Clean Monochrome Workspace in Düsseldorf, Germany

Name: André Grünhoff

Location: Düsseldorf, Germany

Occupation: E-Commerce Manager

Room size: 5,5 × 3,2 m (18 × 10,5 ft)

Cost of setup: $5K

Social media: Instagram

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself

Hello! My name is André Grünhoff, and I’m an e-commerce manager specialising in design-driven brands.

Currently, I work at GRAU, a high-end lighting brand, where I oversee e-commerce operations, strategy, and growth.

My expertise lies in creating seamless, high-converting digital experiences by blending technology, design, and branding.

Before GRAU, I led e-commerce for Vetsak, a premium D2C furniture brand, where I developed a customised Shopify Plus experience and managed a large-scale website migration with an agency based in New York.

My journey into e-commerce started with a passion for digital experiences and design.

I founded my own e-commerce business early on, which gave me a deep understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of running a brand.

Over time, I refined my skills in UX, conversion rate optimisation, Klaviyo-powered email marketing, and international expansion.

While I work for a company now, I always think entrepreneurially and thrive in independent, high-responsibility roles.

Beyond my full-time role, I’m building Shop Haul — a newsletter that curates and reviews unique, well-designed products from various industries, with a focus on Shopify.

It’s a project that allows me to combine my expertise in e-commerce, branding, and product discovery while sharing valuable insights with a like-minded audience.

I’m also passionate about the outdoors, particularly hiking, strength training, basketball, and spending time in nature with my dog.

Take us through your setup

My workspace is a curated setup that balances functionality, aesthetics, and comfort.

The key features include a large wooden desk, an ergonomic chair, and a dual-monitor setup that allows for efficient workflow.

Every item in my setup serves a purpose, from the mechanical keyboard that enhances my typing experience to the well-placed cable management system that keeps everything tidy and organised.

Building this setup wasn’t an overnight process — it took me several months to fine-tune everything.

Initially, I focused on the essentials: a solid desk, a comfortable chair, and a high-resolution display.

Over time, I added accessories that improved the experience, such as a monitor arm for better ergonomics and an improved lighting system.

The goal was to create a space where I could work for hours without fatigue while maintaining a sleek, minimalistic aesthetic.

The workspace is located in a room that offers a perfect balance between isolation and openness.

I chose this space because it allows me to focus without distractions while still feeling connected to the rest of my home.

The room itself has a neutral, monochrome colour palette, which complements the wooden elements of the desk and shelves.

I’ve also added some personal touches like artwork, plants, and decorative pieces to make it feel inspiring and unique.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was cable management — I spent hours figuring out the best way to route cables to maintain a clutter-free look.

Natural light is a key factor in my workspace, and I’m quite happy with it.

The room gets a good amount of daylight, which helps with productivity and prevents eye strain.

However, I’ve also invested in adjustable LED lighting to ensure consistent brightness at night or on cloudy days.

The lighting setup is a mix of functional task lighting and ambient lighting, creating a comfortable environment at any time of day.

While I’m happy with my desk setup, there’s always room for improvement.

One thing I’d like to improve is storage.

I’m considering adding more floating shelves or hidden compartments to keep things even more organised.

Another potential upgrade is better soundproofing, as external noise can sometimes be distracting.

The next item I’m planning to buy is a high-end office chair to further improve ergonomics.

While my current chair is comfortable, I want something that offers better lumbar support and adjustability for long working hours.

I’m also considering a new mechanical keyboard that matches my workspace’s aesthetics and provides an even better typing experience.

Overall, my setup is an ongoing project that evolves based on my needs and inspirations.

The goal is always to refine it into the perfect blend of productivity, comfort, and design.

What’s your favourite item on your desk?

Dumpster Fire figurine is one of my favourite desk items because it combines humour, design, and a touch of lighthearted self-awareness.

The “This is fine” dog is a playful nod to the absurdity of maintaining calm amid chaos — a feeling many of us can relate to during busy workdays.

Its minimalist yet quirky design adds personality to my workspace without being overly distracting.

The monochrome aesthetic matches my desk’s overall clean and neutral look, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the other items while still standing out as a conversation starter.

It’s a constant reminder not to take things too seriously and to find moments of humour, even when things get hectic — a small yet meaningful piece that brings balance and positivity to my workspace.

What apps or tools do you use to get things done?

I rely on a mix of productivity and e-commerce tools to stay organised and efficient in my work.

One of my favourite apps is Notion, which I use as a central hub for task management, brainstorming, and project tracking.

Its flexibility allows me to customise workspaces for everything from mapping out email marketing strategies to managing personal goals.

I love how seamlessly it integrates with other tools and its ability to structure complex workflows into a clean, visual format.

Whether I’m collaborating with my team or organising my thoughts, Notion helps me stay on top of everything.

Another tool I can’t live without is Raycast.

It’s a powerful productivity app that allows me to streamline my workflows with quick keyboard shortcuts and app integrations.

From launching apps to creating reminders or even controlling my Spotify, Raycast saves me time and minimises distractions.

Its robust extensions make it incredibly versatile, whether I’m jumping between Shopify, Klaviyo, or managing files.

