Just like your wardrobe or your garden, your desk deserves a seasonal refresh. As we shift from summer to fall, small changes to your workspace can help you feel grounded, inspired, and ready for what’s next. We asked five experts — a designer, an organizer, a therapist, a professional coach, and an HR leader — for their favorite trends to transform your desk this season. Here’s what they shared.
1. Add Natural Elements (Designer)
Plants, stones, or wooden accessories create a connection to nature. A small desktop garden or succulent adds life, beauty, and fresh air to your space.
“When I design workspaces, I always start by adding something living. Even a single plant changes the energy of a desk — it softens the edges and brings calm. My favorite is a small desktop garden, because it’s both beautiful and interactive.” — Elena, Interior Designer
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein
2. Declutter + Curate (Organizer)
Fall is a season of focus. Clear out summer clutter and keep only what you use daily. A clean de“One of my clients told me recently that clearing her desk felt like clearing her head. I couldn’t agree more. At the start of each season, I encourage people to remove everything from their workspace and only put back what they use daily. It’s simple, but it creates focus instantly.” — Staci, CEO ReOrgit
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris
3. Create a Calm Corner (Therapist)
Add a calming ritual to your workspace — maybe a candle, Desktop Zen garden, or a gratitude notebook. These micro-moments reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
“During a busy day, your desk can either be a source of stress or a space of calm. I keep a small candle on mine that I light before sessions — it’s a signal to slow down and breathe. I also love having a desktop Zen garden within reach. Raking the sand or arranging the stones for just a minute between calls is surprisingly grounding. Little rituals like this help regulate stress and keep your mind steady.” — Dr. Maya, Therapist
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
4. Visualize Growth (Coach)
Fall is a season of intention. Post a simple goal list or visual reminder of what you’re growing toward — both professionally and personally.
“I once had a client tape a small sprig of basil to her monitor — it was her reminder that growth takes nurturing. Every day, she looked at it and asked, ‘What am I growing today?’ Simple visual cues like this help us connect to our bigger goals.” — Cameron, Leadership Coach
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” — Paulo Coelho
5. Celebrate Connection (HR Leader)
Bring in a conversation starter — a photo, a small plant, or even a seasonal treat — that helps create connection with coworkers or family at your home office.
“At our office, we encourage people to bring one ‘conversation starter’ to their desks. It might be a framed photo, a seasonal plant, or even a jar of trail mix. It sparks interaction and reminds us that work is about connection as much as productivity. Fall is also a time when people feel extra stressed — summer is over, schedules tighten, and due dates are ever present. Small rituals that fall under the umbrella of self-care don’t just help individuals, they impact the energy of the entire company.” — Taylor, HR Director
“Selfcare isn’t selfish – it is essential.” – Donna Letier, Gardenuity
Your desk isn’t just where you work — it’s where you grow. By embracing these fall-inspired trends, you can create a workspace that nurtures focus, sparks creativity, and reflects the season of growth ahead.