Art is the soul of a home. A photograph, a painting, or a sculpture has the quiet power to reach out and speak to you, creating atmosphere, memory, and movement within a room. In this way, art is the “magic ingredient” that gives interiors their depth and character.

“Much of the magic of an interior comes from the authentic and the surprising; and playing with art is the simplest way to evoke those feelings.” - Sophie Ashby

At Studio Ashby, interiors are layered, eclectic, colourful, and homely. Art doesn’t sit in isolation — it dialogues with the furniture, textiles, and objects that surround it. Books stacked on a sideboard, antique furniture alongside contemporary lighting, or a richly textured textile beneath a striking painting all allow each element to breathe and enhance the other.

Start with scale and balance. Large works can anchor a sofa or console, while smaller pieces can be layered on shelves, mantels, or alongside objects to create rhythm. Textiles — whether a soft throw, patterned rug, or sculptural cushion — add tactility and depth, complementing the mood of the artwork without competing for attention.

Mixing eras, materials, and styles brings energy and authenticity. A contemporary painting above a classic Empire chest, for instance, makes both pieces feel more dynamic. Similarly, unexpected pairings of colour, pattern, or material can create visual conversation: a bold rug beneath a delicate print, or a textured textile framing a photograph.

“When mixing the old with the new, one often makes the other seem more beautiful.” - Sophie Ashby

Collecting personally meaningful pieces adds another layer. Framed postcards, prints picked up on travels, or objects with story give the space a sense of intimacy. “I always make sure to pick up unique pieces on my travels that will remind me of a wonderful memory,” Sophie Ashby. When these items are woven in with furniture and textiles, the room feels layered, colourful, and unmistakably alive.

Ultimately, pairing art with furniture and textiles is about dialogue: each element informs and elevates the others. Colour, texture, and proportion work together to create harmony, while thoughtful contrasts introduce surprise. The result is a home that feels both curated and effortless — a place where objects, fabrics, and artworks converse naturally, and where every corner tells a story.