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My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation
Interest in creativity is booming. Whether it's to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, or to find personal fulfillment, people are looking to develop their capacity for creative and innovative thinking in business and daily life. Many have turned to the growing literature of creativity to shed the shackles of conventionality and discover new ways of doing things. Now comes THE CREATIVITY CATALOG, a fresh and original take on the pursuit of innovation. Rather than start with the premise that creativity originates largely from within our minds, THE CREATIVITY CATALOG looks outward to the things we surround ourselves with in our home and work environments to uncover a trove of products deliberately designed to cultivate our mental faculties through hands-on experience. Among the products featured are furnishings, accessories, shelving, cookware, jewelry, and children's playthings. Pieces are attractively presented with 550 high-quality photographs and explanatory text, and supplemented by an introduction by author, educator and architect Donald Rattner on the history and future of interactive, touch-based design. Profiles of the designers and brands represented, and a list of further resources, round out this distinctive book.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
273 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Donald M. Rattner
5 books1 followerArchitect Donald M. Rattner helps individuals and organizations maximize their creativity by drawing on scientific research into the psychology of space. Educator and author as well as practitioner, Rattner’s publications include the award-winning My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, entries in professional reference books, and numerous contributions to print and online channels. He has taught at the University of Illinois, New York Academy of Art, New York University, and Parsons School of Design. Speaking venues include NeoCon, Metrocon, Creative Problem Solving Institute, Creative Mornings, and many others. His work has been featured on CNN, in such publications as The New York Times, L-Magazine, and Better Humans, and on numerous podcasts. He holds a Bachelor’s in art history from Columbia and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 15, 2019
4.5 stars. Broken into 48 tactics sections, this book offers actual practical strategies for sparking creativity through interior design. Not only does it offer strategies, it discusses the science behind each tactic, which is fascinating (and complete with works cited). Each tactic is broken down into the relevant what, whys, and hows in a very accessible manner. Admittedly some of the suggestions are geared toward people with $$$, but the author acknowledges those moments and does his best to offer affordable alternatives. This is the comprehensive, actionable design book I was waiting for, and I will definitely be keeping the framework of these strategies in mind.
August 28, 2020
Pros: Made me seriously think about how small actions can have a massive impact on cognitive status and output. Interesting studies in environmental psychology cited. Easy to scan.
Cons: Repetitive and somewhat light on content despite the length. Definitely NOT an interiors book, as I wasn't keen on much of the photography.
Cons: Repetitive and somewhat light on content despite the length. Definitely NOT an interiors book, as I wasn't keen on much of the photography.
April 21, 2021
A few good ideas but a book meant for skimming and stopping to read what interests you or applies to your situation.
The pictures were not great as inspiration because they were all really high end that very few people actually live with.
The pictures were not great as inspiration because they were all really high end that very few people actually live with.
January 1, 2021
Great. Inspiring.
August 3, 2021
Oh,loved this book,such inspiration even if can't remodel your home to be so beautiful,but gives many ideas to meet and enhance creativity.Glad I bought it ,will refer to it often
November 11, 2019
Donald M. Rattner is an architect who combined psychology and productivity research to create this guide for optimizing your home’s space and make the interior of your home personal to you. I was interested in this book because I have really no talent in design at all. I decorate our home with things I like or with family heirlooms without much rhyme or reason. Our home is nothing that would make the pages of a designer magazine, but it is homey and inviting and warm.
Rattner begins with the science and creativity behind designing a space. There are photographs of amazing homes and living spaces that are modern and dream-worthy. I am jealous of the gorgeous potting area and mudroom of a home in Minneapolis as well as an adorable treehouse in Philadelphia.
He then moves into Creativity Tactics including Appearance, Ambience, and Action. Those three groups include 48 tactics that the author took great care to show how these tactics can be used in any size, type or location of a home. Then you can use these ideas and apply them to your own home much easier. He stresses not to be afraid to experiment and use any or all of the suggested enhancements based on what you find workable and valuable. At the end of each tactic, Rattner also offers other tactics that work well with that specific tactic.
