Alicia Keys' living room is a masterclass in decorating with art – and her technique is easily replicable

The singer adorned her neutral living room with statement artwork – and designers say we can learn a lot from her space.

Alicia Keys
(Image credit: John Shearer via Getty Images)

Everyone loves art, but styling it can bring up hundreds of interior design questions. How should you pair furniture with art? Should you buy art to match your space, or just choose pieces you love? Luckily, Alicia Keys is here to provide some answers.

The singer took to Instagram to share that she and her husband, Swizz Beatz, were lending art from their collection, the Dean Collection, to the Brooklyn Museum, offering a view into her artistically designed living room. 

The space is a lesson in decorating with art – starting with the colorful and textural pieces that juxtapose the neutral paint and furnishings.

San Francisco-based interior designer Soledad Alzaga admires the combination of art with a neutral living room

'In Alicia Keys' living room, the neutral furniture provides a calming backdrop, allowing the eye-catching statement art to pop and become a focal point,' Soledad says.'This contrast creates visual interest and draws attention to the unique art on the walls. The pottery collection is displayed all together on a console table, adding texture and personality to the space.'

Soledad Alzaga
Soledad Alzaga

San Francisco-based Interior designer Soledad Alzaga has worked on designs projects in San Francisco, Sonoma, Atherton, New York, Martha's Vineyard, Los Angeles, Mexico and Argentina.

'Using meaningful art pieces to make a bold visual statement—as Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats do in their living room—is a wonderful opportunity to create contrast with a more neutral-toned furniture assortment, as well as to showcase your personality,' adds interior designer Kathy Kuo of Alicia and Swizz's living room art technique. 

kathy kuo home
Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 

pale lavender living room with gray modern couch, marble coffee table, coffee table books, bold print cushions, contemporary artwork

A living room with a similar neutral palette to Alicia Keys' space.

(Image credit: Mylands)

'I love how the art in Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats' living room is fairly subdued in color, yet, due to the warm neutrals of the sofa console decor, the beautiful painting draws the eye immediately.'

For those asking 'what can I put on my living room walls,' Soleded has all the answers for following in the footsteps of the musical couple. She states: 'To achieve a living room with neutral furniture, striking statement art, and a collection of pottery, start with soft-toned furniture for a calming base.'

She adds, 'Select bold art pieces to serve as focal points and display them prominently on walls. Curate a selection of pottery or complementary items that harmonize well together, then display them as a cohesive grouping.'

Shop H&G's Living Room Art Edit


Art isn't something to be nervous about, but something to embrace in your living room.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

I am a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens. My interests lie at the intersection of design and popular culture with a particular focus on trends and celebrity homes. Before joining Future, I worked as a Content Writer and Communications Lead for Fig Linens and Home, a luxury linens and home interiors brand based in Fairfield County, CT. I have a BA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College in New York and an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology.