A Guide to Redefining Luxury Interiors with Art

In the world of luxury interiors, art goes far beyond a simple decoration but serves as a powerful tool in infusing spaces with sophistication, personality and depth. Interior designers specializing in high-end designs can elevate their spaces with the transformative potential of art.

In this guide, we will delve into the key ways art can enhance and redefine luxury spaces, all from the perspective of an expert art curator.

Art: Elevating Form and Function

It’s easy to mistake luxury interior design as just about visual aesthetics. How a space feels and functions plays an important role and art can enhance both.

• Creating Focal Point: A visually striking artwork can help bring an anchor to the space. To bring a sense of order and purpose to the overall design, the right artwork can give the eyes of a focal point, visually organizing the other design elements.
• Emotional Resonance: There is no doubt that Art can evoke emotion. However, it is crucial to create an atmosphere that matches the narrative of the space, ensuring that the well-selectedchosen piece impacts a user’s experience positively.
• Defining Zone: When it comes to open-concept spaces, an artwork can help delineate rooms of different functions. The living room’s space can be subtly distinguished from the dining with just a vibrant piece of artwork over the couch.
• Practical Integration: Many might overlook an artwork’s ability to blend with practical solutions. For example, an artwork’s material may dampen sounds!

Tailoring Art to Reflect Clients

While design can be about following trends, luxury design is bound to be more personal. The client’s unique taste, values and lifestyle is what creates the true expression of a client’s idea of art and luxury.

• Deep Dialogue: Communication is key! Understand your client’s interests, hobbies, passions and travel experience to go beyond the surface-level of understanding one’s design preferences. These will lead you to understand their artistic sensibilities better.
• Lifestyle Connection: Consider the passions and interests of the collector. Think about the environment and how the client uses the space.
• Reflecting Aspirations: As mentioned, art and luxury is inherently personal and therefore it is important to choose a work that reflects the client’s ideal image of their aspirations and themselves.
• Personal Stories: Everyone has a story to tell and that includes their client. Learn about their personal history to understand if there are any artist, artwork or cultural experience that they hold close to, adding a layer of meaning that any off-the-shelf artwork can’t match.

Embracing the Bold and Unconventional

Luxury spaces create the perfect opportunity to showcase unusual and daring art. These pieces are full of personality and can become unforgettable pieces if used effectively. Here’s how you can do so:

• Calculated Risk: While these pieces can be great conversation starters, be sure to remember the purpose of the artwork. Ensure that the chosen work matches the design elements and complement the larger color scheme or architecture in an effective way.
• Scaling for Impact: Large and oversized artworks can be breathtaking if their proportions match their surroundings. Ensure that the piece remains in harmony with their surroundings.
• Conversation Starters: Don’t shy away from artworks that might challenge viewers, a touch of avant-garde can work perfectly in a luxury space.
• Juxtaposition Power: Opposites attract and a weathered antique sculpture can greatly enhance the space if paired in a minimalistic interior.

Art and Architecture: A Cohesive Dialogue

Luxury spaces are most harmonious when the architectural elements work in tandem with the artworks. Here are some things to consider to ensure this works effectively:

• Echoing Lines and Forms: Abstract artworks complement spaces that are angular and geometric. While flowing forms in paintings and sculptures work best with curvilinear spaces to create an overall more organic look.
• Material Play: The materials in a space can inspire what artworks you eventually decide to implement into the space. For example, an exposed brick wall can pair very well with a mixed media artwork that is similarly textured.
• Historical References: Traditional artworks can help in maintaining the atmosphere of a similar space, such as a classic period-style interior. Similarly on the other end, an ultra-modern space can benefit from avant-garde pieces.
• Negative Space: It is important to let architectural features breathe so definitely don’t feel obligated to fill up all the empty spaces! Negative space can come off very handy in balancing out the design of the interior.

Scaling Art for Grand Interiors

High Ceilings, expansive walls and large rooms are often associated with luxury. With the spaciousness, Art needs to be able to fill it without being overwhelmed by them. Here’s just how to do it:

• Go Big (and Bold): Oversized canvases, sculptures or statement installations will go great in a grand living room or entryway. A commanding presence will be a great way to decorate such spaces
• Grouping Impact: Gallery walls are a common way to spice an empty wall but be sure that the collection ties together in terms of color, subject matter or style.
• Floor to Ceiling: To make walls seem even higher than they are, a vertical artwork can create a sense of grandeur by playing with texture and light
• Don’t Forget Lighting: Large-scale artworks depend heavily on lighting. While a diffused light can create a softer effect, focused spotlight can highlight its importance.

