Incorporating art in corporate interior design — how to display art in your communal spaces

As corporations design their workspaces, there’s a tendency for businesses in the same sector to adopt similar layouts and communal areas, leading to a uniform and predictable use of space. Art is a powerful tool to disrupt this bland conformity and differentiate your company from competitors. Let’s get into some practical interior design tips for companies that want to use art in new and interesting ways.

Can We Incorporate an Art Installation in Our Communal Area?

Here are five expert tips for introducing art installations into your workplace, ensuring you leave a lasting impression on visitors, clients, partners, and customers.

Color and Texture

Art installations can infuse color, texture, and interest into communal areas, especially if budget constraints prevent the purchase of new furniture. A strategically placed piece of art can transform a dull space into a vibrant, inviting area that encourages creativity and collaboration.

Overall Impression

Art is also useful for hiding and minimizing unattractive features such as holes in walls, exposed pipework, or poorly placed electrical sockets. A well-chosen piece can turn these eyesores into focal points, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.

Massive Variety

Art isn’t limited to oils and watercolors. Consider incorporating sculptures, tapestries, rugs, photographs, printmaking, ceramics, models, carvings, and architectural elements. This diversity allows you to create a dynamic and engaging environment that reflects your company’s unique personality and values.

Congruent Art

Ensure your art installations align with your company’s identity. For example, if you’re a tech-based company, consider innovative electronic media such as computer and digital graphics, projection walls, and interactive touch-sensitive exhibits. This congruence reinforces your brand and creates a cohesive experience for visitors and employees alike.

Partnership

Consider forming partnerships with artists, art collectives, or educational institutions. In exchange for showcasing their work, they can regularly refresh your art installations, ensuring your communal area remains interesting and relevant with minimal financial outlay. This symbiotic relationship benefits both parties and keeps your space a continual talking point.

How Should You Display Art in Your Communal Spaces? 6 Expert Tips

Now that we’ve explored incorporating art installations, let’s delve into the specifics of displaying art in your communal spaces. As an expert in luxury interior design, I’ve curated six effective ways to enhance your corporate interiors with art.

Side by Side

One of the simplest and most effective interior design art tips is arranging pictures in columns. This method works well in corporate spaces, providing a clean, structured look. Aligning artwork side by side ensures each piece is given equal attention, perfect for creating a cohesive and professional atmosphere.

Victorian Grouping

Embrace a classic touch by grouping pictures of different sizes, shapes, and types. This Victorian-inspired technique instantly adds a “period” feel to your communal space design. Begin with a horizontal line of pictures at the base, center, or top, and arrange the rest accordingly. Remember, bright and busy pictures can be spaced more widely than delicate ones to balance the visual appeal.

Center Stage

Highlight a single piece of art by positioning it over a prominent piece of furniture, fireplace, or in an alcove. This method can add drama and focus to any high-end corporate interior. Consider whether to make the arrangement symmetrical or asymmetrical. A large picture centered over a side table or sofa, flanked by wall lamps or related pictures, can serve as a strong focal point in the room.

Associated Objects

Enhance a small group of prints by incorporating them into a thematic arrangement. For example, display classical architectural prints above a tabletop featuring a pair of figurines. This technique enriches the overall aesthetic of your communal space, creating a more engaging and cohesive display.

Single Sets

Hang a set of identically framed, matching prints as a block to form an even grid. For odd numbers, maintain consistent spacing but stagger the rows horizontally or vertically to create a brick pattern. This approach is particularly effective in corporate interior design, such as in San Francisco offices, where a modern, organized look is often desired.

Staircases

Art on staircase walls should be strong and visually impactful, as it will be frequently viewed but not for long periods. Arrange similar-sized pictures to follow the slope of the stairs, spaced at least a picture’s width apart. Place the most interesting pieces at the top and bottom for maximum visibility from the hall and landing.

Conclusion

The possibilities for incorporating and displaying art in your workplace are endless. By following these expert tips, you can create a unique, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing environment that reflects your company’s identity and values. If you need professional assistance in transforming your corporate interiors with art, we’re here to help. Contact me at liza@lizaevans.com to arrange a consultation and receive our expert assessment. We look forward to working with you to create a space that inspires and impresses.