We’ve all seen the same four white walls in offices for decades. Functional, sure. Inspiring? Not so much.

But that’s changing, and quickly. More and more, London’s offices are looking less like traditional workspaces and more like galleries. And for good reason. Businesses want their space to reflect who they are. And that means injecting personality, creativity, and culture into the buildings they occupy.

Step inside Borough Yards near London Bridge and you’ll get it instantly. The space is full of exposed brick archways, bold signage, and integrated art installations. It feels more like a creative quarter in Berlin than a standard office block. Tenants there aren’t just leasing space, they’re buying into a vibe.

Or take Liberty House in Soho. The refurb there blends Edwardian elegance with modern interiors and curated artwork throughout. It’s polished, but not sterile. Walk through the common areas and you’ll see how the building itself tells a story. It’s layered, characterful, and unapologetically cool.

Then there’s the new scheme at 22 Bishopsgate. Art is woven into the design at every level, from sculpture to wall pieces to digital installations in communal spaces. It sets a tone the minute you walk in. Tenants feel like they’re part of something bigger than just an office.

What’s interesting is that this isn’t just about attracting creatives anymore. Financial firms, legal companies, even private equity players are getting in on it. Because they know their people care. They know clients notice. And they know these spaces are easier to recruit into and retain from.

I recently toured The Gaslight in Fitzrovia; huge windows, terrazzo finishes, local artwork on rotation. It felt more like a boutique hotel lobby than an office reception. And the feedback from the tenant? “Our clients want to meet us here now.” That’s when you know it’s working.

Art and creativity in workspace isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s commercial. It builds culture. It creates standout. And when you’re competing for talent or trying to convince someone to commute in four days a week, the look and feel of your space matters more than ever.

Landlords are catching on too. Curated experiences, rotating exhibitions, collaborations with local artists; it’s not just about installing a mural in reception anymore. It’s about embedding creativity into the DNA of the building.

If you’re an occupier, now’s the time to think differently. The old rules are out. Your office isn’t just a cost – it’s a canvas. And if it looks like everyone else’s, that’s a missed opportunity.

And if you’re holding stock that’s due a repositioning? There’s a massive opportunity here. Don’t just refurbish – reimagine. Get bold with the brief. Think beyond carpet tiles and Cat A. Because the buildings people talk about are the ones that feel different, and right now, difference is what’s leasing.

The workspace is evolving. The question is, how creative are you willing to get?