A photography studio with character
Photography studios often exude a cold and sterile atmosphere – but not Jame’s Studio. Melanie and her friend deliberately sought out a classic Viennese period apartment with high ceilings, double doors, and stucco detailing. “We wanted a light-filled space with a warm ambience – a place where one instantly feels at ease,” she shares in the interview. After just two days of searching, they discovered the perfect property.
The studio is divided into three sections: a photography studio, a client meeting area, and an office. When it came to furnishing, they opted for multifunctional pieces. The elegant lounge chairs by Sedus are not only used for relaxation but also serve as props for photo shoots. The combination of stylish statement pieces, bouclé furniture, and flowing curtains creates an atmosphere that fosters both comfort and creativity. “Conversations are always more pleasant over a good cup of coffee in a cosy armchair rather than on a stiff wooden chair,” Melanie remarks.
Working where you feel at home
Melanie Prusa has a keen eye for interior design – not just within her own studio but also in the homes she photographs for her blog ‘Wiener Wohnsinn’. Throughout her work, she has encountered some truly inspiring home office setups. “A mix of old and new is particularly captivating: an antique Danish writing desk paired with modern, ergonomic office chairs or a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf brimming with colourful books,” she observes.
She has also noted key trends emerging in home office design: height-adjustable desks have long since moved beyond corporate environments and into private residences, and colour is making a comeback – be it through vibrant desk lamps, bold red shelving, or striking office chairs. “I believe we work best in a comfortable setting. I favour cosiness, whether working or simply unwinding,” Melanie adds.
The magic of ‘Third Places’
As Melanie often works on location, she has come to appreciate the advantages of working in cafés or hotel lobbies. “It may sound paradoxical, but I find I can concentrate much better in a bustling café than at home, where the laundry pile lurks around the corner, or in the studio, where I am more inclined to chat with my friend than focus on my work.”
Viennese Work Cafés – where tradition meets modernity
Vienna is globally renowned for its coffee culture – yet not all establishments embrace the concept of working from a café. In the city’s more contemporary, trendy cafés, however, the notion of the ‘work café’ is gradually becoming well-established. One of Melanie’s personal favourites is the J. Hornig Kaffeebar in the 7th district. With its intimate lounge corners and long communal tables, it offers the perfect environment for productive work in an elegant setting.
Conclusion
Jame’s Studio is a prime example of how modern workspaces should be: functional, stylish, and inviting. Whether in one’s own studio, a home office, or a work café, a comfortable environment plays a crucial role in fostering both creativity and productivity. Inspired by this philosophy, the Sedus Lookbook No. 2 encourages us to rethink our workspaces and imbue them with personality.
Melanie’s ‘Coffee of Choice’: A flat white with oat milk – or perhaps a matcha latte? “But a traditional Viennese café waiter would surely shake his head at that,” she laughs.
