SIX WAYS TO BRING MORE JOY TO YOUR OFFICE

Whether working from home or the corporate BY HEATHER JENNINGS, DESIGNER 1

Photo by Kristin Austin of Aray Studios. Photo by Erin Comerford

Find a small area rug and place it in your offi ce to add color and warmth. An area rug will also provide a nice texture under your feet, as well as acoustical control by absorbing sound. If you have a small chair or couch in your offi ce, try adding some throw pillows and blankets to make the space more inviting. They also can be a way to add fun patterns, making plain furniture look new and exciting. Not only do rugs, pillows, and blankets make the space look more inviting, but they are also practical when it comes to comfort! Textured wallpaper can also be a great way to make the room more interesting. These small details make a tangible difference for guests invited to your offi ce space.

A tack board can help you easily organize your ideas and visualize your projects throughout their process of development. These boards are also a great way to declutter your desk and fi nd your notes when you need them! Tack boards can be found at most local home stores or through a basic internet search. They come in various fabrics like the linen one shown and in a variety of colors to match your offi ce space. Add stylish push pins or magnets if you are using a white board. Keep the board easily accessible where you can see it while working. These boards are an effi cient and fashionable way to organize your thoughts while working.

Photo by Katie Jennings Photography

Photo by Kristin Austin of Aray Studios.

Photo by Cat Wilborne

Set up a zone in your offi ce that is close by your work area where you can relax for a moment. A comfortable chair, lounge, recliner, small sofa, or love seat could all be great options to bring your offi ce to the next level. If your offi ce is not large enough for extra furniture, try purchasing fl oor pillows that give you support and comfort while allowing you to get a different perspective. You are giving yourself a spot to separate yourself from your work, which will help make your day more enjoyable. It can also be a place for a quick nap or to rest your eyes, which will help you to be more productive while you are completing the day’s tasks. Our fi rm often works with doctors and nurses that need a quick nap to recharge and we often recommend a lounge in their offi ce. You might also want to set up an area where you can have a quick snack, or add a notepad for writing down ideas. This is the perfect spot to hang some artwork that inspires you. The idea is to create a dedicated space in your home offi ce that will be a place you can recharge when needed.

Perhaps add color with a desk lamp, prints or paintings, or a paper weight. This will add to the mood you are setting. You can also use peel and stick wallpaper that is easily removable. If one wall in a room is painted a different color, it helps to ground the space and brightens up a dull offi ce. It’s a simple step, but who doesn’t love seeing their favorite color? Personalizing your offi ce with your favorite items can also avoid the feeling of “all work and no play.” Surrounding your offi ce space with the things you love is a great way to make your workplace feel less stuffy and more fun. You can display your favorite items on shelves, on top of your desk, or on a window sill. Think of any collections you enjoy such as comic books, crystals, toys, vinyl records, objects collected from when you traveled, books or even photos of family and friends. Not only will these things bring you joy because they are special to you, but they are often great décor and can be displayed in creative ways. For example, you can display cool toys or your favorite knick knacks on fl oating shelves. Using items you already own is a great way to personalize your space without spending any money.

Photo by Kristin Austin of Aray Studios Photo by Kristin Austin of Aray Studios

Photo by Kristin Austin of Aray Studios

Photo by Six Cents Media

Need a breath of fresh air? Try placing live plants or fresh fl owers in your offi ce space. Not only do plants purify the air we breathe, but they also mimic the outdoors which is refreshing. Nature is proven to make us happier. Plus, a task that is as simple as watering a plant can help to de-stress. You can also place your desk near a window for a better view.

Have you considered trying out a special desk treadmill for some exercise while you work? For example, Steelcase furniture makes a great one. Updating the technology in your offi ce can make your life easier by reducing unnecessary motion. This could be as inexpensive and simple as a Bluetooth mouse, or you could invest in a large monitor which will take some strain off of your eyes and can make it a lot more pleasant to work on compared to a laptop. Extension cords that include USB outlets in the most accessible places near your workspace can also be helpful. The less hassles you face from tech, the more time you can devote to your creativity. 6

Photo by Cat Wilborne

Photo by Cat Wilborne

Next time you’re in your offi ce, write down which of these ideas your space is missing and try adding them in. Incorporating a few of these changes will facilitate you to do your best work while feeling happier on the job. They can bring joy that will transform the way you think about a space and the way you feel occupying it. Making your offi ce more joyful can be as easy as gathering your favorite accessories and adding them to your space. Try accents of fun colors, textured decorations, updated technology, and a tack board along with those personal items to freshen up your room. Not only will your offi ce space look more put together, but it will also make you feel more comfortable and inspired while you work. Good luck as you add to your own productivity and enjoyment, and be sure to share your feedback on your offi ce updates!

HEATHER JENNINGS founded Blackwell & Jennings, Commercial Interior Design in 2016 after blackwellandjennings.com | 910.445.1029 | heather@blackwellandjennings.com