It’s perfect for January to help you start off the new year fresh, but can absolutely help you out anytime during the year if your space is feeling stale and same-same.

why you should restyle your workspace

I like to re-work my office decor and even layout every once in a while to keep it feeling new and fresh.

This helps prevent my space from getting old. Even subtle changes in decor or design elements can be enough to renew your mindset and create a place you look forward to working in for hours each day.

My office has had a HUGE transformation since the last time you saw it — then, I had just moved into our new house and set up a bare-bones space that was functional and chic, but left a lot to be desired.

I promise a full reveal is coming soon — I still have some details to perfect.

But for now, I’m sharing some of my top tips that have helped me transform my workspace and perfectly style my office.

Keep it Cozy

It’s easy for office spaces to seem stiff — with bookshelves, desks, and tables easily leaving the room feeling boxy.

This is probably on purpose so you stay awake to crank some sh*t out, but I’m not about it so we’re going to lean the other way.

Adding texture with fabrics and textiles can soften the edges and right angles and give the room a cozy feel that is more appealing to settle into and get productive.

Add some throw pillows with patterns or pops of color, a rug with great texture, some curtains to frame the windows, and even a throw blanket or a fur accent piece on your chair.

All these textile elements will help cozy up your space while still keeping the focus on being productive.

picking your patterns & pops

Of course, the prints and colors you choose will depend on which type of office you’re sprucing up — home or corporate — but you can find a pattern or style to fit any space even if you need to keep it a little more conservative to align with your industry or company.

Pick a cute pen cup

This is such a tiny upgrade, but it can have big impact.

Not only will a well-chosen pen cup add personality or interest to your desktop without the clutter, it’s likely in your line of sight for most of the day, so its a detail you’re sure to notice.

I chose a white ceramic cup with black pinstripes and a pop of yellow to brighten my space without distraction.

…and be picky about what you put in it

I also recommend placing just one of each type of pen, pencil, or tool in the cup, and keeping spares in the drawer.

This keeps it from looking overfilled and busy and also makes it way easier to grab your favorite pen vs digging through an overstuffed cup.

Let there be light

Light is probably the number one most important element in any space to convey the mood or vibe you’re going for.

Intentionally placed lighting can work wonders to refresh your workspace, especially if your current lighting situation doesn’t offer a lot of options.

I like having multiple lighting options to choose from, that way as the lighting changes throughout the day or when it’s dark at night and I’m cranking out some work, I can adjust the light not only so its easy on the eyes but also so that it fits the mood or feel I’m going for.

a good window

I strategically placed my desk against a window that gets indirect, but good light. This way, my desktop has a ton of natural light during the day, but it isn’t direct so that my computer is brightly backlit.

This might not be an option for you either because you don’t have a window in your office (because its a cloffice maybe?) or your window gives off super bright direct light.

In this case, you can use a reflector to cast the natural light around your room and over to your desk — which is hopefully a safe distance from the bright daylight.

Choose white walls, white curtains or a strategically placed mirror to reflect and bounce the light all over the room where it needs to go. Let’s strategically place some more light, shall we?

strategically placed lamps

I also have an overhead lamp that gives off soft, warm light and is fully dimmable — thanks to my Amazon Echo and the Phillips Hue System.

But seriously, get yourself a little echo dot for your home office — it will make you infinitely more productive — and even if you don’t rely on it to run your life like me with my schedule and to-do list, you’ll at least ask her to dim your lamp and play music or podcasts through the awesome speaker. (Not sponsored, I just for reals love her)

My desk lamp gives me an option for more direct light at night when all my natural light is gone. It also gives me light from a different height in the room (as compared to overheads or a lamp).

master this trick for super professional lighting

Different light sources at different heights are the best way to give yourself lighting options and create a professional feel for your lighting.

My rule of thumb is to give yourself at least three lighting that you can click on and off and combine for your optimal lighting situation.