5 Designer Tips to Elevate Your Interior with Art, by Cecilia Furst

Choosing a work of art for your home doesn’t have to feel intimidating. The key is to find a piece that truly speaks to you and fits naturally into your space, whether it’s a painting, a print, or something more unique.

To help guide this reflection, Artsper collaborated with interior designers to imagine a range of different aesthetics, from classic to mid-century, as well as more colorful or organic atmospheres.

Among them is Cecilia Furst, an interior designer and graduate of École Camondo. With experience across Parisian design studios and within the LVMH group, most notably at Le Bon Marché, she has developed a refined and highly sensitive approach to interiors. Here, she shares five tips for incorporating art into your home

1. Create surprise where it’s least expected

Art shouldn’t be reserved for the living room. Dare to place a piece in functional spaces: a small painting in the bathroom, a framed drawing in the kitchen, or even a bold artwork in the toilet. By bringing art into these transitional areas, you turn a utilitarian space into a genuine sensory experience.

Jean-Philippe Henric, Sous les étoiles – collection spéciale Grands Formats, 2024, Digigraph available on Artsper.com

2. Mix formats to create rhythm in your space

Don’t limit yourself to large standard pieces. While an XL artwork makes a strong statement on a big wall, installing very small pieces creates a precious sense of intimacy. A series of small formats can guide the eye along a hallway or adorn a forgotten corner with subtlety, inviting visitors to come closer and explore the details.

3. Elevate imperfection with vintage pieces

Art doesn’t need a prestigious signature to shine. Hunt for old frames worn by time, forgotten prints, or small oil-on-wood pieces with little market value but immense personal resonance. These “found” items, rich with their own unique story, bring the soul and poetry that make a home truly alive.

Sophie Dumont, Polyphonie des livres, 2025, Painting available on Artsper.com

4. Match the energy of the art to the function of the room

Before placing a piece of art, consider the atmosphere you want to create. In a bedroom, favor organic shapes and soft pastels or calming gradients to promote serenity. In a living area or office, you can choose more textured materials, such as bronze or steel, or bold strokes that emphasize strength and structure within your space.

5. Use art as a highlighted focal point

A poorly lit artwork loses its impact. To bring out the textures of a vintage frame or the subtleties of a painting, always plan for dedicated lighting. Whether with an adjustable spotlight or a specific wall light, proper illumination allows art to become the true centerpiece of your décor and leaves a lasting impression on anyone experiencing the space.

Gordon Hopkins, View from a distance, 2014, Painting available on Artsper.com

Conclusion

Cecilia Furst emphasizes with conviction that there are no absolute rules when it comes to art in your home. What truly matters is the emotion a piece evokes at first glance and staying true to that feeling. Start with a single artwork, a corner, or a wall. Let your interior evolve with your discoveries and passions. A home filled with art is, above all, a home that reflects who you are.