How to Create A Workspace That Inspires You

If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about creating an inspiring workplace, it’s leading Entrepreneur and Creative Visionary, Joe Mimran. 

Together with his team at Gry Mattr, they continue to wow us here at Staples with their line of practical, smartly designed home and office products. It’s also one of many reasons why we’ve enlisted him as part of our Work from Anywhere Advisory Council.

With so many of us now spending the majority of our days at our desks, having a workspace that’s organized, inspires creativity and keeps us focused is a must. 

Whether we’re working at a physical office or in a home basement, the office of today has no boundaries and the goal is to create a space that works best for you.

So where to start? We asked Joe to share some of the favourite items you’ll find in his workspace that can take you from home to office or anywhere you choose to work. Get inspired with Joe’s tips on how to incorporate them into your own space.

Start with Foundational Pieces

One of the best and easiest places to start is with a clean slate. Nothing does that better than the Gry Mattr Live Edge Desk. Whether in walnut or oak, it makes a solid statement that’s practical and best of all, timeless. You can dress it up with accessories or keep it minimal. Regardless, it’s an investment piece that fits into your work life with ease, style and purpose.

Along with the desk, a great chair is essential. This is a workspace item that’s critical for your posture, comfort and ultimately your productivity! Sadly, many office chairs are often too stiff, not adjustable or lack a sense of style. Our Task Chair is purposely designed to address all of the above and more, and I believe it’s an absolute must-have investment piece that will last for years to come.

You also can’t go wrong with a simple bookshelf.  Choose one that’s versatile and reflects you, your style and purpose.  Whether or not you’re a book lover, you can display photo frames, candles or inspirational quotes - the options are endless. While you’re plugging away at your desk, a beautifully styled bookshelf sets a nice, inspiring scene to spark creativity.

Accessorize for Productivity and Comfort

Your workspace is like your second home, and therefore shouldn’t feel cold or uninspiring. You want to create a space that’s comforting and productive, so you will look forward to spending time there. 

A little goes a long way here too. Among my top picks are an essential oil diffuser, framed artwork, and our newly launched table top drinking Carafe.

I can’t tell you how much I value having these pieces in my office. They do wonders for setting the tone of my environment. No matter how busy or hectic my days can sometimes be, they help clear my mind and keep me calm throughout the day.

Keep your Valuables Clean

There’s no denying how important our phones and other electronics are to our working life. Keeping them organized, charged and clean are non-negotiable and that’s why I really like our sterilizer box and our brand new charging tray.

Whether for your phone, your wallet, keys, glasses or face masks, the UV light from the sterilizer box disinfects your items in minutes. Both are practical in design, look totally sleek on a counter or desk, and make a worthy addition to any workspace.

Keep Organized with Ease

Call me old school, but I like to keep hard copies of important documents. Something as basic as a rolling cabinet can offer multiple solutions to clear away storage and clutter while keeping information in a safe place.

Another item I’m most excited about is our newly launched Good Habits Notebook. This hardcover embossed journal makes a great staple item for tracking your goals and to-dos.  I’ve built much of my life and career by developing good habits, including writing things down on paper. I find this daily practice helps me stay focused and committed to the items I want to get done.

Joe Mimran is a member of the Staples Work from Anywhere Advisory Council, a collective of industry experts and thought leaders across the fields of tech, productivity, design, ergonomics, and more. The Council supports our community in the new world of work with expert insight, thought leadership and informative content to work smarter, learn more and grow every day. Find out more about the Staples Work from Anywhere Advisory Council and its members here.