Designing Work Areas

Workrooms tend to lack design and personality because they\'re meant to be functional-as their name suggests, they are primarily a place to work. But while function does take center stage, it doesn\'t mean aesthetics have to be ignored altogether. Regardless of the nature of the work, people are always more efficient when they like the place they work in. So once everything\'s in place, take the time to decorate your workspace-it pays off more than you think.

For starters, go for a solid but attractive floor. Depending on what you do, you may need something that\'s heavy duty such as stone or concrete, or something on the lighter side like linoleum or ceramic tile. Virtually all materials now come in a range of colors and designs, so take advantage of your options. Look for one that suits your current décor theme, or use your floor to create one if you\'re starting from scratch.

Your wall colors also play a role in how well you work. Blue and green are generally associated with office spaces because they\'ve been shown to increase productivity. Dark shades tend to be overly relaxing, so avoid them if you need to stay alert. Browns and tangerines have the same relaxing effect but don\'t affect concentration, so they offer a good balance. If you\'re not sure, stick to neutrals like white, black and beige.

Needless to say, your furniture should be comfortable-it doesn\'t have to be a leather recliner, but you don\'t have to use cheap plastic chairs either. If you expect to sit for long hours, look for an ergonomic chair with a padded lower back. Most workplace furniture comes with retractable wheels, which allows you to move them around without lifting. Make sure the wheels are padded so they don\'t scratch your floor.

Accessories also help liven up a workplace. Whether it\'s a small painting or a piece of decorative art, it helps give the room character and makes it look more welcoming. Look for something that reflects the nature of your business, inspires you to work, and tells viewers that you have good taste to match your work ethic.