Creating the Perfect Creative Space at Home
hello, 2025
My brain has been in sleep-mode since around December 15th. November was spent floating between two different novels (one half-formed, and another one that's been in my head for years, and also half-formed), but I'm letting myself be okay with that scattered energy. Coming off a wedding and honeymoon (hi, honey💗🍯), I've been writing whenever, and whatever.
I’ve been reading, too. I keep a copy of Twilight in our upstairs bathroom, so I have a poop book to read while I poop. It’s a nice ritual. Between that and Alias Grace, I think I’ve got some good balance in my reading life. While querying my manuscript (going, going, and still going), reading good and bad books, and nesting in the new home, I've been thinking about creative spaces in general.
Finding Your Spot
I’ve written in a lot of places as I’ve moved from house to house and town to town, in school and adult life. I’ve worked in libraries and coffee shops, outside, inside, empty dining rooms and on floors, a staircase once, etc.
I think for me, the best spot needs a few things to get me in the creative zone, to feel more focused and less distracted:
Little to no foot traffic
Natural light (keeps me energized and happy, I’m a houseplant)
An outlet for my laptop
Anywhere I don’t have to hunch over too badly
I know everyone is different, though. My husband prefers his cool, dark office, while I like to stand at my desk facing a window. Think about what gives you the best space to be focused and creative, and that’s all you need to begin.
Comfort vs. Workability
I’m a fidgety person. I tend to have energy pent-up, even if I go to the gym and take myself on walks. I used to walk up and down the stairs at the office to get the zips out. I recently invested in a standing desk, and it was just what I needed. But before that, I would find a countertop, tall table, even stack boxes on my regular desk.
Making It Yours
My desk gets messy when I'm deep in a project – drafts everywhere, sticky notes, coffee cups multiplying mysteriously. But I've found ways to keep the chaos contained:
Mason jars hold all my pens and markers (they look pretty and they're cheap)
A plastic set of drawers I got at a yard sale (which I’m pretty sure is for a child but eh)
A bulletin board keeps my plot notes visible but not scattered
A bookshelf for inspiration
It’s also a good idea to keep yourself motivated and inspired, especially when working on a novel or other long-form project.
Vision boards are great, and fun to make
Plants :)
Photos (good memories and beloved people)
Quotes are cheesy sometimes, but can be great motivators
Permission to Rest
It’s hibernation season. Rest isn't just okay – it's necessary. I keep a cozy blanket near my desk, always have tea or coffee supplies within reach, and sometimes I just sit there and stare out the window. Some of my best ideas have come during those "doing nothing" moments.
Sometimes I write at my desk, sometimes I migrate to the floor, sometimes I end up at a coffee shop (public spaces where I don’t need to interact with people keep me on task). What matters is having that dedicated space to come back to, where my brain knows it's time to create.
I'd love to hear about your creative space solutions. How do you make your space work for you? What's your must-have item? If you're just starting to set up your own space, start small. You don't need everything at once.*
Thanks for reading :)