Since September 2023, I’ve had the joy of working in a cozy little office space, in a small studio just 150 meters from my home. It actually started as an absolute necessity, at a time where the noise near my house – which is located right in the center of the town – was unbearable. I found this place by chance, in my Facebook newsfeed, and moving my desk there in this quiet street has been nothing short of a lifesaver.
Since I work remotely, having a dedicated space like this is essential—it creates structure, separates work from home life, and helps me stay truly present and focused. It’s the perfect balance: far enough away to feel like a dedicated workplace, but close enough to keep that sense of comfort and familiarity. This space has become a true extension of my work as an Engagement Specialist and Online Safety Specialist, and and I’d love to share why it feels so special.
Walking into the office, the first thing that strikes me is the warmth of the setup. A soft couch piled with cushions invites moments of reflection, while the desk, lit by a feathered lamp, feels like a welcoming command center. I support organizations in navigating digital engagement and safety, and this environment inspires the patience, creativity, and focus that such work demands. The coziness of the space also makes breaks more restorative, offering comfort and calm that help me return to work with fresh energy.
I suffer from terrible migraines, so having low light and many lamps in the office allows me to easily modulate the brightness and create a more comfortable environment. I use special pink Philips EyeComfort bulbs, which create a gentle, soothing glow that reduces eye strain and helps me feel more relaxed and focused throughout the day.
What I value most is the sense of separation this little office gives me. At home, distractions are always around the corner. Here, I can fully immerse myself, knowing that this is a space dedicated to work. It’s both professional and personal at the same time: professional in its function, personal in its atmosphere.
The coziness of this office isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s also practical. Working in online safety and engagement requires resilience and perspective, as the field is full of challenges and often heavy subjects. A calm, thoughtfully designed space helps me stay grounded. The soft natural light from the window, the playful lamps, the comforting textures—these all create a sense of well-being that translates directly into the quality of my work.
Ultimately, this little office reflects how I see modern workspaces: not about stark professionalism, but about creating conditions where creativity and focus thrive. It’s a reminder that productivity doesn’t have to mean fluorescent lights and blank walls.
MARIE-SOPHIE GERMAIN 