As someone with decades of experience as an interior designer, I know that curating art is one of the most impactful elements in creating a meaningful and beautiful space. Art has the power to evoke emotion, set the tone, and even become the focal point around which an entire design concept is built. I always begin designing with art at the forefront of my mind, envisioning the way it will inhabit, transform, and enliven each space.

Choose Art that Resonates with You

  Art is a personal journey, and the pieces you select should resonate with your tastes, experiences, and passions. Whether it’s an abstract painting that draws you in with its colors and textures, a landscape that reminds you of your favorite place, or a sculpture that inspires you, choose pieces that feel like an extension of yourself. This creates an authentic, engaging connection in your home.

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Use Art as Your Design Foundation

When curating a space, I view art as the anchor around which the rest of the design flows. The colors, forms, and emotions that a piece of art evokes can inform the surrounding decor. A bold, large-scale painting might dictate a more neutral palette to let the art shine, while a subtler piece could be enhanced with complementary accents in textiles or furniture.

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Consider Scale and Proportion

  Art should feel at home within the scale of the space it occupies. Large-scale pieces work well in open areas, anchoring a room with their presence, while smaller works may lend themselves to gallery walls or intimate settings like hallways and alcoves. Balancing scale and proportion helps art feel harmonious and purposeful rather than an afterthought.

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Experiment with Placement and Layers

  Curating art doesn't always mean hanging it on the wall. Layering pieces on shelves, leaning frames against walls, or placing sculptures on coffee tables or consoles brings a dynamic, lived-in feeling to your decor. This layering effect creates a sense of depth, adding to the richness of the room.

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Play with Color and Texture

Art isn’t only about visual appeal—it’s a sensory experience. Consider how the colors and textures within a piece resonate with the fabrics, finishes, and materials in the room. Rich, textural art like mixed-media or thickly painted canvases bring dimension, while airy watercolors or delicate line drawings add lightness and softness. These choices create a sense of cohesion, building a narrative through contrast and harmony.

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Create Personal Meaning with Your Collection

  Ultimately, curating art is about storytelling. Every piece has a place in the narrative of your home, whether it’s a collection of family portraits, pieces from your travels, or work by local

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Art has the unique ability to transform a house into a home. Through my years of interior design and my own journey as an artist, I’ve learned that choosing art with intention and allowing it to guide your design choices can create a space that feels both deeply personal and universally impactful. So, as you decorate, start with art in mind. Visit friends' studios, explore local galleries, attend openings, and pay attention to the pieces that resonate with you. Let the art that draws you in be the inspiration for building a home that truly tells your story.