Landscape Photography for a Zen Office

In the era of remote work, the home office has become an essential space in our lives. Whether we're running a business, pursuing a hobby, or simply keeping up with daily tasks, our workspace deserves more than just functionality—it should be an environment that supports our creativity, productivity, and well-being. A simple yet effective way to achieve this is through incorporating art, particularly landscape photography and nature-inspired artwork. 

A recent study commissioned by the Affordable Art Fair in collaboration with YouGov highlights the substantial influence of artwork in the workplace. Surprisingly, 50% of Britons working indoors reported having no artwork in their workspace, and 65% said they couldn't view any art from their desk. Nonetheless, nearly a third (29%) believe that installing artwork in workplaces could boost productivity, placing it above other popular amenities like sleep pods, ping pong tables, and beanbags.

Landscape art is the favourite choice

The study also found that the two most popular choices for artwork in the office were Landscape photography and then landscape painting.

• A photograph of a landscape (35%)

• A painting of a landscape (33%)

• An abstract painting (25%)

• Textile artwork (14%)

• A large sculpture (14%)

Connection to the natural world

Research has shown that artwork in the workplace significantly improves mood and productivity. Landscape photography, in particular, has been found to create the most positive impact on workers, offering an aesthetic connection to the natural world. Whether you're working from home or managing an office, surrounding yourself with images of nature can offer profound benefits for both your mental and physical health.

Why Landscape Photography is the Perfect Choice for Your Workspace

Like any other room in your home, your office will reap the benefits of well-chosen art on the walls. Just as real plants and foliage improve mood, well-being, and productivity, artistic representations of nature can have the same effect. Depictions of nature, are like having a window to the outdoors—even in spaces with no view.

A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that viewing images of nature can lead to a range of health benefits, including reduced stress and improved mood. The study states:  

"Like real views of nature, artwork can reduce anxiety, reduce depression, improve mood, increase relaxation, and even decrease the need for anxiety medication." This evidence highlights the power of art, particularly nature scenes, in transforming a workspace into a sanctuary of calm and focus.

The Benefits of Landscape Photography in the Office Environment

1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation  

Stress is an inevitable part of the workday, but surrounding yourself with calming images of nature can help reduce that tension. Landscapes featuring peaceful beaches, tranquil forests, or majestic mountains can bring a sense of serenity, promoting relaxation and balance. These visual breaks from the demands of work can help regulate stress levels and even lower blood pressure.

2. Boosting Productivity and Focus  

Just as plants in an office environment can improve focus and well-being, so too can landscape photography. These images act as mental retreats, providing moments of relief and resetting focus during long work hours. Viewing nature scenes, through photography, has been shown to refresh the mind and boost creative thinking, leading to increased productivity.

3. Enhancing Mood and Well-Being  

Surrounding yourself with art that evokes happiness can have a profound effect on your mental state. Whether it's the soothing colours of a sunset, the vibrancy of a lush forest, or beautiful bathing pink flamingoes, natural photography taps into the joy that our world brings us. These positive emotional responses help your overall mood, making your workspace a place you look forward to being in each day.

4. Harnessing the Power of Colour Psychology 

Colour plays a critical role in how we feel in our environment. The blues and greens often found in landscape photography promote calmness and clarity, while warmer tones, like reds and yellows, can inspire creativity and energy. Choosing landscape art that aligns with your emotional and mental needs can help create a more tailored, effective workspace.

5 Office Decor Ideas Using Landscape Photography

If you’re considering adding landscape photography to your office, here are a few creative ways to integrate it into your workspace:

1. Create a Focal Point

A large, serene beach or mountain scene can transform the atmosphere of your office. To draw attention to the artwork, consider hanging mirrors or neutral-colored shelves around it. Or in smaller spaces, use beautiful desk stationery and storage, to create your focal point. This will help make the landscape photography the centerpiece of your office while enhancing the overall design.

2. Consider Size and Placement  

Large prints can make a bold statement, especially if displayed without a frame. Positioning a landscape photo in an area where natural light streams in can enhance the mood and aesthetics of the room. If you prefer smaller prints, consider creating a gallery wall where landscape photos are arranged vertically or horizontally.

3. Use Neutral Accents  

Pairing colourful landscape photos with neutral furniture helps the art stand out while maintaining a classy and professional look. For example, if your office features soft pine desks or chairs, hanging nature scenes nearby can add a touch of color without overwhelming the space.

