Beyond the Blank Wall: How to Master Art as Your Ultimate Interior Design Tool
- Emily Hadley
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Ever walked into a room and felt an immediate sense of style, personality and cohesion? Often, the secret ingredient isn't just the furniture or paint colour—it's the art. More than just decoration, art is one of the most powerful and versatile tools you have in interior design. Think about art as your ultimate interior design tool!
It is the very reason I started my art business, I feel strongly that art can be enjoyed by everyone in their homes, whatever their previous understanding or experience buying art. Art is a wonderful thing to engage with in your home and can lift your mood everyday.
It can set the mood, define a colour palette, tell a story and even manipulate perceptions of space. Ready to stop just hanging pictures and start designing with them?
1. Art as the Mood Setter: Define Your Room's Vibe
Before you pick up your hammer and nails, think about the feeling you want your room to evoke. Do you want it to be:
Calm and Serene? Opt for abstract pieces with soft, muted tones, landscapes or minimalist prints with plenty of white space.
Energetic and Dynamic? Go for bold abstracts, vibrant pop art or dynamic photography.
Sophisticated and Elegant? Classic portraiture, sophisticated abstracts or black-and-white photography can elevate a space.
Playful and Creative? Whimsical illustrations, quirky sculptures or a gallery wall of eclectic finds will do the trick.
The mood of your art will directly influence the mood of your room.
2. The Colour Connector: Art as Your Palette Guide
Struggling to pick paint colours or accent pieces? Let your art lead the way! Consider this stunning piece:
Instead of trying to match everything perfectly, use the dominant and accent colours in your artwork to inform your choices for cushions, throws, rugs or even a statement armchair. This creates a cohesive and effortlessly curated look. A large piece with a strong colour presence can anchor an entire room's palette.
3. Scale and Proportion: Making a Statement (or Not)
The size and placement of your art are crucial.
Go Big: A single, large piece of art can make a dramatic statement and anchor a wall, especially above a sofa or bed. It instantly elevates a space.
Gallery Walls: For smaller pieces or an eclectic collection, a thoughtfully arranged gallery wall or salon hang adds personality and visual interest. Plan your layout on the floor first to ensure balance.
Consider the Eye Level: Generally, hang the centre of your artwork at eye level (around 57-60 inches from the floor) in areas where you'll be standing. In a dining room, you might hang it lower to be appreciated from a seated position.
4. Texture and Form: Adding Depth and Interest
Art isn't just flat! Consider pieces that offer textural variety:
Canvas paintings provide a rich, tactile surface.
Sculptural pieces or 3D wall art add literal depth and shadow play.
Textile art (weavings, tapestries) introduces softness and warmth.
Mixed media pieces can combine various materials for unique visual and tactile experiences.
This variety prevents a room from feeling flat and one-dimensional.
5. Personal Storytelling: Art as Your Ultimate Interior Design Tool
Ultimately, art in your home should reflect you. Don't just buy art to fill a space; invest in pieces that resonate with your passions, memories and aesthetic.
Travel finds: A painting from a local artist abroad.
Hobby reflections: Art related to your favorite activities.
Meaningful themes: Pieces that speak to your values or bring you joy.
When art tells your story, your home becomes a truly authentic reflection of who you are.
So, next time you're decorating, think of art not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental building block. Used strategically, it has the power to transform a mere room into an inspiring, personalised sanctuary. Always think about art as your ultimate interior design tool. What stories will your walls tell?
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