Raycast keeps me in my flow and significantly speeds up repetitive tasks.

For project management, I use tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira, depending on the team and project requirements.

These platforms help break down complex projects into manageable tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress efficiently.

Top 11 Books to Boost Your Productivity While Working from Home

Get practical tips and insights on productivity to make the most of your remote work routine with these must-read books.

Maker StationsMakers

I also rely heavily on AI-powered helper tools to enhance productivity. ChatGPT is a key part of my workflow for brainstorming ideas, solving problems, and drafting content quickly.

Tactiq helps me transcribe and organise meeting notes effortlessly, while Fixkey ensures my writing is polished and error-free.

For video calls, I use Boom — a camera app that makes Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams calls more engaging, productive, and fun.

Additionally, LookAway helps me monitor screen time and maintain focus during deep work sessions.

Lastly, Shopify and Klaviyo are indispensable for e-commerce tasks, powering everything from storefront management to targeted email marketing campaigns.

Together, these tools, combined with AI helpers like ChatGPT, Tactiq, and Boom, streamline my workflow and help me achieve both creative and business goals efficiently.

What books, blogs, or podcasts recently caught your attention?

Newsletters and feeds are where I live — they are my main source of inspiration.

There are so many amazing ones that it’s hard to narrow them down, but if I had to pick the first three that come to mind, they would be:

Every — which dives into thoughtful essays about productivity, strategy, and tech;

Dense Discovery — a beautifully curated weekly newsletter that explores design, technology, and culture; and

Hyper — which offers a creative and forward-thinking take on design.

These newsletters not only inspire me but also provide actionable ideas to implement in my work and personal projects.

For visual and creative inspiration, Cosmos is a standout platform.

It’s packed with incredible ideas and references that fuel my creativity.

Honestly, there are so many great sources of inspiration that I could probably write my own book about them someday!

As for podcasts, I listen to them as I fall asleep — they’re more of a relaxing end to my day rather than a focus-driven activity.

These resources keep me connected, inspired, and constantly learning.

Any tips for other makers who want to improve their workspaces?

Don’t skimp on your chair — it’s one of the most important investments for your health and productivity.

My current Yaasa chair is decent, but I’m planning to upgrade to a Herman Miller Aeron soon because, when spending long hours at a desk, having the best ergonomic support is absolutely essential.

What does your typical day look like?

My day starts early — I usually wake up around 6:30 am.

The first thing I do is take my dog for a walk, which is a great way to clear my mind and get some fresh air before diving into the day.

Once I’m back, I make coffee and review my day’s priorities, often using Notion for a quick overview.

The first app I open on my phone is usually the calendar or email app to check for any urgent updates that need my attention.

By 8 am, I’m at my desk, ready to start working.

Throughout the day, I balance creative work and admin tasks.

My mornings are typically reserved for deep, focused work — like strategising e-commerce campaigns and analysing data in Shopify.

Afternoons are more collaborative, often spent in meetings, brainstorming sessions, or handling day-to-day operational tasks.

To stay productive, I block time for creative work and use apps like Tactiq to summarise meetings and avoid wasting time.

I switch up my workspace depending on the task and my mood.

My desk is my main hub, but I occasionally move to a different room or even head outside for brainstorming sessions to refresh my focus.

On average, I spend about seven to eight hours a day at my desk, but I make sure to take regular breaks to prevent burnout.

Outside of work, I love hiking with my dog, strength training, and occasionally gaming.

I’ve been working from home for several years, and the transition felt natural even before the pandemic.

COVID-19 further solidified my WFH setup, pushing me to refine my workspace and tools for better productivity.

While I enjoy the flexibility of working from home, I also see value in occasional office days for face-to-face collaboration.

For now, I’ve embraced the balance that remote work offers, integrating my personal interests and projects seamlessly into my routine.

Your tips for working from home?

Working from home requires a mix of discipline, structure, and flexibility.

One of the most effective strategies I use is starting each day with a clear routine.

After waking up, I take my dog for a walk to get fresh air and reset my mind.

This time away from screens helps me mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Once back, I grab a coffee and spend 10–15 minutes reviewing my task list in Notion to prioritise what needs to be done.

Having this morning ritual not only sets the tone for the day but also ensures I start with focus and clarity.

Time management is crucial when working remotely, and I rely on the Pomodoro technique for sustained productivity.

Breaking work into 25-minute focus blocks with 5-minute breaks keeps me energised and prevents burnout.

I also schedule tasks based on my energy levels — tackling creative, high-focus work in the morning and leaving admin or meetings for the afternoon.

For those new to working from home, my top advice is to create a dedicated workspace that minimises distractions and promotes productivity.

Establish boundaries between work and personal life by setting specific work hours and sticking to them.

Regular breaks are essential — stand up, stretch, or take a short walk to refresh your mind.

Lastly, don’t neglect communication with your team or colleagues; staying connected, even virtually, helps maintain collaboration and reduces isolation.

Adopting these habits can make remote work not just productive but also enjoyable.

^{We’re a reader-supported publication. This article might contain affiliate links. It means we may receive a commission if you click a link and buy a product that our maker has recommended. The interview was done independently.}