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Cultivating a joyful workspace at home

A conversation with Angelica Lane of The Preserve LA

A headshot of Sharon H. Milone
Sharon MiloneOctober 8, 2024

The Preserve LA, a two-acre creative campus tucked away in West Hollywood, holds a magic unlike any other workspace I’ve been to. Angelica Lane of The Preserve chats with us about the design philosophy behind The Preserve, while sharing her thoughts on creating a joyful workspace at home.

If I'm happy on the inside, that already just says I am successful. So I do feel that in order to be successful, you just need to be at peace and one with yourself.
Angelica Lane

Interview Summary

1:00

The appeal of coworking over working from home

Exploring why some entrepreneurs prefer coworking or coffee shops to working from home, Angelica highlights the energy and communal vibe these spaces offer.

She discusses how these environments create a feeling of accountability with others working around you, which can sometimes be lacking in a home setting.

2:12

Design philosophy of The Preserve’s creative campus

Angelica describes the architectural and design elements of The Preserve that encourage movement, interaction and serendipitous encounters among its members. The non-linear pathways and communal areas are designed to encourage communication and spark innovation and creativity.

I love working in a creative environment, and I guess that's a big reason why I love working here. This environment provides me with an opportunity to bring out fresh ideas. It can also be challenging in a way where it may push my creativity to think even further outside the box.
Angelica Lane
6:49

Enhancing home workspaces for productivity and joy

Angelica shares her approach to creating a productive and joyful home workspace, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and openness to updates based on personal and seasonal changes.

9:31

Sustaining energy and inspiration by being in community, even at home

Angelica reflects on the significant role of community in sustaining energy and inspiration. She advocates for workspaces that encourage not just individual productivity but also collective wellbeing and collaborative opportunities.

14:40

Creating an inspiring home environment

Angelica discusses the importance of sensory elements in combating stagnation and enhancing creativity at home. She mentions using music, incense, and visual elements like drone footage to create an inspiring work atmosphere.

Tips for working well, while working from home

  1. Embrace change and flexibility Be open to changing your home and workspace layout. When your environment feels fresh and stimulating, it helps prevent feelings of confinement and stagnation. Regular updates can help inspire creativity.
  2. Get creative with sensory decor Angelica suggests incorporating sensory elements like music and incense into your home workspace, to build an atmosphere of joy or calm. This can include creative visuals like a screen displaying scenic videos.
  3. Add a touch of personal comfort The value of investing in a personally comforting workspace is knowing there’s a location that feels best for your productivity and wellbeing. Skip Pinterest and make a list of what truly makes you comfortable first.
  4. Remember you don’t have to work alone Even when you’re working from home, finding moments to connect with others can boost the joy you feel in your workspace. Virtual coworking, a quick call to a friend. Even working in a room where family or roommates are present, but not interrupting, can help you feel connected at home.
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A headshot of Sharon H. Milone
Sharon Milone

Passionate storyteller, master content strategist and champion of joy, Sharon Milone is the Editor in Chief of Digital Entrepreneur. She applies her experience as an entrepreneur and love of teaching, advising and mentoring to every aspect of the brand.