Have you ever completed a beautiful interior design project, only to reach the final stage and realize the walls still feel unfinished because the art hasn’t been selected yet?
Many designers focus heavily on furniture, finishes, textiles, and architectural details, but art often becomes something clients think about at the very end.
In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hurt, founder of Seattle Art Source, to talk about how interior designers can confidently integrate art into their projects, collaborate with local artists, and create more meaningful spaces for their clients. Sarah shares practical advice on art curation, working with an art advisor, selecting pieces that complement a design vision, and helping clients discover artwork they truly connect with.
Whether you are a new designer building your creative career or an experienced designer looking to elevate your client experience, this conversation will help you rethink the role art plays in creating complete, intentional interiors.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why art belongs in the initial design package
How to confidently curate art selections
Ways to collaborate with local artists
How to manage client art preferences
Building stronger design relationships through art
How to Integrate Art Into the Interior Design Process
Art has the ability to completely transform a space, but many designers hesitate to include it because they feel they need to become art experts first.
My conversation with Sarah reminds us that art does not have to feel intimidating. Instead, it can become a valuable part of your design process, your client relationships, and your creative services.
Here are some key ways you can begin integrating art into your interior design projects with more confidence.
1. Introduce Art From the Beginning of the Design Process
One of the biggest takeaways from Sarah is that art should be introduced early—not saved until installation day.
When creating your initial concepts, mood boards, and presentations, include art alongside your textiles, furniture selections, tile, and finishes. This helps clients visualize the complete story of their home and understand that artwork is part of the investment.
Sarah explains:
“Start with art as part of the initial package with your clients. Start enculturating your client by adding art to those initial imaginations. That mood board should have art on there, just like you have textiles, a rug, and tile samples.”
By including art from the start, you create better expectations around budget, timeline, and decision-making. Clients begin seeing artwork as an intentional part of the design rather than something optional.
2. Partner With Art Advisors and Local Artists Instead of Doing Everything Alone
Interior designers are experts in creating beautiful spaces, but that does not mean they need to master every area of the industry. Just like you may have trusted vendors for rugs, lighting, or custom furniture, an art advisor can become an important resource in your design process.
Sarah created Seattle Art Source to bridge the gap between interior designers and artists. Through her work, designers can access curated artwork, connect with local artists, explore commissions, and find pieces that truly support their project vision.
Sarah shares:
“We are not all experts in all things, and I think it is okay to have your rug guy who’s your expert in imported and antique rugs, and it’s okay to rely on his expertise.”
The more you visit art shows, explore galleries, and work alongside art professionals, the more your eye develops. Confidence comes through exposure and experience.
3. Curate Art Based on the Client’s Story, Not Just the Style of the Room
One challenge many designers face is working with clients who already have meaningful artwork they want to include. Sometimes those pieces may not perfectly match the new design direction, but they often hold emotional value.
Instead of immediately removing those pieces, consider ways to reposition, reframe, or reinterpret them within the new space.
Sarah recommends alternative placement options, refreshing older artwork with new framing, or finding additional pieces that help bridge the gap between the client’s sentimental choices and the overall design concept.
She explains:
“Sometimes it’s a matter of seeing something else that they also resonate with, that also honors the design, and so it’s not like we’re getting rid of something, we’re adding something that we really also like.”
Great design honors both the designer’s vision and the homeowner’s personal connection to their space.
4. Use Art Rentals and Temporary Solutions When Clients Need More Time
Large design projects often leave clients with decision fatigue. After investing in construction, furnishings, and finishes, choosing artwork can feel overwhelming.
Instead of forcing a rushed decision, designers can use creative solutions like art rentals or borrowed pieces for photography and staging.
Sarah explains that renting art can also help clients experience artwork in their home before committing. Sometimes seeing a piece in the actual space helps a client realize it is the right choice.
This approach also helps designers create stronger project photography while clients take the time they need to make thoughtful art selections.
5. Build Confidence Through Exposure and Education
For designers unsure about selecting original artwork, Sarah encourages curiosity rather than perfection.
You do not need to know everything about art history, techniques, or collecting before beginning. You simply need to start asking questions and building relationships with resources who can support you.
Sarah shares:
“I didn’t start out knowing a lot about art. I’ve learned over the years, just because every single day this is all I do.”
Visit local galleries, attend art shows, connect with artists, and create relationships with art advisors. Over time, your confidence and your ability to guide clients will grow.
Final Thoughts
Art has the power to bring emotion, personality, and meaning into interior design projects. As designers, we are not just creating beautiful rooms—we are creating environments where people live their stories. By integrating art into your design process from the beginning, you can create more complete projects, strengthen client relationships, and provide a deeper level of service.
Remember, you do not have to do it alone. Building a network of trusted resources, including artists and art advisors, allows you to expand your creative possibilities while giving your clients an even better experience.
Meet Sarah Hurt
Sarah Hurt is the founder of Seattle Art Source, a company dedicated to connecting interior designers, clients, and local artists through meaningful art experiences. After starting Seattle Art Source as a second career, Sarah built a bridge between artists and buyers by helping designers curate artwork that enhances everyday life. She works with designers on residential and commercial projects, offering art sourcing, commissions, installations, and advisory support.
Connect With Sarah Hurt
Website: Seattle Art Source
Instagram: @seattleartsource
Trade Program: Contact Sarah Hurt at [email protected]
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