Remote Work, Done Right: Setting Up Your Ideal Home Office

The rise of remote work has changed the way people think about where they live — and where they stay. When your home is also your office, the quality of your environment matters in a way it simply didn't before.

We've thought carefully about this at Scarella Stays. Every property in our collection is designed with remote workers in mind — not just with a desk in the corner, but with the kind of environment that actually supports focused, productive work.

Here's what we've learned about what makes a great remote work setup.

Light matters more than anything. Natural light is the single biggest factor in how productive and energized you feel during the day. This is why we prioritize properties with good natural light, and why we position workspaces near windows wherever possible. If you're choosing between a larger, darker space and a smaller, brighter one, choose the light.

Separate your work and rest spaces. Even in a one-bedroom apartment, it's worth creating a physical distinction between where you work and where you relax. This might mean a dedicated desk in a corner of the living room, or a kitchen table that you only use for work during certain hours. The separation is psychological as much as physical.

Invest in your chair. You're going to spend eight hours a day in it. Every Scarella Stays property has a proper office chair at the workspace — not a dining chair, not a stool. It's a small thing that makes an enormous difference.

High-speed internet is non-negotiable. We test the internet speed in every property before listing it, and we're transparent about the speeds you can expect. For video calls and large file transfers, you need at least 50 Mbps. Most of our properties offer significantly more.

Build in movement. The biggest risk of remote work is sitting still for too long. San Diego makes this easy — there are world-class beaches, trails, and parks within easy reach of every Scarella Stays property. Build a midday walk into your routine. Your work will be better for it.

The best remote work setup isn't about the gear — it's about the environment. We've tried to create environments that support the way you actually work, so you can do your best work from wherever you are.