If you are looking to design a creative space, you first need to decide if it needs its own specific space or can be carved out of an already established space. Does it need a view? Does it need the color blue? Can you bring in natural light? Is there a wall that can be transformed into a space that can be used for storing or display, drawing, or writing? Can you find a furniture piece that has dual purposes? All of these questions are part of the tactics used to have a workable and creative space.
Maybe you are looking to make space for exercise, yoga, or meditation in your home? There are examples included on how to find and create space for this. If you don’t have a specific room to set aside then Rattner suggests finding a way to create a spot with movable furniture or screens to divide the space.
My favorite tactic was #46, Read, Choosing a spot for reading that is comfortable and away from heavily trafficked areas of your home or neighborhood makes for the best reading environment. Make sure the furniture is comfortable enough for longer durations of sitting. The reading space should also have a place for books. The reading spaces pictured in this book offered unique ways of storing and displaying books as well as finding a comfortable spot to read.
The end of the book offers two case studies in applying the tactics explained in the book. I just wish there had been before/after photos rather than just the gorgeous after photos. It would make the experience more realistic to people like me that do not have much design talent.
Are you that person that your friends call to help decorate their home? Are you constantly changing the look of your own home by redecorating or moving furniture? If this applies to you, then this may be a book with just the design inspiration you need.
Rattner begins with the science and creativity behind designing a space. There are photographs of amazing homes and living spaces that are modern and dream-worthy. I am jealous of the gorgeous potting area and mudroom of a home in Minneapolis as well as an adorable treehouse in Philadelphia.
He then moves into Creativity Tactics including Appearance, Ambience, and Action. Those three groups include 48 tactics that the author took great care to show how these tactics can be used in any size, type or location of a home. Then you can use these ideas and apply them to your own home much easier. He stresses not to be afraid to experiment and use any or all of the suggested enhancements based on what you find workable and valuable. At the end of each tactic, Rattner also offers other tactics that work well with that specific tactic.
If you are looking to design a creative space, you first need to decide if it needs its own specific space or can be carved out of an already established space. Does it need a view? Does it need the color blue? Can you bring in natural light? Is there a wall that can be transformed into a space that can be used for storing or display, drawing, or writing? Can you find a furniture piece that has dual purposes? All of these questions are part of the tactics used to have a workable and creative space.
Maybe you are looking to make space for exercise, yoga, or meditation in your home? There are examples included on how to find and create space for this. If you don’t have a specific room to set aside then Rattner suggests finding a way to create a spot with movable furniture or screens to divide the space.
My favorite tactic was #46, Read, Choosing a spot for reading that is comfortable and away from heavily trafficked areas of your home or neighborhood makes for the best reading environment. Make sure the furniture is comfortable enough for longer durations of sitting. The reading space should also have a place for books. The reading spaces pictured in this book offered unique ways of storing and displaying books as well as finding a comfortable spot to read.
The end of the book offers two case studies in applying the tactics explained in the book. I just wish there had been before/after photos rather than just the gorgeous after photos. It would make the experience more realistic to people like me that do not have much design talent.
Are you that person that your friends call to help decorate their home? Are you constantly changing the look of your own home by redecorating or moving furniture? If this applies to you, then this may be a book with just the design inspiration you need.
September 27, 2019
I thought this was a book about interior design and it is but it’s more than that. It’s a book on how to be more creative both by making your house more conducive to creative pursuits but also by what you can do personally to inspire creativity.
The book is based on science and an explanation for each suggestion is given, backed by research or studies and it’s all very fascinating. Did you know that the colour blue inspires creativity more than any other colour? Or that dimming the lights might help you come up with more ideas than bright light?
The book starts by explaining what creativity is and isn’t and the science behind creativity. Then the creative process is discussed as well as the psychology of space and more. Then the book divides the 48 ideas into four main groups:
Appearance and Appurtenance* (look at something blue, take in a view, face your space etc.)
Space, Time and Creativity (Be flexible, gather in a circle, choose curved over straight etc.)
Ambience (make noise, let in natural light, adjust the thermostat etc.)
