Start with the Art: Pieces to Anchor Your Vision
In a recent article, interior designer Sophie Ashby highlighted a design approach that we at New Blood Art have long embraced - starting with art as the foundation for interior design. Unlike the traditional method of dressing a space after the major design elements are in place, this approach is more authentic and deeply rooted in the personal connections that art creates within a room. Ashby, who has referenced our gallery as a go-to source for art in Vogue, emphasises that beginning with a key artwork allows the design to unfold naturally and cohesively around it. This way, the art isn’t an afterthought - it becomes the heart of the space, radiating outward.
This method isn’t just about adding art as a final layer, but about starting with something deeply personal—working from the inside out. As Sophie Ashby beautifully puts it, “Art is so important to me, because I feel like it holds the most power. A room can be beautiful, comfortable and well-designed, but you can change the mood, and even how you feel when you’re in it, depending on the art.” By letting art lead the design, you build the space outward from its soul, ensuring that every decision resonates with authenticity.
Starting with art allows the interior design to be driven by inspiration rather than imitation. This approach often leads to a more original and unique design because the artwork serves as a muse, inspiring colour schemes, textures, and even the mood of the space. This results in a design that is cohesive and tells a story, making it more authentic compared to designs that might feel more generic or trend-driven. By allowing the artwork to guide your design, you create a space where every element feels connected and intentional.
By beginning with art, the design naturally evolves around a central theme, ensuring that all elements of the room—furniture, textiles, and accessories—are in harmony with each other. This organic process of building outward from a central piece creates a more unified and authentic space, as opposed to adding art as an afterthought, which can sometimes feel disjointed or forced.
At New Blood Art, we offer a carefully curated selection of artworks by exceptional emerging artists, bringing quality contemporary art into your space with integrity of materials and vision. Whether you’re starting your design journey with art or seeking to enhance an already finished space, our collection provides a range of pieces that resonate deeply with collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
To complement this approach, we’ve put together a diverse selection of works that can serve as powerful starting points. Whether you’re drawn to subtle pieces with delicate colour palettes or bold, statement-making artworks, each piece in this selection offers unique inspiration for building out a cohesive and personal design. The artwork you choose doesn’t have to be particularly striking or stand out in the traditional sense; it simply needs to resonate with you. Even a more understated piece can set the tone for the entire room, influencing your choice of fabrics, furniture, and finishes. Conversely, a more dynamic artwork can dictate a bold and vibrant design direction.
Our Art Consultancy Service is here to help you find the right pieces that resonate with your personal taste and bring your space to life, whether you’re at the start of a project or looking to enhance an already completed design.
Connect the Dots by Lindsay Mapes. 105 x 115 cm. Original mixed media painting in mixed media on fabric.
A Restless Swarming by Sara Willett. 120 x 150 cm. Original painting in ink on heavyweight paper.
Sinking Feeling by Ed Saye. 58 x 74 cm. Original painting in oil on wood panel.
Springtime Flowers by Vanessa Onuk. 200 x 100 cm. Original painting in acrylic finished with uv protective varnish on fabric.
Move Over Baby by Lindsay Mapes. 76 x 102 cm. Original painting in mixed media on fabric.
Discover the entire Small is Beautiful collection by clicking the button below. These compelling works, despite their scale, do not compromise on impact or significance. They offer a unique opportunity to enrich your living space with pieces that are as powerful in message as they are versatile in placement.
Our Promise:
We understand that buying art online can be a challenge, especially when it comes to appreciating the full depth of color, texture, and detail that makes each piece unique. That’s why we offer a straightforward return policy. If a piece doesn’t resonate with you as expected when you see it in person (although we are confident it will), returning it is simple and stress-free. Most of the time, our clients find that these works exceed their expectations once seen in person.
