Collected, not decorated
Selecting and curating art for a home is one of the most personal - and quietly daunting - parts of interior design. It’s also the stage where a scheme stops being “designed” and starts feeling truly lived in. In my world, art is never an afterthought. It’s a thread that runs through the entire creative process, from the first mood board to the final styling pass, and it has the power to elevate an interior from polished to soulful.
Art curation in interior design isn’t about filling blank walls. It’s about storytelling. Whether you’re selecting art for interiors that are calm and pared-back or layered and expressive, the pieces you choose should reflect the people who live there. I often say that a home should feel collected, not decorated - and art is the clearest way to achieve that sense of authenticity.
That said, even designers aren’t immune to decision paralysis. At home, I have a growing collection of artwork leaning casually against walls, carefully wrapped in brown paper, waiting patiently to be framed and hung. Some pieces were bought on impulse, others inherited or sourced on travels, and each holds meaning. Finding the right place for them - rather than just a place - takes time, and I think that’s important to acknowledge. Good art curation doesn’t need to be rushed.
When starting the process of selecting art for interior design projects, I always look at scale and emotion first. A large, expressive piece can sometimes anchor a room far more effectively than multiple smaller works, while a quieter drawing might suit a more intimate setting like a bedroom or hallway. Colour matters, of course, but harmony is more important than perfect matching. Art should converse with the space, not compete with it.
Murals have become an increasingly exciting part of this conversation. Unlike framed art, murals are immersive; they blur the boundary between art and architecture. From hand-painted landscapes to abstract forms, murals can completely transform a room and are particularly powerful in spaces that need impact - stairwells, dining rooms, or children’s bedrooms. They also offer a sense of permanence and confidence that’s incredibly compelling in luxury interior design.
In a similar vein, bespoke wallpaper has emerged as a brilliant alternative to traditional art. Andrew Martin’s bespoke wallpaper service is a wonderful example of how imagery can be scaled, tailored, and applied to suit a specific interior. Using wallpaper as art allows for a level of customisation that feels both bold and considered, and it works beautifully in projects where clients want something truly unique. It’s art curation, just in a different form. We’re currently working on a custom piece depicting the famous “Whistlejacket” for an equestrian property which I am so excited to see in pride of place.
Of course, once the art has been chosen, there’s the small matter of placement. Art placement in interior design is often underestimated, yet it can make or break the effect of even the most beautiful piece. Height, spacing, sightlines, and lighting all play a role. This is where specialists like Up The Walls, a picture placement and hanging consultancy, come into their own. Their expertise ensures that artwork is not only securely hung but positioned to be seen and appreciated exactly as intended. For clients who feel overwhelmed by gallery walls or nervous about committing to nail holes, an art hanging consultancy can be a game changer.
Gallery walls themselves deserve a mention. When done well, they can be incredibly dynamic, layering memories, styles, and mediums in a way that feels organic. My advice is always to plan before you hang - lay everything out on the floor, play with spacing, and don’t be afraid to mix frames. Uniformity is overrated; rhythm and balance are far more interesting.
Ultimately, art curation in interior design is about confidence and patience. It’s okay to live with blank walls for a while. It’s okay to change your mind. The best interiors evolve, and the art within them should do the same. Whether it’s a mural, a piece of bespoke wallpaper, or a much-loved print waiting to be framed, art has the ability to ground a space and tell a story that no sofa or cushion ever could.
And yes - one day soon, I promise I’ll finally hang all that art at home.
Until next time,
Chloe