Want to think Creatively? 9 of the Best Quick Solutions

Research on spaces where people are more likely to think creatively is clear, these spaces share certain attributes.  Home offices where people excel at creative thinking:

1. Feature all sorts of different shades of green.Many people remember when every sort of institutional office they visited was green – but those bureaucrats, as it turns out, were onto something.  Looking at the colour green, even briefly, has been shown to dramatically improve our ability to think creatively
2. Showcase more curving lines in patterns, furniture, etc., than straight ones
3. Have moderate visual complexity
4. Incorporate the sounds of peaceful natural settings and natural light, adding warm artificial light, as needed
5. Are biophilic, including visible wood grain and plants, for example. Nature sounds have been specifically tied to enhanced creative performance.
6. Support both reclining and walking—these postures and movements are a plus for creative thinking
7. Are devoid of environmental stressors—no distracting overheard conversations, no dripping faucets or wayward thermostats and give people comfortable levels of control over their ambient environment (a few options, not lots)
8. Have comfortably tall, around 10 foot, ceilings
9. Smell like cinnamon-vanilla – cinnamon buns prevail!

And don’t forget about creating a biophilic space—it’s good for whatever you’re doing, particularly if mental performance is key.  Also, carefully manage your visual complexity.