“How do you choose a painting for your living room?”
Find the Perfect Original Artwork for Your Home
You probably know that the wall above the sofa could use a piece of art to bring the room to life.
You might have already browsed hundreds of paintings online and saved a few favorites, yet you still wonder: is this really the right artwork for my home? Do the colors match? Is the size right? And will I still love it in a few years?
There is also another challenge I often encounter when people contact me or visit my studio: choosing art together. Couples often go looking for a painting for their home, and both partners need to like the artwork.
One person might be instantly drawn to a particular painting, while the other prefers something completely different. Finding a piece that appeals to both of you can be incredibly difficult, sometimes even a real challenge.
That is completely understandable. Art is personal. You don’t choose a painting the same way you choose a sofa or a dining table; those are easier to replace.
An original painting, on the other hand, is a long-term purchase, sometimes even an investment. It is something you want to be able to enjoy every single day.
Finding the perfect painting, therefore, isn't just about finding something beautiful. It’s about finding an original artwork that resonates emotionally with both of you, when choosing together, and feels just right in the space where you live.
1. Start with the artwork, not the sofa
The first thing people think about when looking for artwork for their home is the painting's colors.
"A piece with blue in it would look good in my living room."
"Our sofa is green, so the painting needs to have green in it."
"My interior colors are quite neutral, so maybe something very subtle would work best."
Of course, the colors in your home are very important. But a painting certainly doesn't have to match your sofa's colors perfectly.
In fact, quite the opposite: a piece of art can add something completely unexpected, creating a truly interesting interior.
An original artwork can introduce a color that wasn't previously in the room. It can create contrast, energize a calm interior, or bring together existing colors without needing to match them exactly.
When searching for the perfect painting, you might want to ask yourself a different question:
Do I like this artwork? Do I enjoy looking at it?
If the answer is 'yes,' that makes for a much stronger starting point than wondering whether it matches your curtains.
2. Choose a painting that speaks to you
Buying an original work of art is different from buying a decorative object. You aren't just looking for something to fill an empty spot on the wall. You are choosing something that will become part of your home, something you will likely see every day.
I often notice this when people visit my studio. Someone walks in, looks around at the various paintings, and then suddenly stops in front of one specific piece. Sometimes they say right away, "I really love this one." Other times, they say nothing at all. They simply keep looking.
I find those moments interesting because people can’t always explain what draws them to a painting. It isn't necessarily the colors or the size. Sometimes it’s the atmosphere, a detail they’ve noticed, a figure, or simply something about the work that feels familiar.
Perhaps a painting reminds you of a place you once visited. Maybe it evokes the feeling of a summer holiday, playing outside as a child, or a specific period in your life. Sometimes it’s much simpler: you just like how the painting makes you feel when you look at it.
I create a painting based on my own ideas and experiences, yet people often see something completely different in it. They bring their own memories and experiences to the artwork.
If you keep coming back to the same piece of art, looking at it from a distance and then stepping closer to view it again, that says something.
If you’re still thinking about it after leaving the studio or closing the website, that says something too.
So, don't immediately talk yourself out of it just because the colors don't match perfectly or because it’s different from what you originally had in mind.
To me, that is far more meaningful than choosing a painting simply because it fits a certain interior style or happens to be trendy at the moment. Sometimes, the artwork you didn't expect to choose turns out to be the very piece you will enjoy the longest.
3. Finding a painting you both love
Couples often visit my studio and tell me they have been looking for a piece of art they both love for quite some time.
One person might fall instantly for a particular painting, while the other heads straight for something completely different. It happens often.
And when it does, the solution isn't simply to choose a painting that falls somewhere in the middle stylistically.
Instead, it often helps to step back from the actual selection process for a moment and discuss what appeals to both of you.
Which colors, atmospheres, or stories within a painting do you find attractive?
One person might be drawn to the story behind a work, while the other is more interested in textures and details.
You might even discover that you are looking for the same feeling, but finding it reflected in different paintings.
I have also noticed that the painting people initially didn't expect to choose often turns out to be the one they both love. You might walk past it at first because it doesn't match the image you had in mind. But if you take another look,perhaps from the other side of the room, something shifts.
I also offer the option of creating a custom artwork. This makes it possible to combine elements or colors from different pieces into a new painting.
This approach has already helped several couples who had initially gravitated toward very different works of mine.
4. Give careful thought to the size
The question I get asked most often is: what size painting should I choose?
This is a crucial question, as the size of an artwork can completely transform the atmosphere of a room.
A painting that looks impressive in a photo might appear too small when hung above a large sofa. Conversely, a very large piece of art can overwhelm a smaller wall.
TIP 1: Use painter's tape to mark the painting's dimensions on the wall.
TIP 2: Measure the available wall space to get a clear idea of:
the width of the sofa or other piece of furniture
the height of the wall
the distance between the artwork and the furniture
how much empty space you want around the painting
whether there are other objects nearby, such as lamps or shelves
Don't automatically assume that a large wall calls for several small paintings. Sometimes, a single large, original artwork creates a much more powerful impact.
A large painting can become the focal point of your living room and add character to the entire space.
You can use my PREVIEW SERVICE for free via my website; I can digitally place an artwork onto your wall.
