How to Use Artwork in Interiors
Artwork is one of the most powerful ways to personalise your interior scheme and make a house truly feel like home. More than just decorative pieces, art can elevate a space, make bold statements, and subtly set the mood and tone of a room. The right artwork can reflect your personality, spark a conversation, and turn a house into a home.
Throughout our lives, we often collect or are gifted pieces of art, each carrying memories, or stories. Including these in a new interior scheme can be difficult, but when done thoughtfully, it can bring character to your home.
There are many theories on how to incorporate art into a home. Here, we’ll explore two simple yet highly effective methods:
1. Start with the Art
This method is a favourite among many top interior designers. The concept is straightforward: choose a piece of art first and design the room around it. While the process is more complex, the artwork becomes the central influence, setting the foundation for the entire design scheme.
How to Build a Room Around Art:
Colour Palette: Use the colours within the artwork as inspiration for your room’s palette. A modern painting with bold splashes of colour might inspire a minimalist design with neutral walls that allow the piece to stand out. In contrast, a more traditional or classical painting could lead to a scheme rich in textures, heritage-inspired furnishings, and timeless tones.
Style Influence: The art’s style can dictate the room’s aesthetic. Abstract art might call for clean lines and contemporary furnishings, whereas a vintage landscape painting could inspire a cosy, rustic, or classic design.
Setting the Tone: Art sets the mood of the room. If you're looking for a wow factor, position the artwork prominently—above a fireplace, over a sofa, or as the centerpiece of a gallery wall. For a more subtle intrigue, place it in a less obvious spot, drawing guests deeper into the space as they explore.
Benefits of Starting with Art:
Creates a cohesive design vision from the beginning.
Makes the artwork the heart of the space, ensuring it receives the attention it deserves.
Allows you to build colour schemes, textures, and furnishings around a meaningful focal point.
2. Add Art to a scheme
This approach works well if you don’t have an existing art collection to feature or prefer to design your space first and add art later. Here, the focus is on creating a cohesive interior scheme—considering colours, textures, and mood—then introducing art that complements and enhances the design.
How to Select Art for an Existing Scheme:
Consider the Room’s Mood: Every room serves a different purpose and should evoke a fitting emotional response. For example:
A kitchen might feature vibrant, lively pieces to energize the space.
A study could benefit from more thoughtful, abstract works to inspire focus and creativity.
A bedroom or relaxation space might suit soothing landscapes or calming seascapes.
Complement, Don’t Compete: When adding art after the main design is established, it’s essential to choose pieces that enhance the scheme rather than overpower it. Look for artworks that harmonize with the room’s existing colours, textures, and overall vibe.
Size and Placement: Consider the dimensions of your walls and furniture. Large-scale pieces work well as focal points in living spaces, while smaller artworks can add detail to more intimate areas like hallways or reading nooks.
Where to Source Art:
Local Art Galleries: Support local talent and find unique pieces that resonate with your personal style.
Artist Research: Explore online platforms like Saatchi Art, Etsy, or Instagram to discover emerging artists.
Antique Markets: For a touch of history and tradition, antique markets offer beautiful vintage pieces that bring character to your space.
Commissions: If you have a specific idea or mood you want to convey, consider commissioning an artist for a bespoke piece. Collaborating with an artist allows you to create something truly personal and tailored to your interior scheme.
Final Thoughts: The Role of Art in Your Home
Regardless of the method you choose, art should feel authentic to you and your space. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom, a bold modern statement, or a commissioned masterpiece, the right piece of art can completely transform a room—bringing depth, meaning, and personal expression to your interiors.
Remember, art doesn’t have to be intimidating. Trust your instincts, experiment with placement, and, most importantly, choose pieces that resonate with you.