In the last post, I waxed lyrical about starting with a piece of trophy fabric to set the mood for a room. A showstopper textile that sets the scene for tone, colour, and presence.
But, dear reader, there’s also another creative compass: art. The concept, highlighted as “Start with the Art” in Natalie Papier’s book, is refreshingly simple. You begin with a piece you love. Yes, really.
“Art is actually the secret to a home with soul — the shortcut to creating rooms that feel deeply personal… Sure, you can pull colours from a piece of art, but let its influence also show up in shapes, textures, and patterns.”
– Natalie Papier
It’s a method I’m increasingly fond of, especially when there’s already a beloved painting or a print that captures the mood you’re chasing. Right now I’m using this technique in our bedroom glow up, inspired by these two prints from Olive Et Oriel. Any kind of umbrella says “and… breathe” to me. They conjure far-flung adventures, Mediterranean coastlines, and the kind of beach days where lunch lasts three hours.
The mood I wanted for the whole house was that of a haven. That feeling of being away from the chaos of work and city life, tucked in a villa where time slows and the wi-fi is questionable (take me there!). I even positioned our master to overlook a little terrace with chairs, palms, and outdoor lighting — the kind of setting that brings pure bliss on your first holiday in forever. Yes, this is what happens when your travel obsession gets architectural.
Start with the Art is about colour and form, but more importantly, it’s about how you want to feel in a space. And that, really, is everything.
Now, I haven’t forgotten my beloved trophy fabric for our bedroom.
The perfect textile is still out there, elusively playing hard to get. We’re already striped out, and with our fairly lush garden just beyond the windows, something botanical or perhaps even tropical feels right.
Stay tuned.
