5 design tips for incorporating art into professional spaces by Hugo Genin

Successfully incorporating art into professional spaces doesn’t happen by chance. Hugo Genin, an interior architect, shares his approach to creating a unique atmosphere and enhancing work environments. His expertise goes beyond offices, he also transforms apartments, restaurants, and living spaces into places full of character, where light, materials, and volumes tell a story. Based in Lyon, he guides his clients from design to execution, crafting functional, elegant, and distinctive atmospheres. Here are his five design tips for incorporating art into professional spaces.

1. Before choosing a favorite piece, you need to analyze the energy you want to bring in based on your environment

n the medical environment, art acts like a form of care. In a doctor’s office or clinic, a piece of art is meant to provide comfort. The approach is to choose works that invite a sense of still exploration and serenity. The colors to focus on are pastels, soothing shades of blue, or cheerful yet soft tones like straw yellow or aqua green. For example, a landscape photograph or an abstract painting with organic, flowing shapes that evoke nature.

In the professional services world, art serves as a mark of legitimacy. In a law firm, consulting office, or notary’s study, a piece of art highlights the relevance and strength of the expertise. The goal here is to select a statement piece that conveys authority while remaining elegant. The preferred materials are strong textures, striking contrasts, distinctive frames, or sculptures in bronze or steel. For instance, a large abstract painting with bold strokes or a geometric sculpture that evokes rigor and structure.

Eter Merkviladze, Acrobats’ Aesthetic, 2022, painting available on Artsper.com

2. The placement of a piece determines its impact on the viewer

Think of the client experience as a journey. The waiting room is a place for prolonged contemplation: the artwork helps pass the time, reduces stress, and immediately reinforces the firm’s brand image from the moment someone enters. In the office, placing a piece behind you can enhance your presence, while placing it facing the client serves as a welcoming gesture, offering a visual escape and a pleasant distraction during sometimes intense discussions.

Do not overlook the circulation areas either. Hallways are transitional spaces where a series of small pieces or a long, narrow artwork can create an emotional journey between the reception and the consultation area.

3. A common mistake is choosing a beautiful piece that doesn’t suit the scale of the room

In interior architecture, we follow the rule of balance. On a large wall, the artwork needs to have presence: a small painting on an enormous wall will seem timid and lose its impact, so it’s better to choose XL formats or diptychs and triptychs. Conversely, in a smaller space, an overly large piece will overwhelm the room and create a sense of oppression, the classic “too much” effect.

Claire Smith, Night Bridge II, 2020, Painting available on Artsper.com

4. I recommend favoring a single, strong piece rather than a collection of small works

Art needs space to breathe. By isolating a piece, you preserve its beauty and exceptional character while avoiding overwhelming your clients’ minds. A single artwork becomes the focal point of your decor, capturing attention and leaving a lasting impression on anyone who experiences it.

5. My bonus tip is lighting

A poorly lit artwork might as well not exist. Use an adjustable spotlight or a dedicated wall light to highlight textures and colors, especially in professional environments where impact is key.

Tetrarch Paola, Paola Table Lamp, Circa 1968, lighting available on Arstper.com

Conclusion

“Art does more than decorate a wall; it defines the soul of a space. In my work as an interior architect, I see a piece of art as the finishing touch of a project. For a professional, incorporating art into the workspace is a powerful way to assert their identity, reassure clients, or provide a sensory escape.”

– Hugo Genin