Make Your Workspace More Creative

by Marelisa · Comments

creative workspaceOne of the best things you can do to increase your creativity is to create an environment which gets your creative juices flowing.  In order to help inspire you in putting together a workspace you can look forward to entering each day, below you’ll find pictures of creative cubicles from CNN’s iReports, as well as photographs of the spaces in which some of the world’s most famous writers have created some of their best work. Enjoy!

Creative Cubicles – CNN’s iReports

This cubicle is home to a gnome collection–over 700 gnomes live here–, a bouncy ball collection, and a dice collection.

Here’s someone who started out bringing in a few knick-knacks and ended up with this:

This person decorated his cubicle in response to a contest his company was holding for the best decorated cubicle. He ended up working in this beautiful Safari in the Serengeti inspired cubicle:

Meet “The Red Mahogany Luxury Paneled Cubicle with Dark Cherry Hardwood Floors”:

This is “Lulu’s Casita”:

This is more of a creative practical joke: a coworker was always blaming others for his mistakes and he became known as the bus driver in the group–since he was always throwing others under the bus.  His coworkers turned his cubicle into a bus complete with red flashing LED lights and working sliding door.

This person’s cubicle is decorated like a tropical beach:

This cubicle started with a model of the Millennium Falcon.  The Falcon was solo for several years and then the cubicle owner decided to add an element of the Dark Side with Darth Vader’s Tie Fighter. Soon a shroud of darkness (black fabric spray painted with glitter on the walls and black construction paper on the desk) fell over the cubicle as the rest of the Imperial Fleet started to show up.

This person goes all out when it’s time to decorate for the Holidays. Here’s what she does to her cubicle for Christmas:

And here’s Halloween:

Writer’s Workspaces

This is the room in Haworth Parsonage in which the Brontë sisters used to write and discuss their work with each other. When the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell visited in September 1853, she had this to say: “The room looked the perfection of warmth, snugness and comfort, crimson predominating in the furniture”.

bronte

Rudyard Kipling spent the second half of his life at Bateman’s, his Jacobean home in the Weald in south-east England. Each morning he went to his study to write or to pace up and down on his Indian rugs. Since he was short, he had his English walnut chair placed on blocks so that he could sit comfortably at his French walnut table.

kipling276

Andrew Motion prefers a bare desk-top. His bookshelves, however, are another matter; even though they’re arranged in more-or-less alphabetical order he’s never been able to resist cluttering them with cards, photographs and the like.

He explains that always–wherever he’s lived–he’s placed two things at eye level: the tinted photograph of his mother as a girl, and an ancient blue-painted Indian figure. These are his good luck charms.

He has several portrait reproductions of his favorite writers–including Tennyson, Edward Thomas, and Keats. He adds that everytime he walks into the room he thinks: “All the words I’ll ever need are here; the only thing I have to do is get them out in the right order.”

andrewmotion460

Vita Sackville-West was a prolific writer: she wrote everything from biographies to novels, from non-fiction to science-fantasy, poetry, travelogues, gardening books, weekly newspaper columns, and, of course, correspondence. Here’s a quote by her on the importance of writing:

“It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment?”

Here’s an image of her desk:

vita

Creative Commons License photo credit: Travis Isaacs

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  • Great subject! If you have to work in a cubical, at least do it right. I have a study here at home and I can really do something more creative with it (not to mention, have it better organized). Thanks for the inspiration.
  • Mare
    Hi Carla: Go for it :-) We should all work in the most creative environments we can come up with.
  • I love this visual feast!! It's great that cubicles can be decorated so creatively. Going through them is fun!!

    I didn't use to decorate my cubicle as I didn't really like clutter. I also prefer my workspace to have books and all my stationery within reach and nothing too fanciful. Any pictures or inspiring words are all to do with my vision board.

