7 Tips for Transforming your Shared Office into a Creative Oasis

The following is a guest post from Chloe Taylor

Where you work has a huge impact on how you work.

Everything in your workplace environment, from the lighting to the wall decor, can affect your happiness and performance. With that in mind, both you and your employer have an incentive to make your office as comfortable and visually pleasing as is feasible.

Of course, if you happen to work in a corporate office, you may not have much freedom to spruce up your office or allotted deskspace. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of subtle changes you can make to the surroundings in your office to reap creativity-boosting benefits – and here are a few you should consider.

1. Add greenery to your desk

No matter how big or small your office is, you can always bring it to life by adding a couple of plants to the space. Research shows that plants in the office correlate with higher employee satisfaction and fewer sick days.

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, many plants, like succulents and ferns, require little to no maintenance. If you prefer some variety, you can keep fresh flowers at your desk and change them out regularly. Because plants come in all shapes and sizes, you’re sure to find the perfect plant and an attractive pot somewhere, no matter how large or small your available space is.

2. Spice up your coffee mug

Aside from a computer, coffee mugs are one of the most permanent fixtures on office desks. So why not use a fun one?

Instead of the standard company mug, use a mug that brings a personal touch to your workspace. Whether you order a custom mug or go it DIY, there are endless ways to decorate mugs to your liking. You can print photos onto them, find them in unusual shapes, or emblazon them with funny sayings. Treat your coffee mug like an extension of your style and creativity, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy every coffee break just a bit more.

3. Make your office smell nice

We spend so many hours in our offices each day that we often aren’t aware of how it smells. Taking some time every now and then to freshen up the air near your desk will do wonders for your mood and productivity.

Depending on your office and the allergies of your coworkers, it may not be appreciated if you constantly spray perfume, light candles, burn incense, or plug in a vaporizer. But you can discreetly freshen up your deskspace by placing small pieces of wood infused with aromatherapy oils in your drawers: you’ll be greeted by a pleasant smell every time you open them. Otherwise, you can use herbs like lavender, cinnamon, or cloves to stuff a small, homemade cushion for your desk chair.

4. Decorate your office with art and photos

Hanging photos and art is one of the simplest ways to make your office more comfortable. Gazing at pleasant images offers a welcome respite from boredom, stress, or exhaustion.

Pick your images strategically to foster the sort of mood you strive for during your working hours. If you need help reducing stress, try landscape art or photography. If you need creativity boosts, opt for abstract art. And if you need a boost of motivation, try photos of family, friends, and pets. You may not have enough room to frame every photo you’d like to, but even one or two unique frames can make your office feel instantly more stylish.

5. Keep a fruit basket nearby

Not only will a fruit basket bring a pop of color and a renaissance still-life-like quality to your office space, it can also remind you to eat healthy.

Replenishing your fruit basket once a week is much simpler than bringing snacks with you to work every day. And if you happen to share your office with coworkers, refilling the basket might even become something of a communal routine.

6. Invest in sleek stationary and office supplies

You don’t have to settle for the standard issue stationary that your employer makes available. If your desk is going to be littered with paper clips, sticky notes, and pens anyways, they may as well come in colors and designs that you like. Purchasing attractive, high-quality supplies for your desk can go a long way to improve the feel of your workspace.

7. Decorate your office board

If gazing at a wall covered in reminders, appointments, and deadlines (some of which are long-since passed) causes you stress, you’re not alone. Removing clutter from and adding decorative touches to the whiteboard or corkboard in your office can help lessen the blow.

First, remove any notes that are no longer relevant and put them in the trash where they belong. Then, consider that improving form can also improve function. From painting the trim, to adding a few colorful magnets, to making room for at least one photo or piece of artwork, try making a few subtle changes to improve your view.

Decorating your corporate office does come with certain limitations. However, there are still more than
a few things you can do to make the space feel truly yours. So, apply the listed tips to your office, and
you’re bound to feel more comfortable and productive in it.

Author Bio

Chloe Taylor is a graduated journalist from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography.