When I first started working from home (in 2015!), I thought it would be a dream – no commute, no distractions, and all the flexibility in the world. What I didn’t expect was how quickly the lines would blur. I was answering emails at midnight, skipping meals, and wondering why I felt “on” 24/7. It took time (and a lot of self-correcting) to build a routine that actually supports my work and my brain.
If you’re a designer, architect, or creative entrepreneur working from home, you already know this isn’t about working in pajamas and lighting a candle (although… I do love my candles). It’s about creating structure where there is none – and making space for the kind of work that requires real focus.
My Work From Home Routines
Here’s what makes my WFH routine work for me.
A Space That Makes Me Happy
My home office is a bit fancy. Natural light, a desk I love, my design books, a chair that I call my creator chair. As someone who appreciates (and works with) beauty, I need to have a space that inspires me to do my best work.
Another highly important thing: since I do a lot of teaching and online meetings, I set up all the tech so it’s always there. I have a computer that I rarely use for other work than calls and recording trainings, and of course it’s connected to all my online tools for seamless access. The background is always pretty so I don’t have to blur out it when I’m in calls.
Setting Boundaries Without a Boss
When you work from home, you are the one setting the schedule – and sometimes, that’s the hardest part. I used to work in long, unpredictable chunks. Now I plan my days in a way that protects my focus.
Mornings are for creative thinking and design work; the type that needs my brain at full power. Afternoons are for admin, communication, and calls. I give myself one “deep work” window each day, where Slack is muted and tabs are closed. That block alone has changed how much I actually get done.
My deep work is often between 8 and noon. It works perfectly because he kids are gone to school and I often have the house for me only. So, between the morning walk with our dog and lunch (my first meal of the day since I’m intermittent fasting on weekdays), it’s the best time to get my important work done.
The Dog (AKA My Accountability Partner)
Before we had a dog, I could easily go an entire day without stepping outside. Now we’re out 3 to 5 times a day. It’s become an unexpected but very welcome anchor in my day. Each walk marks a transition – from one project to the next, from screen time to fresh air, from stress to reset.
Plus, I can’t say no to that face or the piggy grunts. He reminds me to close the laptop, get moving, and be present for a few minutes. It’s less of a break and more of a built-in support system.
Speaking of the dog – he’s basically my studio assistant. Since I spend so much time in my creator chair, he’s always nearby, keeping me company. He’s not a lap dog (not even close), so I got a footstool to give him his own little spot right between my legs. It’s his designated zone now, and honestly, it makes the whole space feel warmer.
Work-Adjacent Rituals That Help Me Focus
There are a few things I’ve added to my routine that aren’t work, but they support my workflow more than any software ever has.
I tidy up my desk at the end of the day so I start fresh in the morning. My husband often preps my lunch (I know, I know) so I don’t grab whatever’s quickest later. I keep a running list of wins – small and big – that helps me remember that yes, I am making progress, even when it feels slow.
These rituals don’t take much time, but they create the kind of clarity that makes everything else smoother.
Meetings, But Not Too Many
Zoom fatigue is real. I’ve learned to batch my meetings and give myself a buffer between them. If a conversation can be an email, I let it be an email.
That said, staying connected matters. Especially in a creative field where ideas come alive through collaboration. I check in regularly with my team, vendors, and collaborators — but I don’t let calls take over the entire day. Balance is key.
Dressing for the Day
And I dress for the day. Not always fancy, but always intentional. A cozy knit, clean pants (these Asana pants by Ninepine are my favorite pants right now). Rarely make up – but always my signature perfume. Getting dressed signals to my brain that we’re “on,” even if the commute is just down the hallway.
Ending the Day with Intention (and sweat)
One of the hardest things about working from home is knowing when to stop. I used to “just check one more thing” and find myself still working hours later.
Now I create a more defined end to the day. I close my laptop, jot down tomorrow’s top priorities, and join the gang in the kitchen. Since I made my goal to power walk at least 5 km each day, I end my workday with a long, sweaty walk, followed by a quick sauna ritual.
I have tried to exercise in the mornings, but it doesn’t work for me… I’m way too excited to start working, so besides the dog walks and stretches, I won’t do any morning exercising.
There you go, my current work from home routine! What do you think, would this work for you or do you have other types of routines that make you creative and productive? Of, are you in the work-from-office camp?