How to Choose Art That Compliments Your Home and Reflects Your Style

Is Your Artwork Helping or Hurting Your Rooms Vibe?

Does your art collection just feel like a garage sale of pieces that aren't working in unison? Art is often the finishing touch in a room's design, but choosing the right pieces can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever stared at a blank wall wondering what to hang, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the pressure of finding art that not only fits their room but also makes it feel like home. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re in the middle of a big home redesign or simply looking to refresh your space, we’re here to help you understand how to choose art that complements your design style and transforms your home into a space you truly love.

Why Does Art Matter in Your Interior Design?

Art has the ability to completely change the energy of a room. The right pieces can add depth, color, and even mood to a space, making it feel more cohesive and personal. On the flip side, the wrong art can feel out of place, competing with your furniture and décor or even making the room feel chaotic.

As a busy professional or a parent juggling multiple tasks, you don’t have time to waste on decor that doesn’t work. That’s where thoughtful, intentional art choices come in. The key is finding pieces that align with your overall design vision, without requiring constant upkeep or revisions. The following are some of my tips for making great choices in your art collection.

Tip 1: Art and Color Palette – Not Matching, But Complementing

When it comes to art and color, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking everything needs to match perfectly. We have for years been taught to do that with our furniture, its only natural to behave the same way with our art. The truth is, while your art doesn’t have to match your exact room colors, it should complement your overall color palette.

For example, if your living room has neutral tones like beige and taupe, you don’t need to pick art with matching hues. Instead, look for art with a pop of color that can bring energy to the space. Maybe a deep blue abstract piece or a vibrant landscape painting that incorporates soft, neutral backgrounds can create a beautiful contrast and balance.

If your space is already bold and colorful, consider art that balances that energy. Subtle, understated pieces with more muted tones can keep the room from feeling overwhelming while still contributing to the visual flow.

Tip 2: The Mood You Want to Set – Art Can Influence Atmosphere

Every room has its own purpose, and your artwork should reflect that. For instance, in a bedroom, you’ll want pieces that evoke calm and relaxation—think soothing abstracts or nature-inspired landscapes. In a home office, energizing art that sparks creativity can be more appropriate.

The art you choose sets the tone of the room and can make or break the atmosphere. If you're working with a soothing, minimalist design, a large, chaotic piece might be a jarring contrast. But if you love bold, vibrant colors, then art with the same energy can create a room that feels exciting and dynamic.

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of choosing art that sets the right mood, consider creating a "mood board" to explore what resonates with you before you commit to a piece.

Tip 3: Scale and Proportion – Size Matters!

Art should always be in proportion to the room and the furniture around it. You wouldn’t place a tiny piece of art on a huge, empty wall—it would look lost. Likewise, a large piece of art may overwhelm a smaller room or a more delicate piece of furniture.

When selecting art, think about the size of the wall it will hang on and the other elements in the space. If you have a large wall, don’t be afraid to go big with your art choices. For smaller walls or spaces, consider grouping smaller pieces to create a gallery wall.

If you have furniture, like a sofa or bed, that you want to center the artwork around, aim for a piece that’s roughly 2/3 the width of the furniture. This creates a visually balanced composition.

Tip 4: Frame It Right – Framing Can Make or Break Your Artwork

The frame you choose can affect how the art interacts with the rest of your décor. A frame that clashes with the design of your space can detract from the artwork itself. It’s essential to pick a frame that complements your furniture, but it doesn’t have to match perfectly. Consider the finishes you have in that room, if its gold hardware then a bright chrome is likely going to look out of place.

For minimalist spaces, opt for simple frames in black, white, or natural wood. If your space has more character, you might choose frames with a bit more personality, like gold or metallic frames or unique shapes.

Tip 5: Your Art Should Reflect You

Ultimately, your artwork should reflect your style and your story. Don’t feel pressured to buy art just because it’s trending or fits the current décor trends. You know when you walk into Homsense and see something "cool" its likely just a trend and may not resonate with you next month. Beware of the quick mass produced art. Art should evoke an emotion with you personally and make you feel good in the space.

If you’re drawn to abstract art or vintage posters, that’s great! If you're a fan of photography, maybe a collection of black-and-white images of landscapes or cities would speak to you. Whatever makes your home feel more "you" is what matters most.

Remember, it’s about creating a space that feels like home—a place where you can relax and recharge.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process

Choosing the right art can feel intimidating, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule and have limited time for design decisions. But with these simple tips, you can make sure that your art enhances your space rather than overwhelms it. Trust your instincts, take your time, and above all, choose pieces that bring you joy and reflect your personality. Additional tip - switch out your art to keep it fresh and new. Move it into different rooms, layer on your mantle with another piece to keep them all cycling through.

If you need a little help choosing the perfect artwork for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out! Virtual interior design means can help you select art that complements your space, creating a look that’s cohesive, beautiful, and uniquely yours. However here is a list of some favourite links to help you shop!

Etsy (Both) Framing Services

Saatchi Art Frameology

Artfinder Level Frames

Sage and Rose (CAD) Poster Jack (CAD)

Heffel Michaels (Both)

Celadon Art (CAD)