Working From Home in Studio Apartments

Studio apartments present the ultimate remote work challenge: everything happens in one space. Your bedroom, living room, and office share the same room. But with thoughtful design and strong routines, you can make it work.

The Studio Challenge

Unique Difficulties

• No physical separation between work and rest
• Work is always visible, always present
• Bed is right there (temptation during hard tasks)
• Limited options for workspace placement
• Video call backgrounds include your whole life

What Makes It Possible

• Psychological boundaries can replace physical ones
• Routines create structure without walls
• Visual and behavioral cues signal transitions
• Creative space design maximizes functionality

Carving Out Workspace

Location Options

• Near window: Natural light, pleasant view (position to avoid glare)
• Against wall: Back to living area, facing work
• Behind furniture: Bookshelf or sofa as partial divider
• Closet conversion: If closet is large enough, convert to "cloffice"
• Kitchen counter: If counter height works ergonomically

What to Avoid

• Right next to bed (strongest negative association)
• Facing entertainment (TV, games)
• High-traffic path through the space
• Areas with poor lighting

Desk Solutions

• Secretary desk: Closes to hide work completely
• Wall-mounted fold-down: Disappears when not in use
• Narrow console: Minimal footprint
• Rolling cart: Can be moved and stored
• Small corner desk: Utilizes often-wasted space

Creating Zones

Visual Separation

Without walls, use visual cues:

• Area rug: Defines workspace boundary on floor
• Bookshelf: Acts as room divider
• Curtain: Can close off workspace after hours
• Plants: Create natural boundary
• Different lighting: Desk lamp defines work zone

Psychological Zoning

• This corner is "office"
• That area is "living room"
• Bed is only for sleep
• Kitchen table is for meals, not work

Even arbitrary designations help your brain switch modes.

Hiding Work

End-of-Day Concealment

In a studio, hiding work is important for mental separation:

• Close laptop and put in drawer or bag
• Roll desk supplies into container
• Turn monitor to face wall
• Cover desk with cloth or decorative item
• Use secretary desk that closes

Why This Matters

• Visible work keeps you in "work mode"
• Reduces temptation to check "one thing"
• Allows your space to feel like home again
• Signals brain that work is done

Routines for Studios

Stronger Routines Required

Without physical separation, routines do more heavy lifting:

• Morning ritual: Get dressed, make coffee, sit at desk (specific sequence)
• Work hours: Clear start and end times
• Shutdown ritual: Close everything, put away, transition activity
• Physical transitions: Step outside briefly between work and evening

Daily Rhythm

• Same wake time
• Same work start time
• Same lunch time
• Same end time
• Same evening routine

Consistency creates psychological structure that physical walls would provide.

Video Call Considerations

Background Options

• Position camera facing bookshelf or blank wall
• Use virtual backgrounds if needed
• Create a "call corner" with intentional backdrop
• Hanging fabric or folding screen as background
• Plants create natural, professional look

Audio Considerations

• Headphones essential for calls
• Consider noise-canceling for noisy buildings
• Soft furnishings help absorb echo
• Test audio from your workspace

Living with a Partner

Additional Challenges

• Two people, one room, potential two work setups
• Overlapping call schedules
• Different work styles and noise tolerance
• Negotiating shared space use

Making It Work

• Communicate schedules, especially calls
• Take turns for important meetings
• Use headphones consistently
• Create designated zones for each person
• Consider offset schedules if possible
• Have explicit conversations about expectations