MCP091: How Design Impacts Productivity and Wellbeing w/ Katie Decker-Erickson

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. I sat down with Katie Decker Erickson for a conversation that felt both practical and refreshing for anyone interested in how better creativity can be traced back to your work environment, whether at home, at work, or wherever you make your space.

Katie is the founder of Colorworks, brings nearly 20 years of experience in interior and exterior design, and hosts the Success by Design Podcast. Her background in both business and design gives her a unique, no-nonsense approach.

What I loved about this episode is how real and approachable Katie is. She started Colorworks out of her own frustration with flipping homes in Phoenix, realizing that much design advice doesn’t factor in real results, such as return on investment or how you actually feel in your space.

Katie broke down what makes an office or workspace feel right. Whether you’re running a company from home or managing a whole building. There’s no “right way” that works for everyone. Instead, it’s about finding what matters to you, and making small changes over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Lighting sets the mood. Switch out bulbs, add lamps, and use dimmers to fit your comfort.
• Biophilic design (bringing nature in) helps people feel and work better. Real or faux plants both help.
• Build your office or home workspace one item at a time. Start with one thing you love… art, a plant, or a favorite chair, and go from there.
• Let your space reflect who you are, not just what trends say. Functional items and personal touches matter just as much as style.
• Comfort and ergonomics are worth the investment. Find the desk, chair, or layout that fits how you really work.

Connect with Katie:

• Website: https://colorworks.design/
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/deckerkatie/

Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!