BrittanyDoes your workspace make you feel anxious or lethargic? Do you often feel uninspired or unproductive while working on your designs? It’s likely that you need to make a few changes to your working environment. Studies have shown that a well-designed workspace can boost productivity by 20 percent, and the right working environment can help people to come up with ideas that might not surface in a traditional setting.
It has been proven that furniture placement, colors, sounds, and even smells can all aid in boosting creativity, and these can also help to make you feel calm and productive. If you need a place that inspires you to be at your best, here’s how to create a workspace that sparks creativity, productivity, and innovation.
Go Blue
Most people choose a neutral color scheme for their workspace since it’s versatile and requires less maintenance. It also provides flexibility since you can swap out colors and accessories to fit the season or certain design trends. However, if you’re in the creative field, experts suggest painting your workspace walls in blue. This color is associated with feelings of openness and tranquility, which can promote a more exploratory mindset. It also evokes a sense of safety so you can create or design with confidence. Instead of a moody navy or a calm baby blue though, interior designer Kristina Phillips recommends a bright blue like cobalt, turquoise, or peacock for your workspace. “Especially when working in a creative field, [this] is a sophisticated twist to the standard blue or green,” she explains.
If you’re unsure about the color, try incorporating touches of bright blue into your space first to see if it works for you. For instance, you can decorate with a manually engraved metal art piece painted in shades of cobalt and cyan, or place a bright turquoise pillow and throw blanket on your chair. Change the background of your computer screen so it shows an image of the sea, then display a few bright blue knick knacks or office supplies on your desk.
Create Zones in Your Workspace
Creating zones in a workspace not just upgrades the aesthetics of the room, but it also improves productivity, enhances focus, and boosts creativity at the same time. Think about having a focus zone where you can come up with ideas for your designs and do deep concentration work. This zone can be your main work area, and you can have it near a window to get lots of natural light and fresh air.
Next, have a separate zone for taking a mental break or recharging. For this area, all you need is a comfy chair where you can lounge or relax, and a small table to hold a snack or a coffee mug. You’ll also need to create a collaboration zone where you and your co-workers can exchange ideas and do some collaborative work. You’ll need a couch for this area, additional seating options, and a coffee table where everyone can place their laptops or papers.
Curate the Atmosphere
The overall feel or vibe of your work environment can have an impact on your ability to create, so curate your atmosphere whenever you can. Excessive clutter, for instance, can make you lose focus and make it difficult to think clearly, so tidy up often and avoid bringing in too many decorative items since these can make your workspace look disorganized. If you’re constantly distracted by loud noises, drown out sounds by installing thick drapes on your windows, then soundproof the room with acoustic panels and thick rugs or carpets. Lastly, to clear your mind and freshen the air, use a diffuser to fill the room with the scent of citrus or peppermint, which can boost focus and mental clarity.
Don’t let your workspace conditions hinder your creativity and productivity. Try these tips to transform your work area into a place that sparks innovation and promotes focus, and see how these can help you get in the groove while designing or creating your next masterpiece.
