There are few things in life that can suck the creative energy right out of you quite like that of a drab and boring office space. Homogenous rows of cubicles completely devoid of personality might be the worst, but generic beige walls and bland carpets are horribly oppressive in their own right.
What does your office look like?
If you're a creative, you need a space that inspires creativity rather than quashes it!
Is your office filled with items that spark your curiosity, reflect your quirky personality, and that restore your energy, and nourish your soul, while making it easier to create?
Or do you feel your spirit die just a little bit more each day when you sit down at your desk?
Follow these tips to help you build a creative office space that works!
Let There Be Light!
What's more depressing than sitting in the dark, alone? When designing your office space, it's important to make it as bright as possible. Light makes it easier to see, which helps to prevent your eyes from tiring quickly.
Whenever possible, look for ways to increase the level of natural light. Natural light has many health benefits, including being a free and easy way to boost your body's production of endorphins that regulate mood. Natural lighting also increases your body's circulation including those responsible for creativity and critical thinking!
In addition to natural light, bring more of the outside indoors by incorporating live greenery into your office space. Look for plant species that are colorful and specifically designed to thrive indoors and don't forget to water and feed them on a regular basis!
Energise! Bring in More Energy to Create More Energy
As the old saying goes, nature abhors a vacuum, and so does creativity. While you might mistakenly believe that you will get more work done by shutting yourself up in a small space, there are numerous studies that show that creativity thrives off of the inspiration provided by others.
The act of creation is also an energising experience, so why not share your energy, and energise others? This way you each get the benefit of providing and receiving instant feedback for your best ideas and plans, with new ideas and innovations growing off of each comment that is given and received.
Pay Attention to Shapes and Furniture Choices
Are your office chairs comfortable? Does your office storage make it easy to reach and get to supplies, especially those that are used in your creative projects? Do you have circular, round tables and desks that encourage others to gather around and create together, or are there a lot of sharp edges that define territories and create barriers to cooperation and collaboration?
Take some care when selecting furniture and storage bins and make certain that your choices reflect an open office that is easily accessible and welcoming.
Make your Office Space Personal
It's important that you personalise your space, and allow the others that work with you to share in this experience, by filling it with objects and mementos that reflect the spirit, passion and personality of you and your team!
Including photos of your loved ones, and a selection of your favourite objects can help uplift the morale of you and your team and help each of you to stay focused on your objectives and goals. This will help you and your team to be able to create your best, and most original works, because these items remind you of the real reason why you are working!
Make Room for Fun and Spontaneity
Leave room for fun and spontaneity in the design of your office as well as your daily work routine. Consider providing a space in your office where it's safe for you and others to unwind and have a bit of fun. The size and set up of your "fun-space" will depend on how much room your work with, as well as the personalities of you and your people.
Whether it's a small nook where you and others can relax and recline and enjoy a book, show, or video game, you can lighten everyone's load and raise everyone's spirits by designing your office space to be more "fun-friendly."
Most of us will spend over one third of our lives at work, so why not make your office space as warm and inviting as possible? Not only will you feel less stressed and more empowered, your creativity will also naturally increase in such an environment!