Transform Your Workspace from Drab to Fab!

Let's face it: until we win the lottery we‘re stuck going to work every day to make a living. As mundane as your job may seem at times, your workspace doesn't have to be.

Unless you are lucky enough to have an office, you probably work in a cubicle or similar workstation. Chances are you are surrounded by drab, gray or beige colors with a flickering fluorescent light over your head. Who can be productive in conditions like that? Your space should reflect your personality in a tasteful, professional manner. After all, you probably spend more time at work than you do your own house so doesn't it make sense that your workspace should be comfortable and inviting?

Before you revamp your space and get all Martha Stewart though, you should first make sure it is ok to do this. Most companies allow employees to personalize their space but some don't. Look around you and see what your coworkers are doing. If you see photos and other personal items, chances are, it's ok. But if all you see are bare walls and nothing personal to speak of, you might want to check your employee handbook or speak with a supervisor about any rules pertaining to personal items at work. If you get the green light to go ahead, then use some of the ideas listed below to get you started and before long your workspace will have your stamp all over it.

Photos

Photos are the easiest and quickest way to personalize any space. Pictures of family, close friends or favorite places are inspirational and can calm you down when your day gets hectic. If you work in a cubicle and don't want to clutter up your desk with frames, consider checking out www.frameacube.com which offers a wide variety of frames specially designed to hang on cubicle walls. You can display photos, certificates, artwork or whatever you wish. They are reasonably priced starting at just $5.99 and come in a variety of sizes.

Plants

Plants are another great way to add color and life to an otherwise boring space. Make sure you choose a plant that will thrive in your workspace (especially if you don't have a window or natural light nearby) and don't forget to water it regularly. Check the care instructions before purchasing any plants to make sure you choose the right one for your space.

Quotes

You can also decorate your walls with favorite quotations that motivate and inspire you. Cut them out or retype them in your favorite font and color and hang them on your wall or around your computer screen for short bursts of inspiration when you need them.

Cartoons

Cut out your favorite cartoons to hang up for a good laugh when your work gets you down. Just be sure to make selections that are not offensive to anyone that might come into your space.

Children's Artwork

This is another great solution to add personality to your walls. Displaying something that your child created is a fun, simple way to put a smile on your face and a reminder of why you work so hard.

Added Flair

Once your walls are decorated, you can look around and see what else your space might need. If your office allows it, candles can add hominess and warmth to your work area. Again, make sure there are no safety regulations against this before bringing them in and also make sure the scent you choose will not be offensive to your coworkers. Some people are allergic to certain scents. It's important to be sensitive when personalizing your space. You also might want to consider a small desk lamp, especially if you work in a low lit area or if you tend to work late on a regular basis.

If you feel isolated and lonely at your desk, think about opting for a goldfish. Goldfish are low maintenance, relaxing to watch and if you get really bored or stressed, you can talk to them. They are also a great conversation starter for those who pass by your space.

These are just a few of the possibilities for making your space at work your own. The most important things to remember are:

• Get permission before you start decorating
• Don't overdo it
• Don't offend anyone
• Have fun!

You'll soon find that adding a little personal flair to your work area will brighten your day and make coming to work a little bit more bearable. But you still might want to check those lottery numbers (just in case!).