Art as the Heart of Interior Design: The Epic Interiors Approach

Art is not just an accessory or final touch; it’s an essential part of the design process. From the very beginning, we thoughtfully integrate art, shaping the atmosphere and enhancing every element of the space. In fact, we see ourselves as "visual psychologists," carefully curating an art program that elevates every room. From the very beginning of a project, art is considered alongside furniture choices, lighting, and layout, because we know that the right piece can completely transform a room, adding not only beauty but style and soul.

Large-scale commissioned oil painting of Chicago Cityscape. — This striking Chicago-scape oil on canvas by Kathleen Eaton was commissioned to be beautifully showcased at the entrance to a custom wine cellar to the right and the family room to the left. It is the quintessential statement piece that exemplifies the Epic Interiors approach to art and design.

Art as an Essential Part of the Design

While many design firms treat art as a secondary consideration, adding it in only at the end of a project, we make it a cornerstone of our design philosophy. For us, art is about creating a cohesive visual narrative that enhances every space—whether it’s a home, corporate office, or healthcare environment. We thoughtfully curate selections that align with the mission, values, and identity of each client, ensuring the art not only complements the design but also tells a meaningful story.

Contemporary art commissioned for a behavioral health group room. Bright, optimistic colors. — With this large-scale painting commissioned for a group therapy room at Skyway Behavioral Health, the client requested abstract work that would both soothe and engage. We chose minimally expressive, hand-wrought color-blocking designs, utilizing a predominantly subdued palette with pops of more vibrant color to enhance the wellness-focused atmosphere in a fresh and contemporary way.

Art in Corporate and Healthcare

It’s always easiest to make art decisions when we have a committee of one! That, however, is rarely the case. When selecting art for corporate or healthcare applications, it’s important to help the deciding committee get into the mindset that this is not the same as selecting art for your home, which, as we know, can be a HIGHLY personal endeavor.

Art in the workplace or public spaces can often transcend limitations that exist in residential. From our point of view, this is very exciting because we have more latitude when it comes to color and subject matter. We can often lean into more contemporary work that is a relevant representation of the now. Art in these spaces can not only create a positive and desirable atmosphere for clients but can also be used as a recruiting and retention strategy for staff. Everyone loves to work in a beautiful and thoughtfully appointed environment.

In today's world, the art program also lends a compelling backdrop for company photos, social media posts, and reels. For example, we are thrilled every time we see our client Skyway Behavioral Health’s communication reels with our artwork selections accentuating the scene (check out their adorable blooper reel on Instagram).

Two contemporary artists curated for a modern corporate office space. — In the office, art is just as important. This photographic collage, featuring Penelope Umbrico's work on the left and Luciana Levinton's on the right, adds a bold graphic punch to the space, ensuring the room feels personal without being overwhelmed. The strong, eye-catching composition sets the tone for the work environment.

Residential: Curating Art for Home and Heart

We build trust with our clients through education on aesthetics, art genres, and individual artistic practices. One of the best questions we ever got was from a favorite residential client. “Now tell me why should I like this?” On the surface, it may seem like a challenge to the art we were presenting, but in reality, it was a sincere question and opened up a path to delve deeper into the artist's influences and style and why it was an interesting fit with the flow of the overall program. We cannot emphasize enough that there are no “bad” questions and that saying you don’t like something is a very important part of the process. We believe clients should always feel free to voice any discomfort or dislikes, especially regarding art. This helps us gain valuable insight but also opens conversations that may, in some circumstances, end up with a change of heart on the client’s part. We are aware that talking about art can be intimidating, and we value free and open dialogues to help promote a comfort level so we can all learn and grow and hopefully have some fun too!

We know that art collecting can be a pricey endeavor and are here to help guide decisions. But art doesn’t have to break the bank. We understand that clients have different budgets and preferences, and we work to accommodate them. Whether you’re looking for original pieces or reproduction art, we can help you find something that elevates your space in an impactful way. For clients who may prefer alternatives to original works, we are delighted to provide access to a thoughtfully curated library of high-quality images. These pieces can be beautifully reproduced to complement the design and offer an elegant and meaningful way to elevate your space.

Wall covering as artwork mural in powder room. — Here, in a serene powder room, art becomes part of the experience. The chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper envelops the space, while the Art Deco mirror and a modern chandelier capture vintage charm and modern luxury. This combination of fine art and design reflects the story of a room made to feel like a journey into an artistic masterpiece.

Entry Gallery: Interior Design and Affordable Fine Art — A large entry area can be the perfect canvas for art. This gallery entry corridor was renovated to house an eclectic collection that blends new acquisitions with the client’s cherished existing works. This personal, curated space embodies the idea of art as more than decoration but a conversation that extends beyond just the design itself.

The Art Selection Process

We often hear clients say, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like when I see it." And that’s perfectly fine, that’s where we come in! We focus on discovering pieces that truly resonates with our client and beautifully complements the design of their home.

Art selection involves more than simply choosing a piece that fits the space. The process includes educating clients on the background of each work, the artist behind it, and the story it tells. Choosing art can feel intimidating, but by exploring the significance of each piece, clients form a deeper connection and appreciation for their selections.

Artwork collection and interior design come together in our client's entry gallery. — Curating a collection that feels harmonious and speaks to personal taste is at the heart of our approach. Here, old master-inspired figurative prints and a nature-oriented abstract painting by contemporary Berlin-based artist Ute Rathmann and Chicago artist Pamela Staker are part of a gallery vignette designed to spark conversation. This thoughtful selection highlights the balance of past and present, classic and contemporary.

Balancing Personal Preferences

One of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of selecting art is navigating the different tastes of the people who live in a space. Choosing a sofa or paint color might be easier, as these decisions tend to be more universally agreed upon. But when it comes to art, the process can feel more like a delicate negotiation.

It’s not uncommon for couples to argue profusely about what they prefer in art. One person might be drawn to bold, contemporary pieces while the other prefers something more classic. But our role as visual psychologists is to blend these differences, creating a cohesive art program that reflects both individuals’ tastes while also harmonizing with the overall design of the space.

Contemporary commissioned painting by Michigan artist Melanie Parke. Abstract landscape for our client's great room. — In every great room, there’s room for art to create connection. This commissioned piece by contemporary artist Melanie Parke becomes the focal point, bridging nature and abstraction. With its soothing greens and blues, the painting mirrors the natural views outside and brings biophilic design into the heart of the home.

A Thoughtful Approach: More Than Just Decoration

We want to emphasize how unique Epic Interiors is in our approach to art. We are one of the few design firms to have an art advisor on staff, which allows us to provide a level of expertise and personalized service that is rare in the industry. Art is never just an afterthought for us.

When art is thoughtfully integrated into a design, it becomes more than just decoration. It becomes a story, a conversation, and a reflection of the people who live there. We are honored to be part of that process, guiding our clients every step of the way as we bring their artistic visions to life.