Interior Decor: 11 Design Ideas for Art Lovers

Many artists believe that the art is an individual statement and does not need décor to make it stand out. However, designers may beg to differ and say that art can always have a much better impact if it is supported by complementing décor. The designers are always encouraged to first buy the art, and then, employ designing strategies to have a complete harmony. Here are some techniques to use the décor in order to support the art and make it do wonders for the interior design of your home.

1. Repetition is the Key

[Image – Tracy Murdock Allied ASID]

In this image, the art is further accentuated with the use of bright colours in accessories. The use of black and white images in the background along with black and white upholstery with design that complements the artwork is a perfect blend of another.

[Image – Angela Todd Designs]

When you use the technique of repetition, it increases the impact of design in the room. Like in this image, the colour of the pillows has been taken from the painting, which suddenly blends the art with the décor. Just because of the addition of colour on the bed made the painting come out stronger in the room. Indeed one of the best bedroom decor ideas!

[Image – Cary Bernstein Architect]

In this particular image, these particular vases have been chosen because of the quaint painting with abstract lines, which are being complemented by the lines on the vases. The visual interest of the room has been piqued by these simple designs.

[Image – Irene Turner: Real Estate Sonoma Style]

You can use your furniture, as well as the art to replicate the lines in the painting. Repetition is not about using the same design, but the aspect of that design across the décor so that there are subtle similarities amongst each of these pieces. Like in this image, the lines in the painting are matched with lines on the dining table that does wonders in complementing one another. The floral arrangement on the table is what brings out the colour in the painting and the room.

1. Get equilibrium in colour

[Image – Christy Dillard Kratzer]

In this image, the painting uses a dash of red on a lot of black and white, which not only breaks the monochromatic monotony, but also lends a colourful perspective. In a similar way, the room has been done in shades of black and white with the use of little red pillow on a black couch to match the art. Slight detailing has been added with the help of red flowers too. When you balance the colour with the help of painting, it lets the art spread its influence across the room.

1. Use various forms of art

[Image – Dayne Keating]

When you use the art that belongs to the same artist, there is a sense of symmetry and balance, even though the art may be different from one another. Like in this image, the art is complementing one another with their strong horizontal and vertical lines. Together they leave a very strong impact in the room. The design is further accentuated with the help of matching accessories in red and other bright colours.

1. Align your art to the furniture    

[Image – TEA 2 Architects]

Art may be a significant piece of design in the house but to be able to give its due, you need to have the furniture properly placed in its alignment. When you place a matching piece of furniture corresponding to the art, it automatically becomes the focal point, without much ado. In this image, although the painting in itself is sufficient, yet the simple placement of a wavy bench gives it a different spotlight in the room.

1. Power of Reflection

[Image – Peter A. Sellar – Architectural Photographer]

The best and the most dramatic way to spread the influence of art are to use mirrors in strategic points so that it can reflect off at different surfaces. You can get many perspectives by simply placing the mirrors in the front on the ceiling and on any other wall where you want the reflection. In this image, the painting has been spread in the room with the help of mirrors and is being used effectively to decorate the empty spots.

1. Let Art be the Focal Point

[Image – Craig Denis]

One of the great living room decor ideas is to let art take the centre stage in your living room. In this image, the quilt in the background has extreme detailing and is a standalone design statement. This art has been allowed to shine its glory by using simple furnishings and upholstery on the sofa and keeping the accessories less demanding.

[Image – Jason Ball Interiors, LLC]

In this image, a slight use of green in an otherwise red painting has been highlighted with the use of green colour on the walls. This green wall is only visible through the arch opening, which leaves an impact of its own. The accessories have also been kept to a minimum so that the painting can take the spotlight.

1. Explore the colour palette

[Image – 450 Architects, Inc.]

You can experiment with a whole palette on a single room. In this image, all the colours from the palette have been used from the painting, which brings a sense of warmth and harmony to the room. The homeowner picked up all the pieces very meticulously in order to blend the décor with the art.

1. Be stylish

[Image – Praktyczne I Piekne]

There is nothing that livens up a room the way quirkiness does. It adds a sense of joviality, and also, kills the boredom of a room done simply. In this image, the yellow stairs add contemporary value to the room and the matching art in contrasting colours complements the stairs beautifully.

[Image – Elliot Kaufman]

However, in this image, the style is understated and the décor matches the artwork completely by being not too demanding itself. The muted colour palette and the soft textures on the furnishings match the abstract painting on the wall.

1. Be humorous

[Image – Imagine Living]

Using funny artwork in the main room can be a good ice breaker with the guests, and it is also a little outside your comfort zone to use a painting that is not aesthetic in a traditional sense. For instance, in this image, a boy picking his nose can be shocking for some guests, but it will also induce a degree of laughter once the initial shock subsides. The use of marble printed upholstery on a conventional style chair is also very unique and matches the quirky art on the wall in leaps and bounds. You can allow yourself to have a little fun with the design on your décor.

1. Lighting in non-conventional way

[Image – Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects]

There are many designers who would also recommend using lighting in order to accentuate the art or accessory that you want to be the focal point of the room. However, in this room, the lighting has been used to work up the shadow play, which is an art in itself.

1. Mix the designs

[Image – Usona]

This image is a classic example of using not one, but many techniques across your room to give it a unique and trendy appearance. The rectangle black piece of art in the back wall has been replicated by the rectangle pillows on the couch and the design of the rug. Also notice how the art is not centred behind the sofa, but slightly on the right, which is complemented by the pillows by being placed on one side of the sofa. The lighting has been used effectively to play around the room and the centre table too has been placed off the centre. These small things lay emphasis on the bland art and makes it look like a part of the room.

[Image – Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.]

Even in this room, the colours in the painting and the palette across the room are common, which blend into one another. In the artwork, the bustier of the women is repeated by the slight curve in the chandelier. This subtle effect is what makes the room look symmetrical, even though you can’t put a finger on it.

When you want the art in your room to harmonize with the interior décor, all you need is to look for subtle signs, and then, play them in the accessories so that they can all blend into one another without being so obvious. Just think out of the box and don’t be afraid to experiment with the quirks.