4. Display Art Beyond the Walls 

Art doesn’t always have to hang on walls. Floating shelves can serve as a creative way to display smaller landscape pieces. These shelves not only add dimension to your office but also allow for the integration of other elements like plants or sculptures, creating a well-rounded aesthetic.

5. Make Use of Negative Space  

While it’s tempting to fill every wall, leaving some negative space can help your landscape photography stand out. Choose one or two walls to display your artwork, allowing the images to breathe and become the focal point of your office.

Transform Your Office with the Power of Nature

Landscape photography has the ability to transform your home office from a mere workspace into a place of inspiration, calm, and creativity. Whether it’s for reducing stress, boosting productivity, or simply enhancing the overall mood, the impact of nature-themed art on your environment is undeniable.

Don't wait to make your office your personal sanctuary where you can grow and thrive. I’d love to help you on your art buying journey and choose the perfect natural photography for your workspace. I offer a free mockup service to help you visualise how our art will look in your home or business office.

I offer a free art consultancy service of a 30 minute session to help you find your perfect artwork for your space. It’s a unique experience as I use meditation techniques to help you in your art buying journey.

Just get in touch

Explore my full collection of calming and uplifting nature inspired photography here: www.sanctuaryartstudios.com

I plant a tree for every print sold. 

Art in Your Home Office Enhances Happiness, Productivity, and Well-being

Today, more of us are working from home than ever before. Whether you've carved out a small corner of your living room or dedicated an entire room as your home office, we all want to work in a space that promotes productivity and well-being. One simple way to achieve this is by incorporating inspiring wall art into your workspace. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics of your office space, but it also has tangible benefits for your mental health and productivity, making it a wise investment.

Tayrona fine art giclee print

The Power of Art in the Workplace

A recent study commissioned by the Affordable Art Fair, in partnership with YouGov, reveals the significant impact that artwork can have in the workplace. Shockingly, 50% of Brits who work indoors reported having no artwork in their workspace, and 65% said they couldn't see any art from their desk. However, nearly a third (29%) believe that artwork should be installed in workplaces to improve productivity, ranking it higher than other popular workplace amenities like sleep pods, ping pong tables, and beanbags.

But the benefits of art in the workplace go beyond aesthetics. According to the study, 27% of workers with art in their office said it makes them feel happier, while interestingly, 21% reported feeling more peaceful. Additionally, almost a fifth of respondents believe that introducing art into offices provokes creative discussion, which is important for brainstorming and problem-solving.

New Artwork coming soon…

5 Reasons Why You Should Add Wall Art to Your Home Office

1. Art Enhances Productivity

Creating a home office space that you enjoy can significantly boost your productivity. Blank, dull walls can lead to an uninspiring and monotonous environment. By adding art, you bring into your home office colour and energy, improving not only the atmosphere but also your mood. Choose art which you find uplifting and refreshing, and not overly distracting to maintain focus while still enjoying the visual appeal. 

2. Art Inspires Creativity

Art has the power to spark inspiration. This is why you often see motivational quotes or vibrant artwork in both home and corporate offices. If you find yourself stuck in a creative rut, consider adding artwork with inspiring images that resonate with you. These pieces of art can serve as a constant source of motivation and creativity, great for when a creative block sets in.

3. It Reduces Stress

Stress is often an inevitable part of work, but your work environment can play a role in managing it. Art can be a powerful tool in reducing stress, as studies have shown that viewing or engaging with art can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Take some time to identify the types of art that calm you, such as serene landscapes or abstract pieces with soothing colours. Surrounding yourself with these images can make your home office a peaceful sanctuary, making workdays more enjoyable.

4. Art leverages colour psychology

Colour psychology is a concept about how the colours used in a space, design or artwork can influence how people feel and behave. This same principle applies to your home office decoration. When selecting wall art, consider the colours and how they might affect your mood and motivation. For example, blue and green hues are known to have a calming effect, while red can be energising and inspire action. Choose art with colours that align with the atmosphere you want to create in your workspace. You can also incorporate your brand colours into your office design and artwork.

5. Art in offices boosts happiness

Swallows Saturate fine art giclee print

Research has shown that being surrounded by art can increase happiness, with the psychological effects of viewing art comparable to those of experiencing love. When selecting wall art for your home office, choose pieces that genuinely make you happy and bring a smile to your face. This can have a profound impact on your overall mood, helping you start each workday on a positive note.

