Let’s be honest. Most offices weren’t designed for creativity. They were designed for productivity — or at least someone’s outdated idea of it. Beige walls, dull carpets, flickering fluorescent lights. It’s like walking into a place where ideas go to nap. But here’s the thing: your workspace can do so much more. With a few clever tweaks and a little rule-breaking, you can turn even the blandest office into a space that actually FEELS creative.
By Team Savant
Image: Eugenia Pankiv
Kill the Beige Before It Kills Your Brain
First things first — the colour palette. That washed-out oatmeal shade on the walls? It’s got to go. Colour affects mood. That’s not just artsy nonsense — it’s science. Go for deep blues if you want focus, bright yellow if you need energy, or a calming green if your office often feels like a stress tornado. If painting’s off-limits (hello, landlords), use peel-and-stick wallpaper or oversized fabric panels. They add colour, pattern, and texture without any commitment.
Bring In the Unexpected
Nothing stirs creativity like a little disruption. Introduce objects that don’t “belong” in a traditional office. A hammock in the corner. A vintage jukebox that actually works. A wall-mounted skateboard rack. A disco ball that catches the afternoon light. You don’t have to go full startup fantasyland — but one or two bold, playful pieces can break the monotony and give the space a wink of personality.
Wall Space That Works (Harder Than You Think)
Bare walls are wasted real estate. This is your chance to inspire. Curate a rotating gallery of office wall art — not the generic framed stock photos of handshakes and mountain climbers, but stuff that genuinely makes people stop and feel something. Abstract prints. Bold quotes. Local artists. Even framed doodles from staff brainstorming sessions. Your walls should feel alive, not like a waiting room.
Plants: The Secret Weapon
There’s a reason plants are popping up everywhere lately. They do more than look nice. Studies show they boost concentration, clean the air, and improve overall mood. Go for low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, or a good old-fashioned monstera. And don’t just line them up in the corners — hang them from the ceiling, let them drape down shelves, or create a living wall if you’re feeling extra.
Give Ideas Room to Breathe
Creativity needs space to stretch. That doesn’t mean you need a massive office — it means you need a few zones that invite different kinds of thinking. A cozy corner with soft lighting and beanbags for solo brainstorming. A high table with stools for energetic group chats. Maybe even a soundproof nook for mid-day recharge naps or intense focus sessions.When the layout encourages movement and mood-shifting, better ideas follow.
Say Goodbye to Silence (Sometimes)
Dead silence can be just as stifling as noise. Build a soundscape. Maybe it’s a curated playlist over a shared speaker or a white noise machine that cancels out the hum of the air con. Allow headphones, sure, but don’t underestimate the power of shared sounds to create a vibe. Music can bring rhythm to your thinking — literally.
Let People Leave Their Mark
This might be the most important shift: let your team contribute. Creativity thrives when people feel ownership. Create a “graffiti” wall with dry erase paint. Start a monthly art challenge. Put up a suggestion box not for ideas, but for weird objects people want to see in the office next month. The more voices in the space, the more alive it feels.
Boring is a choice. So is creative. You don’t need a bigger budget or an architect’s license — just a little boldness and a willingness to rethink what an office can be.