Textures

Different textures evoke different moods and thinking patterns.

Rough, unfinished textures such as undyed linen or weathered wood feel warm and natural and signal rustic charm. Polished marble and ironed fabric, on the other hand, are cool, sleek and formal. 

Same goes into what you touch and feel at the office.

Those big oak boardroom tables are beautiful. But they give you a feeling of being formal, decisive, unchangeable. You can’t easily move them around to fit the needs of the people. They are fixed.  

They don’t allow a chance to pivot according to market input. They don’t give juniors the confidence to speak up nor the sense of being heard. They are made for a final act of war plan. The chain of command (that goes in one direction) is louder than the chain of communication, which needs to go in all directions.

Pick and choose wisely for the desired effect of creativity you wish to create in your meetings and conversations. Be where the flow is visible. Let the space help you think more creatively.