Modern design in Europe and the United States stresses that minimal furniture and clean lines can alter an otherwise confining office. But clean lines can be tempered with geometric-shaped art, for complimentary contrast.

Large canvases add colour to a room. Art also gets around the pesky prohibition against paintings on office walls in many local businesses.

It is worth experimenting with colours. An office may have neutral-toned carpeting and plain white walls. However, bright white walls are a hallmark of contemporary interior design and are great because they don't have to be painted.

For those willing to defy convention, selecting a bolder colour, such as green, teal, orange or purple, may just make for that memorable office space they've always dreamed about. Bright colours foster a happier environment, and also help distinguish their workstation from those of their colleagues. Material selection is also key: light wood tones, laminate and stainless steel are very much in vogue in the city's glistening centres of commerce. Laminate desks cost less than wooden ones. Use of industrial materials is more modern and stylish compared with the typical fake wooden desks one often encounters.

Common laminate desk colours are red, green and white. Also popular are desks with stainless steel legs and other metal accents. Similarly, desk chairs often come in myriad bright colours.

However, for those in dedicated office spaces, the freedom to decorate and personalise their workspaces can be greatly limited. To that end, accessories should be kept to a minimum, so that unnecessary objects don't clutter your work space.

A few strategically placed items in a lobby, on a receptionist's desk, or in a waiting or conference room can make a bold statement.

Vividly colourful objects, such as pottery, glass or ceramic bowls and vases, are ideal.

Accordingly, utilising nature's bounty gives a calming, yet modern, new-age look. Seashells, branches and reeds in a bowl or vase may create a more contemporary ambience than a timeless vase containing flowers.

With every square inch in Hong Kong offices often spoken for, you can still decorate a small desk with a functional but stylish desk lamp which doubles as a stationery holder. New pen-holders and file boxes also give function and form to a work area.

Alternatively, floating shelves on an office's walls look nouveau, and add storage and style. Shelves can also be accessorised with small knick knacks, figurines and artsy pieces.

For visitors, spacious sofas in the lobby or visitors lounge, preferably in leather, are always welcome.