Choosing the perfect piece of wall art for your home can feel a bit daunting.
You want something that speaks to your personality, makes a statement, and most importantly compliments your colour scheme and home decor style.
Trust me, as someone who creates animal art every day, I know how much of a difference the right colours can make.
A painting that compliments your décor will bring harmony to your space, while one that clashes… well, let’s just say it can make even the cosiest room feel off!
Start with the Key Colours in Your Room
First things first: look around your home and try to identify the dominant colours. Is your living room full of neutral tones with a dash of yellow? Or does your bedroom feature soft pinks and creams? Once you know your base colours, you can start hunting for matching wall art that either echoes those tones or provides a playful contrast.
For example, in my animal artwork collection, Highland cows like Maggie Moo have warm, earthy tones with a pop of teal that blend beautifully with neutral spaces, while my dog paintings like Spruce the Springer Spaniel or Mabel the Cockapoo can add pops of vibrant colour and personality that brighten up a room.
Picking Artwork? Think About Mood and Style
Colour isn’t the only thing to think about, you should also take into account the vibe you want to create.
Soft pastels can make a room feel calm and soothing, while bright, bold colours bring energy and fun. Animal art is incredibly versatile in this regard. A playful dog portrait on your living room wall can really help to energise the space, while a serene Highland cow painting can bring calm and warmth to a study or bedroom.
How Can I Create a Gallery Wall?
If you’re adding more than one piece of wall art, think about creating a cohesive gallery wall with matching wall art. You don’t need every piece of wall art to be identical; instead, look for complementary colours or themes. For example, a framed dog painting paired with a Highland cow canvas can work beautifully if the colour tones harmonise. This approach keeps your walls interesting without feeling chaotic.
What Materials & Finish Should I Choose?
The texture and finish of your animal artwork can also really influence how it fits into your home. Canvas wall art adds a tactile, gallery-like feel, while framed fine art prints offer a sleek, polished and more modern finish. Matching the material to your décor style can help unify the space.
Final Thoughts: I’ll Let You in on A Secret
Now here’s the secret: You've been told that art should match your décor, but here's the truth: Art you love stays with you, décor changes.
When you choose a piece of art just because it matches your cushions or your wall colour, it risks becoming disposable — another “thing” in the room. But when you choose a piece because it moves you, makes you smile, or reminds you of something meaningful,
it becomes part of your life story. Décor is temporary. Paint colours, furniture, and trends come and go.
Art is lasting. If you love it, you’ll carry that feeling with you even if you redecorate, move house, or change your style.
It creates connections. Art you love draws you in, grounds you, lifts you up. It becomes something you interact with daily - not just something that “fits in.
It reflects you, not a trend. Your home should feel personal, not like a showroom.
So yes, a painting might clash with the sofa — but the sofa will one day be replaced. The feeling you get from art that speaks to your soul never fades.
Decor fades. Love lasts. Choose the art that makes your heart skip.
