Art Installation at Home: Challenging, Fun, and Creative!
As a New York interior designer, I can tell you one of the easiest ways to bring life to a blank wall is with art. A single piece can instantly shift the mood of a room. Imagine something you love—whether a bold abstract canvas or a quiet black-and-white photograph—anchoring your space. Suddenly, the room feels intentional. You’ve created not just decoration, but focus and balance.
Curating wall art doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it should be fun. Think of it as visual storytelling: you’re arranging fragments of personality and memory to create rhythm and energy throughout your home.
Mixing Mediums: The Unexpected in Art Installation
Many people hesitate to mix mediums, but combining them can make a space feel layered and dynamic. Pairing black-and-white photography with colorful paintings, line drawings with textured collages, or vintage etchings with modern prints adds depth and conversation to your walls. The trick is to keep a sense of balance—either through color harmony, scale, or consistent framing. (You may want to check out our article on Paint vs. Wallpaper, too. It can give you some extra ideas on balancing this with art.)
Frames themselves can be part of the story. I often combine sleek metal frames with weathered wood or float frames with traditional mats to create subtle contrast. Heavy and light matting can be used strategically to build dimension—especially in rooms with neutral palettes where texture and form become the stars.
As an interior designer, I’ve found that mixing the old and the new is what gives a home soul. An antique sketch alongside a contemporary photograph feels effortless when the tones and proportions relate. And remember, asymmetry can be beautiful. A slightly off-center grouping behind a sofa or a casual diagonal flow of pieces down a hallway can feel natural and inviting.
Where to Hang: Placement and Flow
Think beyond the living room. Foyers, hallways, and stairwells are perfect for displaying collections or family photo galleries. These areas naturally invite movement, so a sequence of images can guide the eye and tell a story. For couples or families, blending both sides’ histories adds warmth and connection—you’re literally walking through your shared narrative.
In bedrooms, a single large piece above the headboard can serve as a calming focal point, while in dining areas, a series of smaller works can create rhythm and energy without overwhelming conversation. When planning placement, stand back and consider the “flow” of your home—how one view leads to another. Art should draw you forward.
Scale/Portfion Considerations
Scale is one of the most overlooked parts of decorating with art. Too often, pieces are chosen for their subject matter, not their size in relation to the wall. A small print can disappear on a large expanse, while an oversized canvas can overwhelm a cozy space. To create harmony, think about the negative space around your artwork as much as the artwork itself. I often encourage clients to “go a little larger than feels safe”—it’s amazing how a well-sized piece can make a room feel more grounded and confident. If you’re uncertain, consider starting with painter’s tape outlines on the wall before committing to your layout.
Safety and Finishing Touches
A practical reminder: always hang safely. If your artwork weighs 20 pounds, use hardware rated for 30. A beautiful wall arrangement is only beautiful if it stays securely in place.
And if you’re unsure how to bring everything together—whether choosing the right scale, creating visual balance, or styling shelves with art objects—reach out for a consultation of art installation services. Together, we can transform your walls into expressions of who you are and how you live. Simply reach out and book a free consultation and we can come up with a plan to beautify your living spaces!
P.S. For a little “extra,” here’s a fun piece on choosing the right picture frame on the auction house Christie’s website.