Ideas to make a grey cubicle less depressing.

A brass pole from the ceiling to a small platform beside you.  It makes for a great conversation piece.

Keg.

I have a magic 8-ball that I've had since college, an Ironman bobblehead (my mom gave it to me after AZ), and a Rubix Cube at my desk.

I have the Rubix Cube, because I think better while fondling something (have fun running away with that one).

Staples, and I have one.

I think that is a great idea.  It should serve to be actual motivation rather than those pictures with quotes.  Those are real and she should remember all the preparation that went into the event.

Let's think outside the box here.  I say leave the cubicle grey and spruce yourself up.  Maybe grow a totally awesome mullet and a Fu-Man-Chu mustache to accompany it.  Never respond to anyone unless they address you as "Captain my Captain"..  The on casual Friday, just go for it and wear the Daisy Dukes...

That should spice things up..

I think adding TOO much flair borders on unprofessional, but there's probably a balance somewhere.

My cube has a few company memorabelia items - 4 to be exact (paperweights from new facility openings, groundbreaking, my framed 5-year service certificate, etc.) in a corner, one photo each of my nephews (the smallest school size - they are both on one photo holder thingie), the last b-day card my co-workers gave me, a company desktop calendar and a box of kleenex.

EDIT: what about one of those digital photo frames? You could load and rotate favorite photos or even just pretty scenery like landscapes or fish tanks

No a minimum of 15 pieces of flair, but 37 is not unheard of...

I've got some artwork from my daughter as you can see; however, I also recommend the Wild Creations African Dwarf Frogs (they're in the picture at the far right)- you feed them twice a week and change their water every three months.  I don't think they'd qualify as a fish tank since (1) they're frogs and (2) there's no electronics involved.  Very low maintenance.

http://www.wildcreations.com/buy/wc-110/jewel-ecoaquarium/

twomarks

I'm curious.  Are cubicles more common now?  (as if they weren't common before).

I guess I'm thinking I have had an office for half my career (last 10 years).  It's not like I'm all powerful or anything!  Maybe just got lucky to have buildings with actual office space, not just a big room of cubicles.  Granted, we have them.  But the floor space is typically divided 50/50.  50% to management offices and 50% to staff level (drafters/designers).

Or maybe I'm just old.  And with age, comes doors?