How Custom Artwork Elevates Interior Design: Mercer Law Café Case Study

by Erin Hawkins

In September 2022, I partnered with Camp Interiors on their redesign of the Mercer Law Café. Their vision was clear: create a space that feels warm, professional, and welcoming for law students to study, recharge, and connect. My role was to design custom artwork that would both complement their interiors and bring a unique sense of place.

Design palette inspiration provided by Camp Interiors, featuring furniture, fabric, and carpet samples.

Artwork Designed for the Space

The project included two pairs of paintings, created to align with the café’s new design palette:

Abstract Map of Macon

This pair reimagines Macon’s geography with a fresh, textural approach. I layered in:

  • gritty, sand-like mediums for depth

  • old book text as collage elements

  • palette knife textures for movement

The result: a nod to Mercer Law’s urban environment, rooting the café in its community without being literal.

Photography by Robin Gatti Photography

Flourishy “law” Sisters

At first glance, this pair looks like abstract swirls. Look closer and you’ll see the word law subtly woven into the design. These sister paintings strike a balance between playful discovery and professional polish, sparking conversation without overwhelming the space.

Collaboration with Interior Design

For both pairs, Camp Interiors provided a defined color palette—including Mercer’s signature orange—then gave me creative freedom. That balance allowed the artwork to remain cohesive with the overall interior design while still standing out as custom, site-specific pieces.

The finished work is on brand with Mercer without being too on-the-nose—an example of how art for commercial interiors can tie together finishes, colors, and atmosphere while adding storytelling to a space. To see the entire café transformation, visit Camp Interiors.

Why It Matters for Designers

For interior designers, custom artwork can:

  • reinforce brand identity in subtle ways

  • connect a space to its community or environment

  • elevate interiors with one-of-a-kind pieces instead of off-the-shelf décor

  • make spaces feel intentional, professional, and memorable

When designers and artists collaborate, the result is more than decoration—it’s an experience.

Both sets of paintings all done and waiting for delivery.

See the Process

Want to see how the artwork came together behind the scenes? Check out my Instagram Reel»

Let’s Work Together

If you’re an interior designer looking to add custom artwork to your next project—whether it’s a café, office, or higher education space—let’s connect. Together, we can create site-specific artwork that completes your vision and makes a lasting impact.

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