There is no excuse for walls to be bare.

How and why to design spaces with intentional, quality art.

Keeping walls clean, crisp, and white is arguably the most popular choice for homes, apartments, offices, and even creative studio spaces. They reflect light, let rooms appear brighter, and allow for a quiet moment to rest our eyes.

Is it a white wall or a blank canvas? 

As professionals, however, we have to ask ourselves, are we delivering the best we can, or are we hesitating to dig deeper and delight our clients with more than what they may be able to envision?

It’s all too easy for even the most discerning interior designer to settle for abstract shapes, florals, leaves, landscapes, and bodies in motion. Without meaning and intention, other than matching an already established color scheme, pillows, or curtains, we are missing out on creating one-of-a-kind spaces.

I was guilty as charged. When sourcing for artwork, it’s convenient to follow suit and call out challenges like:

• a limited or non-existent budget
• how to know what clients like; after all, art is hyper-subjective, and I’m not an expert
• is it going to fit the space and aesthetic or compete with my design
• how do I even access artists, high-quality gallery pieces, or auctions
• and who has extra time to find that perfect piece

In one of our latest projects, scale, discovering the desired style, and staying within the client’s budget had me bustling with where and how to find appropriate options.

Nonetheless, with a principle process and rising resources, I knew we’d compose the space in a singular way that would only be perfect for them.

Art is anything but an afterthought. 

In early client conversations that primarily pertain to the needs, style, desires, and available funds, making artwork (existing or to be acquired) part of the equation will elevate the design to a new level of sophistication and significance. Because when we inspire a dynamic dialogue between the design and the artwork, one plus one becomes three.

For our clients, we found insights in the revelation of their roots and upbringing and defined a distinct style to tell a piece of their story through works of art combined with our design. And by establishing bespoke, big-picture thinking, art becomes an asset, not an accessory.

In line with a preliminary design vision and creative direction, you can then bring on an art advisor as an extended part of your team, acquire curated collections, get expert recommendations, or commission a custom piece.

No matter your comfort level and knowledge of evolving technology, from virtual positioning to 3d mapping, with online access to auctions, galleries, and industry-supporting platforms (such as Teal Canvas), you don’t have to invest a ton of time at local art fairs, gallery exhibitions or get lost on Instagram to build your own artist database.

The expertise and support to deliver complete projects with unique works of art that captivate clients and have them write 5-star reviews while building close relationships are here for your taking.

Void the visual noise of the world.

Visual noise = “any random visual stimulus.” Our eyes constantly send electrical signals to the brain when visual stimuli are present. The more physical clutter that surrounds us, the more visual noise we experience. And more mental and physical capacity is wasted by allowing our eyes to consume something random, something unintentional.

In contrast to hands-on homeowners, consumers, and clients, as an interior designer, dare I say, it’s not only an opportunity but our responsibility to break outside the typical procuring/purchasing habits. Instead of pictures, prints, and canvases mass-produced for retailers or combing through our favorite trade resources for pieces we’ve already seen praised and printed repeatedly, we are able and hired to inspire behaviors, perceptions, and self-expression.

It is no coincidence that people recognize that art adds more value to their homes and everyday life. And with a market full of great works at various price points, it’s also an investment that can appreciate over time.

I believe it’s worth appointing quality art. Helping our clients to showcase and live their personality, not matching the neighbors, and us to design better projects for our portfolio, the press, and consequently attract more high-profile and -profit projects.

Who’s with me?

Susann Eva Goerg, Interior Designer & Creative Director 
Interior Design with the Art in Mind.
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