By: Meredith McKenzie and Shivani Vyas

Congratulations — you’ve just been promoted! If you’ve reached this milestone, no matter where you are in your journey, you may find yourself reflecting on how much you’ve grown and how far you’ve come. Thoughts of your next career move maybe creeping in already! But before you look too far ahead, take a moment to be present. Use this time to showcase your leadership presence in your spaces as they are now. Doing so will support your long-term success, regardless of any external factors you may be navigating. By planning a few big (and small) upgrades to your office, you’ll also create an environment that reinforces your achievements. Plus, these updates won’t just enhance the style of your workspace. They’ll also elevate your confidence, comfort, and professionalism, whether you work in a traditional office or from home. Here are five designer-approved ideas to get you started.

Focus on Where You Work the Most

First, analyze where you spend the most time as you work. Is it at a desk? A cubicle? Look for ways to upgrade the pieces you touch most often. For example, consider a lounge-worthy ergonomic chair with high-back support in a real (or vegan) leather or custom fabric. Once you’ve finalized a solid chair, pair it with a comfortable, durable desk that feels substantial – and neatly stows away, or displays your most-used work essentials. Lastly, make these larger investments count!Allocating your budget toward high-quality, timeless furniture will ensure it lasts you for years (or at least until your next promotion comes around) and withstands your everyday work demands.

Proudly Display Your Success and Leadership

For a smaller upgrade: Whether it’s awards, certifications, diplomas, company recognition plaques, or even meaningful thank-you notes, consider framing them in a style that resonates with you. Acrylic floating shadow box gallery frames with linen backings or wall-mounted exhibit cases can look especially polished. You can also create a unified gallery wall using matching or complementary frames in cohesive textures and colors. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box, too. Try brainstorming a personal brand element that reflects who you are and your career identity. Think a custom nameplate, a meaningful logo or monogram, a framed mission statement, or even an art piece that symbolizes your leadership style and values.

Turn Your Books into Functional Decor

Curating a bookshelf with your favorite industry titles and personal leadership books signals you’ve invested in your growth and knowledge. These books serve as valuable references while also adding a design-forward update to your space. Coffee table books, for example, can double as the perfect decorating accessory on any tablescape or shelf. You can even take this decorating idea a step further, by choosing book spines that match your office’s color palette and arranging them by size and thickness for a tailored look.

Focus on Your Textiles

Some of the best design upgrades are both beautiful and functional, and textiles are no exception. Whether it’s a colorful Oushak rug, custom designer curtains (with the most satisfying pleats), or a tailored upholstered bench or chair in a vibrant motif – soft goods will always add comfort to your space and make it look more refined. Even in a cubicle, a small accent rug underfoot or a custom pillow with a fun print on your chair can work wonders to make your office setting feel more personal and inviting.

Polish Up Your Tech Displays

While we know tech is essential in any workspace, it’s not always the most visually appealing. But good news: you don’t have to sacrifice high style for performance. So don’t settle. Look for ways to streamline your displays. A clean, organized setup signals leadership by showing that you prioritize attention to detail and organization. These two qualities will also help you stay productive. So, consider acrylic laptop (or monitor) stands, matching monitor arms or mounts to create a unified set (even if you purchase your accessories from different brands). For example, if your monitor is silver, match your arm to that finish; if it’s white, coordinate with white tech accessories. You can also invest in wire-hiding solutions, which can include cable baskets, wall-mounted tracks, adhesive clips, or just scouting furniture with built-in cable management and outlets. For smaller gadgets like AirPods, phones, and tablets, consider upgrading to a more stylish setup — anything from a wireless charging station on a refined leather pad (some even come monogrammed) to a sleek docking station that keeps all your devices organized and within reach. As a bonus, choose noise-canceling headphones in a color that fits your office color scheme, or upgrade to a matching wireless keyboard and mouse set for an elegant look.