Action (Sleep, Make a fire, Exercise, Daydream etc.)
*To answer the question that you’re wondering, appurtenance is “an accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living.”
Each idea includes colour photos of real rooms from around the world that are doing that idea well. The only thing I would have liked better about the book is that the photos are nowhere near anything I’ll ever be able to do or afford so while I looked at them and daydreamed about living there, more realistic/common photos might have been better.
If you are designing or redesigning a space for creative pursuits, these ideas will help you make decisions about how you want to set up the room or what colours or layouts you want to use. If you are stuck with the space you have because of money or something else, you can at least try to do the action section to be more creative.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is based on science and an explanation for each suggestion is given, backed by research or studies and it’s all very fascinating. Did you know that the colour blue inspires creativity more than any other colour? Or that dimming the lights might help you come up with more ideas than bright light?
The book starts by explaining what creativity is and isn’t and the science behind creativity. Then the creative process is discussed as well as the psychology of space and more. Then the book divides the 48 ideas into four main groups:
Appearance and Appurtenance* (look at something blue, take in a view, face your space etc.)
Space, Time and Creativity (Be flexible, gather in a circle, choose curved over straight etc.)
Ambience (make noise, let in natural light, adjust the thermostat etc.)
Action (Sleep, Make a fire, Exercise, Daydream etc.)
*To answer the question that you’re wondering, appurtenance is “an accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living.”
Each idea includes colour photos of real rooms from around the world that are doing that idea well. The only thing I would have liked better about the book is that the photos are nowhere near anything I’ll ever be able to do or afford so while I looked at them and daydreamed about living there, more realistic/common photos might have been better.
If you are designing or redesigning a space for creative pursuits, these ideas will help you make decisions about how you want to set up the room or what colours or layouts you want to use. If you are stuck with the space you have because of money or something else, you can at least try to do the action section to be more creative.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2020
This book couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. I not only live at home, but also work at home (as the author suggests that many fiction writers to). Just as I was getting ready to design my newly finished office, I was able to read through this book and find a way to maximize my creativity and innovation within my work space.
“Yet the one place that’s largely been overlooked in the quest to optimize creativity through informed design is the home—the place we spend more time in than anywhere else.”
I was surprised by the sheer amount of information in this book, especially in relation to psychology and convergent versus divergent thinking. The photos and examples were inspiring and helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be more efficient and inspired at home or at work, especially if you happen to work at home.
“Yet the one place that’s largely been overlooked in the quest to optimize creativity through informed design is the home—the place we spend more time in than anywhere else.”
I was surprised by the sheer amount of information in this book, especially in relation to psychology and convergent versus divergent thinking. The photos and examples were inspiring and helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be more efficient and inspired at home or at work, especially if you happen to work at home.
January 10, 2023
The opening quote in Rattner’s book got me thinking:
‘We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us’ by Winston Churchill
Rattner observed that our home can be designed to make us more creative by subliminally influencing how your think, feel and act. People have been designing building to evoke calculated responses for thousands of years. Ancient Greek temples for feelings of awe, Gothic Cathedrals – a sense of reverence and palaces like Versailles the impression of power. On a humbler scale, a carpenter may erect a teahouse in a Japanese garden for a sense of serenity.
Working in creativity and innovation I’ve long been interested in how we can influence our environment to help is to think differently. My colleague Barbara Wilson wrote a chapter in our book, Creativity Cycling, on how space influences creativity within the context of the workplace. I liked that the focus of this book was on designing your home to stimulate ideas and spark innovation.
The author provides insight on the impact of lofty ceilings, displaying art and memorabilia, employing curved surfaces, letting in natural light, adjusting the thermometer and playing music.
Points that were new or that surprised me included:
1. Facing your space. Not sitting with your back to your space. I realise that this is my office set up – and how I feel a bit vulnerable in this setup – and I also can’t easily look out the window at the city.
2. Dimming the lights. He suggested that you brainstorm ideas in subdued lighting rather than in bright lighting – as your brain is more likely to wander into unchartered territory. He also talked about making a fire or looking at a picture of a fire – a a great warm-up to problem solving. I’ve always loved sitting around a fire particularly as the day goes from dusk to darkness. It’s therapeutic – I didn’t think of it as a precursor to creativity.
3. Noise. Lots of people have talked about working in a café. Rattner talked about 70 decibels being ideal – and also mentioned the power of background music. I live in the heart of Brisbane and I have 56 decibels of noise typically during work hours – unless a fire engine is steaming past. It’s part of my background noise suits me. What doesn’t suit me is background music. I find it distracting. When I listen to music – I can’t write – cause I’m listening. Honestly I like to be on my feet – dancing when I listen to music.
4. Exploit the groggies. I thought the suggestion to do something outside your normal habit or rhythm was interesting. He proposed that you get out of bed really early – or stay up really late. There would be a different type of brain activity going on here – as you wouldn’t have your usual focus.
5. Being on your own. Yes I love being on my own to spark creatively – particularly when I am writing.
A useful and thought provoking resource for those interested in designing or tweaking their home environment to stimulate creativity and innovation.
‘We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us’ by Winston Churchill
Rattner observed that our home can be designed to make us more creative by subliminally influencing how your think, feel and act. People have been designing building to evoke calculated responses for thousands of years. Ancient Greek temples for feelings of awe, Gothic Cathedrals – a sense of reverence and palaces like Versailles the impression of power. On a humbler scale, a carpenter may erect a teahouse in a Japanese garden for a sense of serenity.
Working in creativity and innovation I’ve long been interested in how we can influence our environment to help is to think differently. My colleague Barbara Wilson wrote a chapter in our book, Creativity Cycling, on how space influences creativity within the context of the workplace. I liked that the focus of this book was on designing your home to stimulate ideas and spark innovation.
The author provides insight on the impact of lofty ceilings, displaying art and memorabilia, employing curved surfaces, letting in natural light, adjusting the thermometer and playing music.
Points that were new or that surprised me included:
1. Facing your space. Not sitting with your back to your space. I realise that this is my office set up – and how I feel a bit vulnerable in this setup – and I also can’t easily look out the window at the city.
2. Dimming the lights. He suggested that you brainstorm ideas in subdued lighting rather than in bright lighting – as your brain is more likely to wander into unchartered territory. He also talked about making a fire or looking at a picture of a fire – a a great warm-up to problem solving. I’ve always loved sitting around a fire particularly as the day goes from dusk to darkness. It’s therapeutic – I didn’t think of it as a precursor to creativity.
3. Noise. Lots of people have talked about working in a café. Rattner talked about 70 decibels being ideal – and also mentioned the power of background music. I live in the heart of Brisbane and I have 56 decibels of noise typically during work hours – unless a fire engine is steaming past. It’s part of my background noise suits me. What doesn’t suit me is background music. I find it distracting. When I listen to music – I can’t write – cause I’m listening. Honestly I like to be on my feet – dancing when I listen to music.
4. Exploit the groggies. I thought the suggestion to do something outside your normal habit or rhythm was interesting. He proposed that you get out of bed really early – or stay up really late. There would be a different type of brain activity going on here – as you wouldn’t have your usual focus.
5. Being on your own. Yes I love being on my own to spark creatively – particularly when I am writing.
A useful and thought provoking resource for those interested in designing or tweaking their home environment to stimulate creativity and innovation.
August 7, 2020
Stress kills creativity. It is not a myth that the environment contributes a big part in creating a suffocating atmosphere. Before environment psychology appeared, people have practised Feng Sui for thousands of year in the pursuit of creating a prosperous and healthy living area.
The Creative Space by Donald M. Rattner does not contain a lot of new knowledge. However, it is a good archive for both practitioners and laypeople who trying to enhance their creativity through improving living spaces with practical suggestions.
The book is divided into three main sections: physical/environmental, psychological, and bodily improvements. In each part, the writer introduced multiple aspects of the subject first by providing scientific facts/anecdotes which followed by a succinct list of practical recommendations on how to apply the knowledge in daily lives. However, I think readers should try then decide what suit best for them. For example, the writer suggested the ideal temperature ranges from 18 to 21 Celsius degree while my friend thinks it’s too cold for her. Another example is the writer suggests that standing up while working would make a person more creative which in contrast with another chapter’ suggestion— laying down comfortably is a more effective tactic.
