Nothing is more uninteresting that blank walls, especially in an office. It is vital to keep spirits and morale high while at work, and one of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with art. Use the walls of the office to send motivating messages, create calm and relaxation, and inspire employees and yourself to keep going. Intermix bright and colorful abstracts. Pay homage to the city that granted your company the $20 million contract with a framed downtown picture. Display the sculpture of a local artist, providing exposure, loyalty and support to the neighborhood. Use artwork to make your office a place of productivity and inspiration.
Instructions
1. Hang art on the wall. Art can be more than just a painting from your favorite artist; it should inspire you to work, or be something that will calm you when you look at it. For calm, hang an ocean or mountain view scene. For inspiration, try a a bright abstract with plenty of movement. Pay homage to your grandmother and how she encouraged you to start your business by displaying one of her quilts on the wall. When you feel frustrated, you will be able to look at it and remember her words of wisdom.
2. Display statues or decorative glass on the desk. Create a conversation piece by displaying a statue on a desk or display column. The key is to surround yourself with items that make the space more "you" and not just a place to work. So, incorporate Buddha on your desk, or display the souvenir you picked up in Paris or the fertility goddess from Africa. These reminders of trips will motivate you to work hard to fund the next vacation.
3. Frame photos from your favorite calendar. Art doesn't have to be expensive, so don't toss last year's calendar. Calendars have beautiful pictures that, when placed in frames, look exclusive and expensive. Use these pictures in bookcases, window sills and on file cabinets.
4. Use decorative cork and tack boards for displaying important information. Framed cork, tack and magnetic boards are a major trend. Select one or three, create an arrangement and hang on the wall above your desk, at a height that will allow you to reach it over the desk.
5. Use art to reinforce the color scheme or theme of your office. Hang a black and white print to enhance the black and white upholstered side chairs. Add a splash of color with a red sunset painting over the desk.
6. Put a little art on the floor. Go for a faux, zebra-print rug under the desk or splurge on a real animal skin. Oriental rugs are pieces of art in themselves, so add a floral one to anchor your furniture.
7. Paint an ornate mirror a bright, lacquer color. Look for a wall mirror with an ornate, fancy frame. Cover the mirror with newspaper and tape in place. Then use a spray paint with a high gloss finish to paint the frame. The key is to paint in a bright color to match the accent color in your office. Mirrors make rooms appear larger and reflect light, and framed ones are art, too.
8. Add wall decals in whimsical and fun shapes. If you have a beach-themed office, look for sea shells or fish and stick on the wall. For a sports-themed office, look for your team's logo on a helmet or banner.
