Eco-Friendly Open Plan Modern Office With Tables, Office Chairs, Pendant Lights, Creeper Plants And Vertical Garden Background
Wouldn’t it be nice to escape the sea of bland grayscale cubicles and walk through a splash of color and nature-inspired elements?
A positive work environment can be as much about the surroundings as the people. Fostering teamwork, the sharing of ideas, personal space and comfort are among the considerations of an office designer.
If the office or workspace is already designed, some easy updates, like the soothing touch of nature, or a few vibrant colors placed here & there, can contribute to a positive workplace ambiance.
Whether you’re a property manager, an office manager, a facility manager or you just have an office you want to liven up, here are a few ideas to add color & nature to your office environment to get the workflow going.
Greenery Galore
Interior plantscaping with a room divider and ZZ plants at Illumina in San Diego, California
Office Plant Benefits – Being surrounded by nature has been shown to increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve air quality. Believe it! A study conducted by the University of Exeter found that office plants can increase employee productivity by 15%.
Office Plant Options – If you’re making these decisions on your own, start small by adding low-maintenance plants, like some succulents if you have a well-lit workspace. If y our office is a little on the darker side, you can try pothos or snake plants. Snake plants are popular indoors and outdoors, and although they are happiest with some sun, they can survive without it. Fun fact – sansevieria, or snake plant, is actually a succulent and is commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue.
Office Lighting – At Good Earth Plants, we look at the amount of sunlight the office has, the direction the sunlight comes from and the room temperature to decide which plants to put where when we are plantscaping an office. Keep all of these factors in mind as you place your office plants.
Maintenance – If you’ve considered the lighting, the next step is watering. Pay careful attention to the amount of water the plants you’ve selected need. We know you minimalist plant parents are all about the low-water succulents. But don’t go too dark and don’t over-water!
You can use a mix of live & replica plants like we did here
Not a Faux Pas – If you’re not ready to be an office plant parent, you can always opt for replica plants – realistic looking artificial plants. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. Want something very realistic? Don’t skimp. You’ve likely been in a lot of commercial places with plants and not realized they weren’t real. We love to create an illusion with a mix of live and replica. And they now come in a UV protected material for outside, and are inherently fire retardant for inside commercial locations. The days of the 1980s super fake silk flowers are gone! At least we hope so.
Plants make your office feel more residential (aka resimercial) and they do, in fact, help you to stay focused. Maybe because you want to be there just a little bit more.
An Inspiring Color Palette
People want to work in spaces at least as comfortable as their WFH set-ups. Photo: Botanical Designs
Adding colors to your office environment doesn’t mean you have to paint all the walls with bold, bright hues. Sometimes, even a subtle touch can make a significant impact. Choose colors that work well together and keep your preferences in mind – think about what makes you feel positive and energetic. A soothing blue or an uplifting yellow may be a welcome change to the typical office beige.
Since we’re focused on nature at Good Earth Plants, we recommend shades of green, of course. Psychologically, it has a very positive affect on us: calming and motivating, to name two benefits.
Psychology-focused Author Kendra Cherry, MS, describes green in an article for VeryWellMind:
“For many people, the color green has strong associations with nature and brings to mind lush grass, trees, and forests. Green is often described as a refreshing and tranquil color.”
She goes on to talk about the science behind it – definitely worth a read!
Natural Light and Fresh Air
Reliance on artificial lighting can take a toll on both our eyes and energy levels. If possible, position your desk near a window to benefit from natural daylight. When the weather permits, take breaks outside, or crack a window to enjoy the fresh air.
Sometimes, this can’t be helped. Your desk or cube may be positioned somewhere it can’t be moved. Here’s another area that living plants in your office will help with the air quality. You can learn more about that on our website.. Spoiler alert: you’ll be running to the plant nursery!
>> Read our previous post on how plants clear the air <<
Personalize Your Space
One fun way to bring color and personality to your office is by incorporating personal items that reflect your taste and character. Many people are hesitant to bring personal items into the workplace, but you won’t believe the difference a fun picture or fun item can make.
A favorite artwork or a cherished photo can remind you of happy moments and help relieve stress during a busy workday.
Choose Functional, Yet Stylish Office Supplies
If you have a manage an office or have a home office, think in color. Transform the office from drab to fab by swapping out ordinary, unremarkable office supplies with colorful or interesting versions. Brightly colored file folders, patterned note pads, and unique pen holders are just a few examples that can make your office just a little more visually appealing.
As the artist Henri Matisse said, “With color, one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.” By incorporating these few suggestions into your workspace, you’ll be amazed at the marvelous transformation it undergoes.
So go ahead, infuse your office environment with colors and natural elements, and bask in the positive vibes.
