Art for an Office Space or Home Office

Art For Office Spaces

It’s that time of year where I begin to look around my own spaces with an eye toward changes. I’m freelancing, and spending a lot of time in my home office, so I’m committed to making it as comfortable and work-friendly as possible. I use my office as a place to focus and work but I want it to be a place that inspires creativity.

I’m still in the process of refurnishing the space but always I have an eye towards what art I’ll be hanging. When I worked at my last full time job, I remember being put off by some of the too modern and poorly positioned art they chose for the walls — it was as if the wall art was an afterthought, not meant to be a cohesive part of the design. 

No one wants to look at blank white walls (or blank gray ones for that matter) and beautiful images can make a workspace more inviting, telegraph subtle information about the company culture and warm up an overly cold and uninviting space. 

When I worked at 32BJ, we had a weekly meeting in a large conference room. The office space was located in an old flatiron building with all of the industrial elements and vaulted ceilings that come with that style of space.

Hung above the conference table was an oversized canvas of a closeup shot of coral. The image was soft and ethereal and not at all what you’d expect to see in a conference room for a union benefit fund. The image softened the hard edges of the space and it gave me something to stare at when the meetings lasted longer than I liked.

I love when there’s something beautiful in unexpected places and it was clear that thought was given to the art that they chose. Some of us spend a good portion of our lives trapped in cold, corporate spaces - wall art and decor really can make a difference in the way we feel.

Industrial Offices

My last office could be describes as industrial — the walls were painted black and all of the design elements, from the concrete floors to the light fixtures were industrial in nature so it was disappointing that the art was such an afterthought.

I love this office from Restoration Hardware. And while it’s not “technically” industrial it certainly has some elements. The oversized print behind the desk really adds to the impact.  

This space is a modern example of an industrial office designed by DHD for Media Storm. The entire office space is a treat but the conference room is a great example of an industrial space that that weaves in different elements like the wood table to warm the space. The art is perfect — leaning on a shelf and not hung — the minimalist work reflecting the view outside the windows.

Art Ideas for an Industrial Office

Modern Office Space

Modern office spaces with their minimalist desk designs and sometimes open floor spaces are definitely a trend here in the northeast. They can be beautiful but they can also be cold and informal and sometimes offputting. 

Tech firms seem to be captivated by this look and while it can definitely lend itself to the culture, it definitely requires softer elements to make the space more inviting.

I love how the designers for the 100 Thieves office space added this wall of eclectic art. Without the gallery if images, the white walls and high ceilings would be too cold, like walking through a dystopian corporation from the future.

Squarespace has a beautiful NYC office --the dark walls mixed with the brick seem more minimalist than cold and the oversized wall art enhance the austere feel without seeming overdone.

Art Ideas for a Modern Office Space

Modern Feminine Office Space

It’s not easy to find truly feminine corporate office spaces. I’m sure there are many reasons but overall even female owned or run businesses tended to go towards a more neutral aesthetic vs feminine one.

The Wing office headquarters in the East Village is a beautiful space with many feminine accents yet it’s not too overdone. The navy and apricot palette is strong but not girly and the plants soften the feel. If you haven’t looked at the Wing co-working space, I highly recommend looking them up. All of their shared co-working spaces cater to a female clientele and offer many perks missing in corporate life like a child care spaces, a lactation room and spaces really catering to women.

This space (photographed by Bethany Nauert) is a wonderfully feminine space for the DuMont Project’s LA Office. I love the art, eclectic color scheme and feminine accents - the space is feminine without being overwhelming.

Art Ideas for a Feminine Office Space

If you are looking for assistance decorating an office space, I am happy to provide additional ideas for your space. I offer wholesale and designer discounts.