivity and overall workflow.
The main display where I do most of my work is an AOC 32 inch curved 4K monitor. The secondary monitor on the left is a Dell 1920×1200 resolution monitor I picked up second-hand a few years back. I use the second monitor to display any website I’m currently working on or the design application I’m referencing. The display on my MacBook I use for email, Slack, or other communication apps. My input devices are (from left to right) an Apple Magic Trackpad, a Logitech MX Mechanical Mini, and a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse.
One of the key components of my setup is an adjustable height desk that I got from IKEA. This allows me to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of long-term health issues associated with prolonged sitting. The desk’s adjustable feature also allows me to customize my workstation to my specific needs and preferences.
I like to keep a selection of “fidget toys” in proximity. Fidget toys are small items that can be held in the hand and manipulated to help with focus and concentration. They are often used by people with ADHD, anxiety, or other conditions that can make it difficult to focus for long periods of time. While I’ve never actually been clinically diagnosed with ADHD or anxiety, I know it’s something I wrestle with periodically. The Monster Energy drink is my preferred caffeine delivery method as I’ve never been a coffee drinker, and I like to use chopsticks whenever I’m snacking on Cheetos to avoid getting the orange cheese dust on my fingers (and everywhere else)
Behind my desk is my bookshelf/display case. I keep a selection of books and toys that I’ve collected and curated over the years. A recurring theme among the things I collect tends involve spaceships and giant robots.
The final feature of my home office setup – but in many ways the most important is my two dogs. Murphy (the big black one) and Gidget (the small brown one) are seen here carefully considering their creative feedback on my latest project.
Overall, my office setup for 2023 is designed to maximize productivity and comfort, allowing me to get the most out of my workday. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or a remote worker, investing in a functional and efficient office setup can have a significant impact on your work and overall well-being.