BACK TO OFFICE!: INTERIORS.

Do you think that renovating the work area in your office can help to relieve some of the "back to office" stress? I think so! Because renovating a room at home or at work helps to stimulate your creativity, good spirits and boosts new projects to come.

Here are some personal pieces of advice to soften your coming back and give your office a more personal touch, getting inspiration from the offices of famous style icons.

1) The desk:

"Organisation first!" should be your mantra. Actually, it's easier said than done, but it's easier  when you choose a large desk, where you can keep all your documents and electronic equipment on hand. Office organisers are very useful, since they are available in different sizes and materials, so that you can choose the models that best suit your office style. Personally, I prefer the transparent models, with lots of dividers, since they match perfectly the glass and gold style of my desk and have a less obtrusive look. Anyway, I prefer to keep them on a cupboard behind to get the most of my desk area, where I only keep my Macbook, iPad, planners, telephone, pen-holder, and the documents I'm using at the moment, together with a lampshade, some flowers a decorative box and a pretty change tray for small objects. The most important requirement: avoid messiness! It's the best way to keep your mind clear and concentrate better.

2) Colours:

New beginning, new colours! Also the library and shelves are important in the cromatic composition of your office, to create a pleasant visual effect in your work area. So, green lights to the colours that suit best your mood: red and orange stimulate positive energy, light blue and green helps armony and relax, yellow enhances your self-esteem. But don't exaggerate in quantity, just add some balanced vibrant touches. Personally, my favourite colours are neutral/pastel shades, which suit best the palette of walls and furniture in my office.

3) New small additions:

Clear up your office form old and useless objects. Getting rid of old things to make room for new stuff, opens up your mind to new horizons and provides you with new ideas about a new re-organisation and optimisation of your office space. Personally, I try to surround myself with new objects that are meaningful or revealing of my personal taste to transform the work area in a cozy corner where work will be pleasant and less monotonous. Since I'm a huge fan of golden objects that add an elegant and feminine touch to my desk, I choose scissors, pens and clips and other office supplies in this warm metal shade. I never forget a reed diffuser with a signature scent to add extra comfort.

4) Design lamps and Lighting:

Everybody knows that a well-lighted office helps psychological and physical well-being and increases productivity, so the choice of efficient but stylish lighting solutions is very important. Of course, natural light is the primary need, so if you have the chance to work in an office with large windows, add only some packet/sliding curtains to ensure your privacy, only when needed. The most creative professionals will certainly prefer coloured fabrics, while more technical offices, like the office in which I work, more neutral shades will be the most suitable choice.

Spotlights in the ceiling will help to create a pleasant and natural lighting in the office, also in the darkest winter months, but a lampshade on the table as well as a floor lamp in a corner next to a sofa will add some personal charm to the office.

5) Relax area:

Create a "zen" area for your relax in the office, especially if you are used to overwork, with aromatic candles, cushions and plants, to take care of yourself also at work. My personal tip: arrive at work a bit earlier or find some time during lunch-time to meditate at least 5-10 m/d. It will boost your motivation and help concentration in the following hours. Also a coffee-table in a corner, with a design coffee-machine, pretty coffee cups and some refreshments available, instead of the common ugly and boring hot-drinks machine will provide your office with a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Now dear readers, it's up to you to make the best of my advice; meanwhile, I wish you a successful and stress-free back-to-work week! Looking forward to the weekend...