Ready to level up a drab work space into one that actually makes you want to get things done?
The home office is one of the blandest areas in most houses.
White walls. Basic furniture. Total lack of pizazz. And the issue with that is…
It’s killing your focus and creativity.
In fact studies have shown employees in offices with art and plants are up to 32% more productive than those who work in sterile, no-frills environments.
The good news is…
Art and design objects can transform a bland room into one that actually enhances work.
We’ll show you how.
What’s Inside:
- Why Artistic Decor Is Important in a Home Office
- Top Art and Design Objects to Choose
- Picking Pieces That Actually Work
- Placement Strategies for Maximum Decor Effect
Why Artistic Decor Is Important in a Home Office
Home office decor used to be low on most homeowners’ priority lists. That’s no longer the case.
By 2025 a massive 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, which means dedicated home workspaces are quickly becoming the norm.
Throwing a desk in the spare bedroom and calling it a day just isn’t going to cut it anymore.
Employees need an environment that makes it easier to focus and reduce stress, not more. Spaces that encourage creative thinking, not kill it.
Home office decor and design items are a big part of that. They create an atmosphere in the work space.
Visualize for a moment…
Wallpapering your butt off staring at bare walls for eight hours a day does nothing for motivation. But filling a room with carefully curated unique vintage objects and interesting art pieces? That will create an environment you actually look forward to being in every day.
Here’s another thing to consider:
Workers in offices with aesthetic design and artistic elements have been shown to be 78% more likely to feel relaxed and 64% more likely to feel creative. Those are not small margins.
The physical environment of the work space has a direct correlation to output quality. Always.
Top Art and Design Objects to Choose
The wrong kind of decor can sabotage a home office. A hodge-podge of kitschy knick-knacks and/or ugly trendy furniture can drive focus and creativity into the ground.
The trick is to incorporate decor and home accessories that:
- Add interest without being distracting
- Complement rather than clash with the room
- Reflect your personal style and taste
- Enhance concentration and focus
Sculptures and 3D Objects
Three dimensional objects bring depth and visual weight to a space in ways flat pieces can’t.
They bounce light around throughout the day and create visual anchors that add interest to a room.
Try to find pieces made of natural materials like wood, ceramic, stone, or metals. These look more timeless.
Wall Art
Paintings. Original prints and posters. Framed photography.
Go with pieces that feel right to you personally instead of just following what’s popular.
Abstract pieces are especially good for work areas.
They engage the mind without demanding attention.
Functional Art Pieces
Decorative bookends. Handmade desk organizers and accessories.
Artisan storage boxes and baskets.
Look for items that can perform a function in the home office as well as look great. Bonus points for multi-use.
Vintage and Antique Decor
Older pieces often have character modern, mass-produced ones just don’t.
Something vintage and used already brings extra warmth and personality to a room.
A well placed vintage lamp or antique clock can become an instant focal point.
Picking Pieces That Actually Work
Decorating a home office isn’t the same as decorating a living room or family space.
A few things to think about…
Match the Work Style
High-energy, creative types might do well with bright, colourful decor all over the office.
Accountants and financial analysts might work better with a calmer, minimal aesthetic.
There’s no right or wrong. But the decor should feel like a good match for the work being done there.
Look at the Background
Video calls are now a fact of modern working life.
The background on the wall behind the desk is more important than ever.
Close to half of homeowners surveyed said they are now hyper-focused on the backdrop visible during a video call.
Choose pieces that look good on camera. Avoid overly busy or distracting pieces. Simple things that are interesting tend to work best.
Think About Natural Light
Sunlight moves around during the day.
A beautiful art piece at 10am might end up in complete shadow by 4pm.
Live with potential placements for a few days to test how different times of day and lighting angles affect them.
Quality Over Quantity
A single amazing piece is better than a dozen meh ones.
It’s better to buy less but invest in good items than clutter the space with cheap decor.
The overall effect is higher quality and more calming.
Placement Strategies for Maximum Decor Effect
Placement of home decor pieces matters as much as choosing the right ones.
The One Focal Point Rule
Every room needs a main visual anchor point. In a home office it should be visible from the desk without being right in the line of sight while working.
Placement behind the monitor or slightly off to one side works well. It’s there for when you need a mental break but not constantly competing for attention.
Eye Level Up Or Down
Art hung way up high or down low on a wall looks off. The middle of the piece should be about eye level when standing.
Same for shelves. Most interesting items should sit at natural viewing level.
Group Smaller Pieces Into Collections
Cluster smaller objects together. Collections of 3-5 related things create visual harmony.
A small sculpture next to a vintage box and an interesting bookend on a shelf tell a story together. Random individual items all over the place just look messy.
Leave White Space
Empty space around things matters in interior design like it does in graphic design.
Not every wall needs something hanging on it. Not every surface needs a knick-knack.
The white space around an art piece actually makes it have more impact.
Wrapping Up
Raising the decor game in a home office doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does take some thought.
The key is to start with an understanding of what kind of environment best supports productivity and focus.
Then look for art and design objects that bring that feeling into the space.
The benefits are measurable. Better concentration. Less stress. More creativity. A space you enjoy working in day after day.
Let’s recap real quick:
- Artistic home decor has a direct impact on productivity and wellbeing
- Choose decor that supports focus, not distracts
- Less is more. Quality over quantity.
- Strategic placement for maximum decor effect
Home offices are in for the long haul. Millions will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future.
It might as well be a great space to be in.
Start with one small piece. Add one meaningful object at a time. Notice how it transforms the energy in the room.
Then keep going from there.
