In interior design, few elements carry the emotional and cultural weight of art. Whether it’s a hand-drawn mural, a sculptural installation, or a curated gallery wall, artwork has the power to transform a space from functional to unforgettable.
When you walk into a space that truly moves you, whether it’s a hotel lobby, a banquet hall, or a gallery, you’re often responding to something deeper than just the architecture or furniture. You’re feeling the story. And more often than not, that story is told through art.
At O/D/C/D Interiors, we believe art isn’t just something you hang on a wall. It’s a way to connect people to a place. It’s a conversation starter, a mood-setter, and a powerful tool for creating memorable experiences. And when it’s done right, it adds real value; not just emotionally, but financially too.
A story told in Jacarandas
One of our most exciting recent projects was the expansion of the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, in Johannesburg. This iconic property sits high on the ridge, overlooking the city’s lush tree canopy. It’s a place where elegance meets heritage, and we wanted the art to reflect that.
One of the standout features of the Westcliff Banquet Hall is a breathtaking wraparound wall installation of hand-drawn Jacaranda trees. Created in collaboration with a local artist, the trees were first sketched in pencil, capturing the delicate beauty of Johannesburg’s iconic bloom. These drawings were then printed at an extraordinary scale, a five-metre-high and seven-metre-wide pattern repeat, using a specialised fabric printing process powered by precision and innovation.
The installation team worked with a rare five-metre-wide print format to ensure the artwork retained its integrity and impact across the expansive wall.
The result? A breathtaking panoramic visual experience that envelops guests in a celebration of nature, heritage, and design. It’s not just wallpaper, it’s a living artwork that anchors the space and elevates the atmosphere beyond the extraordinary.
This kind of collaboration between designer, artist, and installer is what makes a project truly exceptional.
Why art matters in public spaces
Art has a unique ability to elevate a space. It adds depth, character, and meaning. In places like hotels, restaurants, and commercial buildings, it helps create an atmosphere that feels thoughtful and intentional.
Guests at luxury destinations like The Westcliff often have an eye for quality; many are art collectors themselves, or at least appreciate the difference between something mass-produced and something crafted with care. When they see original artwork, they notice. They connect. And they remember.
That’s why investing in art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about value. Original pieces, especially those created by emerging or established artists, can appreciate over time. They add a layer of exclusivity and authenticity that sets a property apart.
Collaboration is key
Behind every great piece of art in a public space is a team of collaborators. Designers, artists, installers, all working together to bring a vision to life. In the case of the Jacaranda installation, it took precision, creativity, and a rare five-metre-wide print format to make it happen. The result was worth every bit of effort.
The property owner, known for their impeccable taste, personally approved every piece. That kind of involvement speaks volumes about the importance of art in shaping a brand’s identity and guest experience.
Art for a new generation
There’s also something exciting happening culturally. Younger generations are showing a real interest in art, not just as decoration, but as something meaningful. They’re attending art fairs, following artists online, and investing in pieces that speak to their values.
This shift is creating new opportunities for public spaces to become platforms for artistic expression. By showcasing local talent and integrating thoughtful artwork, designers can tap into this movement and create spaces that feel fresh, relevant, and connected to the community.
Designing with he(art)
It has always been our ethos to design with intention. That means thinking carefully about the story we want to tell, the people we’re designing for, and the emotions we want to evoke. When it comes to art, we look for pieces that will stand the test of time, visually, culturally, and emotionally.
The Westcliff project is a beautiful example of this approach. From the hand-drawn Jacarandas to the curated textures of the Lobby Lounge, every detail has been deliberately chosen to celebrate the environment, spotlight the culture, and elevate the immersive experience to create a space where art is the heartbeat that everything else moves with.