Why Art Belongs at the Heart of Interior Design

When most people think about starting a design project, they think of paint charts, furniture layouts, or fabric samples. For me, it begins somewhere else entirely: with the art. I absolutely love when Clients have a piece they love but aren’t sure how to make it sing within the rest of the space.

Art has a unique ability to set the emotional tone of a space. A single painting, print, or sculpture can spark an entire design direction — informing the colour palette, influencing textures, and guiding the mood of a room. More than that, it brings personality and story into a home in a way that nothing else can.

This is a print picked up via Desenio which we framed with a gold frame to give it more presence in the room. Hanging it from a picture wire means it can be moved without making any holes - great if you have picture rails.

Art as a Starting Point

I often begin by asking clients about a piece of art that resonates with them — perhaps a painting they’ve collected, a print picked up on their travels, or even something inherited that carries family history. The response is always personal and unique. No two people connect with the same piece in the same way, and that emotional reaction becomes the foundation of the design. If clients don’t have any meaningful art then I will have a conversation about what they might like and look for options which will resonate with them.

For example, a bold, expressive portrait might inspire a confident use of colour. Or a delicate landscape could guide a softer, more atmospheric scheme, full of natural materials and calming shades. In this way, art becomes more than decoration.

This print is by my Client’s cousin Lesley Birch - it set the colour palette and tone for the whole scheme making it easy to pick accent colours for the room as they are all right there in the picture! The gentle landscape was an anchor to creating a soft and restful space.

Beyond Decoration

Too often, art is treated as the finishing touch — something to hang on the wall once the “real” design work is done. But when it sits at the heart of the process, it elevates the entire space. It brings depth, vibrancy, and meaning. It tells the story of who you are and what matters to you.

That’s why I always encourage clients to choose art that makes them feel something, rather than something that simply “matches the wall colour.” Because when a piece resonates, it anchors the whole room.

The brass table top above the bed in this room inspired this whole room with it’s Eastern influence, patterns and motifs

Three Tips for Choosing Art That Inspires Your Interiors

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are three simple ways to bring art into your home:

1. Start with Emotion

Ask yourself how you want a space to feel. Calm and restorative? Playful and energising? Confident and dramatic? Choose artwork that evokes that emotion in you — it will set the tone for everything else. Getting this vibe right will set you on the right path.

2. Think Beyond the Wall

Art doesn’t have to be limited to paintings. Consider textiles, ceramics, photography, or even a vintage piece of furniture as art. These can be just as powerful in inspiring your design palette. I love a Suzani which is a fabric wall hanging, these can be great to hang in a large space or have framed for a cleaner look. Etsy have loads of options.

3. Don’t Chase Perfection

The most meaningful pieces are rarely the most “perfect.” Trust your instinct, and choose works that spark joy, curiosity, or memory. When art is personal, your interiors naturally feel authentic and unique. A lot of the art in my own home is picked up in Charity shops or at auctions and often comes with a beautiful original frame.

A Home with Personality and Soul

Designing with art at the centre ensures that every home feels personal, soulful, and impossible to replicate. It’s not about following trends, but about creating interiors that reflect your story and spirit.

At Blaven Interiors, we love to incorporate artwork into every project, so do get in touch if you if you’d like some help with your own home.