    <abbr>Evelyn Lims last blog post..Lessons Learned From The Law of Attraction</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Evelyn: I have a bamboo plant, a water fountain, candles, a CD player, and tons and tons of books. My office is decorated kind of like the Safari in the Serengeti cubicle.
  • This is my favourite post of your blog so far! Love the pictures of real people's cubicles, and was so inspired by the writer's desks. The only thing I could think of adding is Stephen King's desk and I'd read about his huge oak / mahogany desk in the corner of his attic, and would love a visual. Still, this is enough of a feast, as Evelyn pointed out, and I'm just being a glutton!

    <abbr>Daphnes last blog post..Book Review: Flying By the Seat of My Soul</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Daphne: I thought I'd try something a little different and publish a "visual" post; apparently it was successful :-) Stephen King's desk sounds fabulous.
  • Terrific post! I enjoyed the wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing

    Jonathan

    “Art arises when the secret vision of the artist and the manifestation of nature agree to find new shapes. “ Kahlil Gibran,

    <abbr>Jonathans last blog post..Yes, I love all things Social Media.</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Jonathan: I'm glad you enjoyed the post :-)
  • That gingerbread house cubicle... WOW.

    To me, a workspace needs to be as simple, clean and clutter-free as possible. It also needs to be light (as in, light colors) and bright (sunlit, ideally).

    <abbr>Vered - MomGrinds last blog post..First Rose of the Season</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Vered: I need some inspirational things to look at, but I agree that it's best not to have too much clutter. Sometimes I'll take out a lot of books from my bookshelves and put them on my desk and I find it hard to concentrate until I take the time to put the books back where they belong. And I definitely agree that it's important that the workspace be well lit.
  • Hi Mare. These are all very creative, no argument there. I could see myself doing a lot of daydreaming on that tropical beach. And the school bus is cute, but just looking at it makes me feel claustrophobic.

    <abbr>Davinas last blog post..When Surgery is a Laughing Matter</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Davina: I wonder if the person who's office was decorated like a bus by his coworkers got the hint and changed his ways :-)
  • heh heh - love it, Mare. Those cubical workers certainly went to town! - and the colours in the very last photo are so warm and beautiful. I like having a window and some greenery to look out on.

    <abbr>Robins last blog post..Calling All Gods And Goddesses!</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Robin: I like having something interesting to look at from my window too :-) I think the lady that takes the time to decorate her cubicle for each Holiday is especially creative, and she doesn't just do it for herself, she knows it helps brighten the day for her coworkers too.
  • Wow! Those are some detailed cubicles. It's amazing how creative the human mind can be when unleashed upon its work space. My favorite was the bus. The story behind the decorations is what made it interesting.

    Whether we are writers or accountants, our workspace is an important part of our lives. We need to find what works best for us and make it happen no matter where we work or who we work for.

    <abbr>Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matterss last blog post..Open Communication is a Must, Especially in Tough Times</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Karl: I agree that the story behind each cubicle or writer's workspace helps the space come to life :-) It's very true that regardless of the profession we need to personalize our workspace so that it helps foster our creativity.
  • Working in a cubicle (or even in an office) can be really draining sometimes so I love the idea of making it a more interesting and exciting place to be. In my workspace, I try to use lots of colors to avoid boringness, and I find that it really helps to brighten my day (and the days of those who work around me; some have even commented on how much they like the rainbow-like quality of my cube).

    <abbr>Positively Presents last blog post..stop slackin' & get crackin'</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Positively Present: Bright colors definitely add life to any workspace. Sometimes I walk into offices where it's just a sea of grey cubicles and I think the company is just making it that much more difficult for their employees to think creatively.
  • Hi Mare,
    I love the pictures of what people have created! To work in a place that feeds your creative style - how wonderful! And these examples really do show what is possible! Mare, you continue to show me that creativity really is unlimited!

    <abbr>Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Lance: I saw these cubicles on CNN (television) around December of last year and I knew that at some point I had to find out if they were posted on the internet and showcase some of the best cubicles on my blog. Experiments have shown that a craetive environment helps us be more creative.
  • I applaud the creativity in these cubes! (Especially the one with paneling and hardwood floors!) And I also can't help but notice that, at least in these photos, just about all the custom-decorated cubes have at least some open desk space. That's the crucial part, for me. No matter how much inspiration is in a creative workspace, there must still be room for ideas to take shape and be nurtured. Just about all of these pass that test. Kudos!

