Day in and day out we spend countless hours building a business, working on major projects or writing a new book. But oftentimes, the inspiration of the room or cubicle we sit at each day doesn’t reflect the life we want to create. While we want to build an inspiring and successful business, most people find their office space is filled with papers, closed windows and no personality.
Research shows that a well-designed office can increase a worker’s productivity by 20 percent. If you feel that inspiration for a project is running low, it may be time to switch up your office space design. Even the smallest change can positively impact the way we handle work. For simple ways to revamp your workspace (or an excuse to shop), here are six ideas to create an area that inspires you:
Light
Lighting is one of the most essential pieces in creating a productive office space. Bad or dark lighting can lead to eyestrain, fatigue and even headaches.To create focus, open all the windows in your office to let natural light shine through. If you don’t have access to windows, adding lamps with natural daylight light bulbs can also be very effective.
Color
From what we wear to the design of a logo, color links us to many emotions. If you have a personal office, paint a wall or put up posters. For desks, purchase items that will evoke certain moods. For example, blue promotes tranquility, green inspires prosperity and yellow promotes joy. Be careful of certain colors like brown, which can produce feelings of laziness.
Plants
Plants are another unique way to add inspiration to your office space. Greenery can produce calmness, stimulate the brain and cognitive attention that can help with getting more work done. While plants can relieve stress, it also filters the air which makes it easier to breathe and work in your space.
Quotes and imagery
It is important to hang things that inspire you. Find your favorite quotes and post pictures of your best memories to bring happiness to your work day. Many decorative stores sell wall art that can easily be applied to the wall or even on the side of a bookcase or shelf.
Declutter
People work in many different ways but it has been proven that keeping your desk minimal can significantly improve productivity. It is shown that employees can spend up to 1.5 hours per day looking for things in their office space. Ways to help maintain a clean environment include spending 10 minutes before leaving work to file papers and recycle anything that’s old.
Snacks
No one can focus when they’re hungry. Having healthy snacks to replenish your body can go a long way in helping with productivity. Snack ideas could include boiled eggs, hummus with vegetables, apples and peanut butter or Greek yogurt.
Implementing some of these ideas can create an office space that you are excited to work in each day. For starters, creating a Pinterest mood board can help with ideas on how you would like to design the space. Next, simply get started and have fun with it. You are on your way to inspiring yourself, which will help to inspire others.
