Decorating at Work -- To Decorate or Not?

I am someone who finds it practically a requirement to trick out my workspace at the office, simply because so much of my time is spent in that space. And, I really can't think of anything worse than staring at those drab, corporate standard gray walls.

In past positions, I had the whole decorating thing down to a T. I had a lovely {fake} plant or potted flowers, a cute, little lamp to help with lighting, and the usual array of pictures. I also had a bunch of crap pinned to the walls like little sayings or quotes, a Monet calendar, an Iowa State bumper sticker, and whatever swag I managed to collect during my time at the company, most likely acquired from training events.

This time around I've decided to approach my space from a totally different perspective: Less is more.

There is something that makes me very edgy about bringing too many personal items to the office. I suppose that's my jaded side coming out, given I have experienced two layoffs. Believe me, when you're laid off, it's critical that all your shit fits into one box or less!

Today, as I was thinking to myself how proud I was to approach my space from a minimalist angle {despite it going against my usual need to decorate}, my boss suddenly appeared out of thin air {she is a quiet walker, that one} and announced to everyone in my immediate space, "Missy really needs to decorate her space, don'tchya think?"

Oye.

Yea, I suppose this space could use a splash of color. But let's remember -- I'm working in the middle of the Midwest. This ain't IKEA for crying out loud.

If you had to sit in this space, what would you do to spruce it up? Suggestions, please!

And no, I am not going to buy an area rug.

Check out my photog skillz! Almost a near panoramic shot, taken with my iPhone on the sly.

Here's my guest chair and the view of my co-worker's desk. I swear she leaves her Mac off and uses the screen as a mirror to spy on me.