There’s a fresh new buzzword that has gone viral, and it refers to all young entrepreneurs out there trying to make their way to CEO-land. If you’re a trep, you’re most likely a Millennial- Generation Y twentysomething- who has decided to bypass the corporate work environment by going at it solo, and it is estimated that by the year 2020 at least 40 percent of Americans will be their own bosses- I’m just now working on that myself. With the tech boom in full throttle, start-ups seem be the right idea and with the economy being what it is, many young business and creative types are taking their ideas and hard work to their own offices, motivated to either become the next big brand or simply build a small yet rewarding company on their terms. That’s where creating your own office space comes into play, and these days it looks a bit different than Don Draper’s Mad Men smoke-filled Madison Avenue den. Working from home can be exciting because it offers efficiency- hopefully- and comfort, yet it’s important that this space reflects your personality. Whether you aim for a glossy interior design magazine look- like me- or an easy going West Elm-meets-Dwell look, color and furniture placement is crucial to your success…so says every expert out there.
Color psychology deals with the emotional and physical reactions that different hues can elicit from people. We look for colors that have the most positive impact on us and it’s no surprise that the cool shades of blues, greens and violets project serenity and relaxation- blue is the color most used in offices because of its soothing and tranquil effect, much like the ocean, and is most preferred by men. Since green is a prevalent color in our society- think trees, grass- it is also perceived as calming. Neutral colors such as ivory, gray and tan can carry subtle variations of color and don’t distract you, especially if you’re a minimalist.
As for good juju, it’s all about feng shui… where these principals can energize your work or living space and thereby promote success. Be sure to have a well-lit space where the entrance to your office is clutter-free, and your door- if you actually have one- can swing open easily. Stay away from white walls as they create stress oriented energy- who knew- and use art and wall decor to further enhance the purpose of the office- those that encourage focus, productivity and generate income. And if your office is high-tech and gadget-centric, soft green walls and wood furniture balances it all out. Now that you’re all squared on these design must-do’s, my must-have office would be straight out of Elle Decor…with great juju of course.
