Six ways to give your work cubicle a facelift

The problem with most office cubicles is that they are run-of-the-mill.  Most of them have been designed to make the most of a limited space, and therefore, cubicles often tend to be uniform in size and lack personality. It can be rather demotivating to spend long hours in a space that offers no stimulation to your senses.

A chic and unconventional cubicle can serve as a great breakaway space for you and your colleagues to ideate in. It also helps in making you more productive.

Here are some tips that will help give your dull cubicle a facelift, without overstepping the boundaries of office interior requirements.

Display art on your computer screen: Let's start by getting rid of that boring bouncing icon on your screen, instead set a wallpaper of a bright painting or a breathtaking photo. Show off your photography skills, or use Photoshop (digital art is the in thing now). Don't let your computer screen go dark, as nothing brightens up a space like a great image.

Bring in a planter or two: This does not mean you pick up a boring brown pot of the first plant you see. Instead, get creative - use old jars or wide-mouth teacups. Pick plants that require minimal care and sunlight (there are quite a few of those). Prop one or two on your desk and watch nature breathe in some life to your cubicle. If close to zero-maintenance is what you are looking at, then terrariums would suit you.

Display your stationary in a fancy way: Get a magnetic board with small colourful trays or create wall pockets to store your stationary. This gives you the flexibility of changing placements and creating new looks all the time.

Invest in a showstopper for your desk: This could be just about anything - from a fancy metal desk lamp to a stuffed animal or a funky collection of painted bottles or even an aquarium. Dedicate one corner of your cubicle to this showstopper and watch the attention it gets. It's also the perfect 'go-to', when you need to take a few minutes off work and look at something soothing.

Fancy up your chair: Have you ever noticed how some offices tend to get really cold, thanks to a uniformly low temperature on the air-conditioning. If you happen to work in such an office, you may be able to do something about it. Invest in a small woolly rug that you can throw onto your office chair. Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also perk up your working space.

Jazz up the floor space: Most often, we tend to forget about the floor space. Choose a fancy waste basket instead of the staid office-issued ones. Put in a small colorful foot mat in front of your work chair. And if it is not frowned upon if your office, you may even consider replacing your office chair with a colourful one. An option that won't pinch your wallet too much, is to get interesting chair backs.
 
Your cubicle is where you spend a good portion of your work life. It is only fair that you do it up to reflect your personality.

The author is the founder of Bangalore-based store The Purple Turtles