# Workplace Kitsch Office decor moves toward quirky aesthetics for individual allure. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 11, 2015 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workplace-kitsch ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Workplace Kitsch trend? **Workplace Kitsch:** Seeking to add a personal touch to the workplace environment, employees are turning to comical stationery sets to showcase a sense of individuality. Opting for notepads and accessories that mimic everything from food to bathroom accessories, consumers are using humorous designs to not only make a statement, but also to create a more casual and welcoming office atmosphere. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 18, 2013 to Feb 27, 2015 - Published: May 11, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Workplace Kitsch trend ### Quirky Workplace Decor Consumers are using humorous designs to create a more casual and welcoming office atmosphere. ### Unique Office Accessories Designers are creating unconventional desk supplies that double as playful decor elements. ### Playful Stationery Sets Stationery companies are producing products with designs based on fruit, monsters and other colorful themes. ## What the Workplace Kitsch trend means for industry ### For Office Supplies By offering quirky and unique alternatives to standard office supplies, brands can tap into a market of consumers looking to express their individuality in the workplace. ### For Graphic Design Graphic designers can benefit from incorporating playful and whimsical elements into their branding and creative identity projects, which can inspire and engage potential clients. ### For Home Decor As more people work from home, there is an opportunity for home decor brands to offer playful and colorful office items as part of their product line. ## Workshop question How can your company make its working environment a more welcoming and accommodating space for its employees? ## Trend signals for Workplace Kitsch Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Workplace Kitsch trend 6 featured examples from Jun 18, 2013 to Feb 27, 2015. - [Fruit-Shaped Stationary Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-notepad): The Kudamemo Fruit Notepad is Inspired by Organic Food Items (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The stationary industry could look into creating more novelty products like the kudamemo fruit notepad set to attract customers and increase engagement with their products. - [Concrete-Like Desk Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-city): The Tiny City Collection by TripleLiving is Deceptively Malleable (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Using non-traditional materials for office supplies could offer a new niche in the market - [Geometric Office Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-accessories): These Designer Desk Supplies Boast an Origami-Inspired Look (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The stationery industry can embrace the trend towards geometric and rock-inspired office accessories, creating new and innovative product lines for design and nature enthusiasts. - [Munching Monster Notebooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ozan-akkoyun): Ozan Akkoyun Designs Cleverly Adorable Critter Journals (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The stationery industry could explore the potential of cute and cleverly themed designs for their products - [Colorful Stationery Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorful-stationery): A Creative Identity Project Establishes a Vibrant Image for One Designer (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new design techniques and mediums to create visually striking and personalized branding materials. - [Plumbing-Themed Stationary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sucker-pen-holder): The Plunger Sucker Pen Holder Colors Bring Potty Humor to the Office (Category: Special) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reinvent traditional office supplies by infusing them with humor and novelty to appeal to a wider audience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)