Art is a brilliant way of creating a home that looks great but also feels a part of you. Research has shown that we feel happiest in homes that reflect our personality and art allows you to achieve exactly that (credit: Art at Home, By Rachel Loos).

But there is no denying that buying art can still be pretty daunting, especially when you’re unsure about how and where to hang it in your home.

This week Emma of Emma Hester Interiors helps us with how best to pair paintings with spaces in our homes. She has carefully selected 5 of her favourite paintings from the Discerning Palette collection and shares insight on why these paintings have caught her eye and where they would be best placed in the home. We’ve also selected more paintings that are in line with Emma’s choices to provide you with variety.

Emma’s Pick: ‘Catching Hold’

“ Ideal for a bedroom due to its restful quality, this painting features soft, flowing layers of muted colour that create the impression of mist over a landscape. With no harsh lines, it feels gentle and soothing. Even the black areas add depth rather than intensity, maintaining a sense of calm.

To me, it resembles delicate candy floss—soft layers of pinks and greens, painted with fluid brushstrokes that evoke a mysterious, ethereal, and dreamlike atmosphere. It would be beautifully complemented by a strong, dark-coloured wall, such as deep blue or terracotta red, where it would stand out in contrast while enhancing the space’s ambiance.”

Emma’s Pick: ‘Narwhal’

“Animal-themed artwork is always a great choice for children’s bedrooms. This painting, though simple in subject, has a charming, whimsical quality. Its muted, washed-out colours create a soft, vintage feel, making it both soothing and visually appealing.

Beyond its aesthetic, the painting invites storytelling and imagination. You can ask your child where the boat is headed, who might be on it, and where the narwhal lives or is going. It’s a piece that sparks curiosity and makes for a delightful addition to a child’s space.”

Emma’s Pick: ‘Relief in Blue’

“This subtle yet beautiful collage painting features delicate pencil lines and expressive paint strokes, adding rich texture and depth.

It’s perfect for a downstairs cloakroom, where guests can take a moment to appreciate its intricate details up close. It would also work beautifully in a narrow hallway, corridor, or landing —spaces where its subtle beauty can be admired at eye level.

In truth, it’s almost too good for a cloakroom, but it’s one of the few places where people pause long enough to take it in—perhaps while washing their hands. Alternatively, it would make a wonderful addition to a study, placed above a desk as a calming focal point, offering a moment of visual rest from screen time. Personally, I’d love this in my office!”