Art as Narrative: Evoking Mood and Story

Art can bring a powerful narrative to the space and about the people who are in it. Consider what kind of story you would like to tell with an artwork and what your client would like visitors to take away:

• Setting the Tone: Color palette, subject matter, and composition are ways that the artwork evokes a desired mood. Consider what kind of tone your client desires. Is it a sense of tranquility, sophistication or excitement?
• Thematic Collections: An artwork can enhance the function of a room. For example, a spa-like bathroom can benefit from artworks with calming seascapes while a kitchen can be enhanced with culinary-themed pieces.
• Personal History: Consider what are some of your client’s life experiences and passions that they would like to share through art. Whether it can be a collection of travel photography, heirloom objects, these pieces can make the space more personal.
• Conversational Pieces: As mentioned, artworks are great conversation starters. Therefore, a surreal work with a hidden meaning or humorous twist to the client can keep the space feeling more engaging.

Beyond the Canvas: Sculpture, Installations, and Mixed Media

Luxury spaces give less traditional art forms a better chance to shine as they offer a contemporary edge to classic luxury spaces:

• Sculptural Impact: A sculpture can add dimensionality to a room, especially a freestanding or wall-mounted one. Materials such as bronze, glass or stone can match well in a luxurious space
• The Power of Installations: Immersive installations, whether it's through the use of light, sound or found materials, can turn a regular space into an experimental, memorable art encounter for all that inhabits it
• Tactile Appeal: A way to add more warmth and personality to the space is through artworks that use materials such as fabric, paper or found objects. These pieces bring visual and tactile fascination.
• Unexpected Locations: While hanging artworks on walls is a classic move, always be innovative and think outside the box! Consider kinetic sculptures on pedestals or textile works hanging from the ceiling. Even coffee table objects being artfully arranged can transform an overlooked area into an artistic expression. 

Art as a Wise Investment

Art has commonly been used as an asset and therefore it is important to understand how to boost their long-term value. Here are some things to consider:

• Emerging Artists with Potential: Do consider obtaining artworks from early to mid-career artists. While this is a move more for clients open for a risk, it is still a great choice as there is a chance you can yield a significant return on investment over time as you track their growth trajectory
• Art with Provenance: If looking at the secondary market, it is key to only purchase artworks with a clear provenance.
• Unique Artworks: Unique pieces such as paintings or sculptures tend to hold value better over artworks in multiple editions, purely because of rarity.
• Diversification: A collection of large variety can always be a plus point, compared to a collection that focuses on just one artist or one style. Diversification can also add interest to their space.

Navigating Galleries and Artists

Sourcing for the right artwork can be a tedious process but here are some ways that can make the process easier:

• Build Gallery Relationships: A good starting point is to create good relationships with reputable galleries, especially those with styles that suit your clientele. This way, you may get the opportunity to view exclusive collections and gain insider knowledge.
• Attend Art Fairs and Shows: These events offer you a chance to view various styles of art from different artists, whether emerging or established. Additionally, gaining a network with industry professionals is always a plus point.
• Commissioning Directly: Nothing makes a piece more unique than having one created just for you. Working with artists directly to get a customized piece done can allow you to have a connection to the creative process as well
• Use Online Resources: Online platforms, such as The Artling, provide access to a large variety of artworks and artists, expanding your sourcing options in your reach.

The Future of Luxury Art: Emerging Trends

Trends can allow you to stay ahead in luxury design, which is crucial. Here are some trends to consider that can help inspire your selection for your projects:

• Technology Integration: Augmented Reality and Digital Elements in art are rising and provide a cutting-edge and futuristic experience for many
• Sustainability Focus: With the importance of sustainability rising, artworks made from eco-friendly materials can speak to the growing emphasis on sustainability in luxury design
• Global Perspectives: Emerging regions like Africa and Southeast Asia have artworks that offer unique narratives and can match a client’s cosmopolitan taste.

Conclusion: The Art of Exception Design

It's safe to say that luxury interiors are more than just visually aesthetic spaces. There is so much expression of aspirations, taste and lifestyle all in one, with Art playing a vital role in it. Artworks give many the opportunity to add a layer or emotion, value and meaning to their space, making it unique to them. Interior designers have the power to redefine these spaces through a curated selection of artworks, whether it's through embracing bold choices, following emerging trends or understanding the investment value of art.

Overall, finding the perfect artwork for a space can be a lot easier with The Artling Trade Program. With exclusive access to our curated selection of fartworks, artworks and even a network of personalized consultants, sourcing for the right artwork for your projects can become even more seamless. Visit The Artling website here to learn more and elevate your interior design projects today!