A man sitting in his home office without artwork to boost his productivity

How Does Wall Art in a Home Office Increase Productivity?

Most offices today offer work-from-home or hybrid arrangements. The right home office setup is essential for remote work productivity. Art can aid in achieving optimal levels of focus, creativity, and motivation.

Research suggests that our work environment plays a significant role in our mental state. Professionals who struggle with remote work should look into the benefits of having artwork in their workspace.

This article will explore how adding the right pieces to your home office can increase your overall productivity throughout the day.

The Impact of Art on Productivity and Creativity

First off, does art increase productivity and creativity? Absolutely. Multiple studies have shown that art can impact how we think and feel. If you’ve felt inspired or stimulated by an artwork, then you have an idea how it can affect certain mental processes.

An example of this is research on the effect of workplace aesthetics for medical professionals in high-stress environments. It showed that art helps lower exhaustion, enhance well-being, and improve emotional states.

This is because art can evoke emotions, trigger cognition, and stimulate the brain. It creates an environment where you feel more motivated to work.

Aside from work productivity, it can also spark creativity, which is crucial in many fields. It can inspire you  to see things from a fresh perspective, develop original ideas and make new connections.

The Psychology Behind Art and Productivity

Studies show that the aesthetic experience has a direct link to the brain. According to research, art affects psychological and physiological well-being.

Art is known to evoke emotional responses that can either uplift or dampen your mood.

A positive experience can result in enhanced learning, optimistic emotions, and improved health. It also boosts neural activity in parts of the brain in charge of processing rewards.

Even a negative experience can have beneficial impacts. Negative emotions caused by art has a net positive impact on the brain. It affects parts of the brain in charge of pleasurable values such as attachment, food, and sex.

This is because engaging in emotionally distressing artworks can help divert their attention from their own distress. In short, it promotes a positive mood.

Color Psychology in Art and Productivity

One aspect of art that impacts productivity is color. Each is associated with emotions, characteristics, and symbols. When perceived, these hues can evoke feelings, thoughts, and moods.

For example, blue and green are known to cause a feeling of serenity and relaxation. Meanwhile, red, orange, and yellow are associated with lively and intense ideas.

A study that reviews the theoretical and empirical concepts of color psychology suggested that red can increase selective attention, while blue can improve mental alertness.

A graphic art illustrating the meaning of colors in symbolism by Hive Artes

How to Choose Art for Home Office Productivity

The effect of artwork can vary depending on the kind you choose. You need pieces that align with your goals and preferences. For productivity, it’s smart to consider the color and theme depending on your objective.

Energy and Motivation

If you want to increase motivation, pick inspirational works that evoke upbeat emotions. Paintings featuring objects that compel you can be effective.

  • Color: Reds, oranges, yellows
  • Theme: Food, places, people
  • Art Style: Pop art, fine art

Calm and Focus

Professionals who work jobs that cause distress and negative emotions can benefit from calming pieces. Nature and beach scenes are most effective in soothing the senses.

  • Color: Blues, greens
  • Theme: Nature, beach, seascapes, landscapes
  • Art Style: Any style that features relevant themes and colors

Creativity and Innovation

For people who need a spark of creativity, experts recommend equally innovative art. Abstract and colorful pieces can help trigger problem-solving and creative thinking.

  • Color: Yellows, blues, various colors
  • Theme: Lively, bright, colorful
  • Art Style: Abstract, pop art, and most styles

Other recommendations for your home office

When designing your home office, you should aim to balance productivity with comfort. This can be achieved by adding:

  • Plants: They improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
  • Soundscapes: Soft background music or nature sounds can boost concentration.
  • Personal Touches: Adding family photos or personal mementos helps make the space feel more inviting, reducing stress. You can also do this by incorporating your personality into the design.

The Takeaway

Incorporating art into your home office can help boost your productivity. From stimulating creativity to reducing stress, the right artwork can transform your workspace into an environment that supports both focus and innovation.

Explore different types of artwork, experiment with styles, and see what works best for you. You’ll likely find that the impact is both immediate and long-lasting.

Back to blog