Art-First Interiors, Must-See Shows, and a Dreamy Parisian Stay
This week, we’re talking about designing with art—not around it. Whether it’s a vintage oil painting you found in a tucked-away gallery or a modern sculpture picked up from a local fair, letting art take the lead can be the most personal—and powerful—design choice in a room.
Insight: Let Art Lead the Way
This week, we’re leaning into the power of art as the anchor of a space. Art is often the final touch—but what happens when it becomes the starting point? We’re shifting the perspective: design should revolve around what you love, and for many, that begins with a single piece of art.
Art doesn’t just fill a wall—it sets the mood, informs your palette, and offers a story to build upon. Here are a few ideas for curating your space around your favorite pieces:
Designing around art invites more soul into a space. Let it guide the palette—pulling tones from a favorite piece can inspire everything from paint to upholstery. A soft mauve from a landscape, the warmth of ochre, or inky blues from a sketch… let those moments echo subtly throughout.
Scale and placement matter. Oversized canvases can lean casually in a hallway or be tucked into a powder room for unexpected impact. Cluster smaller works salon-style or layer with objects on shelves for dimension.
We love mixing mediums—a textile wall piece, sculptural work, or vintage photography adds texture and history. How you frame it matters too: floating mounts, linen mats, or plexi add intention and edge.
Great collections tell a story. Whether it's local artists, travel finds, or a favorite subject matter—your art should feel personal, like a visual journal.
Skip the mass-produced prints. Instead, collect pieces that speak to you—ideally from emerging artists whose work holds soul and story. Great places to discover talent?
Where To Buy Art
There’s something about living with original art that shifts the feel of a space, adding warmth, story, and something you can’t quite replicate. We’re often asked where to begin, so here’s a short list of galleries and resources we love.
Start with instinct. Buy what moves you, and don’t worry about matching the room. Build the space around the art you love—not the other way around.
ART FAIRS
If you’re just starting to collect—or looking to explore something new—fairs are a great way to discover artists in person and across styles. Here are a few to keep on your radar:
Zona Maco, Mexico City - February 5-9 2025
Expo, Chicago - April 24-27 2025
NADA, New York - May 7-11 2025
The Armory Show, New York - September 6-8 2025
Untitled Art, Houston - September 19-21 2025
Frieze, London - October 15-29 2025
Galleries I Like
These galleries consistently feature emerging artists, thoughtful curations, and work that feels one-of-a-kind:
In Miami, we love Fountainhead Arts, a nonprofit residency that hosts three artists each month. Their open studio events are a chance to meet the artists, experience the work firsthand, and collect pieces with heart. Bonus: purchases are tax-deductible.
Why In-Person Still Matters
Whenever possible, see the piece in person. Notice how it feels, how the light plays off it, how it changes throughout the day. It’s not just about the artwork—it’s about how it lives in your space.
Can’t make it in person? Reach out. Most galleries are happy to send more images, videos, or offer support on placement and framing.
Your home should reflect who you are, not just how you want it to look. Collecting original art isn’t about trends or resale value—it’s about living with pieces that move you. And that, in itself, is timeless.
Project Highlight: Parisian Elegance Reimagined
Balzac Hotel, Paris
A rich blend of 1930s glamour and minimalist refinement, this hotel near the Champs-Élysées proves that quiet luxury never goes out of style. Layered neutrals, velvet upholstery, and natural stone create a soft, lived-in elegance. The palette feels thoughtful, restrained—and distinctly French.
It’s a reminder that refined design doesn’t need to be loud. Sometimes, it’s about the perfect line of a chair, the way light plays on silk drapes, or the art that anchors it all.
