Art & Decor Trends

Art That Transforms Offices: Inspiring Creativity as Companies Return to the Workplace

As the world moves back to working from the office as opposed to the remote work boom during the COVID years, companies are rediscovering the importance of a thoughtfully designed work environment. A well-crafted workspace can make going to the office enjoyable, inspiring, and conducive to creativity, focus, and collaboration. While many businesses turn to designers and decorators to create such environments, incorporating art into the workspace is a strategy you can embrace yourself to achieve these goals.

Here are some artworks we recommend to transform your office into a hub of inspiration and productivity:

Traditional Office Decor: Paul Cezanne – Card Players with Pipes

Paul Cezanne - Card Players with Pipes - the perfect office art.

Cezanne’s Card Players with Pipes exudes a sense of tradition and grounding that’s perfect for a professional office setting. Its muted tones and calm composition create a soothing atmosphere, offering employees a sense of stability and focus. This timeless piece adds an air of sophistication to meeting rooms or executive offices, creating a balance between heritage and productivity.

Inspiring Spaces: Thomas Moran – Chicago World’s Fair

Thomas Moran - Chicago World's Fair - Inspiring office art

Thomas Moran’s Chicago World’s Fair is a stunning depiction of architectural grandeur and innovation. This piece inspires awe and reminds employees of the power of creativity and human ingenuity. Placing it in a common area or brainstorming room will encourage out-of-the-box thinking and ambitious goal-setting.

Modern Office Charm: Katsushika Hokusai – The Great Wave of Kanagawa

Katsushika Hokusai - The Great Wave of Kanagawa - Office Art that Moves.

For modern office spaces, Hokusai’s The Great Wave of Kanagawa brings boldness and energy. Its dynamic lines and vibrant contrasts command attention and invigorate the viewer. This iconic artwork is perfect for open office layouts, infusing the space with movement and excitement that can spark lively discussions and fresh ideas.

Modern Office Sophistication: Henri Matisse – The Gold Fish

Henri Matisse - The Gold Fish - Modern Office Art

Matisse’s The Gold Fish is another excellent choice for modern offices. Its vibrant colors and whimsical nature create a sense of joy and creativity. Placing this artwork in breakout areas or near collaborative workspaces fosters relaxation and open-mindedness, encouraging employees to connect and share ideas.

Art Nouveau Elegance: Charles Rennie Mackintosh – Untitled

Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Untitled - Creativity in the Workplace.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Untitled designs embody elegance and refinement. The geometric patterns and delicate lines resonate with a modern yet timeless aesthetic, making this an ideal choice for spaces that aim to combine sophistication with creativity. This piece can enhance reception areas or private offices, leaving a lasting impression on both employees and visitors.

Local Inspiration: Edward Hopper – Room in New York, New York Movie (1939), New York Office (1962)

Use local art reference - Hopper Art for New York City Office

For offices in New York City, Edward Hopper’s works offer a local touch that’s both relatable and thought-provoking. His paintings capture the essence of urban life, showcasing moments of introspection and connection. Featuring these in a New York-based office not only pays homage to the city’s culture but also fosters a sense of belonging among employees. These pieces work wonderfully in hallways, lounges, or individual workspaces.

Enhancing Your Office Space with Art

To further enhance the impact of these artworks, consider the following tips:

  • Utilize Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can make your office feel larger and more open, reflecting light and artwork to create a dynamic environment.
  • Choose Museum-Quality Frames: High-quality frames elevate the presentation of your art, ensuring it looks polished and professional.
  • Avoid Glass Covers: When displaying art, skip the glass to prevent light reflections. This eliminates distractions and creates a more intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork.

By integrating these carefully selected pieces and following these design tips, you can transform your office from a bland workspace into an inspiring haven. With the right art, your office will become a place where creativity flourishes, collaboration thrives, and employees produce their best work.

About the Author

Amitai Sasson of overstockArt.com is an art world traveler on a mission to seek out the beauty and passion of the art world. As an avid enthusiast of art and oil paintings, he contributes to ArtCorner.com as Chief editor and writer.