I'm an interior designer – this is the simplest way I bring character into my home using unique artwork

One of my favorite pastimes is to stroll through thrift and antique markets and fairs, whether in Paris or North Carolina. These events are places of pure discovery, meeting vendors from around the world who have collected and found unique pieces with their own discerning eye. 

Such moments are gold mines for discovering outsider art treasures. Outsider art, which is work made by artists who create their own independent practices without classical academic training, holds a special place in my heart. I've integrated these unique pieces into my interior spaces, and they add a distinct charm while reflecting diverse cultures, providing a refreshing contrast to more mainstream and polished artworks.  or pieces led by interior design trends. 

Integrating second hand finds from these markets and fairs can lend your space an eclectic, bohemian vibe, blending textures, colors, and styles to create a home that reflects your taste and personality. On one of these buying trips, I found a gorgeous portrait by an unknown 19th-century artist that now hangs in the kitchen den above my fireplace (fig.2). The painting is of a Caribbean farmer cutting palms; the mystery of this work and the tropical environment it depicts is utterly compelling. I often wonder if the farmer depicted is the artist himself. 

Part of the fun of decorating with art is the unknown aspects of their creation – although I will never discover all the details of the work's maker, I get to live with it and bring its energy and world into my space. 

Interior Designer

Interior Designer

Cortney Bishop

Cortney Bishop, principal design and owner of Cortney Bishop Design, founded the full-service interior design firm in 2007. She holds a BBA in business marketing from the University of Georgia, and pursued her design career by blending her passions for travel, art, fashion and music. Her wide-ranging talent and innate ability to mix patterns and hues has resulted in a robust portfolio of diverse, inspiring residential and commercial projects, each reflective of a client’s lifestyle, personality and aesthetic. With a vision that runs the gamut of style and structure, Bishop enjoys inspiring other creatives, clients and everyday people through design.  In addition to running her design studio, Cortney also launched Harwood House, a line of woven textiles designed for season layering while offering a modern interpretation of classic patterns in collaboration with Holland & Sherry.

When using outsider art in design, the goal is to create a cohesive, harmonious look that feels grounded and authentic. Some ways to achieve this are by paying close attention to balance in interior design and harmony too. While outsider art is diverse and eclectic, striking a balance between different pieces is crucial. Combine colors, forms, and textures that complement each other, creating a harmonious visual flow throughout the space. 

I’d also encourage to mix, match, and combine other art forms and design elements, as juxtaposing outsider art with contemporary or classical pieces can create a dynamic, multi-layered aesthetic, reflecting a fusion of styles and influences. I use this approach in my home and every house I work on, often mixing classical photography with sculpture and ceramics to create a complete environment. 

Make sure to highlight individual pieces, and give each one the attention it deserves by positioning it in a way that draws the eye. Use lighting, unique wood framing, and placement to accentuate the qualities of each work. 

With its raw, unfiltered expression and cultural richness, outsider art can be a transformative element in home design. Incorporating outsider art can create a grounded, eclectic style in your home. 

Treasures discovered in thrift stores, art fairs, and antique markets can add unique charm and personality to your space, reflecting your taste and aesthetic sensibilities. By embracing the diversity and authenticity of outsider artists and harmoniously integrating them with other design elements, you can create a living space that is visually appealing and rich in stories, cultures, and experiences, making your home a true reflection of soulful living.