Your Ultimate Guide to Artwork

If interior design were an ice cream sundae, then artwork would be the cherry on top. Selecting artwork is the final step in curating the striking space of your dreams, which is both extremely exciting, and incredibly daunting. The process involves balancing personal taste with the synchronized design of the room. The right artwork serves not only as a complement to the space, but as a mirror, reflecting your personality into the details of the room. As a team obsessed with picking the perfect artwork that harmonizes with our clients interior while also making a stunning statement, we have become experts at the challenge. Here are a few tips that will help you become your own personal curator.

Summon a Feeling

Before anything else, ask yourself what feeling you want the room to evoke. Do you want your living room to feel serene and calming? Or would you prefer something bold and energizing in your entryway? Art sets the tone, so consider how colors, shapes, and subject matter will influence the atmosphere. In this dining room, we wanted a timeless sense of elegance, which we achieved by implementing the striking chandelier, gorgeous vintage vases, and the regal portraiture painting. To prevent the space from feeling stuffy and instead generate an energized, eclectic feel, we added in an abstract painting to offset the traditional portrait style, and furthered the funky feel with the organic shaped lamps. Combining tradition with innovation created a space that is truly one of a kind.

Often, the Bigger the Better

A common mistake in art selection is choosing pieces that are too small for the space. A large, eye-catching canvas can anchor a room, while smaller pieces are best layered into gallery walls or more intimate nooks. As a rule of thumb, aim for artwork that fills two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space above furniture. In this foyer, the vintage Vogue and champagne posters are colossal, strategically anchoring the space in order to create a sturdy backdrop to balance out the bold patterned floors. Had we opted for smaller artworks, the space could have looked clumsy and messy, which is the opposite of our pristine, vibrant intention. 

Coordinate—but Don’t Match

Your artwork doesn’t need to match your sofa or rug, but it should be in visual harmony with your space. Look for colors or forms that echo other elements in the room. This creates a sense of cohesion without feeling overly coordinated or forced. The best pieces feel like they belong, even if they stand out. In this living room, it would have made logical sense to pick a royal blue painting to go where the horse painting is. However, it would have made the room far less vibrant and interesting, and not enhance the energetic space in the way the orange painting did. Orange is opposite of blue on the color wheel, meaning they are complimentary colors. When you place complementary colors next to each other, they amplify the opposite color. Now, the blue is able to vibrantly sing throughout the room, all with the helpful anchoring of the bright orange painting.

Pepper in Personality

Art is one of the most personal elements in your home—it should speak to you. Whether it's a painting that reminds you of a favorite place, a photograph that sparks emotion, or an abstract piece that inspires curiosity, choose something that feels meaningful. A home curated with intention always feels more authentic. In this hallway, we opted to add in a tribal sculpture because of our clients long history of travel and adventurous spirit. Experiencing new cultures and learning about our planet was important to the client, and we wanted to reflect this wandering soul by bringing mementos of those travels into his home.

Mix Styles with Confidence

Don’t be afraid to mix traditional and contemporary, or minimal and expressive. Juxtaposition creates visual interest and can elevate the sophistication of a room. A classic oil painting in a modern space? Absolutely. A bold graphic print in a more traditional room? Yes, please.

Most Importantly, Trust Your Taste

At the end of the day, choose what you love. Design rules are helpful, but your home should reflect you. If a piece brings you joy or stops you in your tracks, it’s probably the right one. Trust your instincts—they’re often your best design tool.