Multiple studies show that visual clutter and tightness of space negatively affect workers’ productivity and energy. If your company is returning to the office soon, now is a great time to spruce up your workspace by making it feel cleaner, sleeker, and much bigger. Here are some places where you can start.

White or Light-Colored Walls

Studies show that white and less textured walls make rooms and spaces appear larger than they are. At the core, interior design and styling are all about manipulating the space you have to create in your perspective. This is why white and lighter colored paints like pastel hues are the perfect colors to paint your walls with since these lighter hues bounce off the light in your room better. Choose a soft white color that has warm undertones so that it can bounce off the brightness of the sun without looking sterile or making your space look like a hospital room.

Bigger Windows

There’s a reason why properties with natural light are sought after in the real estate industry: They make rooms seem bigger than they are. Consider investing in commercial windows that are larger in scale, like floor-to-ceiling glass windows, to let more natural light into your office. Not only is it good for your employees’ overall health and well-being, but it can also help you save some money on electricity costs.

Glass Dividers

If you’re not in a position to convert walls into windows, a suitable alternative is knocking down some walls and adding glass partitions in their place. It will help to open up your workplace and will set the atmosphere of collaboration and transparency. If you have separate conference rooms or offices, consider transitioning to glass dividers to open up the office more.

Well-Placed Mirrors

Another classic way to make any room bigger is by using mirrors and placing them in strategic areas. A well-placed mirror can create an illusion of more space and make your room brighter by reflecting light, whether it’s from the sun or artificial lighting. Mirrors can also be a decorative piece, so choosing the right design and size can go a long way in making your office appear more trendy and stylish.

Furniture Placement

When it comes to arranging workstations, tables, and chairs, you can’t just throw things at the wall and see what sticks—you need to be strategic and mindful of where you place certain pieces and how they allow the room to flow. Comfort and function may be the most important, but it’s also of paramount importance to make sure that your tables and chairs do not take up too much space. If your furniture pieces are too big for the space that you have, consider having new workstations custom-made. When it comes to smaller office spaces, every inch counts.

Vertical Storage

If your office is on the smaller side, think vertical when deciding what to do with storage. Open shelves can also add an atmosphere of brightness and openness, as long as you organize things cleanly and choose boxes that go well with the theme and design of your office. Look for cabinetry that can extend to the ceiling or storage units that can house more office materials and documents compared with other traditional office storage solutions. Floating shelves, when styled nicely, can save you and your team a lot of space on the floor.

Go Minimalist

Here are some practical tips to keep your office as sleek and minimalist as possible:

• Clear the floor. Keep the office floor clear at all times, which means removing office materials and your employees’ bags and belongings in the area.
• Prohibit clutter. Organize wires and cables through wire organizers—there are plenty of affordable options at home solutions stores and even online shops. Keep your files and documents clutter-free by finally going paperless or coming up with a new organizational system that will help everyone in your company find whatever they’re looking for at the drop of a hat.
• Use simple colors. Go for warm and earthy palettes, like creams, sage green, and dusty blue. Follow the 60-30-10 interior design rule to put together a seamless color scheme for your office.

A spacious and well-designed office is a great way to support your employees after what has been a difficult year for the world. It can show that you consider their wellness and safety. Don’t skimp on ways to make them feel comfortable when they return—it can only benefit your company in the long run. Good luck!