    <abbr>Catherine Cantieri, Sorteds last blog post..Introducing my free eBook: "How to Harness a Hobgoblin"!</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Catherine: I thought I would add something for everyone, so there's everything from a Star Wars inspired cubicle, to the beach, to a very barren but elegant cubicle with hardwood floors. We each need to bring our individuality to our workspace and create a space that is welcoming and helps us feel more creative :-)
  • The Star Wars desk is my favorite.

    It's an interesting notion, that how we set up our desks can have an impact on our creativity.

    If I had an ideal desk, it would have a huge window in front of me overlooking the outdoors. Not sure anything could inspire me more than this.

    Of course, if you're in a cubicle, this may be out of the question. In that case, I think something like a plant or flowers could help in inspiring me and bringing out my creativity.

    <abbr>Bamboo Forest - PunIntendeds last blog post..How to Know if You’re an Enlightened Being</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Bamboo: I've actually being doing a lot of my work at a club that I belong to that has a fabulous view of the ocean. I think sitting in an open space with such a great view is helping to inspire my work :-)
  • Hi Marelisa - I've heard of people decorating their cubicles, but didn't know some went all out. I love the creativity they show. Although some are too "busy" for my liking, I think it's awesome the companies allow their employees that much freedom.

    <abbr>Barbara Swaffords last blog post..So, What Was The Attraction?</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Barbara: I agree that companies that allow their employees the freedom to decorate their office or cubicle as they see fit are sending out the message: you are free to be creative here. And what company wouldn't want to send out that message?
  • Though I can't imagine working in some of these cubicles (the knick knack one would make me anxious - way too much), I admire the people's dedication to make the space their own. I love the Safari one the best - I could imagine myself feeling very creative and productive somewhere like that.

    I am setting up a new work space right now actually. I have the right spot with a view of my lush garden. I have a comfortable chair and now I'm just searching for the right desk. Then I'll have to think about the decorating. I don't like too busy, but I do like to see my books and display photos, so maybe I'm Andrew Motion with his empty desk and overflowing shelving.

    Happy Easter Mares.

    Kelly@SHE-POWER
  • Mare
    Hi Kelly: I think I'm like Andrew Motion too, and my current office is safari inspired :-) A workspace with a great view of your garden sounds great! I wish you a Happy Easter as well.
  • Hello Mare!

    Very interesting article and I loved all the photos! It really does help one's creativity when you prepare a place to work in that inspires you. Thanks, this post was a treat!

    <abbr>Keiths last blog post..Key to Cashflow</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Keith: I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I think it helps our creativity to engage all of our senses: visual (what your workspace looks like), sound (maybe play nature sounds or music that inspires you), and so on.
  • Mare,
    We don't have cubicles in Europe, but our offices still don't have any personal touch, except fro some that bring their kids crafts to work.
    I have been thinking about this since I say the Ideo videos. Thing is, all the things I love seeing, I don't want to take to work :-) what does that have to say about me?
    Mimi

    <abbr>Mindful Mimis last blog post..Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering - Winnie the Pooh</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Mimi: Maybe you could start off small, take one item you enjoy looking at and take it to work. Then maybe a few weeks later, if it makes you comfortable, take something else. Could it be you don't want to get too attached to your workspace so you don't want to make it too comfortable?
  • What fun looking at all of these. I'm just beginning to de-junk my office. The fun part will be getting creative with the new space.

