Content Creator’s Warm & Minimalist Desk Setup in Canada

Name: Kamp

Location: Canada

Occupation: Brand Manager

Room size: 14 m² (150 ft²)

Cost of setup: ~$5K

Social media: Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself

Hello! I’m Kamp (I go by the pseudonym kamp), though some of you might know me as Kampstudioo online.

I currently work full-time as a brand manager and designer in the tech industry.

My passion for branding, technology, and creating personal spaces led me to combine these interests into one journey.

Recently, I’ve started posting more consistently and hope to turn this into a vibrant platform where I can share my passions and interests, and collaborate with brands to bring their visions to life.

Take us through your setup

I’ve had setups in the past, but nothing like the one I have now.

It’s taken about three or four years to reach this point, and let’s be honest — creating any kind of setup isn’t for the weak (or cheap!) lol.

I started with just a PC laptop and a little computer monitor like the ones our parents used to have in the computer room back in the day (iykyk).

Over the years, my setup has transformed significantly, especially during the pandemic when I discovered a passion for desk setups through YouTube.

The journey has been rewarding, and I’m grateful to share this experience with you all through Maker Stations.

My current desk setup features soft lighting and oak accents, creating a space that inspires creativity in sound and design while accommodating my full-time work.

When I was setting up this space, I was looking for something that had a mid-century, organic, warm and cosy look to it.

That’s why you’ll often see my IKEA VARMBLIXT lamp — and a curved monitor, which are staples in my evolving workspace.

When I found this light, it felt like the perfect piece to bring everything together.

I’m drawn to organic, neutral tones because they create a cosy, calming and grounding atmosphere.

These tones often remind me of nature, promoting a sense of peace and balance — which is nice to have in a place where work can feel mundane.

They also provide a versatile backdrop, allowing other elements in my setup to shine without overwhelming the space.

Neutral tones tend to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, making any environment feel more inviting.

Yes, I’m really into cosy things. I think the cosy mindset is a lifestyle!

I love my desk setup, though I do wish for more natural light.

Eventually, I’d love to have a space that includes my desk setup alongside a creative corner for photography, drawing, and other projects.

A well-organised and aesthetically pleasing environment helps me focus and feel more motivated.

When I’m not feeling as motivated, I can count on my space and personal elements to keep me going.

Fun fact — or tip. When choosing a monitor, definitely opt for one with a VESA mount — I learned that the hard way!

I ended up having to buy an expensive adapter for my monitor arm.

Lastl but not least — I’m currently on the hunt for an ergonomic chair and a better desk mat, so if you have any recommendations, please send them my way.

Ergonomics are essential when working or doing anything full-time at a desk.

What’s your favourite item on your desk?

My favourite desk items are my Logitech MX Mechanical Mini keyboard and MX Master 3S mouse.

They’ve been game changers for me.

In my line of work, where attention to detail is crucial and tasks can often feel tedious, having an ergonomic setup that I can fully customise makes a world of difference.

Plus, their sleek design and satisfying click are very soothing.

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

Two essential apps for me are Notion and Asana, both of which offer fantastic free plans for personal and content planning.

I also find Apple Notes incredibly useful for quickly jotting down ideas and keeping track of miscellaneous things.

I’m also a big fan of brown noise or ambient sounds to help me focus.

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

My current source of inspiration is The Visual History of Type: A Visual Survey of 320 Typefaces and Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton.

I recently read that mastering typography is one of the best paths to becoming a well-rounded designer, and I’ve been really enjoying that exploration.

The Visual History of Type

A Visual Survey of 320 Typefaces

Check price on Amazon

Additionally, I find inspiration from the online community I follow.

I’m constantly motivated by everyone’s unique setups — even if they differ completely from mine.

It pushes me to learn, explore, and appreciate diverse perspectives, all of which help me enhance my own space little by little.

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

For anyone looking to improve their desk setup, start small and enjoy the journey.

There’s no need to make all the changes at once — you can upgrade at your own pace and according to your budget.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amazing or sponsored content we see online, but remember that these transformations rarely happen overnight.

If you’re unsure about what you like, check out Maker Stations or visit your nearest Best Buy.

Go in person, walk around, and explore different tech options.

There’s also always Pinterest which has a lot of inspo.

Start by identifying what your need is. Do you need to work long hours? Is it for gaming? Is it to be cosy?

Trust yourself — you know what will work best for you 😊

What does your typical day look like?

A typical day for me starts around 6 or 7 am.

I kick things off with some mobility stretching, and if the weather is nice, I enjoy getting out for a walk.

Once I’m back, I take a shower, brew my coffee, hydrate, and log in to begin my day.

I usually write a quick to-do list, check my calendar, and set the vibe with some lo-fi or ambient music.

Fortunately, I have flexible hours, but I try to keep a structured routine of either 8-4 or 9-5.

After finishing my day, I like to unwind by cooking dinner, listening to music, or watching a movie.

I’m all about my wind-down routine, so I usually get into bed around 9 or 10 and aim to be asleep by 11.

My daily rhythm includes admin tasks in the morning and evening, with creative work throughout the day.

I follow a flexible version of the Pomodoro technique, working for 25 minutes and then taking a 15-minute break.

I spend about eight to nine hours at my desk, but I make sure to get up and move around regularly (hopefully my future self will thank me for that lol!)

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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When I’m not working, you can find me creating content, walking my dog, cooking, playing video games, watching YouTube, or spending time with family.

After four years of working from home, I’ve found it to be a game changer for my work-life balance.

Your tips for working from home?

Here are my tips for working from home:

Establish a routine
Create a daily routine and stick to it.

Everyone is different, but having a structured schedule gives your day purpose and helps your colleagues know when you’re available, making it easier to maintain boundaries.

Time management
Use a task management tool to prioritise your tasks. Focus on what’s urgent while finding ways to work on multiple things at once.

It’s rare that we can concentrate on just one task (or at least I find this).

I often use a two-minute rule. If I can do it in two minutes, I’ll do it right away, and anything that falls outside of that needs to be put on a scale.

Start your day right
While it doesn’t have to be elaborate, a morning ritual can be incredibly helpful in feeling well by the time you sit at your desk.

Combat loneliness
If you’re new to working from home and feeling isolated, know that you’re not alone.

One of the biggest challenges is the feeling of being siloed.

Schedule coffee chats with colleagues or friends who also work from home.

There are plenty of online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals (Discord, etc.)

Set boundaries
Don’t hesitate to establish boundaries.

Turn off notifications after work hours and stick to your scheduled start and end times.

Remember, you’re not expected to be available outside your designated hours, depending on your job 🙂

A good desk setup
I can’t emphasise this enough: if you’re starting your setup, prioritise getting a good chair that offers proper support and aligns well with your desk.

Ergonomics play a crucial role in your comfort and overall well-being.

Home Office Chair for a Small Space

Find the best chair for your tiny home office with this easy guide.

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