Making Your Home Office a Productive Sanctuary

As more of us continue to work from home, it's crucial to optimize our home office spaces for maximum productivity and well-being. Decorating your office walls with art is a simple, cost-effective way to achieve this. The study mentioned earlier also identified the most desirable types of artwork for offices:

A photograph of a landscape (35%)

A painting of a landscape (33%)

An abstract painting (25%)

Textile artwork (14%)

A large sculpture (14%)

These findings highlight the importance of incorporating art into work environments. As Dr. Harriet Shortt, an expert on workplace environments, explains, "It’s the little things in our workplace environments that can have a big, positive impact on the everyday lives of those that work there – and artwork has a huge role to play in this." She emphasises that artwork makes workers feel happier, more peaceful, and more creative.

In today's fast-paced working world, where innovation and adaptability are key, investing in art could be a valuable way to inspire your workforce and foster creative discussions. And for those of us working from home, it's a simple yet powerful way to enhance our own productivity and well-being. So, as you design or update your home office, don't overlook the impact that well-chosen wall art can have on your work life.

Choosing the right artwork

Art photography can uplift the energy of your workspace, enhancing happiness and creativity. With thoughtful and loving planning and the right layout, your office can quickly become your creative and mental sanctuary.

Send me a message here or on whats app on the number at the top of the website. I’d love to support your art buying for your home office!

The Impact of Art on Mental Well-Being

Did you know that the art displayed in your living and working environment wields a significant influence on your mental health and overall well-being?

Beyond mere decoration, the art you select holds the potential to shape your emotions, mood, and mindset. Whether it's an original signed giclee print or a reproduction, wall art serves as a simple yet potent visual tool that can profoundly impact your thoughts, feelings, creativity, and even communication.

However, achieving the desired results depends on choosing the right type of wall art for your specific space. This article delves into the intricate relationship between wall art, well-being and mental health, offering insights and guidance on curating the perfect pieces for your home.

One of the driving forces behind the creation of Sanctuary Art Studios was the wish to craft a personal sanctuary within a living or working space, thereby supporting mental well-being. As the pandemic unfolded, the increase in cases of depression and anxiety among friends and family prompted a determination to make a positive impact via art in homes.

Art and Its Role in Mental Health:

Throughout history, art has served as a therapeutic medium, from ancient cave paintings to contemporary works. Psychologists and art therapists alike recognize its ability to help individuals navigate the challenges of life, including anxiety, depression, and emotional turmoil.

The Fascinating Impact of Wall Art on Mental Well Being

Elevating Your Mood:

Colours and imagery possess the power to evoke a spectrum of emotions, and selecting the appropriate artwork can elevate your spirits and enhance your emotional state. For instance, vibrant and lively colours can promote positivity, while serene natural scenes encourage relaxation and tranquility. 

The art you choose for your space should align with the intended purpose of the space.

Self-Expression:

By displaying art that resonates with your personality, interests, and values, you create a living space that reflects your uniqueness. Your chosen art becomes a canvas for self-expression and identity.

Mindfulness and Focus:

Certain forms of wall art, such as abstract or intricate designs, promote mindfulness and concentration. They serve as visual anchors that keep you in the present moment. Additionally, they can engage multiple viewers simultaneously, making them effective tools for stimulating the mind through passive viewing.

Expressing Repressed Emotions:

Art serves as a vehicle for emotional expression, particularly for individuals dealing with mental trauma. People often suppress their feelings as a coping mechanism, but gazing at serene wall art, such as landscapes or abstract paintings, can help individuals articulate emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken. Having wall art in your home can facilitate a healthier emotional outlet.

Releasing Happy Hormones:

Scientific studies have demonstrated that viewing art can trigger the release of dopamine, often referred to as the "happy hormone." This surge of pleasure-inducing chemicals in the brain's orbitofrontal cortex can induce intense joy and satisfaction. In essence, wall art can serve as a natural mood enhancer.

Enhancing Your Sense of Accomplishment:

Art appreciation has been proven to reduce stress by normalizing blood pressure and lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Consequently, strategically placed wall art in your home or workplace can improve focus, concentration, productivity, and instill a sense of accomplishment.

