Framing the Space: How Interior Designers Use Art to Elevate the Home
In today’s world of elevated interiors, artwork is no longer a decorative afterthought - it’s a strategic design element that shapes mood, anchors a space and tells a story.
Few understand this better than Cassie Braunthal - Senior Property Stylist at Bungalow Home, a design-forward brand known for its refined and textural approach to styling.
Cassie reflects on how art weaves through her styling process - not just as a visual layer, but as an emotional thread that connects interiors to the people who live in or are about to buy them.
“From the moment we walk into the home and get a sense of the property, we will start thinking about art,” says Cassie.
“In saying this, we will select the furniture first and then the artwork will be selected to complement the furniture selections.”
This intentional layering - furniture first - followed by carefully curated art - helps build harmony and flow across a space. It also reflects a key principle in styling: art must feel emotionally resonant, yet not overpowering.
Art as Anchor: Where Designers Begin
For many interior stylists, the decision around artwork starts early. While Cassie’s team begins with furniture, art isn’t far behind.
She shares that large-scale statement pieces are typically introduced in key zones like living rooms, hallways, and dining areas. These are high-impact areas where art acts as both a focal point and an atmospheric anchor, setting the tone for the rest of the home.
“These areas are typically the first impressions for buyers,” she explains.
“So the artwork plays a key role in anchoring the furniture layout, drawing the eye and creating a sense of cohesion throughout the open-plan zones."
Sourcing with Style:
The spirit of discovery is crucial in keeping interiors fresh and tailored. Recent trends they’re embracing include:
• Abstract figurative art
• Gradient colour pieces
• European landscape photography
These styles allow flexibility - whether evoking calm, sophistication or nostalgia - while maintaining the minimalist, high-end feel that Bungalow Home is known for.
Curating Emotion Room by Room
Cassie describes a thoughtful approach to how art is used differently throughout a home. While large-scale works ground shared living areas, bedrooms offer an opportunity to infuse character and warmth.
“In the bedrooms, we usually take the opportunity to add a bit more personality and warmth. Smaller-scale artworks allow us to have fun with pops of colour, texture - creating moments of character that still feel aligned with the overall scheme.” she says.
“It might be a playful print in a child’s room, or something more romantic and calming in a master suite. Ultimately, we tailor each piece to enhance the feeling we want to evoke in that specific room, while making sure the collection of artworks still feels intentional and curated across the property.”
In high-end styling, this emotional layering is essential. Buyers need to not only admire the design - they need to feel at home.
Tailoring Art to Space, Architecture & Audience
When asked how she adapts to different homes and clients, Cassie offers insight into a stylist’s nuanced decision-making:
“…we always consider the home’s architecture, colour palette and the emotional tone we want to evoke,” she shares.
“…for a modern home, I might choose bold abstract or bold pieces, whereas for a family home, something softer and more organic…”
It’s this ability to shift based on style and audience - without compromising on quality or cohesion - that defines great property styling. And it’s why art continues to be such a powerful tool: it can soften, sharpen, warm, or energise a space instantly.
Art as the Final, Vital Layer
For Cassie and her team, artwork is never just filler. It’s the final layer that ties the entire narrative of a home together - with careful attention paid to form, texture and tone.
“Rather than just filling walls, we treat artwork as a tool to reinforce the home’s identity - whether that’s soft and serene or bold and contemporary.”
“A piece might echo the curves in the furniture or pick up on a subtle hue from a cushion or rug.”
The aim? A cohesive, beautifully styled space that feels effortless - and emotionally resonant.
In the hands of an experienced stylist like Cassie Braunthal, artwork becomes more than a visual feature - it becomes part of the home’s language. It speaks to the buyer, supports the styling vision and leaves a lasting impression long after the first walkthrough…and if Cassie’s thoughtful process is anything to go by, the art on those walls will continue to do what great design always does: make people feel something.