Interior Design
Ideas we Love: 35 Spaces Where Art and Decor Synergise
These rooms look like they frame the artworks on their walls. How'd they do that?
Some interiors are intentionally designed to showcase the homeowners’ art collection; some are happy coincidences. But these spaces go beyond a couple of like-coloured throw cushions or an analogous-shaded curtain or rug. They look like the whole space frames the artwork, or the artwork reflects the room’s decor or view. Some of them may seem matchy-matchy; some of them are quirky or cheeky in what they express. Whatever the case, as with Art-with-a-capital-A, you may or may not appreciate the aesthetic.
2.
Location: Seattle, USA
Why we love it: A customised mural by a Spanish artist is the centrepiece of this whimsical bedroom, which has a ‘swing bed’ floating with the painted fairy.
Location: Seattle, USA
Why we love it: A customised mural by a Spanish artist is the centrepiece of this whimsical bedroom, which has a ‘swing bed’ floating with the painted fairy.
3.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Why we love it: At first glance, you only see that the cushions and sheets echo the pink and green of the artwork on the wall. A closer look reveals that the bedside lamps were thoughtfully selected to match, and the slim, white legs of the side tables and chair echo the window frame, connecting the greens outside to the interiors.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Why we love it: At first glance, you only see that the cushions and sheets echo the pink and green of the artwork on the wall. A closer look reveals that the bedside lamps were thoughtfully selected to match, and the slim, white legs of the side tables and chair echo the window frame, connecting the greens outside to the interiors.
4.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Why we love it: The colours of the furniture are soft whispers of the colours of the painting above the sideboard, while the brass elements connect with the artwork on the adjacent wall. Visually, this room embodies the quote, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Why we love it: The colours of the furniture are soft whispers of the colours of the painting above the sideboard, while the brass elements connect with the artwork on the adjacent wall. Visually, this room embodies the quote, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.
5.
Location: London, England
Why we love it: This room’s bold swathes of colour come from the triptych on the wall, its classic black-and-white scheme made current by the contemporary artwork.
Location: London, England
Why we love it: This room’s bold swathes of colour come from the triptych on the wall, its classic black-and-white scheme made current by the contemporary artwork.
6.
Location: Paris, France
Why we love it: This geometry of the furniture – chair and table legs that flare out, lights that curve gracefully, contrast with the cubist geometry of the painting, while the floor echoes it.
Location: Paris, France
Why we love it: This geometry of the furniture – chair and table legs that flare out, lights that curve gracefully, contrast with the cubist geometry of the painting, while the floor echoes it.
7.
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: Colour – on the adjacent wall, the rug and the Ming chair – brings out a fainter shade from the paintings, while the mirrors and patterned rug highlight the forms they portray.
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Location: Singapore
Why we love it: Colour – on the adjacent wall, the rug and the Ming chair – brings out a fainter shade from the paintings, while the mirrors and patterned rug highlight the forms they portray.
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8.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Why we love it: Despite the ornateness of the furniture, and the busy pattern of the rug, the eye is drawn to the portrait in the centre. It’s all about a sexy, cohesive look.
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Why we love it: Despite the ornateness of the furniture, and the busy pattern of the rug, the eye is drawn to the portrait in the centre. It’s all about a sexy, cohesive look.
9.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Why we love it: The painting is fun, childlike. The decor is fun but stylishly grown-up.
Location: Toronto, Canada
Why we love it: The painting is fun, childlike. The decor is fun but stylishly grown-up.
10.
Location: Bordeaux, France
Why we love it: It’s always summer in this room; the framed artwork is a scene of a swimming pool looking out to mountains, and accent colours in that image are echoed by the feature walls, furniture and accessories – even the bowl of fruit.
Location: Bordeaux, France
Why we love it: It’s always summer in this room; the framed artwork is a scene of a swimming pool looking out to mountains, and accent colours in that image are echoed by the feature walls, furniture and accessories – even the bowl of fruit.
11.
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Why we love it: Were the bar stools chosen to match the artwork, or vice versa? In an all-white space, what matters is that they create bright lines of colour.
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Why we love it: Were the bar stools chosen to match the artwork, or vice versa? In an all-white space, what matters is that they create bright lines of colour.
12.
Location: Delhi, India
Why we love it: When you have rainbow-striped bar stools, all vibrant colours belong in the space!
