Design Dilemma: How to turn a dreary office into a cool upbeat space

My sister has a great job, with great people! She really loves going to work each day, but her office space is starting to depress her. Her shared office space, does not reflect the dynamic personality of her or her work.

Her design dilemma? How to turn her dreary office space into a cool upbeat space that inspires her.

Office spaces are always a tricky design path to navigate because:

You usually can't do anything real dramatic like paint
You have to keep it gender-neutral, and your finished product still has to reflect your maturity and competency...(aka no sorority pics on the wall, or butterfly photos). You and your space need to be taken seriously.
Most of your design updates will usually come out of your pocket, so it has to be affordable

But I'm up to the challenge...

WARNING: These photos are not to be viewed by those who are sick or easily get sick. Bad design can increase the risk of the blues and overall gloominess. This risk is higher for people who believe in good design. If you can not take bad design, do not stare directly at the following photos...

AREA #1:

What if you moved the filing cabinet that is in the closet over to the other side of your desk up against the wall? Then you could move all of your desk accessories on top of the filing cabinet and away from your direct work space.

Create a serene and creative desk top by only keeping the bare necessities: laptop, phone, small cup holder with pens...everything else can go to the side.

I'd then add a table (not desk) lamp to both your and your office mates desks. Table lamps give off much softer and relaxing light rather than a harsh desk light.


Walmart

I'd also include a colorful vase with fresh flowers.

Ikea

For only $35 each you can replace your guest chairs with some fun modern chairs like these from Ikea:

Ikea

If you do have to keep some papers on your desk...try to hide them from view with these:

Ikea

If you wanted to be a little daring...you could try to paint your closet doors. A bright green or blue would be fabulous!

AREA #2:

First, I would add some personal art to the empty wall. I love this modern painting of DC from artist Bombay:

Since you can't paint the bookcase, I would cut either craft paper, or wallpaper in a solid color or cool design, and with double sided tape, adhere the paper to the back of each shelf. This will give a non-permanent design element and really brighten the cabinet.

Once you have freshened up the cabinet, I would fill it with books :) Cabinets look so sad empty. I would use these great boxes to fill up space:

Ikea

You can also have some fun with your book ends. I love these:

CB2

AREA #3

Sometimes it's hard to fill up an empty wall this large. I recommend either a large wall covering like this:

CB2

Or a series of framed poster art like this:

Ikea

I would also add a modern magazine wall rack like this:

Ikea

Lastly, I would add a colorful and inexpensive rug like this right by your office door:

Ikea

AREA #4

I would turn this great "nook" into a refreshment area with the following:

An inexpensive colorful side table

Ikea

With a fabulous mini bar on top of the side table:

And a floating shelf above the mini bar for glasses

Ikea

And finally a super fun and modern mirror above the floating shelf

CB2

After all of these simple and inexpensive updates, your space will begin to feel energetic and inspiring...just like you!

Here are some additional items if you have the space: