Artwork is one of the most powerful tools available to an interior designer. It can establish the entire mood of a space, anchor a room that feels unresolved, introduce colour and texture with an authenticity that no finish or fabric can replicate — and create a lasting impression that clients remember long after the project is complete.
And yet, artwork is frequently the last thing specified. The final line item. The detail sorted once everything else is in place.
This guide is for the interior designers, architects and specifiers who want to change that — and for those who simply want a clearer, more confident approach to finding, specifying and procuring artwork for their projects, from a single residential commission to a large-scale commercial fitout.
Artwork Is More Than Decoration
One of the biggest misconceptions in design is that artwork is simply decorative.
In reality, artwork often performs several functions simultaneously. It can create visual balance, soften architectural elements, introduce colour, improve wellbeing, strengthen wayfinding and help establish the identity of a space.
In commercial environments, artwork frequently becomes part of the visitor experience. In residential projects, it often becomes the most personal and meaningful element within the home.
The most successful projects treat artwork as part of the design process rather than an afterthought.
When to Start Thinking About Artwork
Ideally, artwork should be considered earlier than most designers expect.
Many designers begin sourcing artwork during the finishes and furniture selection phase rather than waiting until installation. When artwork enters the conversation early, it can meaningfully influence:
• Colour palettes and material selections
• Styling direction and furniture choices
• Lighting design and spatial planning
• The overall emotional tone of the space
When artwork becomes part of the conversation early, the final result tends to feel more cohesive and intentional. The space develops a point of reference that all other decisions can respond to.
Let the Artwork Lead
Many designers view artwork as one element within a completed scheme. The opposite approach — letting a single artwork become the starting point for an entire project — can create more compelling results.
The colours within a painting may influence upholstery selections, wall finishes, rugs, lighting and styling pieces. The mood of the artwork can establish the emotional tone of a room long before the furniture is selected.
This approach often results in interiors that feel more cohesive because the design decisions are responding to a central idea rather than competing for attention.
When the artwork is exceptional, allowing it to lead the conversation can create interiors with greater depth, character and authenticity.
Artwork can also influence how scale is perceived within a space. While conventional thinking suggests large rooms require large artworks and smaller rooms require smaller pieces, some of the most memorable interiors challenge this assumption. A carefully placed small artwork within a grand architectural setting can feel precious and intentional, while an oversized artwork in a more intimate room can create confidence and clarity.
There is rarely a single correct solution. The most successful projects understand the relationship between the artwork, the architecture and the people who will experience the space.
Original Artwork, Commissioned Artwork or Art Prints?
There is no single solution that suits every project. The best option depends on the project’s goals, budget, timeline and intended outcome.
|
|
BEST FOR
|
KEY ADVANTAGE
|
|
Original Artwork
|
Luxury residential, hospitality, executive spaces, reception areas
|
One-of-a-kind, strong emotional impact, unique project outcomes
|
|
Commissioned Artwork
|
Hotels, healthcare, aged care, large residential developments
|
Custom sizing, project-specific palette, fully site-responsive
|
|
Premium Art Prints
|
Commercial fitouts, multi-residential, volume requirements
|
Consistent across multiple locations, faster lead times, budget flexibility
|
Many projects use a combination of all three: an original or commissioned work as the hero piece, supported by premium prints in secondary spaces. The best choice is determined by the project, not by a default preference for one medium over another.
[Read our full guide to Original Art vs Art Prints →]
[Read our full guide to How to Commission Artwork →]
What to Consider When Specifying Artwork
Artwork specification goes well beyond choosing an image. A complete specification considers scale, framing, medium, installation requirements and the relationship between the artwork and the space it will inhabit.
Scale and Proportion
Scale is the single most common point of failure in artwork selection. Works that are too small for the space they occupy are far more common than works that are too large — and they consistently produce less resolved outcomes.
As a starting point, artwork above furniture should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it. Feature wall artworks should typically occupy 50–75% of the available wall width.
