It’s hard to bring personality into the hard-edged corporate world… or when your kids are constantly colouring on your desk. But personality can be as small as a mouse pad… and may make all the difference when you clock in.

Mild

Boss strict about what he sees on your desk?

Computer: Find a picture you love – your family or a funny image online – and make it your desktop image. When you log in, you’ll smile.

Mouse pad: I have one from Ben & Jerry’s that asks “if it’s not fun, why do it?” A great reminder for the office.

Pencil Holders: Find one at the dollar store that just screams you or make one of your own with bark or ribbon and a hot glue gun.

Spicy

Boss doesn’t care what you do with your space, so long as it doesn’t attract bugs?

Cork board: Find a beautiful frame and fill it with cork board covered in fabric for a beautiful cork board that will make everyone else in the office jealous.

Green: Try an umbrella plant or something heartier… in case you forget to water it. Warning… this might actually attract bugs. Just don’t tell your boss.

Photos: Decorate your space with photos of friends and family. Use unique frames to add personality.

Red-hot

Don’t have any restrictions on what you do with your space?

Wall paper: Line your cubical walls with cute wall paper – just make sure you can remove it if you have to… er… “change desks”.

Organization: Repurpose old fashioned tea tins, paint cans, visually appealing vases or candle holders into memo holders, inboxes or pen/pencil holders.

Novelty: Replace your keyboard, mouse and/or phone with novelty versions that brighten your day. Keep them ergonomic to minimize work-related injury.