Location: Delhi, India
Why we love it: When you have rainbow-striped bar stools, all vibrant colours belong in the space!
13.
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: The art above the dining bench showcases sprightlier shades of the colours on the feature wall, creating that visual connection and cohesiveness between dining and living areas.
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Location: Singapore
Why we love it: The art above the dining bench showcases sprightlier shades of the colours on the feature wall, creating that visual connection and cohesiveness between dining and living areas.
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14.
Location: Australia
Why we love it: Blue curves – from the lamps to the Wishbone chairs to the pattern on the rug – are all present in the paintings on the wall as well.
Location: Australia
Why we love it: Blue curves – from the lamps to the Wishbone chairs to the pattern on the rug – are all present in the paintings on the wall as well.
15.
Location: Canada
Why we love it: Bookshelves form a frame around the study desk and the painting above it, in this gorgeously blue room (with a blue painting).
Location: Canada
Why we love it: Bookshelves form a frame around the study desk and the painting above it, in this gorgeously blue room (with a blue painting).
16.
Location: Paris, France
Why we love it: Bubble lights seemingly dangle from the ceiling straight into the two-dimension painting; geometric chairs create a playful contrast.
Location: Paris, France
Why we love it: Bubble lights seemingly dangle from the ceiling straight into the two-dimension painting; geometric chairs create a playful contrast.
17.
Location: Munich, Germany
Why we love it: Three stripes extend out vertically and horizontally from the smaller painting, instantly making it the focal point of a room with boldly coloured furnishings.
Location: Munich, Germany
Why we love it: Three stripes extend out vertically and horizontally from the smaller painting, instantly making it the focal point of a room with boldly coloured furnishings.
18.
Location: Lyon, France
Why we love it: Painting the wall in similar colours as the actual painting may be an obvious choice. Painting it in blocks of colour so that the accents of the painting pop out? Clever, and not so obvious.
Location: Lyon, France
Why we love it: Painting the wall in similar colours as the actual painting may be an obvious choice. Painting it in blocks of colour so that the accents of the painting pop out? Clever, and not so obvious.
19.
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: When you have a delicate artwork that might get lost in a double-volume space, use the soft furnishings to call attention to it.
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Location: Singapore
Why we love it: When you have a delicate artwork that might get lost in a double-volume space, use the soft furnishings to call attention to it.
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20.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Why we love it: Note the painting on the far right, and the form of the wooden chairs: they both have that modernist hooded detail.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Why we love it: Note the painting on the far right, and the form of the wooden chairs: they both have that modernist hooded detail.
21.
Location: Ahmedabad, India
Why we love it: The use of lighting, built-in shelves and chairs extends the painting’s colours and geometry into the rest of the room.
Location: Ahmedabad, India
Why we love it: The use of lighting, built-in shelves and chairs extends the painting’s colours and geometry into the rest of the room.
22.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Why we love it: The rug looks like waves lapping at the seashore that is the sofa, with the painting’s big yellow circle completing the sunshine-beach-y image without the interior style being coastal.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Why we love it: The rug looks like waves lapping at the seashore that is the sofa, with the painting’s big yellow circle completing the sunshine-beach-y image without the interior style being coastal.
23.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Why we love it: The whole room looks like an extension of the painting; the colours are echoed on the cushions and the rug, even the black and white elements. The ceiling seems to connect with a line on the painting, as well, which then connects to the striped sofas.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Why we love it: The whole room looks like an extension of the painting; the colours are echoed on the cushions and the rug, even the black and white elements. The ceiling seems to connect with a line on the painting, as well, which then connects to the striped sofas.
24.
Location: Japan
Why we love it: The use of turquoise – and where to place it – creates a well-balanced look in this room.
Location: Japan
Why we love it: The use of turquoise – and where to place it – creates a well-balanced look in this room.
25.
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: The Art Deco armchairs were repainted and reupholstered to complement and bring out even the faintest blush of the portrait above the sofa, for that seamless look.
Houzz Tour: Old and New Meet in This 20-year-old Apartment
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: The Art Deco armchairs were repainted and reupholstered to complement and bring out even the faintest blush of the portrait above the sofa, for that seamless look.
