How Art Curates Color in the Home

Art isn’t just an accessory—it’s often the first and most meaningful layer of color in a room. Whether it’s a large-scale piece above a console or a smaller work that draws the eye in a quiet corner, the right artwork can shape a space in ways that paint, furniture, and textiles simply can’t.

This is especially true in summer, when interiors call for a lighter touch. Rather than introducing bold color through furnishings, many designers and homeowners turn to art to carry the tone of the room.

Start with a piece you respond to

When a room begins with artwork, the palette tends to follow naturally. A soft abstract in pale blue and ivory can open up a room and influence everything from upholstery to accessories. On the other hand, a piece with richer, earthier tones—terracotta, rust, deep green—can give a more grounded, collected feel without weighing the space down.

Art isn’t always on a canvas

In many spaces, the art is the mirror, the lamp, or the sculptural accessory. Pieces like hand-glazed ceramics, organically shaped mirrors, or carved-front cabinets introduce form, color, and visual weight in the same way a painting does. These elements can act as focal points or tie together the palette just as effectively—sometimes more so—than traditional wall art.

Art sets the tone without taking over

The beauty of letting art lead is that it can introduce color in a way that feels personal and layered. Unlike large furniture pieces, framed artwork doesn’t need to match—it needs to belong. When well-placed, even a single painting or photograph can bring cohesion to a room filled with varied textures and finishes.

A curated look, not a matched set

Many clients come in with a space that feels almost finished, but missing something. Often, the answer is art. Not just for visual interest, but to tie the color story together. A well-chosen piece can echo subtle tones already in the room and bring it all into focus.

Framed to fit the space

At Patrick Day Home Gallery, our framing services let you take a piece and make it feel truly custom. Whether it’s floating a canvas for a clean look or pairing a warm wood frame with softened tones, the right presentation makes the artwork feel like part of the architecture, not just something hung on a wall.

Find your starting point

You don’t have to decorate around art, but when the piece is right, everything else falls into place. Stop by the showroom to explore original works, curated prints, and framing options designed to elevate both the piece and the room around it.

Visit us to explore the newest arrivals and find the pieces that work for your space.