How to Choose Artwork for Your Home (5 Things I Always Consider)
Choosing artwork for your home doesn't have to be complicated. Here are five things I always consider when selecting artwork for my own space.
As both an artist and someone with a background in design, I'm often asked how I choose artwork for a space.
Over the years, I've learned that the pieces that work best aren't always the ones that perfectly match a room. They're the ones that create a feeling, draw you in, and still make you smile years later.
Whether I'm choosing artwork for our own home or helping someone select a piece for theirs, these are the things I always come back to.
1. Choose artwork you connect with
The paintings I enjoy living with most aren't necessarily the ones that match perfectly. They're the pieces that catch my eye every time I walk past them.
When choosing artwork, I always encourage people to trust their instinct. If you keep coming back to a piece, there's usually a reason.
2. Think about mood before colour
Colour is important, but I think mood matters even more.
A painting can bring warmth, calm, energy or personality to a room. Before thinking about whether a piece matches your cushions or curtains, think about how you want the space to feel.
3. Don't be afraid of contrast
Some of my favourite interiors combine soft neutral spaces with artwork that adds colour, texture and character.
Artwork doesn't need to blend into a room to belong there. Sometimes a little contrast is what makes a space feel interesting and lived in.
4. Consider where you'll see it most
I love placing artwork in spaces that are part of everyday life — hallways, dining rooms, living rooms and entryways.
The more often you see a piece, the more it becomes part of your home. Art isn't just something to look at; it's something to live with.
5. Choose something you'll still love in five years
Trends come and go, but artwork is personal.
When I'm choosing art for my own home, I try to imagine whether I'll still enjoy looking at it years from now. The best pieces tend to be the ones that continue revealing something new over time.
Living With Art
Several of my own paintings currently hang throughout our home, including Hidden in the Leaves and The Sunday Vase.
As an artist, it's easy to think about artwork as something that belongs in a gallery or studio. But some of my favourite moments happen at home — seeing a painting catch the afternoon light, noticing details I'd forgotten about, or watching my daughters stop to look at a piece as they walk past.
Living with artwork every day reminds me that art isn't just decoration. It helps shape the feeling of a space, tells a story and becomes part of the memories made there.
If you're currently looking for artwork for your home, you can browse my available original paintings and fine art prints using the links below.