How Art Elevates Interior Design: Creating Mood, Identity and Atmosphere in the Home
- Michelle
- May 7
- 4 min read
In conversation with artist Paul Jackson, Pencil Tree Gallery, Bath
At Inuti Interiors, we believe that interior design is about more than aesthetics, it’s about how a space makes you feel on the inside, which reflects not only our name but our ethos. While layout, lighting, and furniture create the framework of a room, it’s often the artwork that gives it soul. The right art doesn’t just decorate a room; it defines it, shaping the mood, enhancing the atmosphere, and telling a story unique to the people who live there.
To explore the powerful relationship between art and interiors, we spoke with Paul Jackson, artist and founder of Pencil Tree Gallery in Bath, a celebrated figure in the local art community. His work is influenced by California, surf culture, and Mid-Century style. Paul’s work brings energy and graphic clarity, as well as being bold and colour impactful, his work pairs beautifully with both classic and contemporary interiors.
Art as a Focal Point in Interior Spaces:
“I think art is key to a room,” Paul explains. “It creates a focus and, if chosen well, can make for a more coherent design. Good art often creates conversations.”
In today’s homes, particularly open-plan living areas or modern extensions, a well-chosen painting or print becomes more than decoration. It can be the focal point of an interior, drawing the eye and setting the emotional tone for the whole room.
Whether you're designing a calming bedroom retreat, an energising home office, or a welcoming living space, art can support the intention behind the design and help express the homeowner’s personal style.
Choosing Art for Your Home: Practical & Creative Considerations:
When selecting art for your interior design project, Paul recommends resisting the urge to over-coordinate. “Much as I don't suggest matching paintings to soft furnishings,” he says, “I do enjoy art that speaks to the room’s palette - it might only need to be one shared colour. This can really tie a space together.” He also encourages being bold and going big. “Be bold with the size. Some of my largest works hang in rooms with relatively low ceilings, it fills the space and creates real impact.”
This aligns with our own approach at Inuti Interiors. Whether styling a contemporary townhouse in Cheltenham or a Cotswolds period property, we believe artwork should feel integrated, not just an afterthought. It can guide the colour palette, add texture, or introduce contrast, all essential elements in a well-balanced, luxury home design.
Trends in Art for Modern Interiors:
Over the years Paul has come to realise that his clients are more adventurous with art when it comes to certain rooms within your home, for example kitchens, dining spaces and open-plan living areas. “The large modern kitchen extensions which are so popular cry out for a statement piece,” he explains. “People are bolder in these rooms and more open to abstract work.” He also notes the enduring popularity of gallery walls. “Many homes feature a gallery wall. I sell lots of smaller works for that purpose.”
These enduring trends reflect personalised, curated interiors where artwork plays a leading role in expressing character and individuality.
How One Painting Transformed a Room:
Sometimes, one piece of art can completely shift the feel of a space. We asked Paul if there was a time when a particular piece of art was able to transform an interior. Paul shared a personal story from his own home. “We moved in 2023 and hosted Christmas just 8 months later, mid-renovation. The house still looked like a building site until we hung a large painting in a prominent spot. Our guests just saw the painting, not the unfinished house.”
This is a powerful example of how art elevates even the most transitional spaces, offering beauty and completeness even when the interiors are still in progress.
Art That Leaves a Lasting Impression:
When we asked Paul what piece has had the greatest personal impact, Paul recalls a moment of inspiration, “A Klimt painting of a tree in MoMA, New York. It made me want to be an artist.”
For us, this sums up what great design and great art is all about: creating emotional resonance. Whether you’re sourcing original artwork for a period home, installing bespoke joinery, or styling a timeless shaker kitchen, these personal connections are what give a home depth and meaning.
Final Thoughts:
At Inuti Interiors, we see art as an essential part of the interior design process and not just an accessory, artwork is a core element in crafting mood, identity and storytelling in the home. From bold statement pieces in kitchen-diners to delicate sketches in hallway nooks, art has the power to lift a space from well-designed to truly unforgettable.
If you are looking to source art for your next interior design project, we would love to help you curate a collection that feels as personal as it is beautiful.
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