Simple Desk Setup in Amsterdam

Name: Kalok Yeung

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Occupation: Creative Director/Digital Designer

Room size: 12 m² (129 ft²)

Cost of setup: ~$8K

Social media: Instagram, Twitter

Website: Kalok Yeung

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a creative director and digital designer based in Amsterdam, working globally.

Technology has always been at the core of my passion for design.

Growing up, I was obsessed with gadgets like Tamagotchis and game consoles — their playful interfaces were and still are super addictive to me.

I’ve always loved exploring anything tech-related, and that curiosity has only grown over time.

It shaped my career — I now run my own digital design practice.

Managing it gives me the freedom to explore new creative directions, take on different projects, and collaborate with talented creatives, all while staying true to the tech-driven creativity that first inspired me.

Take us through your setup

My workspace has a minimalist setup.

Near the entrance is the Egon Eiermann 2 desk.

I have contemplated getting a standing desk, but they just don’t look nice.

I wanted a desk that looks contemporary and doesn’t resemble a machine; I prefer a more natural aesthetic.

I have a Herman Miller chair because it is the most comfortable and ergonomic chair for working.

While I’m satisfied with my current setup, I’m always considering ways to improve it.

One item I plan to add is a minimalist storage solution, like shelves or a small cabinet, to keep my desk tidy.

My workspace is intentionally minimal — it helps me stay focused and clear-headed.

Less clutter means fewer distractions, so I can concentrate better.

Every morning before work, I take a moment to tidy up my home office.

I put things back where they belong and clear away anything I don’t need.

Grouping similar items helps keep everything organised and easy to find, making my workspace clean and focused.

It’s actually quite simple.

You need the essential tools to get your work done — your computer, monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

A pen and paper are just as important — not just for sketching ideas but also for jotting down notes during meetings.

Sometimes, writing by hand feels quicker and more natural than typing.

What’s your favourite item on your desk?

I love my Egon Eiermann 2 desk because it’s both functional and beautiful, seamlessly blending style with practicality.

I purchased it from Anno Design in Amsterdam for €1,1K, and it has become a centrepiece of my workspace, enhancing both my productivity and the overall aesthetic of the room.

The desk has a soft, pale green colour with wooden sides that give the space a warm, inviting feel.

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

My favourite software to use is Figma, as it allows me to handle everything I need to complete a project, from ideation and research to wireframes and final design. 

Additionally, I love using Are.na to collect and organise references.

I love starting my workday by looking for references — it sparks ideas and keeps me inspired throughout the project.

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

Even though AI gives me weird vibes, I found the book on spells.xxx to be particularly intriguing.

It presents a variety of high-quality AI prompts, which I believe could be quite valuable. I haven’t bought it yet, but it’s definitely on my list!

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

I believe it’s best to start with fewer items in your workspace and gradually add more over time to see what feels right.

Sometimes, having fewer items on display creates a sense of peace and calm, allowing for clearer thinking throughout the workday.

What does your typical day look like?

I get up at 7:30 am and go to bed at 10:30 pm.

The first thing I do in the morning is make coffee, and I always open the Sleep Cycle app on my phone to turn off my alarm.

During the day, I focus on websites, specifically in UX/UI design and sometimes motion.

I typically head to my home office around noon and spend about seven to eight hours at my desk.

When I’m not working, I enjoy watching TV shows, and currently I’m watching Severance (what a great show!)

Your tips for working from home?

To get things done, I like to stay focused, so I use my headphones to block out distractions and concentrate.

This helps me get into the flow and be productive.

I also have a morning routine that sets me up for the day.

For anyone new to working from home, my advice is to take breaks and stay active.

I make sure to balance work by going to the gym — it’s important to move since sitting at a computer for too long is never healthy.

How to Take Better Breaks When Working from Home

Improve your productivity and cut down on stress with these ideas for taking better breaks while WFH.

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