It All Begins at Home: A Guide to Intentional Design with Art
Home isn’t just a place to live; its a place where we feel safe and known, where familiarity brings comfort, where stories are held, growth is nurtured, and learning unfolds - quietly shaping who we are and how we then be. Just as home shapes our daily lives and personal growth, the art we choose and how we place it can transform our spaces into reflections of who we are and what we invite others into when they come into our spaces. Art is more than decoration — it’s a personal expression that brings warmth, meaning, and purpose to the places you live. Integrating artwork into your home thoughtfully transforms spaces into reflections of who you are.
START WITH A WARM, INTENTIONAL PALETTE
Today’s interiors favor earthy, rich tones and warm neutrals — olive greens, terracotta, mocha, dusty blues, and deep plums. These hues create a cozy foundation that lets art feel integrated rather than added on.
Coastal Fog digital art
Photography credit: Tiffany Ringwald Photography
MIX ORIGINALS & PRINTS WITH PURPOSE
Fewer, more meaningful pieces create stronger impact. Originals serve as anchor pieces while curated prints help tell a cohesive story throughout your home.
PLACE ART TO ENHANCE FLOW AND FUNCTION
Living rooms benefit from art placed above seating or consoles. Bedrooms work best with calming pieces over the bed or leaned casually on dressers. Hallways and entryways are ideal for series that guide the eye.
FRAME & TEXTURE MATTER
Natural wood, brushed metal, and linen mats add warmth and depth. Texture is key — both in art and surrounding materials.
Wood tones bring warmth. Frames and furniture that compliment the warmth of floors and cabinets bring cohesion.
INTEGRATE WITH FURNITURE & ARCHITECTURE
Art should align with furniture edges and architectural features. Use lighting to highlight key pieces and define zones in open spaces.
Play off shapes and styles in the surrounding space. Use archways to create warmth and repeat patterns of circles, arches, ovals in frames, vases and other furniture to tie the space together.
LAYER FOR A THOUGHTFUL, LIVED-IN LOOK
Layer mediums, lean art, and mix textures for visual richness that feels intentional yet relaxed.
Use repeat colors, patterns and textures in the same space to create depth and warmth.
LET ART TELL YOUR STORY
Choose pieces that reflect memories, emotion, and personal meaning. Art should make your home feel like yours.
WHAT' STORY DO YOU WANT TO TELL?
Get to work thinking through your story and start selecting comparable art for your walls. To help, ask yourself these questions: What matters to you? What inspires you? How do you entertain? What do you want people to feel when they are in your home? What do you want to invite your guests to know about you or experience when they are in your space? (That includes you and those who live in your space!)
Use these questions to help you start to craft your space around you, your values, and goals.
All the best - Susan
