How to select art for interior design projects
For serious art lovers and collectors, the idea of using art for mere "decorating" might seem outrageous. However, as interior architects and designers in London, we have several compelling reasons to incorporate art into a decorative scheme. This is a recommendation we extend even to clients who may not be familiar with art galleries and exhibitions or who prioritise other interests over art.
When we refer to “art,” we encompass a broad range of forms: paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, pottery, ceramics, textiles, and even found objects (objet trouvé)—such as a rare shell, a beautiful branch collected during a walk, or a treasured hat from a grandmother's chest. Anything displayed for its aesthetic quality can be considered art in the context of decorating and bringing pleasure to the viewer.
4 ways we use art to enhance architecture
In our interior designs projects, we utilise art to:
- Balance volumes. For instance, hanging a decorative plate above a door can draw the eye upward and create a sense of height.
- Layer the space. A row of colorful Venetian glasses on a glass shelf in front of an internal window is a great example of layering.
- Add colour. A renowned florist once told me that she always incorporates tiny colorful flowers or berries into a white bouquet to prevent it from looking sad. The same principle applies to neutral color schemes and tone-on-tone décor: they need a touch of color to achieve the elegance intended. An oil painting—along with its texture and the decorative potential of its frame—can serve as a perfect counterpoint in a room dominated by greys, taupes, or off-whites.
A child's bedroom in Kensington is decorated in neutrals. The touch of colour is provided by a small collage, beautifully framed in white to echo the mouldings and by the little owner's book collection.
- Create depth. A painting, print, or poster can act as a "window," giving the illusion of depth where there is simply a wall. Rich, deep colors—often darker than the wall they are displayed on—can visually pierce the wall and add depth, captivating the eye to explore beyond the surface.
A bright painting found at a car boot sale acts as a virtual window in a minimalistic kitchen in Maida Vale, London
How We Source Art To Suit Each Client’s Budget
When working with a client who is a collector or, as in one recent project, someone who has inherited a collection, we assist in selecting pieces that will work best in their spaces and position them thoughtfully. It’s essential to be sensitive to the client’s relationship with their art, collaborating closely during the editing process since sentimental value plays a significant role in their home. For clients who entrust us with sourcing artwork for their homes, we begin by considering their budget, which helps determine where to look. Depending on the investment, we may visit art galleries, antique shops, and online dealers or we might explore vintage markets, reach out to emerging artists, or even search eBay and local charity shops and car boot sales.
We also had the opportunity to commission bespoke pieces for various projects. Collaborating with the maker and the client on something unique is one of the most rewarding aspects of our job. An affordable alternative to fine art includes vintage and ethnic textiles, as well as modern crafts. When framed appropriately, textiles can be extremely decorative. The rich color palettes of old textiles, created using natural dyes and shaped by the effects of time, add depth and interest to newly decorated spaces. We particularly enjoy incorporating basketry as a way to introduce a natural element into the decor, along with glassware that interacts beautifully with light and transparency.
How We Find The Perfect Piece For A Project?
Whether we are editing a client’s collection or sourcing pieces on their behalf influences our approach. In the first scenario, the art pieces usually hold personal significance for the client. We follow their lead, designing a space that complements their artwork by providing the right background in terms of wall colors and lighting, as well as choosing materials, finishes, and furniture that harmonize with the art’s colors and style, considering its provenance and subject as inspiration.
In penthouse in Southwark, London we chose a bright royal blue for the bathroom's walls to bring together an important modern painting, the poster of a beloved exhibition and a sculptural chest of drawers. The abstract motif of the curtains adds an extra arty touchI chose a bright royal blue for the bathroom's walls to bring together an important modern painting, the poster of a beloved exhibition and a sculptural chest of drawers. The abstract motif of the curtains adds an extra arty touch
Typically, clients request art sourcing as an additional service toward the end of a project, once a strong working relationship has been established. We then propose pieces that will complement the overall décor or serve as enhancements to those we have already integrated into the design.
All of our projects are bespoke, tailored to meet not only the client’s brief and desires but also the specific requirements dictated by the overall design. We consider a variety of art styles, including abstract, figurative, photography, landscape, and vintage art, ensuring a thoughtful curation process aligned with the client’s preferences.