The Key to Bringing Art into Your Client’s Home

The Key to Bringing Art into Your Client’s Home

Art has power. When it comes to interior design, the art you choose elevates a beautiful space to a deeply personal, expressive, and complete room, full of character. Art brings life, soul, story, and meaning to a space. Beyond simply the “finishing touch”, it’s a foundation for inspiration and connection. 

Thoughtfully incorporating art into your interior design projects takes skill and intention. Here are four essential keys to keep in mind. 

Start with Their Story 

What makes art even more powerful is how incredibly personal it is. Selecting the right pieces for your specific client and their home is… well, an art! Begin with learning and understanding their story and what makes them who they are vs. just what looks “good” in the space or fits the wall you’re hanging it on. 

Go deep with your clients and ask questions like: 

• What kind of art do you gravitate towards and why? 
• What does the best art make you feel? 
• Are there artists, places, memories, or scenes you want reflected in your home? 

Tie the art to your client’s identity and personal journey for a deeper sense of meaning in every piece. 

Consider Scale and Placement

Alright, now comes the time to look at the size of where you’re hanging it! A stunning piece of art can go completely unnoticed (or overpower the space) if the scale and placement are off. Factor in the size of the space, surrounding furnishings, and how the viewer will interact with the piece. 

• Go larger for statement walls 
• Add rhythm and flow with series, panels, diptychs, and triptychs
• Leave space for pieces to breathe -they should be part of the room not in competition with it 

Art Isn’t Just For Hanging on Walls! 

Think beyond the walls and outside the frame with sculptures, textiles, ceramics, installations, and artisan lighting fixtures. These serve as functional works of art and can become a statement or centering point for the entire space. 

Ceramic tiles that tell a story
Handwoven tapestries that spark conversation
A sculptural lamp on a night table that sets a romantic mood

Art is a multidimensional experience, and bringing in these pieces for your clients can open up new possibilities in transforming their spaces. 

Art Should Feel Like Home 

Bringing art into your client’s space is a blend of style and substance. When art reflects how your client wants to feel and who they are, it becomes more than decor, it becomes part of the home’s heartbeat. It provides them with a sense of belonging. 

Bonus Tip: Collaborate with an Art Advisor

As you guide your clients to see art as an investment and visual enhancement to their space, it can be helpful to bring in an expert early on in the process. Working with an art advisor allows you to source pieces faster, avoid costly mistakes, and add a layer of knowledge and personalization. Art advisors often have access to galleries and have built relationships with artists that you may not be able to find on your own. 

At Vetted By Design, we recommend Kelly Baker of Kelly Baker Art Advising Northwest.  Kelly’s trained eye and perspective guide you to source and acquire original artwork that will provide lasting value and timeless beauty. Learn more by checking out Reach out to Kelly Art Advising.