Inspiring Imagination and Creativity:

Wall art sparks imagination and creativity, making it a valuable addition to your living room or office. Vibrant paintings can encourage the generation of new ideas and help in their effective processing.

Promoting Critical Thinking:

Studying wall art attentively and exploring its themes from various angles can enhance critical thinking skills. Therapists often encourage patients to incorporate art into their living spaces as a means to promote clearer and more rational thought processes, thereby improving everyday problem-solving abilities.

Evoking Feelings of Empathy:

Engaging with art can make individuals more open-minded and empathetic, fostering a greater understanding of different perspectives. In essence, viewing art can cultivate kindness and thoughtfulness towards others, making you a more compassionate person.

Tips for Selecting Wall Art for Mental Well-Being:

When choosing wall art to enhance your mental health, consider these guidelines:

• Choose Art That Resonates: Trust your instincts and select pieces that genuinely resonate with you, reflecting your tastes, interests, and values.

• Match Art to Room Function: Tailor your choice of art to the function of each room. For instance, opt for soothing pieces in the bedroom and energizing art in communal spaces.

• Experiment with Styles and Mediums: Explore various styles and mediums, from photography and paintings to mixed media and digital art, to discover what complements your living space and uplifts your mental state.

Personal touch

Incorporating wall art into your home can have a profound impact on your mental health and overall well-being. By carefully choosing pieces that speak to your heart and create a positive ambiance, you can transform your living space into a sanctuary that supports your emotional and mental health. Never acquire wall art simply to fill empty spaces, as overcrowding can diminish its impact. Choose pieces that genuinely resonate with you and ensure they align with the ambiance you want to create. Additionally, maintain focus in your workspace by selecting art that harmonises with your goals and objectives.

Get in touch

Purchasing high quality wall art has become more accessible than ever. For example I offer signed and limited edition prints ready to buy online! Check out my selection.

For a more personal service, I also provide expert guidance on choosing the right artwork for your space, ensuring you benefit from its positive influence on your mental well-being.

Visit my gallery to explore my art to enhance your living or work space today. 

Browse my carefully curated collection at Sanctuary Art Studios to discover the perfect wall art that resonates with your soul.

How to choose art for your boutique hotel or AirBnb space

Choosing art for boutique hotels and air bnb spaces requires a personalised approach that reflects the unique character and style of the guest space. Choosing the art for your hotel can be a fun and exciting process, but it can be overwhelming for some of us. I am on hand to help you through this art buying process, ensuring each space has its own distinct feel and look inline with the overall design of the hotel.

Here are some tips to help you select art that will enhance the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of your space:

• Determine the style and theme of your hotel:

  Consider the design and decor of your hotel, as well as the overall theme or vibe you are trying to create. This will help you choose art that complements the existing decor and reinforces the overall atmosphere you are trying to achieve.

• Consider the location of your hotel:

  The art you choose should reflect the location of your hotel and the surrounding area. For example, if your hotel is located near the beach, you may want to choose art that incorporates ocean or beach themes, or cultural aspects which are local to you. If your hotel is in the countryside you may want to reflect the culture and landscape, which can include plants, food and portraits.

• Work with a professional artist:

  Consider working with an artist or art consultant who can help you select art that fits within your budget, style, and theme. Art consultants can also help you source and purchase art from reputable artists and galleries. An artist can help you decide on the overall look and feel which you require.

• Showcase local artists:

  Boutique hotels often have a strong sense of place, so using local art can add to the hotel's authenticity and sense of connection to the local community. Consider working with local artists and galleries to find unique and locally-inspired pieces. Highlighting the work of local artists can add a unique and authentic touch to your hotel, while also supporting the local arts community. Consider commissioning local artists to create custom pieces that are specific to your hotel and location.

• Choose a variety of art pieces:

  To create visual interest and appeal to a range of guests, consider selecting a variety of art styles, mediums, and sizes. This can include paintings, photography, sculptures, and mixed media pieces.

• Create a cohesive display:

  When displaying art in your hotel, consider creating a cohesive display that ties together the various pieces. This can include grouping art by theme or color, or creating a gallery wall that showcases a variety of pieces.

• Reflect the hotel's theme and style:

  The artwork should complement the hotel's theme and style. If the hotel has a specific theme, such as an eco-friendly or vintage theme, then the artwork should reflect that theme. Similarly, if the hotel has a specific style, such as mid-century modern or industrial, then the artwork should match that style.