The good news is that many works can be produced at custom sizes. If the right artwork exists but the dimensions don’t work, a commission or a custom print run is often the most practical solution.
[Read our full Artwork Size Guide →]
Framing
Framing is part of the artwork specification, not an afterthought. The choice of frame — or the decision to present a work unframed — affects how the artwork reads in the space, how large it appears and how well it integrates with the surrounding interior.
Float frames are among the most versatile and widely used options in contemporary interior design. They present the canvas with a visible gap between the artwork edge and the frame, creating a sense of depth and architectural precision that suits residential, hospitality and commercial contexts equally well.
• Float frames add perceived scale without increasing canvas dimensions
• Available in a range of timber and metal finishes to suit any interior palette
• Always confirm whether quoted dimensions are canvas or overall framed dimensions — the difference matters for wall clearances
[Read our full guide to Understanding Float Frames →]
Medium and Finish
The medium and surface finish of an artwork affects how it reads under different lighting conditions, how it wears over time and how it relates to the other surfaces in the space.
• Oil and acrylic originals on canvas offer texture and depth that no print can replicate, and age beautifully in the right environment
• Works on paper — watercolour, ink, gouache — offer a delicacy and intimacy suited to smaller scales and more personal spaces
• Premium giclée prints on archival paper or canvas offer exceptional colour fidelity and longevity when produced to quality
• Glazed works behind glass or acrylic add protection but can introduce glare — always consider the light sources in the space before specifying
Installation Requirements
Large-scale and heavy original artworks require more consideration during the installation phase than a standard print.
• Confirm wall construction before installation — plasterboard walls may require anchoring into studs or specialist fixings for heavier works
• Allow for installation time in your project programme, particularly for large-scale commissions
• Confirm whether the artist or studio provides installation support or whether a specialist art handler is required
• For commercial projects, confirm any compliance requirements that may affect wall fixings or framing materials
Don’t Forget the Lighting
Even the most beautiful artwork can lose its impact if it is poorly lit.
Lighting should be considered as part of the artwork specification process rather than as an afterthought. Natural light, wall orientation, ceiling heights and evening lighting conditions can all influence how artwork is experienced throughout the day.
Thoughtful lighting not only improves visibility. It enhances colour, reveals surface detail and allows artwork to become a genuine feature within the room.
Where possible, consider dedicated artwork lighting, wall washers or decorative lighting that creates a softer, more flattering glow. Harsh overhead downlights can create unwanted glare, flatten texture and diminish the presence of both the artwork and the surrounding space.
Creating a Collected Interior
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel less authentic is to source every element from the same place at the same time.
The most interesting interiors feel collected rather than decorated. Artwork plays a significant role in achieving this. Contemporary artworks can sit comfortably alongside vintage furniture, sculptural objects, natural materials and carefully selected accessories. The contrast between old and new, polished and raw, refined and imperfect often creates a richer and more personal outcome.
Rather than treating artwork as a standalone feature, consider how it relates to the materials within the room. Timber grain, stone surfaces, textured wall finishes, natural fibres and handcrafted objects can all reinforce the visual language established by the artwork.
The goal is not to match everything perfectly. The goal is to create layers, depth and character.
Artwork for Different Project Types
The approach to artwork sourcing and specification varies significantly depending on the nature of the project.
Residential Projects
Residential artwork is typically the most personal of all project types. The artwork needs to connect with the client on an emotional level — it needs to feel like theirs.
• Involve the client in the artwork conversation early — their responses to different works are useful design information
• Consider the client’s lifestyle and how the artwork will age alongside them
• Commission for spaces where the wall dimensions are unusual or the colour palette is very specific
• Use original works in primary spaces and prints in secondary spaces where the budget requires it
Hospitality Projects
Hotels, restaurants and bars require artwork that performs in a commercial environment while still feeling considered and atmospheric. Durability, maintenance and brand alignment become part of the specification brief.
