The Curated Office: Tips for a Productive and Creative Workspace
Creating a workspace conducive to productivity and creativity can be an underrated component to running a business or working remotely. Whether you work from home, in a shared space, or have a dedicated studio space, curating your environment can significantly impact your focus, efficiency, and creative output.
Here are some tips to help you design a workspace that inspires creativity and supports productivity.
Define It
The first step in creating your workspace is defining your workspace. This involves more than just choosing a corner or a desk; it’s about creating boundaries and establishing a dedicated area that’s solely for work. If possible, choose a space with some natural light, as it can boost mood and productivity. Ensure that this area is free from distractions and separate from areas designated for relaxation or leisure or other people. A well-defined workspace helps your mind switch into "work mode" more easily.
Personalize It
Personalizing your workspace can make it a space you actually want to be in. Include items that inspire you, such as art prints, photographs, or mementos. Vision boards or goal lists can also be a motivating addition. However, be mindful not to clutter your space. The goal is to create a visually appealing environment that reflects your personality and inspires creativity without becoming a distraction.
Organize It
A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep your desk organized and free of unnecessary items. Use storage solutions like shelves, drawers, and organizers to keep your supplies, documents, and tools neatly stored away. An organized space not only improves efficiency by making it easier to find what you need but also reduces stress and creates a more pleasant working environment.
Bring Nature into It
Including natural elements into your workspace can have a calming effect and boost creativity. Plants are an excellent addition, as they improve air quality and add a touch of greenery. Choose low-maintenance plants if you’re not particularly green-thumbed (like snake plants or philodendrons). Natural materials like wood tones or paper can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If possible, make sure you have some view of the outside… dungeons aren’t very inspiring.
Bring Color into It
Color can significantly impact your mood and productivity. Choose a color scheme that complements your work style and the type of work you do. Blues and greens are generally calming and can help maintain focus, while yellows and oranges are energizing and can boost creativity. Be mindful of the color intensity; softer hues are less stimulating and more conducive to a focused working environment.
Delineate It
If your work involves different types of tasks, consider creating distinct zones within your workspace. For example, you might have a designated area for computer work, another for brainstorming or sketching, and a separate space for meetings or phone calls. This zoning helps create a clear mental distinction between different types of work, making it easier to switch between tasks and maintain focus.
Bring Music and Lighting into It
Good lighting is important for reducing eye strain and maintaining focus. Natural light is ideal, but if your workspace lacks it, invest in quality lighting solutions. Task lighting, such as desk lamps, can provide focused light for specific tasks, while ambient lighting can create a comfortable atmosphere. Similarly, consider the acoustics of your workspace. If noise is a distraction, use noise-canceling headphones or soundproofing solutions to create a quieter environment. Also, consider headphones for more focused work and speakers when you are in more of an active or brainstorming mode.
Incorporate Your Tools into It
If your work involves creative processes, having the right tools and materials readily available is essential. Whether it’s art supplies, design software, or brainstorming tools like whiteboards and sticky notes, keep these resources within easy reach. This accessibility encourages spontaneous creativity and allows you to quickly capture ideas as they arise.
Keep it Clean
A clean and organized workspace doesn’t maintain itself. Establish a regular place-setting routine to keep your area clutter-free and functional. This might involve a quick daily clean-up, organizing files weekly, or deep-cleaning your space monthly. Regular maintenance (both in your physical AND digital space) helps sustain a productive and creative environment and prevents clutter from becoming overwhelming.
Curating your workspace is an ongoing process that evolves with your needs and preferences. By thoughtfully designing your environment, you can create a space that not only enhances your productivity and creativity but also supports your overall well-being. Sometimes, however, we have much less control over our space where we are working. Whether we travel, rent an office, or work out of coffee shops or coworking spaces, there are still plenty of ways we can ensure our environment isn’t distracting and still allows for us to get into our flow state.
Curating Your Space in Shared or Public Environments
Working in public spaces like coffee shops, coworking spaces, libraries, or company offices presents unique challenges and opportunities for creating a productive and creative workspace. Even in these shared environments, you can take steps to personalize your area and foster a conducive atmosphere for work. Here are some tips for curating your space, no matter where you find yourself working.
Bring Your Stuff
If you are working in a shared space for more than a couple hours at a time, you might as well make yourself at home! Small items like your notebook, your personal mug, or your pen collection are easy ways to include your normal routines into a shared space. These things can help ground you in the space and make it feel more like your own.
Bring Your Portable Office
If you are frequently working in various public spaces, a portable office setup is perfect. It’s essentially just your normal go-to work needs like headphones, chargers, a mouse, a portable keyboard, and any necessary notepads, pens or other equipment. Having these items ready to go and a bag that allows you to keep it all organized ensures you always have and can find what you need, and can maintain productivity regardless of your location.
DO NOT Forget Your Headphones
Raise your hand if you have ever gotten all the way to a coffee shop and forgot your headphones. Shared spaces can be noisy and distracting, making it difficult to concentrate. Investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can help block out background noise and create a more focused environment. Listening to music or ambient sounds can also enhance your concentration and make the space feel more personalized.
Create a Routine
In shared environments it’s good to have some boundaries and personal routines. Choose a specific location (or even a spot within that location) to associate with work! Maybe it’s a specific room at the library or a coffee shop you frequent for work but not so much socially. Over time, this can help condition your mind to associate that space with work. Additionally, try to establish a routine, such as starting your day with a specific drink or setting up your workspace in a particular order, to signal the start of your work session.
Stay Organized
In shared spaces, it’s easy for your workspace to feel cluttered or distracting, especially if you have little space to work with. Use portable organizers, like folders, pouches, or small containers, to keep your items organized and easily accessible. This not only helps maintain a tidy workspace but also ensures that you can pack up quickly and efficiently.
Respect Others
When working in public or shared environments, being considerate of others is key. Keep noise levels down, use headphones, and be mindful of your personal space and belongings. Being respectful of shared space etiquette not only helps maintain a pleasant environment for everyone but also enhances your ability to concentrate and work effectively.