Artful Living - How to use art in interior design

“Art to a room, is what great accessories are to an outfit.” - Maché Interiors

Art in interior design is always a great place to add fun, colour, contrast, and personality to your space. You don’t need to be a seasoned collector to integrate art into your next design project. So, let's delve into some tips and tricks on how to add depth, and visual interest in your home.

Find Your Style

Before diving into the world of art, take some time to explore different styles and mediums to identify what resonates with you. Are you drawn to abstract paintings, minimalist photography, or sculptures? Or are you more traditional in terms of your choices and love your art to reflect your local landscape and talk to the history of your area? Understanding your personal style will mean that your home can be filled with art that reflects your tastes and brings joy every time you look at it.

TIP – If you don’t know where to start, check out The Tate – they have over 4500 works of art online and can be a great place to get an idea for what types of art appeals to you.

Choose the Right Scale

Scale is crucial when incorporating art into your design projects. Large statement pieces can anchor a room and serve as focal points, while smaller artworks can be added to areas that have a lot more going on to layer colour and visual diversity.

TIP – Use masking tape to plot out the art on your walls and make sure the scale you are thinking of will look great in the space. This will also make your life easier when you go to hang it on the wall, as you know exactly where it should be situated.

Consider the Placement

The placement of art is just as important as the art itself. When hanging artwork, aim for eye-level positioning to ensure optimal viewing and engagement. Additionally, consider the flow of the room and the natural light to determine the best placement for each piece.

TIP – think about your art as a guest in your room. What energy does the art bring to the space? As much as you can love a gothic and moody piece of art, is it something you want sat above your sofa whilst you are trying to relax? Really think about how the art makes you feel and match that to how you want to feel in the space that you are designing.

Create your pop

As we know, art can really enhance interior design and can add a pop of colour to a space that can either create a focal point or bring a whole room together.

 TIP – If you have a few colours in your scheme try looking at art that has these colours included. Or again get out your colour wheel and look at a complimentary contrast to really make your room have more visual interest. For example, a room that has a lot of dark green can really be enhanced by some art that includes a dark rich red. It will match in terms of tone but contrast beautifully to add more depth and interest.  

Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a great way to add a lot of interest to your space.  Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and frames to create visual interest and tell a story. Start by laying out the arrangement on the floor before hanging the pieces to ensure a balanced composition.

TIP – if you are a fan of a gallery wall but don’t know where to start there are brands that will do all the hard work for you, and suggest styles, sizes and subjects. Check out Desenio if you are struggling on where to start.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix different styles, mediums, and periods of art within your home. Combining contrasting elements can create visual intrigue and add a dynamic dimension to your interior design. We love to see when designs have paired contemporary artwork with vintage furniture or mixing bold, colourful pieces with neutral decor to strike the perfect balance.

TIP – Designing spaces is all about creating balance and interest, and picking art for your space is no different. We always suggest sitting in your space and try to think about what is potentially lacking. This can be a great place to start to guide you in terms of your art choice.

Art is a powerful tool in interior design that allows you to express your creativity, personality, and style. By following these tips and embracing the beauty of art, you can transform your home into a place that reflects your identity and inspires you daily. So, go ahead – unleash your inner curator and let your imagination run wild!

In our upcoming blog we will look at great places to source art for all budgets, so make sure to check out our next blog coming on Saturday.