Home Office Update 2024
Two years ago, I got a dedicated studio space for my design and video work, yet I still do a significant amount of work at home. Recently, my focus has shifted towards industrial design and product making. During a break between projects this past summer, I updated my home office to align more closely with my current work and personal preferences. Below is a breakdown of each section of my home office.
Main Workstation
The centerpiece of my office is my main desk—the hub for my writing, editing, and digital design projects. I use the Grovemade desk, a sit-stand desk crafted from beautiful solid white oak. Its standout feature is its massive drawer, which adds incredible functionality to the desk. In the main compartment, I dock my M3 Max Macbook Pro, which connects to my TS4 hub and the rest of my peripherals. This drawer is perfect for storing frequently used tools like pens, task knives, cables, and more.
The desk's design prioritizes ergonomics with its wedge-shaped drawer, allowing me to sit close without hitting my knees. It also features excellent cable management via the Powerpanel and thoughtful channels, which keep my devices powered while hiding the cable chaos.
For my display, I use an Apple XDR monitor mounted on an Ergotron arm with an Opal C1 webcam for video calls. My audio setup includes A2+ speakers on Kanto SP9 stands, and I switch between TMA-2 headphones and Bose QC earbuds.
For productivity, I use the Note-Taking Kit, which I designed in collaboration with Grovemade. It’s a three-piece stationary set that helps me capture my thoughts, stay on top of tasks, and store them for review.
My favorite peripheral on my desk is the Encore, a 65% keyboard I designed with Mode Designs. It blends classic features with unique materials, offering an exceptional typing experience. The first series sold out quickly, prompting a new release in fresh colors. For updates, subscribe to the newsletter.
Desk & Chair
What’s in my drawer:
M3 Max Macbook Pro (maxed out)
Grovemade Measure Collection (white prototype)
What’s on my desk:
Drawing Desk Area
Next to my main workstation is a custom-built drawing desk. It's a 2-foot by 8-foot surface made of oak plywood, divided into two parts. The left side is an open desk for drawing and ideation, while the right side extends to provide storage for drawing pads and tools.
Below the desk, I've installed a sliding door cabinet with translucent crates for archival storage, a rolling filing cabinet for important documents, and a paper shredder that doubles as a waste bin. Cable management is handled through channels mounted on the desk's back using 3M command strips, which are easier to remove than the original adhesive.
The wall features wooden pegs for backpacks, white steel shelves for my books (held by magnetic pegs), and my headphones on display. Mounted on the wall are two FeltRight acoustic tiles I use as pinboards from my drawing and inspiration.
I use a Vitruvi diffuser and Santal essential oil from Aromatech to scent the office.
To the right are shallow shelves for notebooks and career awards. Overhead is a mounted Besta TV cabinet for additional storage, vintage cameras, magazines, and a decorative sculpture.
On the wall:
FeltRight tiles, Latte. Save 15% off by using code: MODMUSINGS15
On the shelves:
On the desk:
In the cabinets:
Under the desk:
Gear Closet and 3D Printing Station
In my converted gear closet, I've set up a 3D printing station centered around the Bambulab A1 3D printer, which I recently received as part of a sponsorship. Behind it are IKEA Skadis pegboards to create a modular and adaptable setup for my tools and accessories.
Above is overhead storage for archival documents and networking equipment. Since I originally built it, I’ve added an aluminum grill to allow airflow to my equipment. Below is storage for large items in my home, like luggage, camping, and workout gear.
Library wall, Storage, and DJ Desk
Across from my main workspace, I've dedicated an area for storing books, music gear, and accessories. Two extra-long shelves display my collection of colorful collectibles and house my library of books and records.
Below is my transforming DJ desk, which serves as a secondary workstation and opens to reveal a turntable setup. On the wall is another Skadis pegboard, which I use as a charging station.
To maximize storage, I've added Sektion cabinets from IKEA. These hold various small objects in divider bins, office supplies, and my comic book collection. On top, you'll find a wireless printer and some water-grown plants in 3D-printed vessels I designed myself.
DJ desk setup:
Skadis charging station:
Storage:
Misc. Accessories
Office Lighting
A key lighting feature of my office is the giant softbox I built, mounted underneath the Besta TV Cabinet. It creates the perfect lighting for drawing and working here. The softbox internally uses light strips from the Philips Hue system. I can control all the office lighting using a physical remote or the app.
I’ve previously installed much of the lighting throughout my office and home, but I’ve added two new 3D-printed lamps from Etsy. These lamps have Philips Hue bulbs inside. They look great and inspire my growing interest in 3D printing.
I use 5% filter shades by Smart Wings to manage daytime lighting. These motorized roller shades have a built-in battery that can be charged via USB or solar panel, which I use here.
This completes the tour of my updated home office. I hope this gives you a good idea of how I've tailored the space to suit my current work needs and personal style. I’ll be continuing to make adjustments in the future as the nature of my work constantly changes. If you have any questions, ask, and I’ll do my best to answer them. If you enjoyed this post and want to see more office projects, check out my Mod Musings Studio Tour.