Cubicle Sweet Cubicle: Making Your Workspace More Appealing

Just about anyone who's ever worked in a cubicle would agree that they're often depressing, with their neutral colour faux walls, confined space and the general feeling of isolation that they engender. Let's face it, being boxed in for eight hours a day isn't exactly appealing.

Still, there are ways to make even the blandest, smallest cubicle more appealing while maintaining a professional work environment.

When decorating a desk or an office space, the first things that usually come to mind are pictures: family photos, portraits of your pets, snapshots of friends. But there are other ways to make good use of pictures in your cubicle space. For one, they can add much-needed colour to the workspace. One of the downsides of cubicles is that they are, by nature, bland. A great way to bring colour to all that neutral is by using landscape or nature photos - seascapes, autumn foliage compositions, snow scenes, flowers, birds and butterflies - to "wallpaper" your cubicle.

In the age of digital photos, it's easier than ever. Take your favourite digital photos, blow them up to fill a large sheet of paper and then print them out. You don't have to buy expensive photo paper. Plain old printer paper will do. And forget the frames. Hang the pictures directly on your cubicle wall with drawing pins. The photos are neat enough for the office and colourful enough to liven up your cubicle. Plus, if you pick photos that you find particularly relaxing, it's a great way to de-stress your work life. You can also change them as often as you'd like, which is a great way to perk yourself up when you're feeling particularly fed up at the office.

Another great idea to perk up your cubicle is to decorate for the holidays. If your office allows, get together with your colleagues and, in December, string Christmas lights between cubicles. Buy yourself a tiny fake Christmas tree (or an electric menorah) for the top of your monitor. At Halloween, bring in some colourful gourds or a pumpkin. Extend the change of decorations to include the four seasons. Bring in pretty spring flowers in April or strawberry corn in the autumn. Changing for the seasons is another great office pick-me-up.

There are many other little things you can do to dress up your workspace. Treat yourself to a colourful pencil holder or paperclip holder, or if you have children let them create something for you. Buy a decorative box of tissues. Print out your favourite quotes or poetry and pin them up on the cubicle wall. Treat yourself to a great wall calendar. Check novelty catalogues for knickknacks that sit on top of computer monitors and special picture frames that are meant to hook directly over the top of a cubicle partition.

Of course, you'll need to remember to always keep things professional - no girlie or novelty calendars. Always keep it neat, too. This is your workspace and should ultimately be presentable and reflect a professional attitude. And bear in mind that many companies have strict rules that govern what can and can't be on your desk or hanging from the walls of your cubicle. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask the company's human resources department.

Ultimately, have a little fun with your cubicle and don't be afraid to express your personality or a little bit of individuality. Your cubicle doesn't have to be dreary and dull. This is your workspace and should be a pleasant place to spend your nine to five.