The book structure is easy to read and browse later, including the ebook version. I especially love the word choices of the writer. I learned many new words while reading it.
I got this book with a good deal and happy with the results after decorating my working space with artworks and books, letting the natural light in, bringing the nature in, adopting more blue shades, and taking a walk every day.
This book is worth your money.
The Creative Space by Donald M. Rattner does not contain a lot of new knowledge. However, it is a good archive for both practitioners and laypeople who trying to enhance their creativity through improving living spaces with practical suggestions.
The book is divided into three main sections: physical/environmental, psychological, and bodily improvements. In each part, the writer introduced multiple aspects of the subject first by providing scientific facts/anecdotes which followed by a succinct list of practical recommendations on how to apply the knowledge in daily lives. However, I think readers should try then decide what suit best for them. For example, the writer suggested the ideal temperature ranges from 18 to 21 Celsius degree while my friend thinks it’s too cold for her. Another example is the writer suggests that standing up while working would make a person more creative which in contrast with another chapter’ suggestion— laying down comfortably is a more effective tactic.
The book structure is easy to read and browse later, including the ebook version. I especially love the word choices of the writer. I learned many new words while reading it.
I got this book with a good deal and happy with the results after decorating my working space with artworks and books, letting the natural light in, bringing the nature in, adopting more blue shades, and taking a walk every day.
This book is worth your money.
July 23, 2023
As the author points out in his introduction, this is an unusual book in that it’s not about making your home more creatively appealing through interior design, nor is it about doing creative things in your home like knitting or throwing pots. Rather, it’s about the little tweaks and changes you can make so that your home is supportive of you doing your best, most creative thinking.
The suggestions were great, as was the structure of the book, as was the author’s wonderful sense of humour. The only thing that prevented this book from being a 5 was the photographs which were too often those white room, virtually no furniture modernistic spaces that are supposed to leave you free to imagine yourself and your stuff in them, but instead leave you wondering if anyone could actually live and work there for more than a millisecond.
The suggestions were great, as was the structure of the book, as was the author’s wonderful sense of humour. The only thing that prevented this book from being a 5 was the photographs which were too often those white room, virtually no furniture modernistic spaces that are supposed to leave you free to imagine yourself and your stuff in them, but instead leave you wondering if anyone could actually live and work there for more than a millisecond.
January 9, 2022
This starts with an essay on creativity, followed by 48 sections/helpful hints.
These range from things related to the space (designate a creative space, look at something blue, have a view…but also face your space) to things that just generally healthy: do yoga, get a pet, dress nicely, nap, cook.
I’m not sure who the target audience is, except folks with money as the interiors here are lavish and beyond even those of us who earn a good living.
I’d say it was a good book to browse and flick through, except that it’s physically a big book and heavy so it’s actually physically hard to flick through.
Overall I think there’s less here than meets the eye.
These range from things related to the space (designate a creative space, look at something blue, have a view…but also face your space) to things that just generally healthy: do yoga, get a pet, dress nicely, nap, cook.
I’m not sure who the target audience is, except folks with money as the interiors here are lavish and beyond even those of us who earn a good living.
I’d say it was a good book to browse and flick through, except that it’s physically a big book and heavy so it’s actually physically hard to flick through.
Overall I think there’s less here than meets the eye.
January 13, 2022
It was fine. Some of the tactics included more information than I thought they should have, such as #32 on cooking, as it could have reorganized some of the background info into an additional Explainer section. But in any case, it’s an interesting look into the (sometimes contradictory) things humans have discovered make them more creative.
May 26, 2020
This was a really innovative way to look at my writing area and how to motivate myself. I loved it. And the author was very clear nad presise on why he chose to talk about these areas. I am thinking of buying the hardback just to have the photos. Wonderful.
