The Art of the Interior:
Experts Share How to Integrate Existing Art Into a Cohesive Home Design
A conversation with SUZANNE KASLER AND TARA SHAW | Written by MERYL SIEGMAN
Suzanne Kasler / Photo: Simon Upton
No home is complete without art. More than just “decor” or a “finishing touch,” art can be a form of self-expression, a way to explore concepts and emotions, or a vehicle for setting a mood. It can act as a conversation starter or source of inspiration, create a relaxed environment, or just provide a splash of color to an otherwise neutral room.
For this article, we asked two renowned interior designers to share how they integrate clients’ art collections into a new design vision, highlighting strategies, challenges, and creative opportunities. Each designer offers a unique viewpoint and inspiration on how art can elevate not just the room itself, but the experience of living in it.
Suzanne Kasler, founder of her eponymous interior design firm based in Atlanta,GA, is recognized for creating luminous and timeless home interiors. In addition to receiving national acclaim in numerous publications, she is also the author of four best-selling books on interiors. She has designed iconic furniture, lighting, accessories and textiles for world-famous brands.
Tara Shaw is the principal of Tara Shaw of New Orleans, LA. A designer and importer of European antiques, she is known for creating timeless designs with periodpieces and modern bespoke classics. Her historically inspired “Maison” line is a stunning array of antique reproduction and custom furniture. She has also authored a book, launched an 80-piece collection for Century Furniture, and been featured on HGTV.
Here’s what these two knowledgeable professionals shared with us. First, we spoke with Suzanne:
D+D: How often do you work with clients who have an existing art collection they want to include in the new design?
Suzanne:
Often. In the last few years, people are focusingmore on art. They are becoming increasingly receptive and want to invest in artwork. We have several clients who have collected art for many years. Because they may continue to collect, we design their interiors with the future in mind, leaving spaces for future collections. Other clients look to us for direction as they start to understand the importance of having art in their homes.D+D: What do you do when a client has artwork that doesn’t align with the vision or color scheme of the new space?
Suzanne:
Artwork is very personal for the client, and whether they bring their own collection or we bring options to create one, the concept I like to achieve is that artwork becomes the overall design and composition of the space. If someone has a piece that doesn’t immediately work in a space, I ask them to put it aside and wait until the design unfolds.
D+D: Are there creative strategies for making these “misfit” pieces feel intentional rather than out of place?
Suzanne:
Occasionally, a piece is unique or so strong that it’s better off on its own. A long hallway or gallery space is a perfect opportunity to incorporate art.
D+D: How can reframing breathe new life into an older or outdated piece?
Suzanne:
Reframing art is the best. It is one of the most important things we do with an existing collection, and one of the best ways to make the biggest difference. The frame can dramatically change the art. For a recent project, we found two antique sepia wall panels. We framed them in a minimalist gold-leaf frame under plexiglass, so they looked very dramatic and chic.
D+D: What’s your process for deciding how to group and lay out multiple pieces from a collection? Any advice on mixing frame styles, sizes or art genres?
Suzanne:
There is no one way to do a grouping or lay out pieces. A lot depends on what’s happening in the architecture of a room. When we do a gallery wall—let’s say, in a hallway—we may frame everything the same way, put them together in random patterns, or mix botanical prints with an object such as a plate. We love doing a grouping of small pieces—that way, they make a bigger impact than they would on their own.
D+D: What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to incorporate personal art into a new space?
Suzanne:
There are no real mistakes, but it’s best to discuss the existing artwork at the beginning of a project. Clients may have a collection of family photographs they want to hang in a particular spot. We advise them to wait until we start the design process and plan where the collection looks best. Or, we might take personal art and reframe it.
D+D: Any final thoughts?
Suzanne:
What is exciting is how invested our clients have become in collecting art for the homes we are designing. This love and appreciation are truly an entire project. The best thing is how the client appreciates the collaboration.
Suzanne Kasler
Tara Shaw
Tara Shaw
We next spoke with Tara, who responded with additional insights:
Tara Shaw
D+D: How often do you work with clients who have an existing art collection they want to include in the new design?
TARA:
All the time! Because the heart of my design philosophy is all about “the collection,” it naturally attracts true collectors.
D+D: Can you describe a project in which incorporating a client’s personal art played a signifcant role in the overall design?
TARA:
For a recently completed project, we built compatible furniture around the artwork in the sitting room. The console came from our showroom in New Orleans. We then layered in mid-century art, also from us, which makes the 19th-century art feel more alive and current in the room.
D+D: When a client’s art collection is cohesive or visually strong, how do you approach using those pieces as a starting point for the design?
TARA:
It is always a pleasure to work with clients who have important art pieces. We build upon and around them, incorporating antiquity, contemporary and mid-century artwork with what they have already collected.
D+D: When a client’s art collection is cohesive or visually strong, how do you approach using those pieces as a starting point for the design?
TARA:
It is always a pleasure to work with clients who have important art pieces. We build upon and around them, incorporating antiquity, contemporary, and mid-century artwork with what they have already collected.
D+D: Can you give an example of how you pull color palettes, materials, or textures directly from a specific piece of art?
TARA:
For a lake house project, I pulled the rust velvet for the Swedish stools to connect with the color in the clients’ paintings. The Swedish finish mixes beautifully with the contemporary elements in the room.
D+D: What do you do when a client has artwork that doesn’t align with the vision or color scheme of the new space?
TARA:
I always stick to Plan A, which is to elevate the home. I add in beautiful pieces that are not necessarily based off the art itself, but play more on the colors of the art.
D+D: Are there creative strategies for making these “misfit” pieces feel intentional rather than out of place?
TARA:
Suggesting a better quality of art is always my first tactic. When the client has a deep connection to the art, I acknowledge the importance of working it into the design.
D+D: Can you give us an example of reframing to breathe new life into an older piece?
TARA:
In one project, we used an antique frame for a contemporary drawing created by the clients’ child. It added great depth to a piece that meant so much to them.
D+D: What’s your process for deciding how to group and layout multiple pieces from a collection?
TARA:
Who doesn’t love a gallery wall? My process is typically to keep similar frames or periods in the collection.
D+D: What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to incorporate personal art into a new space?
TARA:
One of the biggest mistakes is art that is either too large or too small for the space.
D+D: How do you balance honoring the personal and emotional value of art with your creative vision for the overall design?
TARA:
I always work with what the client gives me and build around that for the vision of their home. I love that each project is so different, because it’s the individuality of each project that makes them appealing to me as a designer.
Resources
Suzanne Kasler; Atlanta, GA , 404.355.1035
Tara Shaw; New Orleans, LA , 504.525.1131
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