Building the home of inspiration… from home.
Take a peek inside the home offices, laundry rooms and even forts of Pinterest’s design team, to see how we’re staying inspired while working from home
When you’re working from home on a product as inspiration-driven as Pinterest, it can help if your space inspires, too. As Pinterest employees set up home work stations — many of us for the first time — here are a few snapshots of creative work setups with tips from people on our Design and Brand Creative teams.
Cut the clutter
Mara Sohn, Design Program Manager
I get rid of clutter — I like to use a fabric storage box for mail to sort and a filing cabinet with folders. Pops of color make working on a computer more fun, too. For a bonus: Add real plants, or a pet, if you can, for moral support!
Angela Chu, Product Designer
I like to make my workstation organized so I don’t get distracted easily, and I prefer to stay in the corner of my place with the most natural sunlight so I feel energized.
What’s most helpful for me, though, is to try my best and not feel like a slug. That includes washing my face and changing out of my embarrassing PJs first thing in the morning, and staying away from my bed. Finally, I like to make a cute spa water or matcha latte so I feel fancy at home.
More tips from Angela can be found here
Natty light
Skyler Rodriguez, Product Designer
Make sure to take advantage of the natural light in your home. A lot of people don’t get the coveted window spot at work, so this your chance to really soak in the sunlight.
Brie Taylor, Product Writer
Maximize fresh air, natural light, soft fabrics, and a clean work surface.
Corey Janssen, Product Writer
Plants and flowers make a space more exciting! Even a few potted plants and a vase of fresh flowers can really brighten up the day. And if your home allows, try to spend time near a window. Sunlight is key!
Tea time
Ricardo Baltazar, Brand Designer
Definitely take advantage of the local stuff in your neighborhood. Taking a break and walking to my favorite coffee shop helps me clear my mind. At home, I like to move around my apartment throughout the day and think of interesting ways of utilizing the space beyond my desk (like using my dresser as a standing desk!).
Tiffany Wexler, UX Qualitative Researcher
My biggest recommendation is for a high vibe WFH is #morecrystals #morecandles and #tea
Kiddie stuff
Scott Andreae, Product Designer
Like so many other three-year-olds, my boy is at his happiest when he’s involved in whatever I’m doing. The likelihood that he would leave me alone to do my work from home was very low, so I set up shop at one end of his bedroom with enough space for him to work on his own projects and curiosities next to me. Seems to be working out great!
PJ Onori, Design Systems
Working from home with kids is tough. I try to take 10–15 minute breaks to give them focused attention.
Friends of furs
Molly Marriner, Product Writer
I love walking my dog to our local coffee shop (hi, Red Bay!) and basing my day’s rhythms around his walks. That being said, I recognize that to do truly focused work I need to move to a different room from my dog. Cuddling with Chauncey is for quick writing tasks and email catchup only.
Ellen Chou, Designer
I decided a WFH manager would help me stay motivated and on task. Thankfully my cat Oliver has been waiting for this day his whole life.
How are you creating a WFH setup perfect for your needs and inspirations? Let us know — or check out some ideas on Pinterest to stay safe and inspired.
