How to Style Art Like a Collector (Not Just a Decorator)

How to Style Art Like a Collector (Not Just a Decorator)

5 Tips to Curate Walls That Tell a Story

There’s a difference between decorating with art and collecting it with intention.

At Austyn Marie Design, I believe artwork should do more than fill a wall, it should reflect your story, shape the mood of your space, and blend seamlessly with what’s already been lived in, loved, and layered.

So whether you're working with original oil paintings, engravings, or vintage portraits, here are five tips to help you style art in a way that feels tailored, purposeful, and timeless, just like the rest of your home.

1. Make It Personal 

Choose art that resonates emotionally. Whether it’s a portrait that reminds you of your grandmother or a seascape that stirs up nostalgia, your collection should say something about you. Not just your color palette.

 

2. Tailor the Display to the Room 

Every space has a different rhythm. A formal entry may want a bold solo piece; a cozy sitting room might call for a layered cluster. Match the art’s energy with the architecture and purpose of the space. Style with intention, not obligation.


3. Layer, Don’t Just Hang 

Think beyond the wall. Lean smaller works on consoles, stack them over mirrors, or overlap frames slightly. It adds visual depth and gives your space that “collected over time” richness that no big-box decor can fake.

4. Let the Art Lead 

Start with a piece you love, and build the space around it. Let it guide your palette, your textiles, even your furniture placement. Good art has a gravitational pull - don’t fight it, follow it.


5. Go for Timeless, Not Trendy 

Trends come and go, but history lingers. Invest in original paintings, antique prints, or engravings with character. Frames with patina, brushstrokes that tell a tale, these pieces only get better with time.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great art doesn’t just decorate a room - it anchors it. It connects history with your present and invites curiosity into everyday life.

Whether you’re layering antique landscapes or giving pride of place to a portrait, let your walls reflect who you are and who you’re becoming.

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Home Décor Imagine stepping into a home that understands the silent language of your heart, a space where every corner, every curve, and every color narrates a chapter of your life. This is the magic woven by investing in art and quality home décor, a form of self-expression that does more than just fill space—it fills your daily life with joy and inspiration.
Home Styling Your home is your personal canvas, and the art you hang on your walls or the unique pieces you place on your shelves speak to who you are and what you love. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating an environment that reflects your inner world, transforming your living space into an extension of your personality. The connection we forge with the pieces we choose is intimate, imbuing our daily existence with a sense of comfort and identity.
Quality in art and home décor transcends the fleeting trends of the day. These pieces become heirlooms, narrating your family's story long after you first lay them in place. There's a timeless elegance to a well-crafted piece, something that outlasts the quick turnover of mass-produced goods. It’s not simply a fixture in your home; it's a part of your legacy. In the uniqueness of these pieces lies the joy of distinction. There’s a certain pride that comes from knowing that what adorns your home isn’t just another replica off a production line, but a treasure that holds its own story. This uniqueness is a conversation starter, a source of comfort, a beacon of inspiration, and a reservoir of memories.
Elegant Décor Lastly, living amongst items that resonate with your soul can profoundly influence your emotional well-being. They act as totems of tranquility, passion, or creativity, subtly shaping the energy of your living space. With every glance, they have the power to lift your spirits, provoke thought, or soothe your senses. By choosing art and décor that speaks to you, you are doing more than decorating—you are curating an environment that encourages happiness and fulfillment. You are investing in your sanctuary, a place where the chaos of the outside world melts away in the face of genuine personal joy.
So, let your home tell your story. Let it be a gallery of your experiences, a visual anthology of your dreams and desires. After all, the true art of living well is creating spaces that make you feel alive, in a home where happiness hangs on every wall and stands in every corner.