You’re a solo small business leader working from home most of the time. You attend events, you have coffee meet ups, virtual meetings – all which are amazing for showcasing the personality behind your brand, and your point of difference for your clients.
The struggle can be, when you are working from home on your own, are looking to build content and branded projects which convey your brand’s experience and don’t have a physical product – how do you ‘live’ the feeling and beliefs of your brand? The ones that keep you motivated and inspired?
One small yet potent way of cultivating your brand feeling, is through crafting an environment which immerses you in it. What if you are not ready for, or just don’t desire having your own external office? I’m not an interior designer (I leave that to the professionals), however I will say a little styling in your own space goes a long way for motivating you on the daily, and embedding brand beliefs.
I am currently going through this process in my own home, so I thought I’d share a few ideas which inspired me. The challenge when you live in small flat in a city like London, is that space is of the essence. So, how do you maximise it? Keep a balanced connection between home and brand, whilst optimising your productivity?
I have worked with designers of the workspace industry, and within the architecture and interior design sector for well over 12 years (wow, where does the time go!). I’ve been fortunate to be exposed to talented interior designers, architects and furniture manufacturers who intimately know what it takes to strategise, design and deliver exceptional, branded work experiences.
For my own (little…) space, I took learnings from this. How I could apply macro ideas on a micro level. Within my workspace at home, whilst ensuring my brand’s needs were driving the feel of it, I wanted to be able to step into my work mode each day feeling really in tune, so I can offer my best work to my audience.
In line with my brand’s values of warmth, bespoke, evolution and down-to-earth, and other characteristics, here are some of my favourite things which are inspiring my new workspace and evoking my brand experience.
I love this desktop organiser from My Form Design on Etsy. It can hang off your desk or shelving, either vertically and horizontally, and comes in a range of vibrant colours.
Image by My Form Design.
We all know counteracting our sedentary lifestyle is hugely important from an emotional, mental and physical point of view. I invested in a sit-stand desk for our home. Whilst I couldn’t quite commit to a Herman Miller Leatherwrap desk (IYKYK), or the one pictured here by Canadian manufacturer Ergonofis, I went with a light walnut topped, white frame from Vernal and it is hugely doing the trick.
Image by Ergonofis.
Infuse your brand beliefs through illustrations and art which reflect your values and identity. They can enhance your space when working from home solo, to inspire you as you work, and channeling brand personality.
Image by Kunst By Stephie.
No, not the social media kind – is that a sigh of relief I hear? 😉 This Clamp Tray by Navet keeps essentials as an extension of your workspace, whilst maximising your worktop for productivity. And you can choose one that imbues your brand hues. What isn’t to love?
Image by Navet.
Bring out your brand experience by using elements of it gently around your workspace. You don’t need to be literal and print a huge poster of your logo or paint every wall differently. Subtle references to your brand colours through soft furnishings, highlight patterns or textures will evoke your brand and help you start your day feeling inspired. I loved this range of cushions from Citta.
Image by Citta.
If you’re thinking of reviewing how your brand is experienced by the world, and equally how you can feel more inspired by it too, I’d love to be part of the process.
We can workshop your brand’s strategic position and wider brand experience: hone your brand beliefs, perspective, audience personas and how that integrates inside out with your goals and ambitions, so you can get to work amplifying your message and building relationships. We can have an hour or two together, and develop an action plan in over a day. 🌞 🎧
Brand Identity
Collateral Design
Graphic Design
Presentation Design
Creative Direction
At OAM Design Co., I will craft a charismatic brand experience for your business which delights your community.
Based in London, UK Collaborating with clients worldwide.