An Interior Designer's Guide To Elevating Your Workspace (And Therefore Your Work)
Whether your days are spent in a corporate office, a home workspace, or a creative studio, the space where you work quietly shapes how you think, create, and show up (This is why we’re passionate about Interior Design).
A refreshed workspace isn’t about perfection or trend-chasing; it’s about intention.
When your environment supports focus, beauty, and function, it naturally invites confidence + clarity into your work.
Here are Four Keys to refreshing your workspace (that won’t require a complete remodel).
1. Start With Purpose, Not Products
Before purchasing anything new, take a step back and ask a simple question: How do I want this space to support me?
Your workspace should reflect the kind of work you’re doing in this season. A creative studio may require flexibility and inspiration, while a leadership office may benefit from structure and calm authority. Consider:
What tasks do you do most frequently?
Where do you feel distracted or frustrated?
Where do you feel most confident and productive?
Often, refreshing a space is less about adding and more about refining. Removing (or hiding) visual clutter, repositioning furniture for better flow, or redefining zones for work, meetings, or creative thinking can dramatically shift how a space functions, without a full redesign.
2. Position Your Furniture Like A Pro
As Interior Designers, this is obvious to say, but truly, the way you arrange your furniture REALLY matters: For example, did you know you never want to have the natural light behind you?
Sometimes we know these things instinctively, but there’s science to back it up. Apparently, when a window or bright light is behind you, your brain is constantly adjusting for glare and movement, which can make you feel uneasy without realizing it.
An ideal setup positions the window (or your main source of light) in front of you or slightly to the side so your face and workspace are evenly lit (Of course, this will also make you look your best on those remote meetings).
Similarly, you want to sit where you can see the door (or main entry point). It’s why you feel better with your back against the wall in public places. Apparently, when your back is to an entrance, your brain stays in “threat monitoring” mode (even if you consciously feel safe). That subtle vigilance destroys deep focus. So if possible, position yourself so you can see whoever is coming or going.
3. Elevate Through Layers: Light, Texture, and Materials
The most inspiring workspaces feel intentional without being overstated. This is where thoughtful layering makes all the difference.
Lighting:
Natural light is ideal, but layered lighting (task, ambient, and accent) allows your space to adapt throughout the day. A sculptural lamp or warm overhead glow can soften even the most functional office.
Texture & Materials:
Incorporate materials that bring warmth + depth:
Wood tones to ground the space
Soft textiles to balance harder surfaces
Stone, leather, or brass accents for subtle refinement
These elements don’t just elevate the look of your workspace; they affect how it feels to spend time there. A well-balanced room communicates quiet confidence and care.
4. Personalize With Meaning (Not Clutter)
Pictured Here: A Home studio we designed for a nationally-recognized artist.
A refreshed workspace should feel like you and remind you of your why.
Personal touches like art, books, framed quotes, or objects collected over time anchor a space emotionally. The key is choosing select pieces rather than filling every surface.
Ask yourself:
Does this inspire me or remind me why I do what I do?
Does it add warmth or tell a story?
Does it support focus rather than distraction?
A single piece of meaningful art or a curated shelf can say far more than an overfilled desk. When your space reflects your values + vision, it becomes a place you want to return to every day.
What to do with your clutter? Stuff happens. We get it. Utilize as many clever storage options as possible, with the goal being to keep clutter out of your line of sight.
Pictured above: A Home studio we designed for a Nashville Producer.
Refreshing your workspace for the new year isn’t about reinventing everything; it’s about aligning your environment with your purpose. When beauty and function work together, your space becomes a quiet partner in your work rather than a source of friction.
At ONYX + ALABASTER, we believe the spaces where we create, lead, and dream should support the work unfolding within them. A thoughtful workspace isn’t just a design choice; it’s an investment.
If your Business or Work would benefit from our expertise, you can schedule a complimentary 15-Minute Inquiry call here, https://www.onyxandalabaster.com/design-studio.
From home offices to executive spaces, our award-winning design team creates work environments that support focus, confidence, and purpose. From buying sessions to full-service interior design, we’d love to partner with you.