5 Designer Tips to Personalize Your Private Office
If the first impressions at any of our Workplace One lobbies don’t tip you off, we love design and therefore making spaces not only highly functional and efficient but also beautiful. After all, feeling good about yourself at work and being productive isn’t just about having a comfortable chair and level desk to sit at (although we value those things as well) it’s about feeling inspired by and connected to your surroundings.
With all the discussion over the past two years about what needs to be re-evaluated about our workdays and workspaces, the main takeaway is that offices are essential because individuals need spaces where they go to do intentional work and focus in addition to having access to collaboration spaces. However, people also don’t want to give up the comforts of home and they often are happier in a space that has more character and inspiration which makes them feel more like, well, themselves!
While our common spaces have curated lounges, kitchens and break out spaces that are packed with personality, exuding a welcoming and professional vibe, our private offices are furnished with a simpler layout and features (lockable cabinet, desk and chair). For some of us, this clean slate is the definition of a perfect workspace, but for many it’s a blank canvas to inject brand and personal identity.
Therefore, here are the 5 key tips/elements our design team has identified for you to transform your private office into an expression of your company, team and you! And the best part is that we did it all within the Queen West neighbouhood where creative energy is never short on inspiration.
Soft Seating and Soft Elements
If the size of your space allows for it, an armchair is always a great addition to your private office. Not only is it physically ideal for you to change posture positions throughout your workday, it’s also a great way to add style. Plus, if you have a guest in your office, it’s a welcoming option over a standard office chair. To balance quality and budget, we took our cue from Urban Barn as they had a selection of accent chairs to choose from that proved to have great form as well as function and who doesn’t love good value?
https://www.urbanbarn.com/en/product/blythe-chair-BLYTHECHAIRMASTER.html
And no soft seating is complete without a great throw pillow. These will make your seating more comfortable, but also add character with style and colour! You can also add a small pillow to your office chair for lumbar support. When it came to pillows, we crossed the street to CB2 as they had the best variety with so many colours, shapes, sizes and textures.
https://www.cb2.ca/20-simon-ivory-wool-pillow/f22785
Plants
This one might seem obvious, but it’s so often overlooked. A thriving plant or two can make such a difference and depending on what you choose can also create a very different look or style. We went up the street to Queen's Fruit Market and Plants and our favourites for both aesthetic and ease of care include the much loved Pothos and Snake Plant for desks or tabletops. For a more tropical look, try a Monstera. These hearty greens will keep your office looking fresh without much maintenance.
Small Storage
An organized space will allow you to be more productive and efficient and is aesthetically pleasing. Plus, desk storage has come a long way and it’s now not only a great way to help you keep track of where everything is, but it packs a lot of style as well and is yet another way you can inject some colour. Check out this organizational series from Neat, but be careful because a trip to this store can lead to one dangerous session of retail therapy.
https://www.neatspace.ca/collections/perch/products/perch-5-piece-starter-kit-1
Artwork
The easiest way add style is often with art, and while we love functional pieces that incorporate a beautiful aesthetic like the ones listed above, sometimes art for art’s sake is just enough. Plus, the tone and theme of your art can be a great way for you to express our personal and brand identity. We ventured a bit further up Queen West to Off the Wall Framing and Art Gallery, which makes selecting and framing art ridiculously easy. For added convenience, you can select your prints and how you'd like them framed from the comfort of your private office. Then, simply pick them up when they’re ready! See the link to browse for your new artwork and check out some of our favourites!
https://www.eyesonwalls.com/collections/fine-art-prints/products/favorite?variant=39331133063265
Beverage Accessories
Stylish glassware is another way to elevate your daily office experience. Whether it’s a well-designed coffee tumbler to keep your caffeine source hot and help minimize trips to the kitchen, or a stylish carafe for infused water, these functional pieces add ritual and convenience with great style. Crossing Queen West, you'll find yourself at Outer Layer, where you will uncover a vast selection of tumblers and treasures your team mates will love. We also found some carafes and decanter sets at CB2 so that your beverage storage always looks top notch and professional, just like yourself!
https://www.cb2.ca/corked-pitcher/s248562
https://www.cb2.ca/duval-decanter-with-amber-double-old-fashioned-glasses-set-of-2/s358283