• Consider the scale:

  The size and placement of the artwork are important considerations. The artwork should be appropriately sized for the space and placed in a prominent location that is visible to guests.

Overall, choosing art for boutique hotels requires a careful balance between style, audience, and authenticity. By taking these factors into account, you can choose artwork that enhances the hotel's unique character and creates a memorable experience for guests.

I love providing hotels and leisure spaces with high quality, original wall art, which helps to create a sense of place for guests. Why not get in touch to see how my fine art photography collection can add that extra special touch to your hotel space.

Choosing art photography by size

How to choose art photography for your home and work space.

Choosing the size of your art photography is an important decision that can greatly affect how your work is perceived and displayed. When we create sanctuary, we want to create a harmonious space which fill us with a number of emotions and states.

Sanctuary can be inspirational, uplifting, calming, grounding amongst other states.

The task of determining the proper size and placement of new artwork can sometimes seem daunting. As a lens based artist creating prints, commissions and ready to hang artwork for clients, I want to help with this common question that so many of us have when planning for their art purchase: "What size artwork should I choose for my wall?"

Here’s a short guide on how to choose which size of wall art will be just right for your space, to help make the process a little bit easier, and a lot more fun!

Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the size of your art photography in order to create sanctuary in your home or work space:

• Purpose and context:

  Consider the purpose and context of your art piece.

  Will it your work be displayed in a hotel reception area, a gallery, an office, or home?

  Will it be part of a collection or a standalone piece? The size you choose should be appropriate for the intended purpose and context.

• Subject matter:

• Consider the subject matter of your photography. Some subjects may lend themselves better to larger or smaller sizes. For example, a landscape photograph may benefit from a larger size to showcase its sweeping vistas, while a portrait may be better suited to a smaller size to highlight the subject's features.

  Visual impact:

• Think about the visual impact you want to achieve with your photography. A larger size can create a more immersive and dramatic experience, while a smaller size can be more intimate and focused.

   

  The Room

• When picking art for any room BIGGER IS BETTER!  People tend to choose wall art that is much too small for the room and if you are investing in artwork, you don't want to buy it, and hang it, only to discover your room still feels barren.  

  Consider the selection of furniture that you have in a room, if it is sparse, then a large piece of artwork will fill up the visual field as furniture might. Think about your ceilings are they high ceilings allowing for a grand artwork, or low -where a shorter canvas height with landscape orientation might work better?  Just remember - to be on the safe side, GO BIG!  This is especially true if buying modern, contemporary art photography as offered in my collection, bigger is definitely better to maximize the statement. We have client who will back this point up!!

  The Wall

• Think about two things here - firstly there is the overall dimensions of the wall,  but then also think about the orientation.  

  Tall, narrow walls work well with art of a similar shape, created in portrait orientation, while horizontal wall spaces (often found over sofas, and in hallways etc) work best with landscape-oriented artwork.  In looking at the overall wall space dimensions your artwork should take up two-thirds to three-fourths of the wall.  Like I said before... go big!

• Focal point:

  If you want the artwork to be the focal point of the room, choose a larger size that commands attention. If you want the art to be a subtle accent, choose a smaller size.

• Style of your decor:

  The size of your art should complement the style of your decor. For example, if you have a minimalist style, a larger piece of art may be too overwhelming, while a smaller piece may be more appropriate.

• Technical limitations

  Consider the technical limitations of your photography. The resolution and quality of your image may determine the maximum size it can be printed without losing detail or clarity.

• Cost:

  Finally, consider the cost of producing your photography in different sizes. Larger sizes may be more expensive to produce and may require additional framing or mounting.

Ultimately, the size of your art photography should be a thoughtful and intentional decision. It's important to experiment with different sizes and formats to find what works best for your particular style and vision for a particular space.

In general, it's a good idea to measure your wall and determine the maximum size of art that would work in your space. From there, you can choose a piece that fits within those dimensions and feels appropriate for the style and mood of your room.

You can play with styles and sizes in different spaces for example at work or at home. Art, especially original art, is an investment that should last a lifetime, it can make or break a room and is essential to a finished look.  Now comes the fun part... explore my artwork, and have fun selecting a gorgeous piece of art photography that is the best fit for your home or work space! 

Get in touch with me if you’d like to know more about choosing the perfect size print for your home and work space. We work with you to create the sanctuary you deserve to reside in.