Start with the Art

A Fresh Approach to Interior Design

In most interiors, artwork arrives last. An afterthought once the paint dries and the furniture’s in place. But a growing number of designers are flipping the order. Instead of styling around sofas or palettes, they start with the art.

It’s a sharper, more intuitive approach. Begin with a statement piece such as a framed silk scarf, a sculpture or an oil painting and let it set the tone. Mood, colour and layout follow. The result feels more personal, more intentional. Less staged.

We believe art has the singular power to anchor a room. It doesn’t just decorate. It directs. One piece can shape the entire space, guiding everything from fabric choices to the placement of light. When the art leads, the room holds together.

Image credit: Interior Designer Sasha Bikoff's own apartment with a Gucci Framed Silk Scarf

Here’s why this approach works:

It’s Personal

Art reflects taste, memory and character. Starting with a piece you love, whether it’s a Hermès carré, an oil portrait or a wall of photography, it makes the space yours from the outset. It also removes the pressure to match. The art is the reference point.

It Sets the Palette

Strong pieces come with built-in colour cues. A scarf might contain burnt ochre, deep navy or soft chartreuse, all ready to inform walls, upholstery or even ceramics. The palette is rich, but never forced.

It Creates Focus

Every room needs an anchor. Art does this naturally. Hung above a fireplace or positioned as a standalone, it gives the eye somewhere to land. Furniture and layout fall into place around it.

It Transcends Style

Whether your space leans brutalist or bohemian, this approach adapts. A bold graphic scarf suits a minimal interior just as a pastoral scene in silk can suits a country kitchen. The artwork leads. The rest follows.

Image credit: Pineapple Interiors with an Hermes Framed Silk Scarf

We Can Help

We offer sourcing tailored to your space and sensibility. If you’re starting with a blank wall and a clear idea, we can help find a scarf that fits. If you already have a piece in mind, we can frame it as it deserves to be seen.

Get in touch to discuss styling your space with a beautiful, bold or muted framed silk scarf. We can cater to everyone's tastes.