• Consider viewing distance — artwork in a hotel lobby is typically viewed from much further away than in a residential context
• Framing should be robust and specified to withstand the wear of a commercial environment
• Consider how the artwork contributes to the brand story of the property
• Larger works tend to perform better in hospitality environments than smaller, more intimate pieces
[Read our full guide to Commercial Artwork for Hotels →]
Healthcare and Aged Care
Artwork in healthcare and aged care environments has a therapeutic function as well as an aesthetic one. Research consistently supports the positive impact of well-chosen art on patient and resident wellbeing.
• Choose calming, nature-inspired subject matter over abstract works that may cause confusion or distress
• Avoid highly contrasting or busy compositions in spaces used by those with cognitive impairment
• Scale artwork to be legible from seated or bed-height viewing positions
• Specify framing that meets relevant hygiene and infection control standards
[Read our full guide to Artwork for Aged Care Projects →]
Multi-Residential and Developer Projects
Specifying artwork across a multi-residential development requires a systematic approach that balances consistency across the development with appropriateness to individual spaces.
• Establish a suite of approved works that can be specified across multiple units
• Consider scale carefully — a one-bedroom apartment and a three-bedroom penthouse require very different approaches
• Premium art prints are typically the most practical solution for volume requirements
• Common areas present an opportunity for original works that elevate the perception of the entire development
[Read our full guide to Specifying Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects →]
Workplace and Commercial Office Projects
Workplace and office fitouts increasingly draw on the same principles as hospitality design — employers are looking to create environments that feel considered and comfortable, rather than purely functional. Artwork plays a meaningful role in that shift.
• Artwork can soften formal meeting spaces while still feeling considered and professional
• Boardrooms and reception areas benefit from a confident statement piece that reflects the organisation’s identity and values
• Breakout and lounge areas can carry a softer, more residential palette than the rest of the office
• Consistency across multiple floors or office locations matters for brand cohesion, particularly for larger organisations
Working With an Art Partner
Sourcing artwork independently can be time consuming, particularly when managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Many designers choose to work with an artwork partner who can assist with:
• Artwork recommendations tailored to the project brief
• Artwork schedules and specification documents
• Visual mock-ups for client presentations
• Custom sizing across the collection
• Commission management from brief through to delivery
• Framing advice and coordination
• Production coordination and quality control
• Delivery logistics and installation support
Having access to these resources allows designers to focus on the broader project while still achieving strong artwork outcomes.
[Apply for Trade Access →]
How to Brief an Artist or Studio
A clear brief is the foundation of a successful commission or sourcing conversation. The more specific the brief, the easier it is for the studio or artist to propose work that genuinely meets the project’s needs.
A strong artwork brief includes:
• The dimensions of the wall or space — width, height, ceiling height, viewing distance
• The furniture or architectural features the artwork will relate to
• The colour palette of the space — paint colours, upholstery, timber tones, floor finishes
• The mood or atmosphere the space is trying to achieve
• The client’s personal preferences, if known — subject matter, abstraction level, colour responses
• The budget range and any flexibility around it
• The timeline, including key project milestones the artwork delivery needs to align with
• Whether the artwork is original or print, framed or unframed
The more of this information provided upfront, the faster and more confidently a studio can respond — and the better the shortlisted options will be.
The Best Artwork Is the Artwork That Belongs
There is often pressure to choose artwork that follows current trends.
In our experience, the strongest projects are rarely built around trends. They are built around suitability.
The best artwork is not necessarily the boldest, the largest or the most expensive. It is the artwork that feels as though it belongs within the space.
When scale, colour, architecture and purpose align, artwork becomes more than a finishing touch. It becomes part of the identity of the project itself.
Designers who bring artwork into the conversation early — who treat it as part of the design process rather than a finishing touch — consistently produce stronger, more cohesive and more memorable interiors.
We would love to be part of that conversation.
Work With Emma Street Studio
We work with interior designers, architects and specifiers across Australia on residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare projects. Apply for trade access to unlock project pricing, custom sizing and dedicated support.
