Art That Shapes a Room
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Time to read 3 min
Artwork often becomes the emotional anchor of a space. It draws the eye, introduces meaning, and adds a layer of personality that furnishings alone cannot provide. In interior design, choosing artwork is not about filling empty walls. It is about shaping how a space feels and how it is experienced over time.
At Known, artwork is treated as a foundational design element. It works alongside color, material, and layout to bring depth and narrative into a space.
Art as Emotion and Connection
For Fatou Ceesay, artwork is deeply personal and emotionally driven. She sees it as one of the most expressive elements in a space, capable of grounding a room and giving it soul.
“In a lot of ways I think art is the soul of a space.”— Fatou Ceesay
Because art carries so much emotional weight, it can also be one of the most challenging elements to select. Rather than forcing cohesion, Fatou gravitates toward pieces that create a sense of connection and humanity within a space.
“I tend to gravitate towards figurative art, I really like faces and hands and I’m not quite sure why other than the human connection.”— Fatou Ceesay
Her approach allows artwork to feel intuitive and expressive, adding warmth and personality without feeling overly curated or detached.
Vida Design - 120 Bend
Fatou's Favorites
Art as Storytelling
For Tyler Myers, artwork plays a central role in shaping narrative. Whether bold or understated, he believes art should always communicate something meaningful within the context of a space.
“Curated art in a space should ALWAYS tell a story though. That story can be as loud or as subtle as you want it to be.”— Tyler Myers
Rather than demanding immediate attention, some of the most effective artwork reveals itself gradually. Tyler values designs where art becomes part of the lived experience, noticed more deeply as people spend time in the space.
“Some of the best designs I've worked on features art that is only noticed as you spend more time in a space.”— Tyler Myers
This approach allows artwork to feel layered and intentional, contributing to atmosphere without overwhelming the room.
Tyler's Favorites
Art as Intentional Design
For Jacqueline Roldan, artwork selection always begins with feeling. Before considering style or placement, she focuses on the emotional response the artwork should create for those moving through the space.
“My initial question would be ‘what feeling do I want to express in the artwork for people walking through the space.’”— Jacqueline Roldan
She sees artwork as a critical part of completing a design, rather than a final decorative step.
“I think artwork is critical to completing a space.”— Jacqueline Roldan
Jacqueline gravitates toward pieces that feel expressive but balanced, allowing artwork to enhance the space without overpowering it. Her approach prioritizes cohesion, ensuring art works in harmony with surrounding materials, finishes, and color.
Vida Design - Quin
Jacqueline's Favorites
Color as a Design Language
Artwork does not always need to act as a focal point. For Tyler Myers, art can either anchor a room visually or quietly support the space, depending on the intent of the design. This flexibility allows artwork to feel integrated rather than performative, responding naturally to scale, circulation, and how long someone spends in a space.
That sense of balance is echoed in Fatou Ceesay’s approach, where artwork is deeply personal and emotionally driven. Rather than forcing art to stand out, she allows it to connect on a human level, giving a space warmth and soul without overwhelming it. In this way, art becomes part of the atmosphere, something felt as much as it is seen.
Jacqueline Roldan similarly approaches artwork as a supporting layer that completes a space. By starting with feeling and considering how art interacts with finishes and materials, she ensures that each piece contributes to the overall composition. The result is artwork that feels intentional and cohesive, enhancing the design rather than competing with it.
Together, these perspectives show that balance in art selection is not about restraint or boldness alone. It is about alignment. When artwork is chosen with intention and placed thoughtfully, it naturally finds its role within a space, whether that role is expressive, subtle, or somewhere in between.
Across these perspectives, one idea remains consistent. Artwork is not an accessory. It is a powerful design tool that shapes mood, tells a story, and brings individuality into a space.
Whether acting as a focal point, a subtle layer, or an emotional anchor, thoughtfully chosen artwork adds depth and meaning that cannot be replicated by furniture or finishes alone.
Artwork choices are deeply personal, shaped by the stories we connect with and the emotions we want our spaces to carry. If you are interested in exploring how art, color, and material might come together in your own home, our style quiz offers a simple way to reflect on your preferences and begin with intention.
At Known, we believe artwork is what gives a space its voice.