Houzz Tour: Old and New Meet in This 20-year-old Apartment
26.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Why we love it: Texture and shapes make that big, bold portrait work in this room. The weave of the dining chairs reflect the texture of the hair of the girl in the painting, and the ombre effect of the scalloped tiles echo her blue-black hair and green lips.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Why we love it: Texture and shapes make that big, bold portrait work in this room. The weave of the dining chairs reflect the texture of the hair of the girl in the painting, and the ombre effect of the scalloped tiles echo her blue-black hair and green lips.
27.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Why we love it: Not sure how to pull of this art-decor synergy? This room is a good way to start – it doesn’t have any permanent pieces. The artwork just leans against the wall, on the sideboard, while the colours that connect it to the room are moveable pieces: an accent chair, the rug and decor accessories.
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Why we love it: Not sure how to pull of this art-decor synergy? This room is a good way to start – it doesn’t have any permanent pieces. The artwork just leans against the wall, on the sideboard, while the colours that connect it to the room are moveable pieces: an accent chair, the rug and decor accessories.
28.
Location: Moscow, Russia
Why we love it: The colours of the traditional dress in the painting are brought forward by the colours on the sideboard, floor lamp, potted plants and even the framed accessories, for a playful, personal effect.
Location: Moscow, Russia
Why we love it: The colours of the traditional dress in the painting are brought forward by the colours on the sideboard, floor lamp, potted plants and even the framed accessories, for a playful, personal effect.
29.
Location: Madrid, Spain
Why we love it: Is it a coincidence that the angle of the sofa on the left makes it appear like an extension of the bed in the painting? The coffee tables are doing the same thing. It makes the painting feel like you’re Alice in Through the Looking-Glass.
Location: Madrid, Spain
Why we love it: Is it a coincidence that the angle of the sofa on the left makes it appear like an extension of the bed in the painting? The coffee tables are doing the same thing. It makes the painting feel like you’re Alice in Through the Looking-Glass.
30.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Why we love it: When artworks are so well-coordinated that they collectively work as one piece of art that becomes the focal point of a studio apartment, it must be true-blue Scandi-style.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Why we love it: When artworks are so well-coordinated that they collectively work as one piece of art that becomes the focal point of a studio apartment, it must be true-blue Scandi-style.
31.
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: The colour palette of this apartment was inspired by the mixed media diptych at the dining area. Indeed, this interior was intended to showcase this artwork.
Room of the Week: Dusky Blues in an Open-Plan Living Room
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: The colour palette of this apartment was inspired by the mixed media diptych at the dining area. Indeed, this interior was intended to showcase this artwork.
Room of the Week: Dusky Blues in an Open-Plan Living Room
32.
Location: London, England
Why we love it: It’s so tongue-in-cheek, how can we not?
Location: London, England
Why we love it: It’s so tongue-in-cheek, how can we not?
33.
Location: Moscow, Russia
Why we love it: It’s not just the greyscale of the painting that’s been considered in the colour palette of this room – note how the clock echoes the plane propellers!
Location: Moscow, Russia
Why we love it: It’s not just the greyscale of the painting that’s been considered in the colour palette of this room – note how the clock echoes the plane propellers!
34.
Location: Madrid, Spain
Why we love it: An actual potted tree stands beside the painting of a tree. To make this even more meta, the dining table base is made of pieces of tree trunk.
Location: Madrid, Spain
Why we love it: An actual potted tree stands beside the painting of a tree. To make this even more meta, the dining table base is made of pieces of tree trunk.
35.
Location: Miami, USA
Why we love it: The painting of a person and his dog looks like it was inspired by the greens of the indoor planting strip and the trees outside; the art work on the left deconstructs the arch and square of the doorway and the arch of the skylight. How clever is that synergy of art and design?
TELL US
Which arty space inspires you? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Location: Miami, USA
Why we love it: The painting of a person and his dog looks like it was inspired by the greens of the indoor planting strip and the trees outside; the art work on the left deconstructs the arch and square of the doorway and the arch of the skylight. How clever is that synergy of art and design?
TELL US
Which arty space inspires you? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Location: Singapore
Why we love it: Even as the interiors were inspired by the playfulness of Pop Artist Andy Warhol’s colours, they’re delightfully applied with a sophisticated hand.
Houzz Tour: Playful Pop Art Meets Elegance in This Apartment