Apply for Trade Access · Request a Resource Kit · Enquire About a Commission
Emma Street Studio · Design Journal · Art for Interior Designers
Art for Interior Designers: How to Source, Specify and Procure Artwork for Any Project
Artwork is one of the most powerful tools available to an interior designer. It can establish the entire mood of a space, anchor a room that feels unresolved, introduce colour and texture with an authenticity that no finish or fabric can replicate — and create a lasting impression that clients remember long after the project is complete.
And yet, artwork is frequently the last thing specified. The final line item. The detail sorted once everything else is in place.
This guide is for the interior designers, architects and specifiers who want to change that — and for those who simply want a clearer, more confident approach to finding, specifying and procuring artwork for their projects, from a single residential commission to a large-scale commercial fitout.
Artwork Is More Than Decoration
One of the biggest misconceptions in design is that artwork is simply decorative.
In reality, artwork often performs several functions simultaneously. It can create visual balance, soften architectural elements, introduce colour, improve wellbeing, strengthen wayfinding and help establish the identity of a space.
In commercial environments, artwork frequently becomes part of the visitor experience. In residential projects, it often becomes the most personal and meaningful element within the home.
The most successful projects treat artwork as part of the design process rather than an afterthought.
When to Start Thinking About Artwork
Ideally, artwork should be considered earlier than most designers expect.
Many designers begin sourcing artwork during the finishes and furniture selection phase rather than waiting until installation. When artwork enters the conversation early, it can meaningfully influence:
• Colour palettes and material selections
• Styling direction and furniture choices
• Lighting design and spatial planning
• The overall emotional tone of the space
When artwork becomes part of the conversation early, the final result tends to feel more cohesive and intentional. The space develops a point of reference that all other decisions can respond to.
Let the Artwork Lead
Many designers view artwork as one element within a completed scheme. The opposite approach — letting a single artwork become the starting point for an entire project — can create more compelling results.
The colours within a painting may influence upholstery selections, wall finishes, rugs, lighting and styling pieces. The mood of the artwork can establish the emotional tone of a room long before the furniture is selected.
This approach often results in interiors that feel more cohesive because the design decisions are responding to a central idea rather than competing for attention.
When the artwork is exceptional, allowing it to lead the conversation can create interiors with greater depth, character and authenticity.
Artwork can also influence how scale is perceived within a space. While conventional thinking suggests large rooms require large artworks and smaller rooms require smaller pieces, some of the most memorable interiors challenge this assumption. A carefully placed small artwork within a grand architectural setting can feel precious and intentional, while an oversized artwork in a more intimate room can create confidence and clarity.
There is rarely a single correct solution. The most successful projects understand the relationship between the artwork, the architecture and the people who will experience the space.
Original Artwork, Commissioned Artwork or Art Prints?
There is no single solution that suits every project. The best option depends on the project’s goals, budget, timeline and intended outcome.
BEST FOR
KEY ADVANTAGE
Original Artwork
Luxury residential, hospitality, executive spaces, reception areas
One-of-a-kind, strong emotional impact, unique project outcomes
Commissioned Artwork
Hotels, healthcare, aged care, large residential developments
Custom sizing, project-specific palette, fully site-responsive
Premium Art Prints
Commercial fitouts, multi-residential, volume requirements
Consistent across multiple locations, faster lead times, budget flexibility
Many projects use a combination of all three: an original or commissioned work as the hero piece, supported by premium prints in secondary spaces. The best choice is determined by the project, not by a default preference for one medium over another.
[Read our full guide to Original Art vs Art Prints →]
[Read our full guide to How to Commission Artwork →]
What to Consider When Specifying Artwork
Artwork specification goes well beyond choosing an image. A complete specification considers scale, framing, medium, installation requirements and the relationship between the artwork and the space it will inhabit.
Scale and Proportion
Scale is the single most common point of failure in artwork selection. Works that are too small for the space they occupy are far more common than works that are too large — and they consistently produce less resolved outcomes.
As a starting point, artwork above furniture should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it. Feature wall artworks should typically occupy 50–75% of the available wall width.
