Dull Offices Are Out. Let’s Build Spaces That Actually Feel Good.
After years of remote work, slipping back into corporate spaces can feel... well, a bit grey. And if there’s one thing I've learned from dragging myself to an office after a long commute is that dull, bland spaces do nothing for the soul. We need colour and life to give us a boost.
And when I say colour, I don’t mean Google office style gimmicks from 2010. A few colourful beanbags (no one can get up or down with dignity) or pillars painted a bold colour “what fun” won’t cut it either. We need real colour and a space that reflects who you really are, where your team feels energised, and your clients feel connected.
- It’s time to ditch the bland.
- It's time to ditch forced fun.
- Time to lead with colour, curiosity, and creativity.
- Time to make spaces that feel good to be in.
Whether you're running a business or just trying to get through another Monday, here are 10 conversation starters to help you rethink the space you're in:
1. Reclaim the Walls
Swap corporate clichés for art and natural textures. You don’t need a mission statement printed in Helvetica when your space already tells your story. Think vibes over slogans.
2. Lift the Energy
Art isn’t just decoration, it’s dopamine. Give your team something good to look at. Let colour do its thing. Trust me, morale will thank you.
3. Unlock Creativity
Art opens doors in the brain that spreadsheets just can’t. Surround your people with creativity and watch the ideas flow. It’s like giving your imagination a vitamin boost.
4. Fix the Lighting, Fix the Mood
Harsh strip lighting and windowless rooms? Instant creativity killers. Dull, artificial lighting doesn’t just give you migraines, it dims your spark. Natural light lifts the mood, energises the space, and helps people feel more human. Prioritise it wherever you can.
5. Soothe the Stress
Nature-inspired art. Soft colours. Quiet corners. A little calm goes a long way, especially when cortisol’s been doing overtime.
6. Green Things Up
Plants are magic. They reduce stress, improve focus, and make any space feel more alive. Plus, they don’t book unnecessary meetings.
7. Let Colour Work Its Magic
There’s a psychology to it. Blues to calm. Yellows to energise. Pinks to lift. Find the palette that matches your purpose and run with it.
8. Boost Employee Wellbeing, Retention and Productivity by up 30%*
Yes, really. Studies show that working alongside creative art can increase employee retention productivity.
9. Create Connection with Art
Collaborative art or creative activities can build team bonds, spark new conversations, and even solve those “I’ve-slack-messaged-them-three-times” kind of problems.
10. Choose the Art Together
Ask your team. Ask your clients. What lights them up? What feels like you? Choosing artwork as a collective is less about taste and more about togetherness.
It’s Not Just Decoration. It’s Energy.
Your space has the power to change how people feel. And let’s be honest the world doesn’t need more offices that look like waiting rooms.
What it does need are spaces where real people can show up, be themselves, and thrive.
So go on, add some colour. Let the light in. Make it personal. Make it feel.
Jo 💙
