Decorating Articles

Boost Productivity - Decorate Your Office Space

Let’s get personal…about your office.

Have you ever watched a movie about some high-powered executive who has the definitive office? You know the kind of office I mean: breathtaking views of the city from the walls of windows, oversized desk hand-carved from exotic wood, carpets so deep you have to wear stilts to navigate to a chair, tasteful artwork, bookcases filled with… books, and the only visible item on the desk is a notebook sized computer.

Fast forward to your office. Is it a cubicle chiseled out in a massive room? Is it the small one located in the corner? Is it in your home? Is the view a calendar from your insurance company? Has your desk seen better days? Is it so cluttered with paper and things to-do you can’t see the top of it? Is everything under the sun stacked on your bookshelves …except books?

If your office sounds more like the second one described, it could be hindering your productivity and it might be time to take it personally. Don’t feel too badly, however, most people have the same office space challenges you do!

You probably spend a lot of time in your office. I know I do. So, shouldn’t your office be as welcoming as your home? Shouldn’t your office reflect the same personal “vibe” as your home? Even in the most structured corporate workplace, with strict guidelines for creating your office space, there is usually room to add personal touches and statements without going overboard. After all, your office IS your home-away-from home, no matter where it is located.

There are a few things you should really do first before you move onto decorating your office space and making it feel cozier. Be forewarned, these are NOT the fun, warm fuzzy tasks you like to do. These are the yucky, “do I have to?” things you need to do. Keep in mind, these tasks are two of the most important things you can do to initiate more positive productivity.

First you need to de-clutter your desk top. Even though you know where everything is, clutter truly does interfered with efficiency. Ever had a client call and you couldn’t put your hands on their file? Pretty Embarrassing! Nowadays there is no excuse for a messy desk because there are endless choices of items available to help you get control of your clutter.

The second thing you can do is to organize your space. Analyze how you function in your office. What is not working now? Too many loose papers not filed? Books stacked in corners? Client files lying on the floor? Make a list of what you need to organize your space more efficiently. Do you need more file cabinets or book shelves? Make a pledge to purchase those items with your income tax refund!

Now that you have those dubious tasks out of the way, you can begin the fun part…personalizing your office space. But remember, when it comes to decorating offices, you want to personalize with simplicity!

Here are five easy and SMART tips to making your office space a place that is personally you:

Start with a decorating statement.

• Paint your home office a fresh color that stimulates your energy level.
• Add an area rug to anchor your work space and bring in color accent.
• Can’t paint? Use artwork for the same energizing effect. Look for subjects and colors that make you happy and uplift your spirits.
• Got chair? Making room for a comfy chair to put your feet up for a few minutes during the day. It also makes plowing through those tedious reading tasks more enjoyable.

Make a little music.

• Nothing soothes like music. Bring in a boom box or tune in your ipod and
  play a little soft music in the background.
• Whistle while you work ;)

Add something alive.

• Potted plants create positive energy… and oxygen.
• Bring in a fish tank or a little goldfish in a bowl. Watching them swim has a hypnotic calming effect.
• Nothing is quite a refreshing as fresh flowers. Always have a colorful bouquet waiting on your desk.

Reflect your individual personality.

• Display your awards and achievements. Flaunt your degree or prized award.
• Include a hint of your favorite hobby.
• Bring in a small selection of your treasured collection.

Throw in some sentiment.

• Display a few photos of your loved ones…persons or pets.
• Accessorize the space with travel photos or eclectic souvenirs.
  

About the author:

Marcia Smart is a nationally recognized Interior Redesigner and author of the witty do-it-yourself book “Decorating by Instinct”. Marcia is an in-demand instructor of professional redesign training and is shaping the future of the industry as the Executive Director of I.R.I.S., Interior Redesign Industry Specialists To learn more about her program and find more FREE tips and articles like these, visit her site at www.smartredesign.com

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