Designing with Art – How to Curate and Integrate Art in Your Interiors

Interior designer Tineke Triggs is one of Homes & Gardens' new Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.

Art has the power to transform a space far beyond its aesthetic value. It’s not simply about filling walls; it’s about curating pieces that tell your story and bring a sense of vitality to your home. As a designer, I believe decorating with art is as essential as furniture or finishes. It’s what gives a room its heartbeat.

Let the Art Lead the Design

For many clients, a favorite painting, photograph, or sculpture is the best starting point for a room. When art comes first, it naturally shapes everything that follows. Designing a room is much like composing a painting: the art becomes the focal point, while furnishings, finishes, and lighting form the supporting brushstrokes. This approach ensures a space feels intentional, layered, and cohesive.

Choose What Resonates, Not What Trends

Art is personal! It should resonate with your history, passions, and sense of place. I often guide clients to invest in works that reflect who they are, whether that’s a reminder of their hometown, a travel memory, or simply a piece that stirs an emotion. Trends can be fleeting, but when you connect with a work of art, it transcends fashion and becomes timeless in your home.

Let Art Shape Your Palette

One of the most practical ways to incorporate art into design is to use it as a color guide. A bold canvas rich with blues and greens can inspire an entire living room palette, while a monochrome photograph may steer you toward a tonal, minimalist scheme. Art gives you the confidence to be adventurous. A streak of crimson in a painting might translate into a velvet pillow, a lacquered side table, or a painted accent wall. Likewise, the subtle neutrals in a landscape can anchor a serene foundation for fabrics, finishes, and textures. With art as your compass, color decisions feel both natural and inspired.

The Final Layer of Design

Even the most meticulously planned interiors don’t feel finished until the art is in place. I often think of it as the jewelry of the home – the detail that brings depth, sparkle, and soul.

This final layer is where individuality shines through, turning a polished space into a personal sanctuary.

Conclusion: Living with Art

Art is more than decoration. It’s a reflection of who you are and how you live. When you let art guide your design choices, from the first inspiration to the final touch, you create interiors that are not just beautiful but deeply personal. Trust your instincts. Collect what you love. Because when you live with art that resonates, your home will always feel alive, layered, and truly yours.