HOW TO

How To Incorporate Art In To Your Home

If you’re keen to incorporate art into your home, but you’re not sure where to start, we spoke to a gallerist and an interior designer for their expert advice. Here’s what they said…

Art Untamed founder Hettie Reatchlous is determined to make buying, collecting and commissioning art something that anyone can enjoy. Her experience speaks for itself – an MA in History of Art from The University Of Edinburgh followed by seven years working with widely acclaimed art-dealer, Michael Goedhuis.

Gallerist Hettie Reatchlous, founder of Art Untamed, says:

Do I need a big budget to start an art collection?

No, definitely not. You can start by buying prints or even limited edition prints which can start from £50. Vintage oil paintings can also be very affordable.

Do I need a lot of wall space?

No - you don't even need any wall space as you could have artworks on shelves, mantelpieces, on a desk or even hung on bookshelves.

Do I need to know a lot about art and artists?

Definitely not. It's always fun finding artwork you like and then consequently learning more about the artist and their technique and the reason behind the painting.

What’s the best way to work out my ’taste’ if I haven’t bought art before?

Go to as many exhibitions as possible to expose yourself to a range of styles / subjects /mediums. A great place to start is the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy which has over 1,000 artworks.

What’s your advice for buying a piece of art that I’ll love forever?

Go with your gut and don't buy an artwork because it's 'trendy' or someone else loves it - buy it because you love it. Your taste will undoubtedly change, but you can always move artwork around in your house if you go off something. Switching around artwork also helps you breathe new life into a room.

How do I avoid getting swept up in a trend and regretting my decision?

Try not to be influenced by influencers on Instagram/Tiktok and take the same advice as above, go with your gut. Try not to be too impulsive and sleep on it before purchasing an artwork to see if you still feel the same way about it the next day.

Should you choose art according to what room it’ll hang in?

Obviously you don't want the artwork to clash with the surrounding wallpapers or colour scheme but I wouldn't buy art to simply 'match' with the interiors. I would take this into consideration when you find something you love but don't buy an artwork because it has the same green as the chairs... buy what you love and then find a space for it.

Does artwork need to be big to make an impact?

No! Small pieces can also make a big impact. I have a very small painting which definitely packs a punch - it's a still life with meticulous detail and some very bright oranges and reds which catch everyone's eye when they walk into the room.

Laura Stephens heads up a small, dynamic team based in Dulwich, south east London. She’s known for her use of heruse of colour, beautiful details, elegance and layering of pattern, texture and light with every project.

Interior designer Laura Stephens says:

Should art match your interiors?

Some people may think that if you have a traditional home, should you only hang traditional art, and vice versa with modern. But I love the juxtaposition of a traditional house with modern art. It makes a period property feel less living in a period drama.

Should you choose art differently according to the room it’ll hang in?

There are some instances where an artwork might feel more ‘bedroomy’ for example, a floral artwork might feel more appropriate to a bedroom. Having said that we recently styled a contemporary kitchen with a vintage floral piece and I loved the juxtaposition. Funnily enough, it often comes down to framing. For example, our floral piece had a simple frame so it worked whereas a more ornate frame could feel too fussy in a kitchen space.

What about trends in art - what should you avoid?

Artwork is such a personal thing. My main tip is to go with what you love regardless of a trend. Using vintage pieces always feels timeless and they don’t date. However, I often advise clients to buy ‘placement’ prints to fill the wall before they find (or can afford) their dream piece of art (both finding and saving can take a long time).

Can you mix and watch style when creating a gallery wall?

I love mixing and matching old and new pieces. On a gallery wall, mixing high and low end pieces makes things feel very quirky and personal. For example, framing a child’s artwork or even a napkin with nostalgic meaning can be a lovely way to personalise a gallery wall. I also love mixing ceramic plates with artwork.

How do you get the framing right?

Always invest in professional framers if you can. Good framing can elevate even a hand drawn sketch to a thing of beauty. Cheap frames and really spoil the look of even an expensive piece. A simple oak frame from a proper framer is my go the less ornate style also reduces their charges. I also love to box frame 3D pieces to make the frame part of the art. Tray frames can also add a different dimension to a canvas and really elevate it. Ask your framer for advice.

Also don't forget to visit our Framing Guide and our Frames Collection.

Does there need to be a thread to hold it all together?

Yes, sometimes using the same simple frame style holds an eclectic mix of art together, but sometimes it can be as simple as having a similar colour palette in the artwork which can hang the pieces together.

Inspired?

Here are some of our favourite artists you can shop right now…

Dirtiest Martini Art Print

from £48.00

"Holding Space For Each Other" - Art Piece A6

£35.00

Diet Coke (unframed)

from £40.00

Sea Swimming Collage Print

£18.50

Negroni Please Art Print

from £70.00

Champagne Please - Limited Edition

from £70.00

The Arrival of Spring Print

from £55.00

Lemons In Striped Bowl Print

from £35.00

Wine And Oysters Print

from £35.00

Magique in a Red Art Print Row of Two

from £63.68

View all

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