Picture this: A mountain of sticky notes ready to topple, cables tangled like vines, and somewhere under the paper pile—your desk. Sound familiar? Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but let’s be real—clutter piles up fast. Whether it’s a seasonal mess or a year-round struggle, too much stuff can make it hard to focus and stay productive.
Many of us (Gen Z, especially) love adding a personal touch to our workspace, but the key is finding balance—creating a functional, minimalist office without sacrificing style. So, how do we make that happen?
Minimalism isn’t just about having less—it’s about being intentional with what stays. A minimalist office design embraces clean lines, open spaces, plenty of light, and functional furniture. But that doesn’t mean your workspace has to feel cold or boring.
The key is to invest in quality over quantity. Thoughtfully chosen furniture, a neutral color palette, and smart storage solutions create a workspace that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Start by setting up two boxes or categories: one for items to keep and another for things to let go of. But how do you decide? Ask yourself:
A minimalist office should contain only what you truly need. Here’s a core list:
That wasn’t too bad, right?
Our designer, Rebecca, shares some of her top ideas and products from trusted partners—solutions that, whether used individually or together, can transform a cluttered workstation into a clean, minimalist, and fully functional space. Many of these tools also help reduce the overall workstation footprint, allowing for more occupants within a given space.
One of Rebecca’s go-to recommendations for decluttering a workstation is monitor arms. Elevating monitors off the desk frees up valuable workspace, making the entire surface more functional. Plus, adjustable positioning helps optimize your viewing angle and maintain ergonomic comfort.
SitOnIt Mobio
AIS Single Monitor Arm
Fellowes EDGE
Nothing disrupts a minimalist aesthetic quite like tangled cables. An essential part of maintaining a clean, organized workstation is effective cord management. There are plenty of solutions out there, but Rebecca shares this smart, space-saving product from AIS:
AIS PET Screen with Wire Manager
Beyond keeping cables tidy, this unique solution also adds privacy and offers a subtle way to personalize workstations.
A minimalist workspace requires thoughtful storage—functional yet stylish. Rebecca shares some of her favorite solutions for every storage need.
AIS Desktop Top Organizer: Provides just enough space for the essentials without inviting clutter.AIS PET Sling: Keeps purses, bags, and laptops off the desk, floor, or back of the chair, eliminating common workspace obstacles.
For comprehensive storage and organization in dynamic work environments, Rebecca shares these four solutions that are perfect for hot-desking, shared workstations, or personal setups. These options keep work essentials accessible while maintaining a clutter-free workspace.
Watson C9 Trolley: A mobile solution that clears the worksurface while keeping personal and work items easily accessible. It even includes an integrated bag hook! Its mobility makes it ideal for hot-desking and shared workspaces.
Watson C9 Garage: A scaled-down take on an older concept, this “desk extension” covers all your storage needs in a relatively small footprint and adds some space division.
Magnuson Youme Personal Caddy: Features a GO handle—a great solution for shared workstation applications to keep personal and work items tidy.
Magnuson New Port Desk Accessories and Rail System: A stationary yet flexible solution with low-profile components that keep items handy, organized, and off your main work area.
Maximize natural light whenever possible. Choose a neutral color palette for your office, such as whites, grays, and natural wood tones. Accent colors like lighter blue and green-teal can add subtle contrast. Here’s some inspiration from Sherwin-Williams and Pantone.
Creating a minimalist office is one thing; maintaining it is another. Develop these habits:
These fundamental steps will help you start your journey toward a minimalist office. However, creating a comprehensive, optimized minimalist workspace involves more planning and considerations. Working with professional designers ensures your space is both functional and visually cohesive, with thoughtful space planning, ergonomics, and product selection.
Ready to create a high-performing workspace? Our design experts can help. Contact us for a customized solution today.