Ever notice how adding a new succulent to your desk or hanging up a cute painting in your office instantly lifts your spirits? There's more to it than just aesthetics—workspace decor has real psychological power.
Our surroundings deeply affect how we think and feel. Cluttered environments often lead to cognitive overload and hinder focus and productivity. When you decorate with organized, intentional items, you can achieve a sense of clarity and reduce your stress levels. Plus, personalizing your workspace offers you a sense of ownership, increasing your motivation and making you feel more engaged and connected to your work.
We surveyed our audience to gauge how workspace decorations impact how they feel. An overwhelming 88 percent of respondents say decorating their workspace influences their mood and mindset—whether it sparks creativity, eases stress, or boosts focus and productivity. For 26 percent of respondents, decorations make them feel more inspired and creative, while another 26 percent say decorating their workspace helps them relax and destress—proving that a well-designed space can significantly boost both innovation and tranquility.
Our survey respondents shared their favorite tips and tricks for transforming their office space, too. Whether you work from home or go into an office, here are six game-changing ideas from our community to help you spruce up your workspace.
Read more: Reclaim Your Focus (& Space) with These Home Office Decor Tips
6 ideas for sprucing up your workspace
When it comes to making your workspace feel more inviting and inspiring, a little creativity goes a long way. We asked our audience to share their favorite ways to elevate their work environments, and the responses were full of great ideas. From playful decor to practical organizational tips, these suggestions can breathe new life into any workspace.
1. Invest in soft lighting and sensory details for a cozy atmosphere
Advice for sprucing up your workspace from women on InHerSight:
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“Low lights, soft music, a blanket or weighted lap pad.”
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“A desk mat of my choosing, some kind of fun light.”
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“Mood lighting, flowers, candles.”
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“A diffuser to help create a calming environment.”
Our recommendations:
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Add fairy lights or a soft-glow desk lamp to create a warm ambiance.
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Try a diffuser with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to promote calm and focus.
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Keep things comfy (and ease some anxiety) with a weighted blanket or cozy throw.
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Buy a scented candle in a relaxing scent like vanilla and coconut or salt and sea.
2. Pick out new paper products and writing utensils
Advice for sprucing up your workspace from women on InHerSight:
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“Stationary that I'm excited to use, a cute coaster or two, always crystals.”
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“A variety of sticky notes and highlighters.”
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“Colored pens and designed paper and notepads.”
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“I like adding a new organized gadget, like a calculator or paper calendar.”
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“Colorful office supplies and a keyboard.”
Our recommendations:
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Brighten your desk with fun watercolor sticky notes and ultra-vivid highlighters to make important tasks stand out.
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Keep your creativity flowing with a set of gel pens and match them with a planner.
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Add a little charm to your workspace with coasters for your coffee or a few crystals for positive energy.
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Upgrade your setup with a visually appealing colorful keyboard.
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Stay on top of your schedule with a unique desk calendar.
3. Infuse your workspace with your individuality
Advice for sprucing up your workspace from women on InHerSight:
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“Pictures of nature/plants/trees, a candy bowl.”
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“I like to display greeting cards on my shelves to remind me of the love I've had from friends and family.”
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“A plant, a picture, fancy pens, kick-knacks from my favorite shows.”
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“Photos of family, pics of landscapes and places I’ve traveled.”
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“Achievement certificates, my kids' drawings.”
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“Small expressions of self: kitschy toys, slippers, a blanket.”
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“I love putting out seasonal decor—even if it's just changing up the mug I drink my tea out of, it helps every day feel a little bit special.”
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“Wall art with inspirational quotes, cozy blankets, a bowl of candy.”
Our recommendations:
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Pick out some funky frames for photos of family or friends, postcards of your favorite travel destinations, or greeting cards.
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Hang inspirational wall art with quotes that resonate with you, and surround yourself with achievement certificates or your kids' drawings for daily motivation.
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Add a fun candy bowl for afternoons when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
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Display fun trinkets, memorabilia, or coffee mugs related to your favorite TV shows, sports, foods, movies, or hobbies to give your workspace some more personality.
4. Prioritize cleanliness and organization
Advice for sprucing up your workspace from women on InHerSight:
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“I power down every Friday and clean up the space so when I’m back on Monday, everything is fresh and organized.”
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“Wiping it clean with disinfectant (especially my desk, screens, and keyboard), clearing any clutter, and sometimes, putting up fresh cut flowers.”
