Renting a virtual office space, whether it’s a shared office or an executive suite, can sometimes feel cold and impersonal. You may even feel like your business is staying in a temporary motel, not settling into its permanent home.
Many small business owners and entrepreneurs don’t realize that they’re free to personalize their spaces. The etiquette will vary from one virtual office location to another, but here at Intelligent Office (IO) we encourage members to be themselves. For as long as you rent the space, we want you to feel empowered to make it your own.
If you need a few ideas to get your design creativity flowing, just keep reading for some of our favorite office decorating tips, tricks, and suggestions.
Spending time in nature is a proven creativity booster. While you probably can’t work outside every day, you can bring some elements of the outdoors into your office space with plants.
Keep a few small succulents on your desk, hang leafy green plants designed to naturally filter the air, or treat yourself to a weekly bouquet of fresh flowers. No matter how you add plants to your office, they’re a surefire way to make your space feel more inviting.
Personalizing your office space isn’t just about how things look. The entire experience matters, all the way down to how the room smells.
You can buy essential oil diffusers in a dizzying array of designs, so shop around until you find one that fits your aesthetic. There are also an extensive number of oils to choose from — try lemon and other citrus-based scents for a concentration boost.
Scented candles are another great decor option, especially if you’re trying to make the virtual office feel cozier during the cold winter months.
Having enough light is one of the easiest ways to design your office space with concentration in mind. In a perfect world, every office space would be bathed in natural sunlight. Even though many IO offices do have large windows and plenty of light, it’s not always enough on dark days.
Desk lamps are an affordable way to up the aesthetic in your rented office, and your space might also benefit from an additional floor lamp. You could even mount battery powered sconces onto the walls of your office for a more dramatic look.
If you own, run, or manage a small business, your office’s interior design is a reflection of the company as a whole. Before you dive into decorating, think about the company’s personality. Is it a quirky operation full of boisterous creatives? Is it known for an unwavering commitment to customer service?
No matter what type of personality the business has, use that information to guide office decor choices. Soon enough, your virtual office space will feel like home and you’ll be working from a well-designed productivity zone.