The Designer’s Eye: Why Art Belongs Early in the Process

The Designer’s Eye: Why Art Belongs Early in the Process

With the designer’s eye, art isn’t an afterthought, it is the foundation of interiors, shaping palette, proportion, and narrative from the very start.Design begins long before the last detail is placed. The most successful interiors emerge from a vision where every element — furniture, finishes, lighting, and art. They all work together. Yet too often, artwork becomes an afterthought, chosen to “fill” walls rather than shape the room. In reality, art belongs at the very start of the design process. It anchors mood, sets palette, and helps clients imagine the space not just as functional, but as meaningful.

Art as Foundation, Not Finish

When designers choose art early, it becomes part of the design DNA. A large-scale abstract can dictate a room’s focal point, while a quiet figurative work might inspire color and material choices throughout. Instead of forcing artwork to fit an existing scheme, the scheme evolves with the art, creating cohesion and authenticity.

A Tool for Storytelling

Every project tells a story, and art is the first chapter. Introducing artwork from the outset allows designers to frame narrative: a bold city-inspired piece for a modern loft, or a soft atmospheric work for a serene retreat. For inspiration on how to build the perfect vibe in any interior, check out our article HERE. Art doesn’t just accompany design decisions; it clarifies them, giving clients an immediate emotional anchor.

Client Buy-In Through Visualization

For trade clients, renderings make this collaboration tangible. By showing how a piece lives in space from the beginning, designers can secure early buy-in and avoid the “we’ll add art later” mindset. Visualizing art within the initial layout builds confidence in scale, placement, and palette, streamlining decision-making and creating a more integrated design journey. Check out many of the Bad Dog renderings HERE.

Efficiency and Value

Leaving art to the end often leads to rushed choices, mismatched palettes, or missed opportunities for impact. Starting with art saves time, reduces revisions, and ensures clients see art not as an accessory, but as investment. For designers, this approach elevates projects from “complete” to unforgettable.

The Designer’s Eye

When art belongs early, it transforms interiors from assembled to intentional. The designer’s eye sees beyond layout and finishes, it sees the emotional, narrative, and architectural role art can play. By prioritizing artwork from the start, spaces gain resonance, balance, and identity. In short: design lasts, but art defines. 

With the designer’s eye guiding the process, several key factors show why artwork belongs at the very beginning — each one shaping how the interior ultimately comes together.

• Art as foundation, guiding the overall design vision
• Color and palette direction inspired by artwork
• Scale and proportion defined by the presence of art
• Client visualization through renderings
• Efficiency, value, and cohesion when art is chosen early