How to Create Inclusive Commercial Spaces with Art: The Complete Design Guide for Hotels, Restaurants, and Modern Businessess

The Power of Art to Include or Exclude

Sometimes the most profound lessons about inclusive design come from witnessing what goes wrong. During a family funeral in Norfolk, Virginia, I stayed at what should have been a beautiful hotel. The room was elegantly appointed, but there was one artistic element that completely transformed my experience – and not in a good way. The walls featured artistic rope imagery that, while aesthetically crafted, carried uncomfortable historical connotations, especially in a Southern state.

Although it wasn't intentionally offensive, this artistic choice stayed with me long after I left. Years later, when asked about transformative art experiences, this moment immediately came to mind. It taught me a crucial lesson: art doesn't just decorate spaces – it communicates values, tells stories, and most importantly, determines who feels welcome.

"There's a way to welcome people into your commercial spaces or homes without even saying that you are being inclusive. It's a smart way to include unique different imagery and faces and styles that shows you're representing a diverse group of people – it welcomes them silently. I think that's why they call it quiet luxury. You can be quietly inclusive, and I think that's the way to go."

Why Commercial Spaces Need Inclusive Art More Than Ever

The Current State of Commercial Design

Walk into most hotels, restaurants, or office buildings today, and you'll likely encounter one of two approaches: safe, generic landscape art or abstract pieces that say nothing about human experience. While these choices avoid controversy, they also miss tremendous opportunities to create memorable, welcoming environments.

Interior designers and commercial buyers often default to these safer options because they're worried about:

• Creating controversy or political statements
• Appearing to appropriate cultures they don't understand
• Offending guests or customers
• Being "canceled" for making the wrong choice

But here's what I've learned from years of creating art for diverse spaces: the biggest risk isn't choosing inclusive art – it's choosing art that makes entire groups of people feel invisible.

The Hidden Cost of Generic Art Choices

Consider the LGBTQ+ bar and lounge scene. Many establishments take what seems like the easy route: homoerotic art that's explicitly sexual. While this serves a purpose, it often creates environments that are:

• Predominantly white-washed
• Not welcoming to the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community
• Missing opportunities for sophisticated, elevated design

Restaurant owners, hotel managers, and commercial space designers who want to create truly inclusive environments need to think beyond tokenism. You don't need to scream diversity through obvious imagery – you can create quietly inclusive spaces that welcome everyone.

The Art of Quiet Inclusivity: A Better Approach

Why Faces Matter in Commercial Design

My artistic philosophy centers on portraiture because faces represent everyone. When I create pieces like "The Masquerade," "Split Perception," or "Awakening," I'm not just making decorative art – I'm telling stories that resonate across different experiences and backgrounds.

Take "Awakening" – when people see this piece, the reaction is almost universal: it's breathtaking. The metal medium makes it bright, vibrant, and impossible to ignore. But more importantly, it represents liberation and self-discovery that transcends specific demographics.

Creating Authentic Connections Through Art

"Tears Flowing" is perhaps my most emotionally powerful piece. Despite being black and white, it's stripped with motion and so raw that viewers immediately connect with the emotion. This piece represents my own journey with code-switching – the exhausting process of changing how you present yourself to be accepted in different communities.

Another piece that speaks to universal experiences is "Liberated Tears" – a work that captures the moment of releasing pain and embracing authenticity. These aren't just decorative pieces; they're emotional landscapes that invite viewers to see their own stories reflected.

For commercial buyers and interior designers, this illustrates an important principle: authentic art creates deeper connections than surface-level diversity imagery. When guests or customers see themselves reflected in the emotional truth of a piece, they feel genuinely welcomed rather than merely acknowledged.

Strategic Art Selection for Commercial Spaces

For Hotels and Hospitality Design

Hotel art curation should create environments where all guests feel valued. Instead of generic landscapes, consider:

• Portrait-based pieces that reflect diverse experiences without being explicitly demographic-focused
• Emotionally resonant abstract work that tells stories viewers can interpret through their own lens
• Locally-sourced art from diverse artists that supports community while creating authentic connections

For Restaurant and Bar Environments

Restaurant interior design benefits from art that creates conversation and comfort. Move beyond:

• Predictable food-themed prints
• Generic local landmark photography
• Art that appeals to only one demographic

Instead, choose pieces that:

• Reflect the full spectrum of your community
• Create sophisticated, elevated atmospheres
• Tell stories that resonate across different backgrounds

For Office and Professional Spaces

Commercial office art should inspire and include all employees and visitors. Consider how art choices impact:

• Employee morale and sense of belonging
• Client impressions and comfort levels
• Company culture and values communication

Residential Applications: Bringing Inclusive Design Home

Creating Welcoming Homes for Modern Families

Residential art buyers increasingly want homes that reflect contemporary values of inclusion and diversity. This doesn't mean filling every wall with obvious diversity imagery – it means choosing art that:

• Celebrates human experience in all its forms
• Creates conversation and connection among family and guests
• Reflects your family's values without being preachy
• Stands the test of time as both beautiful and meaningful

Home Staging and Real Estate Considerations

Real estate professionals and home stagers should understand that inclusive art choices can:

• Appeal to broader buyer demographics
• Create more welcoming showing environments
• Reflect contemporary design trends
• Add value through thoughtful curation

Overcoming Common Concerns

"But What If It's Controversial?"

