How to create a personal and profesional office.
You dress for success, so should your office. No matter what business you’re in, your office should be an extension of your image. Look around: is it cold and institutional? Too homey and casual? Downright boring? Here are some tips for putting together a look that reflects you, in a professional way. Make your space personal, but don’t go crazy.
Just place a few framed photos of your family, pet or favorite vacation spot near your desk. Your clients need to know you have a life outside your office; the sum total of your experiences makes you who you are.
Choose a color palette that reflects your personality – warm, bold, sophisticated or even a bit glam is okay. . Splurge on an eye-catching piece of art or an accessory like a chandelier, table lamp, visitor’s chair or area rug. Choose something different that will make an impression or be a conversation piece.
One CEO we know collects abstract art and brings some to the office; another displays African masks purchased during a trip to the continent.
Don’t be afraid to show your feminine side. Upholster your desk chair in a beautiful fabric rather than the usual leather; buy a curvy lamp and a beautiful bowl like this pretty Badash piece to stock with something unexpected, like lemons or old-school candies. Instead of the same-old dark wood desk, try one with an acrylic finish or antiqued mirror top, or one that’s white or off-white.
Add some novel hardware like capiz shell, metal, glass or Swarovski crystal knobs like these for a feminine touch. Treat yourself and guests to fresh flowers. One beautiful bouquet can warm up an office and make guests feel welcome and happy, even on a gloomy day. Supermarkets sell inexpensive posies that often last through the work week.