The good news is that many works can be produced at custom sizes. If the right artwork exists but the dimensions don’t work, a commission or a custom print run is often the most practical solution.
[Read our full Artwork Size Guide →]
Framing
Framing is part of the artwork specification, not an afterthought. The choice of frame — or the decision to present a work unframed — affects how the artwork reads in the space, how large it appears and how well it integrates with the surrounding interior.
Float frames are among the most versatile and widely used options in contemporary interior design. They present the canvas with a visible gap between the artwork edge and the frame, creating a sense of depth and architectural precision that suits residential, hospitality and commercial contexts equally well.
• Float frames add perceived scale without increasing canvas dimensions
• Available in a range of timber and metal finishes to suit any interior palette
• Always confirm whether quoted dimensions are canvas or overall framed dimensions — the difference matters for wall clearances
[Read our full guide to Understanding Float Frames →]
Medium and Finish
The medium and surface finish of an artwork affects how it reads under different lighting conditions, how it wears over time and how it relates to the other surfaces in the space.
• Oil and acrylic originals on canvas offer texture and depth that no print can replicate, and age beautifully in the right environment
• Works on paper — watercolour, ink, gouache — offer a delicacy and intimacy suited to smaller scales and more personal spaces
• Premium giclée prints on archival paper or canvas offer exceptional colour fidelity and longevity when produced to quality
• Glazed works behind glass or acrylic add protection but can introduce glare — always consider the light sources in the space before specifying
Installation Requirements
Large-scale and heavy original artworks require more consideration during the installation phase than a standard print.
• Confirm wall construction before installation — plasterboard walls may require anchoring into studs or specialist fixings for heavier works
• Allow for installation time in your project programme, particularly for large-scale commissions
• Confirm whether the artist or studio provides installation support or whether a specialist art handler is required
• For commercial projects, confirm any compliance requirements that may affect wall fixings or framing materials
Don’t Forget the Lighting
Even the most beautiful artwork can lose its impact if it is poorly lit.
Lighting should be considered as part of the artwork specification process rather than as an afterthought. Natural light, wall orientation, ceiling heights and evening lighting conditions can all influence how artwork is experienced throughout the day.
Thoughtful lighting not only improves visibility. It enhances colour, reveals surface detail and allows artwork to become a genuine feature within the room.
Where possible, consider dedicated artwork lighting, wall washers or decorative lighting that creates a softer, more flattering glow. Harsh overhead downlights can create unwanted glare, flatten texture and diminish the presence of both the artwork and the surrounding space.
Creating a Collected Interior
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel less authentic is to source every element from the same place at the same time.
The most interesting interiors feel collected rather than decorated. Artwork plays a significant role in achieving this. Contemporary artworks can sit comfortably alongside vintage furniture, sculptural objects, natural materials and carefully selected accessories. The contrast between old and new, polished and raw, refined and imperfect often creates a richer and more personal outcome.
Rather than treating artwork as a standalone feature, consider how it relates to the materials within the room. Timber grain, stone surfaces, textured wall finishes, natural fibres and handcrafted objects can all reinforce the visual language established by the artwork.
The goal is not to match everything perfectly. The goal is to create layers, depth and character.
Artwork for Different Project Types
The approach to artwork sourcing and specification varies significantly depending on the nature of the project.
Residential Projects
Residential artwork is typically the most personal of all project types. The artwork needs to connect with the client on an emotional level — it needs to feel like theirs.
• Involve the client in the artwork conversation early — their responses to different works are useful design information
• Consider the client’s lifestyle and how the artwork will age alongside them
• Commission for spaces where the wall dimensions are unusual or the colour palette is very specific
• Use original works in primary spaces and prints in secondary spaces where the budget requires it
Hospitality Projects
Hotels, restaurants and bars require artwork that performs in a commercial environment while still feeling considered and atmospheric. Durability, maintenance and brand alignment become part of the specification brief.
• Consider viewing distance — artwork in a hotel lobby is typically viewed from much further away than in a residential context
• Framing should be robust and specified to withstand the wear of a commercial environment
• Consider how the artwork contributes to the brand story of the property
• Larger works tend to perform better in hospitality environments than smaller, more intimate pieces
[Read our full guide to Commercial Artwork for Hotels →]
Healthcare and Aged Care
Artwork in healthcare and aged care environments has a therapeutic function as well as an aesthetic one. Research consistently supports the positive impact of well-chosen art on patient and resident wellbeing.
• Choose calming, nature-inspired subject matter over abstract works that may cause confusion or distress
• Avoid highly contrasting or busy compositions in spaces used by those with cognitive impairment
• Scale artwork to be legible from seated or bed-height viewing positions
• Specify framing that meets relevant hygiene and infection control standards
[Read our full guide to Artwork for Aged Care Projects →]
Multi-Residential and Developer Projects
Specifying artwork across a multi-residential development requires a systematic approach that balances consistency across the development with appropriateness to individual spaces.
• Establish a suite of approved works that can be specified across multiple units
• Consider scale carefully — a one-bedroom apartment and a three-bedroom penthouse require very different approaches
• Premium art prints are typically the most practical solution for volume requirements
• Common areas present an opportunity for original works that elevate the perception of the entire development
[Read our full guide to Specifying Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects →]
Workplace and Commercial Office Projects
Workplace and office fitouts increasingly draw on the same principles as hospitality design — employers are looking to create environments that feel considered and comfortable, rather than purely functional. Artwork plays a meaningful role in that shift.
• Artwork can soften formal meeting spaces while still feeling considered and professional
• Boardrooms and reception areas benefit from a confident statement piece that reflects the organisation’s identity and values
• Breakout and lounge areas can carry a softer, more residential palette than the rest of the office
• Consistency across multiple floors or office locations matters for brand cohesion, particularly for larger organisations
Working With an Art Partner
Sourcing artwork independently can be time consuming, particularly when managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Many designers choose to work with an artwork partner who can assist with:
• Artwork recommendations tailored to the project brief
• Artwork schedules and specification documents
• Visual mock-ups for client presentations
• Custom sizing across the collection
• Commission management from brief through to delivery
• Framing advice and coordination
• Production coordination and quality control
• Delivery logistics and installation support
Having access to these resources allows designers to focus on the broader project while still achieving strong artwork outcomes.
[Apply for Trade Access →]
How to Brief an Artist or Studio
A clear brief is the foundation of a successful commission or sourcing conversation. The more specific the brief, the easier it is for the studio or artist to propose work that genuinely meets the project’s needs.
A strong artwork brief includes:
• The dimensions of the wall or space — width, height, ceiling height, viewing distance
• The furniture or architectural features the artwork will relate to
• The colour palette of the space — paint colours, upholstery, timber tones, floor finishes
• The mood or atmosphere the space is trying to achieve
• The client’s personal preferences, if known — subject matter, abstraction level, colour responses
• The budget range and any flexibility around it
• The timeline, including key project milestones the artwork delivery needs to align with
• Whether the artwork is original or print, framed or unframed
The more of this information provided upfront, the faster and more confidently a studio can respond — and the better the shortlisted options will be.
The Best Artwork Is the Artwork That Belongs
There is often pressure to choose artwork that follows current trends.
In our experience, the strongest projects are rarely built around trends. They are built around suitability.
The best artwork is not necessarily the boldest, the largest or the most expensive. It is the artwork that feels as though it belongs within the space.
When scale, colour, architecture and purpose align, artwork becomes more than a finishing touch. It becomes part of the identity of the project itself.
Designers who bring artwork into the conversation early — who treat it as part of the design process rather than a finishing touch — consistently produce stronger, more cohesive and more memorable interiors.
We would love to be part of that conversation.
Work With Emma Street Studio
We work with interior designers, architects and specifiers across Australia on residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare projects. Apply for trade access to unlock project pricing, custom sizing and dedicated support.
Apply for Trade Access · Request a Resource Kit · Enquire About a Commission
Emma Street Studio · Design Journal · Art for Interior Designers