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“Cleaning always gives it a refreshed feel.”
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“Rearranging, so that I have to touch everything and either find it a place or deal with it! I appreciate the fresh perspective on the same things.”
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“Clean off my desk. Wipe off crumbs and dust, recycle, and sort notes. Make it visually tidy.”
Our recommendations:
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Use a multi-surface disinfectant or screen cleaner to regularly wipe down your desk, keyboard, and screens to keep your workspace germ-free.
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Try a desk mat or storage tray to give everything a designated spot, making it easier to maintain a tidy look.
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Set aside time each week to declutter with a recycling bin or file holder.
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Rearrange your items periodically to refresh the layout of your desk—something as simple as relocating your lamp or shifting your plant can give your workspace a new vibe.
5. Surround yourself with items for mindful breaks
Advice for sprucing up your workspace from women on InHerSight:
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“I have a mug full of colored pencils! It gives my office a pop of color. And it serves as a reminder every half hour, to pull out my coloring book and give my eyes a break from staring at the computer.”
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“Lamps, art work, puzzles for breaks, and a nice little snack corner.”
Our recommendations:
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Set up a snack station with your favorite healthy treats or indulgences to fuel your body during breaks—this could include nuts, fruit, granola bars, chips, or anything else you love.
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Keep a coloring book or a sketchpad and a set of markers or colored pencils on hand for a quick creative escape. Doodling or sketching for a few minutes can refresh your mind and spark new ideas.
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Try a Rubik’s Cube or a desktop puzzle to engage your brain in a different way. These mini mental workouts can help improve focus and reduce tension during your workday.
6. Buy yourself some plants
Advice for sprucing up your workspace from women on InHerSight:
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“I like having a lot of green plants in view.”
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“Plants and holiday decor.”
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“Plants, smells, and crystals!”
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“Fresh flowers are always a joy.”
Our recommendations:
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Add a low-maintenance desk plant like a succulent, snake plant, or peace lily to bring a calming green presence to your space without requiring too much upkeep. Consider a self-watering planter to ease the hassle of plant care.
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If you’re interested in buying a plant but nervous about the responsibility, you can opt for a realistic faux plant or dried flowers.
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Incorporate seasonal flowers and rotate fresh bouquets to keep your workspace vibrant and in tune with the time of year. Around holidays, add some decor like a leafy garland or a small pumpkin.
6 tips for creating a workspace to promote focus and comfort for neurodivergent workers
If you’re neurodivergent, workspace personalization can include practical adjustments to aid your focus, minimize overstimulation, and create an overall supportive environment. Here are some ideas.
1. Invest in noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are great tools to block out background noise and distractions in an office—like chatter, typing, or phone calls—and create a calmer, more controlled auditory environment. Whether you prefer complete silence or enjoy listening to white noise or calming music, these devices help reduce overstimulation and allow for deeper concentration.
2. Keep fidget tools or stress-relief items handy
Having fidget tools like stress balls, fidget spinners, or even textured fabric swatches on hand offers a simple way to stay grounded during meetings or breaks. These items provide subtle sensory input, helping to channel nervous energy and keep your hands busy.
3. Buy visual organization tools
For neurodivergent individuals, visual cues can make a big difference in maintaining order and reducing the stress of clutter. Using color-coded sticky notes, highlighters, and labeled containers can create a structured and visually clear workspace and help you quickly categorize tasks, prioritize work, and locate items.
4. Vary your lighting options
Soft, adjustable lighting—such as desk lamps with dimmable or warm light options—can help reduce eye strain, especially during long work sessions. Plus, the ability to control brightness allows you to adapt to your mood or task, whether you need brighter light for intense focus or a softer glow for a relaxing environment.
5. Use timers or time-management tools
Visual timers or time-management tools like the Pomodoro technique, which breaks work into short, focused intervals with regular breaks, can make tasks feel more manageable. A visual timer gives a clear, constant reminder of how much time remains, helping with reducing anxiety and procrastination and pacing your energy throughout the day.
6. Designate a 'quiet zone'
Creating a dedicated distraction-free space within your desk or workspace can significantly help if you’re sensitive to overstimulation. Your “quiet zone” should be clear of clutter, unnecessary visual stimuli, and distractions, making it easier to concentrate on tasks. Using partitions, screens, or even a simple boundary like a sectioned-off desk area can help mentally separate focused work from the rest of your environment.
Read more: Understanding 7 Common Neurodivergent Types & How to Thrive in the Workplace