Simply send me photos of your wall and choose an artwork to visualize in the space.This gives you a clear idea of the size and colors.
5. Dare to choose contrast.
It is very tempting to play it safe when choosing a piece of art.
If your décor features light colors, you might be inclined to choose a light-colored artwork.
And with neutral-colored furniture, you are likely to opt for a neutral painting.
However, a painting with contrasting colors can actually be far more interesting;
A large original painting with a bold, rough texture can look stunning in a calm, modern interior.
And a colorful artwork can bring a neutral room to life.
A dark painting can create depth against a light wall, and vice versa.
A piece of art doesn’t have to blend into your décor.
It can be the very element that truly completes the room.
This is particularly important with original art. After all, you aren't buying something designed to fit into just any home; you are choosing a unique piece with a character of its own.
6. Don't choose a painting just because it's trendy
Many people tend to opt for trendy colors. They are influenced by what they see on TV shows and in online advertisements, which showcase interior styling featuring the latest color trends.
But as the name implies, they are *trend* colors.
Colors that are everywhere today might be replaced by something completely different in a few years.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't consider your interior or current style. However, I would be cautious about buying an artwork purely because it is fashionable.
In my opinion, when buying an original artwork, it is better to choose something that holds personal meaning for you.
Ask yourself:
Would I still want this painting if it weren't in fashion?
If the answer is 'yes,' you may have found something with much greater staying power.
Your home should reflect who you are, not just what happens to be popular on social media at the moment.
7. Why choose an original work of art?
There is a big difference between simply decorating your home and buying an original piece of art for your wall.
An original painting is unique; there is no other copy of it.
You won't find an identical painting hanging in hundreds of other homes. An artist created that specific piece by hand, using a unique combination of materials, colors, textures, and details.
When you buy directly from an artist, you also know the artwork's origins. You know who created the piece, as well as how and why it came into being. There is a story behind it—a story you bring into your living room and can share with visitors. This makes the artwork deeply personal and allows it to say something about you as the buyer.
For me, that personal connection is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being an artist. I don't just sell paintings; I also get to hear where they end up, why someone chose them, and what they mean to that person.
8. What if you love a piece of art but the size isn't right?
You’ve spotted a beautiful piece of art. The colors are exactly what you were looking for, and the imagery appeals to you.
But unfortunately, the size doesn't suit your wall—it’s either too big or too small.
In that case, a commissioned piece or a custom-made work could be the perfect solution.
I can create a new version inspired by an existing piece but adapted to a different size.
It won’t be an exact copy; each new piece is created as a unique, standalone work of art.
This is a wonderful option if you have a specific space or a particular idea in mind.
We can work on this together if you’re unsure about the size.
That’s why I offer a free PREVIEW SERVICE.
You send me a photo of the wall in question, and I digitally place your chosen artwork onto it in the size you have in mind.
This gives you a clear idea of the right size.
9. Buying original art online
You don't need to live near an artist to buy original art.
Many of my art collectors discover my work online; some are from the Netherlands, others from abroad.
I have sold paintings in over 20 different countries.
Of course, you miss out on the direct experience of seeing a painting in person before buying it. I try to compensate for this on my website as much as possible by posting high-quality detail photos and videos.
When buying an original artwork online, I recommend keeping a few things in mind.
Also, try marking out the dimensions of the artwork you’re considering on your wall beforehand using painter's tape.
Check the dimensions carefully. View photos of the artwork from different angles, if available. Look at close-ups of details to get a good sense of the surface and texture.
When you buy directly from me, every original artwork is signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity. I ship worldwide, with tracking included.
And if you’re unsure whether a particular artwork suits your interior, you can use my PAINTING PREVIEW SERVICE before making a decision.
Room with dark blue grey wall 
Dark blue grey wall with white sea surf artwork and two dark silhouettes
10. So, what is the perfect painting?
I don’t think the perfect painting for your home is necessarily the one that best matches your sofa.
It isn’t necessarily the most expensive, largest, or most famous piece, or the one that happens to be trending right now.
It is the artwork that makes you pause and take a closer look.
The painting that evokes a feeling in you.
The piece that complements your space while still possessing a character of its own.
An artwork that sparks conversation among visiting family and friends.
And if you are choosing together: the piece that you can both picture on your wall every day.
When you find that artwork, you will likely know it instantly.
Looking for an original piece of art for your home?
If you are looking for an original artwork, I invite you to explore my collection of contemporary mixed-media paintings.
In my work, I combine people, landscapes, textures, and layers to create unique pieces full of character and storytelling.
Do you have a specific wall in mind but aren't sure which artwork or size would fit best? Feel free to contact me about the option of a 'Painting Preview' (a digital visualization).
And if you love my work but are looking for something created specifically for your home, a commissioned piece might be the perfect solution.
You are also very welcome to visit my studio-gallery in Eindhoven to view the original paintings in person.
Take your time, browse at your leisure, and find the artwork that will continue to bring you joy for years to come.
Because the perfect painting isn't simply one that matches your interior.
It is the piece that feels right when you look at it.
You are always welcome to visit my studio gallery at
Strijp-S in Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Or take a look at my online portfolio.
Please contact me with any questions or requests you may have!
Please contact me if you have any questions. I can help you choose or create a piece of art that fits your interior!
