The Art of the Perfect Piece

Art. That one word holds an entire world of expression, intrigue and identity. In the world of interiors, it’s so much more than the finishing touch. For me, art is often the starting point; the piece that anchors a room, whispers its narrative, and infuses character into every corner. Whether you are investing in a sought-after piece from a prestigious gallery like Maddox Gallery or selecting something more accessible from my newly launched collection at Kunal Trehan ® Casa · Maison · Home, the power of art to elevate a space is simply unmatched. 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide spectrum of clients over the years. Some are passionate collectors with a clear vision, arriving at our design consultations with mood boards centred around a single canvas. Others hand me the brief and the keys, trusting my instinct to bring the right textures, colours and scale into their home. Both approaches are valid. Both yield magic. But what matters most is understanding why a certain piece of art belongs in a particular space. 

Let’s begin with the basics of what should you consider when choosing a piece of art for your home? 

1. Emotion Before Aesthetics 

First and foremost, art must evoke something in you. This could be joy, calm, curiosity or even nostalgia. Too often, I see people trying to match art to their cushions. Of course, cohesion is important. But truly great interiors are about the perfect connection. If a piece speaks to you, you will find a place for it. Art should stir a response every time you pass it. That response is deeply personal, and it should always come before trend or decor. 

2. Consider the Role of the Piece 

Are you looking for a statement centrepiece for an entrance gallery wall? Something serene for the bedroom? Or a collection of smaller works to add rhythm and movement to a staircase? The role of the artwork informs everything; from scale and colour palette to frame choice and positioning. 

In some of the large-scale homes I work on, art is used architecturally. A single oversized canvas can elongate a hallway or create balance against a double-height void. In more intimate spaces, a well-chosen work of art can bring in warmth and soften hard architectural lines. So, before you fall in love with a piece, understand its purpose in the room. 

3. The Investment Piece vs. The Emotional Purchase

There is a growing appetite for investment art among my clients. Names like Banksy, Warhol, Mr. Brainwash and Harland Miller still captivate those looking for pieces with provenance. Galleries such as Maddox have made these works more accessible, and for some, art collecting is as strategic as it is soulful. 

But there is equal merit in purchasing a piece simply because it brings you joy. My brand-new collection for my new eponymous brand Kunal Trehan ® Casa · Maison · Home is built on this very idea. Each artwork has been created with interiors in mind. From textural abstracts in layered neutrals to saturated forms with movement and depth, these are pieces designed to live beautifully in real homes. Art should not feel intimidating. Whether you’re buying for investment or instinct, what matters most is that it resonates with your space and your story. 

Veltrix Canvas Artwork  www.kunal-trehan.com - Shop Now

 

4. Abstracts, Portraiture, Landscapes and More 

Personally, I gravitate towards abstract works. There’s something about the ambiguity and energy of abstract art that excites me. It leaves space for interpretation and invites you to engage with it in different ways depending on your mood. In a home, this creates longevity and a piece that continues to feel new over time. 

However, not every room calls for abstraction. Portraiture has seen a quiet revival in luxury interiors, particularly when combined with contemporary styling. Moody classical-style portraits in modern settings feel bold and intelligent. Meanwhile, landscapes offer serenity. A misty horizon or blurred treeline can ground a scheme and bring a sense of calm. Typography and pop art have their place too, especially in cinema rooms or entertaining spaces where a sense of playfulness is welcome. 

The trick is knowing when to use what. That’s where your inner interior designer comes in. 

5. Texture, Colour and Framing 

We often talk about colour in art, but texture is just as important. In neutral schemes, a heavily impastoed canvas where the paint sits thickly on the surface, can create a tactile counterbalance to polished plaster or smooth marble. In contrast, a clean, graphic piece may be just what a layered space needs to breathe. 

Framing also plays a vital role. The wrong frame can kill a piece, while the right one can elevate it tenfold. I always recommend gallery-quality framing, and in larger homes, subtle shadow gap spacing between the canvas and the frame gives a contemporary gallery finish. Where possible, keep the frame consistent across multiple pieces within one zone, even if the art styles vary. It unifies the story without diluting the individuality.

6. Placement and Lighting 

Art should never be an afterthought. It deserves to be seen and seen well. Avoid hanging pieces too high. A general rule of thumb is to keep the centre of the artwork at eye level. And if you’re investing in a piece of value, it’s worth considering dedicated picture lighting or a spotlight to enhance its impact. I always ensure key pieces are beautifully illuminated, not just in daylight but after dusk too. 

Harland Miller, Narcissist Seeks Similar, 2021, Edition of 50, Relief print  £50,000.00 maddoxgallery.com 

7. Building a Collection Over Time 

You don’t need to buy everything at once. In fact, the best collections are built slowly. One piece per year. One piece per room. Let your art journey evolve. You might start with something simple and find yourself moving towards bolder choices as your home and your taste, grows with you. 

 

Banksy, Flower Thrower Triptych, 2019, Edition of 300, Screenprint  £155,000.00  maddoxgallery.com 

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