Let's address the elephant in the room: fear of controversy. Take my piece "Fractured Promises" – it's a powerful statement about political systems, but it doesn't declare partisan allegiance. Commercial art buyers often worry about pieces like this, but consider:

• Art is subjective – viewers bring their own interpretations
• Powerful art creates memorable experiences
• Controversy isn't always negative if it sparks meaningful reflection
• Generic art is forgettable; impactful art builds brand identity

Similarly, "Duality Pain" explores complex emotions without prescribing specific interpretations, allowing viewers to connect with the piece through their own experiences.

Cultural Appropriation Concerns

Many interior designers and commercial buyers avoid diverse art because they're worried about cultural appropriation accusations. This overcaution actually harms minority artists like myself by limiting our access to commercial spaces.

The solution? Buy from diverse artists directly. When you purchase inclusive art from artists who live these experiences, you're not appropriating – you're amplifying authentic voices.

Practical Implementation Guide

For Commercial Buyers

1. Audit your current art – What stories does it tell? Who might feel excluded?
2. Research diverse artists in your area – Support local talent while creating authentic connections
3. Think beyond demographics – Choose art that speaks to universal human experiences
4. Consider your audience – What does your space communicate to different visitors?
5. Invest in quality pieces – Authentic art from professional artists creates lasting impact

For Residential Buyers

1. Reflect your values – Choose art that represents what matters to your family
2. Create conversation pieces – Art should spark dialogue and connection
3. Mix styles and artists – Combine different perspectives and approaches
4. Consider long-term impact – How will these pieces age with your family's growth?

The Business Case for Inclusive Art

Measurable Benefits for Commercial Spaces

Hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces that embrace inclusive art design see:

• Increased customer satisfaction from guests who feel welcomed and valued
• Enhanced brand reputation as inclusive, forward-thinking establishments
• Broader market appeal across diverse demographics
• Employee engagement improvements in workplaces with inclusive environments
• Social media and marketing advantages from distinctive, meaningful spaces

ROI Considerations

While art investment requires upfront costs, the returns include:

• Differentiation from competitors using generic decor
• Word-of-mouth marketing from memorable experiences
• Increased customer loyalty and repeat business
• Enhanced property values for well-curated spaces

Finding the Right Art for Your Space

Working with Diverse Artists

The key to authentic inclusive design is partnering with artists who understand the communities they're representing. When commercial buyers and interior designers work directly with diverse artists, they gain:

• Authentic perspectives on inclusive design
• Original pieces that tell genuine stories
• Opportunities to support underrepresented creators
• Art that resonates with diverse audiences

Evaluating Art for Inclusion Impact

Ask these questions when considering art purchases:

• Who might see themselves in this piece?
• What story does this tell about our values?
• How does this contribute to our overall environment?
• Will this create positive emotional connections?

The Future of Inclusive Space Design

Beyond Traditional Demographics

The next evolution in inclusive commercial design moves beyond checking demographic boxes to creating spaces that celebrate the full spectrum of human experience. This means:

• Emotional authenticity over surface-level representation
• Story-driven curation rather than generic diversity imagery
• Quality artistic investment instead of tokenistic choices
• Collaborative approaches with diverse artists and communities

Technology and Accessibility

Modern inclusive design also considers:

• Digital accessibility in art selection and presentation
• Sensory considerations for different abilities
• Cultural accessibility across different backgrounds
• Economic accessibility through varied price points

Conclusion: Art as a Bridge

Creating inclusive spaces through art isn't about political correctness or checking boxes – it's about recognizing that art has the power to make people feel seen, valued, and welcome. Whether you're a hotel manager curating lobby art, an interior designer creating restaurant ambiance, or a homeowner building a family space, your art choices matter.

Every piece you select either includes or excludes, welcomes or alienates, inspires or ignores. The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in inclusive art – it's whether you can afford not to.

When someone walks into your space years from now, what will they remember? Will it be another forgettable room with generic art, or will it be a place where they felt genuinely welcomed and understood?

The choice is yours, and it starts with the art on your walls.