Clutter out, color in: How to make your office function better for you

Is your workspace working for you? Research shows that your environment makes an impact on your mood. So it may be time to give your space at the office a makeover to liven up things at work.

“Now you can change your office decor as often as you change the ink in your printer,” said Anna Griffin, designer of the Anna Griffin Inc. line of desk accessories. “A change of color and pattern in your workspace can help to motivate, de-stress and even improve your disposition.”

The key is to add variety to your area so that you don’t get bored with the same surroundings and decor day after day. Griffin offered the following tips to help you create a pleasing and invigorating work area.

• Clear the clutter. The first step in producing a pleasant cubicle space is to make it clean and organized. This will help you stay focused on your work.

• Accessorize. Desk accessories in fun colors and patterns add instant pizzazz to your workspace and can be replaced whenever you need a change of ambience. When your tastes change, so can your accessories.

• Decorate your workspace to look a little like home – but keep it on a professional level. Because you spend so much time at work, choose a color or style that makes you feel comfortable and start decorating. A small area rug can add color and texture to your space, and a favorite lamp or lamp shade can cast just the right light. You can personalize with touches like a decorative basket as an “in box” and personable prints and paintings for the walls. Don’t forget photos of your family, friends and pets. They will bring a smile and help reduce your stress level.

• Just add water. A desktop fountain, fresh flowers or a fishbowl can add ambience and a sense of style and tranquility to your office space.

• Don’t forget the finishing touches. Use a pre-made slipcover to add style and color to that tired old desk chair. Switch out those boring manila folders with decorative patterned ones. They make work fun! Show some individuality with your mouse pad. You can purchase a mouse pad featuring an art masterpiece or cartoon character, depending on your theme and mood. A quirky clock, fun paperweight or funky plant could be just what you need to make the space more “you.”