The Importance of Office Aesthetics: How Design Impacts Productivity

If you’re here, then like me, you’ve felt drained or uninspired in a dull, disorganized workspace. You may find yourself getting distracted by clutter or design elements that don’t reflect your style. It’s easy to tell from a simple body check-in that we feel better in an aesthetically pleasing, organized space. The space you're in affects your mindset, inspiration, and motivation, ultimately impacting your productivity. Creating a space you can thrive in doesn’t mean a remodel project. There are plenty of ways to update your office without breaking the bank. Low on space? Not to worry, there are small office design ideas to help you upgrade your workspace. If you’re unhappy with your office, here are a few simple ways to refresh it.

1. How Your Office Space Affects Your Mood

The aesthetic of your office is more than a fun idea for a Pinterest board. It affects your mood, focus, and productivity. If your space is dull, disorganized, or uninspiring, the result is overwhelm and lack of motivation, ultimately lowering productivity and morale. 

Take a moment to consider:

• How do you feel in a bright space vs. a dimmer one?

• Do you feel more focused in a minimalist space, or a space with well placed decor?

• Does organization set you at ease or do you prefer a little bit of clutter?

• What types of colors make you feel awake, alive, and ready to conquer your day?

It’s important to take into account how you feel when answering the questions above to help ensure you’re creating a space that is yours, not the space you think would work well on social media. Your ideal office design isn’t just about looks, it’s about what feels best to you. Your environment impacts stress levels, health, and happiness. Envision a space that meets your needs and fits your preferences. The first step is identifying elements you’d like to add to your space and elements you’d like to change.

2. Simple Ways to Elevate Your Office Aesthetic 

One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to elevate your office aesthetic is rearranging the furniture. Working with a small space? Rearrange design elements such as desk accessories, wall art, and items on shelves. If the first thing that came to mind when you pictured rearranging your workspace was the clutter or trash that would be in your way, then that is your starting point. Not only will removing clutter and trash instantly upgrade your office space, it creates momentum and inspires you to keep going. If you find that some of that clutter actually belongs in your office but doesn’t have a home, there are tons of stylish, functional, and affordable storage options available here.

Once your space is clean and rearranged, consider what can be added to enhance the space while bringing your personality into it. For example:

• Lamps add warmth and brightness to a space

• A wax warmer is a great way to add fresh or seasonal scents to your office

• Wall decor is a great way to add personality and color without taking up desk or floor space

• Rugs bring a room together without taking away from usable space

• If you have space, adding additional seating for guests is a functional and welcoming addition

3. The Role of Comfort in Productivity

In addition to making your space inspiring, you need to be comfortable. If possible, consider purchasing an ergonomic desk chair to improve your posture and support while sitting. However, there are more affordable options such as seat cushions, back support pillows, and head rests. If you’re really adventurous, you may even try replacing your chair with a balance ball.

Next, evaluate your desk. Does it match the office aesthetic you’re creating? Does it have enough storage? Is it comfortable to work at? You likely spend most of your time (that you aren’t sleeping) at this desk, making it a significant factor in your workplace productivity. There are numerous designs available from minimalist desks to desks with storage or shelving. You may even consider a standing desk to improve health and focus. Many standing desks are built with a feature to raise or lower the desk so it can be used in a standing or seated position. In this step, it’s important to focus on what is comfortable in addition to what is practical or visually appealing.

4. Adding Personality Without Clutter

Consider creating a Pinterest board to collect your thoughts and office design ideas. Adding your thoughts and ideas to one place helps you work out your creativity, and allows you to narrow down the aesthetic and items that will work best for you. It’s important to find balance between adding enough to your space without overdoing it. Try finding items we’ve discussed above that fit your personality and desired aesthetic, then envisioning them with personal touches such as pictures and plants incorporated into the space.

5. Quick Fixes for an Instant Aesthetic Boost

Here are a few key bullet points to keep in mind when reviewing office decor ideas and looking for office inspiration:

• Natural or warm lighting is often more comfortable than harsh overhead or LED lighting.

• Add a pop of color with accessories like a vibrant painting, frames picture, or desk organizer.

• Swap out random or clashing items for items that fit your designed workspace aesthetic.

Your home office design affects your mindset, inspiration, and motivation, ultimately impacting your productivity. Creating a space you can thrive in doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Here are a few simple steps to refreshing your home office design and boost your workplace productivity:

• Determine how your office space affects your mood

• Identify the changes you would like to make

• Declutter and rearrange your space

• Make sure you’re creating a space that is comfortable for you

• Choose office decor that adds personality and functionality without creating clutter

Small changes go a long way. You deserve an inspiring place to work on your goals. Start making your workspace work for you today!