Read
July 8, 2021I'm not going to rate this because while it offers an interesting look at the impact of space - beautiful, expansive, expensive space - on creativity, it also brought out my dark side. Now I have to stuff my envy and bitterness back inside my brain and return to my middle-class existence. Darn it.
December 21, 2022
This was a surprisingly delightful and helpful read! I enjoyed the well-researched scientific evidence used to back up the most simple of ideas to help us better tap into our creativity. The author also had a sense of humor that made an appearance in all the right places.
December 28, 2023
Filled with fabulous ideas! Some of my favourites:
Read!
Paint the walls blue
Look or be in nature
Take a walk
Take a shower
Travel and live outside of your comfort zone
Exercise
Work under a lofty ceiling
Curved is better than straight 😉
Music 🎵
Pleasant scents
Read!
Paint the walls blue
Look or be in nature
Take a walk
Take a shower
Travel and live outside of your comfort zone
Exercise
Work under a lofty ceiling
Curved is better than straight 😉
Music 🎵
Pleasant scents
July 5, 2024
Easy enough to leaf through, and pretty enough, but it felt like a listicle in (almost) coffee-table book form. I don’t know that it adds value to my life to read tips like “make your space beautiful” and “be by a window with a view”?!
November 12, 2020
Very interesting!
April 20, 2021
I skimmed through this book, reading more closely when I felt like it. There are good ideas here, but all the pictures were of high-end spaces.
October 11, 2021
step one: be mega rich
November 17, 2021
A bit more correlation between the photos and content of each chapter would have been great, and the section formatting is a bit funky, but the tips and ideas are informative and well compiled.
December 6, 2021
Creative and interesting.
March 5, 2023
I stopped reading, it didn't spark anything.
July 14, 2023
What a gem of resources! I will be rereading.
Dewey: 747 RAT
Dewey: 747 RAT
July 30, 2023
Excellent ideas to keep in mind when planning home office or studio space.
January 3, 2024
Great inspiration & reference, loved the supporting research & concepts.
August 5, 2025
Always bring nature in, and day dream 😊
October 16, 2019
What if I told you there was a way to stimulate your creativity? In My Creative Space, the author does just that with 48 ways to enhance yourself or your environment to encourage creativity.
My Creative Space explains how to make your home or office a space that encourages imagination. Many of the ideas are surprising. Staring at a bare light bulb, looking at family photographs, and making a fire can make you more creative. Many of the ideas are counterintuitive. Have a drink, make some noise, and work when groggy (or take a nap) are all scientifically indicated to boost originality. For each suggestion, the author lists what to do, why do it, why does it work, and how to do it. The studies supporting his suggestion are fully spelled out if further research is desired. All the suggestions are accompanied by many photographs showing how people have implemented the suggestions in real life. They are gorgeous and definitely encourage readers to try to do the suggestions themselves.
Overall, this is an excellent and original book on an unusual topic. It would be useful to anyone trying to solve problems or complete a creative project. Writing a book or illustrating graphic novel? Solving programming or other analytical problems? Painting a picture or quilting a memory quilt? All of those activities can be assisted by being done in a more creative space. 5 stars!
Thanks to the author and Skyhorse Publications for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
My Creative Space explains how to make your home or office a space that encourages imagination. Many of the ideas are surprising. Staring at a bare light bulb, looking at family photographs, and making a fire can make you more creative. Many of the ideas are counterintuitive. Have a drink, make some noise, and work when groggy (or take a nap) are all scientifically indicated to boost originality. For each suggestion, the author lists what to do, why do it, why does it work, and how to do it. The studies supporting his suggestion are fully spelled out if further research is desired. All the suggestions are accompanied by many photographs showing how people have implemented the suggestions in real life. They are gorgeous and definitely encourage readers to try to do the suggestions themselves.
Overall, this is an excellent and original book on an unusual topic. It would be useful to anyone trying to solve problems or complete a creative project. Writing a book or illustrating graphic novel? Solving programming or other analytical problems? Painting a picture or quilting a memory quilt? All of those activities can be assisted by being done in a more creative space. 5 stars!
Thanks to the author and Skyhorse Publications for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews