Cubicle Makeover: Diy Home Office Edition

Working from home has become the new normal for many people. If you're looking to fix up your home office cubicle, there are plenty of ways to make your space more inspiring, comfortable, and functional. From adding personal touches to improving ergonomics, small changes can make a big difference in your productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Whether it's decluttering and organizing your space or bringing in some greenery, there are many ways to spruce up your home office cubicle. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and transform your workspace!

Keep it professional: opt for artwork or quotes over personal photos

When it comes to decorating your home office cubicle, it's important to strike a balance between comfort and professionalism. Here are some tips to help you achieve a polished and inspiring space:

Opt for Artwork or Quotes:

Instead of displaying personal photos, consider hanging artwork or inspirational quotes on the walls of your cubicle. This can add a touch of personality while maintaining a professional atmosphere. Look for pieces that resonate with you and reflect your style. Whether it's a beautiful landscape, an abstract painting, or a framed quote that motivates you, choose something that makes you feel energised and positive.

Keep it Tidy:

A cluttered space can impact your productivity and focus. Keep your workspace organised and free from distractions. Utilise storage solutions such as drawers, trays, and shelves to neatly store your belongings. Only display a select few items, such as a plant, a stylish mug for your stationery, or a small framed quote or artwork. Remember, less is more when it comes to creating a professional impression.

Enhance with Lighting:

Overhead fluorescent lighting can be harsh and unflattering. Consider adding a desk lamp with softer lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere. You can also incorporate string lights in a vase or hang them on the walls to add a warm and cosy touch to your cubicle. Just be mindful of any office health and safety guidelines.

Bring Nature Indoors:

Introduce some greenery into your cubicle to create a more welcoming and relaxing environment. Small desk plants like pothos, aloe, or jade plants are excellent choices as they purify the air and thrive in low light conditions. Not only do they add a touch of nature to your space, but they also help enhance your overall well-being.

Add Comfort:

Invest in a comfortable chair cushion or a lumbar pillow to support your back and improve your posture. You can also bring in a throw or a blanket that adds a pop of colour and makes your space feel more inviting. These simple additions can make a significant difference in your overall comfort, especially if you spend long hours at your desk.

Remember, the key is to create a space that reflects your style while maintaining a professional image. By incorporating these suggestions, you can transform your home office cubicle into a functional and inspiring workspace.

Keep it clean: ensure your desk and floor space are clear of clutter

Keeping your desk and floor space clear of clutter is an important part of maintaining a clean and organised home office cubicle. A tidy workspace can improve your productivity, peace of mind, and reputation. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Reduce Clutter

The first step is to minimise the number of items on and around your desk. Assess what is essential and remove anything non-essential. This includes photos, calendars, books, and supplies. A clear desk grants you more freedom to pursue projects of your choosing and allows your mind to better focus on the task at hand.

Utilise Drawers

Using drawers is an effective way to keep your projects, tools, and supplies easily accessible while removing them from your line of sight. Store your current projects in labelled folders in the top drawer for easy access. Only the project you are currently working on should be on your desk.

Finish Projects

Unfinished projects can be a major source of desk clutter and mind clutter. If a project can be completed in less than 20 minutes, finish it right away. For longer projects, find a drawer to store them in until you are ready to work on them again.

Store Things Digitally

Digitise your notes and documents to reduce paper clutter. Utilise apps on your smartphone to scan and store documents, or use note-taking apps such as Evernote, Google Docs, or Google Keep. You can also use a Contacts program and Tasks program to remove sticky notes from your desk.

Get Your Cables Under Control

Invest in a labelling system for your cables, such as a Dymo Labelling system. This will help you identify and organise your cables, and quickly locate any problems. You can also use a Cablox system to arrange and neatly store your cables.

Set Aside Time to Tidy

Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each day to clear the surface of your desk and put away any items that are out of place. This will ensure that you start each day with a clean and organised workspace, and it will soon become a habit.

Make it comfortable: add a pillow or throw in colours and patterns you love

Adding a pillow or throw in colours and patterns you love is a great way to make your cubicle feel more comfortable and inviting. You can add a lumbar pillow to your desk chair for extra comfort and support, or opt for a throw pillow in a fun pattern or colour to brighten up your space.

If you have room, consider adding a pillow to an empty corner of your desk as a decorative touch. You can also match your pillow to your other decor, such as a rug or a mousepad, to create a cohesive and stylish look.

If you want a more functional option, choose a lumbar support pillow to help prevent back pain while also adding a decorative element to your workspace. This is especially useful if you spend long hours sitting at your desk.

Playing with different textures and fabrics can also enhance the comfort and style of your space. For example, you can add a soft, fluffy pillow to contrast with the smooth surfaces of your desk and computer. Or, if you want to create a more relaxed and cosy atmosphere, consider using pillows made with natural materials like cotton or linen.

Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and colours to create a unique and personalised space. You can also change up your pillowcases or covers to match the season or your mood. Adding a pillow is a simple yet effective way to make your cubicle feel more like home.

Improve the lighting: use a desk lamp to create a warm vibe

Improving the lighting in your home office cubicle can make a huge difference to your workspace. Overhead fluorescent lighting in most office spaces can be harsh and unwelcoming. A desk lamp will help you see what you're doing more clearly and create a warm vibe that feels more like home.

A small lamp or, if you have room, a slightly more expensive floor lamp can supplement your cubicle lighting. A corner floor lamp, for example, can give off a wonderful glow inside your workspace. A lamp with a unique shade material can also give your lamp an exotic look and style.

Salt lamps are a popular way to add ambient lighting to your workspace. They purify the air and give off a nice warm glow, making your space feel cozy and homey.

String lights can also add a pleasant glow to your cubicle. You can use push pins and removable hooks to hang them.

Add personal touches: use a vintage jar for pens or a basket as a charging station

Adding personal touches to your home office cubicle can make your workspace feel more welcoming and inspiring. Here are some ideas for how you can achieve this by using a vintage jar for pens and a basket as a charging station:

Vintage Jar for Pens

A vintage jar can be a stylish and unique way to store your pens and other writing utensils. You can find vintage jars in various styles, such as clear glass, coloured glass, or ceramic, and they often have interesting shapes and designs. Using a vintage jar for your pens adds a touch of character and charm to your desk. It's an opportunity to showcase your individual style and create a one-of-a-kind detail in your office space.

Basket as a Charging Station

Baskets make excellent charging stations for your electronic devices. They help keep your cords organised and hidden, reducing clutter on your desk. Choose a basket that is large enough to hold your devices and chargers comfortably. You can place the basket on your desk or mount it on the wall near an outlet to keep your devices within easy reach while they charge. If you want to get creative, you can even turn it into a DIY project by drilling holes in the back of the basket to feed the cords through, ensuring they stay tidy and out of sight.

Combining the Two

You can also combine the vintage jar and basket idea by using the jar as an additional storage solution within the basket. For example, you could place the vintage jar inside the basket to hold smaller items like paper clips, erasers, or even charging cables, keeping them easily accessible but out of the way.

Other Personal Touches

In addition to these ideas, you can further customise your workspace by incorporating colours that reflect your personality or hanging artwork that inspires you. Adding greenery, such as small houseplants or fresh flowers, can also bring life and a touch of nature to your cubicle. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different accessories and decorative elements to make your home office cubicle feel truly yours.

Frequently asked questions