As boss moms, we often find ourselves juggling a million tasks at once, with little to no space to call our own. It can be challenging to find a quiet corner in our home, and yet when we work right out in the open, it sometimes feels like our work is invisible to everyone in the house as they all come to ask us for things. Having a designated workspace is essential for our productivity and for our sanity. So, how can we can create a functional and inspiring workspace, even with limited space, and overcome some of the common challenges that come with it.

What are you working with and what do you need?

Before you start choosing spots and picking out the perfect office decor, it’s important to define what you need from your workspace. Do you need a desk and chair? How about storage for your files and supplies? Make a list of essentials, prioritizing what will help you be most productive. Remember, it’s not about having the perfect setup; it’s about having a space that works for you.

Next we need to assess what you have to work with. Look around your home and identify potential workspace areas. It might be a desk set up in the corner of your living room, a small, barely used storage closet, or even a cozy nook of unused space in your bedroom. Be creative! Think outside the box—literally. A tiny space that may not have made sense for anything else in your home can be transformed into a mini office with a little bit of HGTV creativity.

Common home office needs for online business owners

Creating a background for video calls that you can feel proud of

One thing that many online entrepreneurs want to consider is having a background that’s professional (and perhaps even ‘on brand’) for their recordings and Zoom calls. You want to look professional without having to rearrange your entire home. Consider using removable wallpaper, curtains, or a room divider to create an attractive backdrop. Even a well-placed plant or piece of art can make a big difference. Keep it simple and tidy—your background should enhance your presence, not distract from it.

Ensuring quiet for podcast recordings

Another hurdle many mom entrepreneurs want to consider is creating a quiet space for podcast recordings. Podcasting can be such an awesome way for us to showcase our big, beautiful brains, and present ourselves as an authority in our industry, but if we don’t have somewhere to record without a ton of background noise, it can feel like it’s just not in the cards for us as boss moms. 

Soundproofing can seem daunting, but there are simple strategies that can make a big impact in sound quality. Use heavy curtains, clothes hung in a closet, rugs, and even pillows to dampen noise. If you need a more portable solution, consider a pop-up sound booth or a DIY sound shield made from foam panels. The key is to minimize background noise so your voice comes through loud and clear.

Your space can evolve and grow as you do

It’s important to remember that your workspace doesn’t need to be perfect. Sure, it would be nice to have a designated office with a door we can close when the house is full of chaos, but that doesn’t have to be where we start. We often put so much pressure on ourselves to have an Instagram-worthy setup, but what matters most is functionality. Embrace the imperfections and make the space your own. Successful entrepreneurs work from all kinds of spaces, and it’s their dedication and creativity that make them thrive, not their office decor.

Personalize your workspace to reflect your style and inspire you. Consider decorating with small pieces of decor that highlight some of your brand colors. Use plants, artwork, and personal items to create a space that feels like it represents the aesthetic that you want to convey. Flexibility is key—your needs will likely change over time, and your workspace should evolve with you.

As your business grows and your needs change, don’t hesitate to reassess and make adjustments. What works today might need a tweak tomorrow, and that’s perfectly okay. Allowing your space to evolve ensures it continues to meet your needs and support your productivity. And treating yourself to office upgrades as you reach new business milestones can be a fun way to celebrate – AND a great tax write off too. 

Tips for making the most of the space you have

Start with some quick wins to get your workspace up and running. Organizing and decluttering will help you maximize your space. Starting with less means less to organize, so don’t skip the step of decluttering. Use storage solutions like baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to keep everything in its place. A clean, organized workspace can boost your productivity and make even the smallest space feel more functional and inspiring.

Creating a designated workspace is a powerful way to show your brain that you are a legit business owner 

No matter how small your space is, making a space specifically for your work can make a huge difference in your productivity and focus as you sit down to work each day. By assessing your space, defining your needs, and overcoming common challenges, you can carve out a functional and inspiring area to work. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Embrace the imperfections, be creative, and allow your space to evolve over time.