    <abbr>Tess The Bold Lifes last blog post..My Kid Did Something Bold & Thrilling</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Tess, they are fun, aren't they? I wouldn't want to work in some of the more cluttered spaces, but I think I'd enjoy spending some time looking through all the stuff :-)
  • This is sort of a constant thing that's on my mind - setting up a creative workspace. It's the one space that I always have trouble with - probably because I have yet to find the right desk and it's not easy creating a space that is perfectly functional and also inspiring. My favorite here was Safari in the Serengeti, and of course, I love the Star Wars desk. I'm thinking about going with a fantasy twist on shabby chic for my own workspace ;)

    <abbr>Melissa Donovans last blog post..Writing on the Go</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Melissa: A fantasy twist on shabby chic sounds great! I need to add more "whimsical" elements to my workspace. Right now it's an inspiring place to work, but I think it's missing some of the "fantasy" element you mention.
  • Hi Marelisa
    The one thing I found that now that the economy is not so good there is willingness to allaow creativity to be a part of the work environment. We work a lot of hours and can't always enjoy our home. What a wonderful way to enjoy a part of who we are and allow others to see that part of us that we don't frequently get the opportunity to share.

    Linda

    <abbr>Linda Hampton RN, MSNs last blog post..Five Effective Steps for Handling Anxiety</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Linda: What you mention is an added bonus: by taking the time to do something special with your workspace you're letting your personality come through, so your coworkers get a better idea of who you are and what makes you tick. That would probably result in better work relations.
  • Wow, these definitely look beautiful and exotic to me. Personally I prefer the "monastic cell" approach to working (and (not) decorating my place) but they're definitely interesting to look at!
  • Mare
    Hi Chris: I know some people work better in a minimalist (or, as you put it, monastic cell) environment. As long as you've purposefully created an environment that works for you, all is fair :-)
  • You hit the 1,000 subscriber milestone. Huge accomplishment. Congratulations.

    <abbr>Bamboo Forest - PunIntendeds last blog post..How to Know if You’re an Enlightened Being</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Bamboo, thank you! Although today the RSS feed is going whacko and it shows a strange number, but yes, I hit the 1000 mark about 10 days ago :-)
  • Dot
    These are fascinating! I don't know which I liked more, seeing cubicles turned into fun places, or seeing writer's work rooms.

    <abbr>Dots last blog post..The Silva Method, CDs 9 and 10</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Dot: I thought that by including both in one post I'd have a better chance of having something for everyone :-)
  • I love this, these people have shown how to make the ordinary, extraordinary! A long way from Dilbert!

    <abbr>Marks last blog post..Agony In The Garden</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Mark: I think it shows that human ingenuity can thrive under any environment: you put me in a gray cubicle, I'm going to turn it into a great place to work.
  • Hello,
    I chanced on your blog today and am yet to savour all the posts. No matter how often I job hop, a photograph that reads: "God, please help me be the kind of person my dog thinks I am." finds its place on the softboard of my cubicle. Oh, my current one also has a tiny white board. I love that. I can scawl smilies or frownies on it.

    <abbr>Lubnas last blog post..Law Street in The Economic Times (March)</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Lubna: I think that's a good motto to live by :-) And white boards can be a great creativity tool.
  • Mare,

    A very interesting range - they all beat the look of the white concrete wall which I am used to facing!

    I like the hardwood floor design most -simple yet stylish.

    <abbr>Andrews last blog post..What I learned from almost being mugged</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Andrew: Some people like a plain look, but I can't look at a blank wall for very long. I need to put something up even if it's one of the drawings my little nephew does for me :-)
  • Well, if those don't beat all!

    For me I like the Bronte best!

    <abbr>Jannie Funsters last blog post..Trio</abbr>
  • Mare
    Hi Jannie: I'm so glad people are enjoying these. I think they're all fabulous :-)
  • Wow - talk about creative...

    I just finished redesigning my new office and have to admit, it's lacking a little creativity. I bought a few picture frames to decorate the place and have some other decorative things laying around but it's nothing at all like what's in some of these pictures.

    You know what really gets my creativity goin' tho? Music. As long as I have my ipod and a stereo to connect it to...I'm good :-)

    <abbr>Ricardo Buenos last blog post..My Social Media System</abbr>
  • nice post, those are some crazy work spaces, i like the star wars and beach themes.
  • Mare
    Hi AC: Yep, and I found a store that sells skateboards that has a skateboarding ring in the store. I'll posting a photo soon. Too cool :-)
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