When you are beginning a new room project, sometimes the hardest thing is knowing were to start. I have several different methods for finding design inspiration, but one of my favorite things to do is find statement making piece of art first, that I can then base my room design around.

Colorful abstract paintings are equally trendy and classic. If you find one you love, with colors that just speak to you, it will never go out of style. Today, I'm featuring Jennifer Atkinson, a talented acrylic and oil painter from Halifax, Nova Scotia! I've created 3 different decorating mood boards around pieces from her Summer Dance Collection to illustrate my top tips for building a room design around colorful art. 

Tip #1 : Pick 2 Colors to Work With

Vibrant, colorful art can have a major impact in a room design, but not if it is competing with too many other colors in the furniture and accessories. My favorite trick is to take just two tones from the art work to base my design on. For this nursery design, I chose teal and red. From there, you can add lighter and darker shades of these two colors to add depth. The mixed pink and red tones of the braided rug add interest, and I would suggest painting the walls a pale aqua to complement the darker teal of the curtains and artwork. 

Warm Rays of Summer & A Skies Tender Kiss by Jennifer Atkinson | Curtains | Crib | Gold Frames | Round Braided Rug | Sheepskin Rug | Rocking Chair | Moroccan Pouf

Tip #2: Add in Neutrals

You guys know I'm one neutral loving lady! Tonal shades of white, grey, black, browns, taupes and beiges will give any room a sophisticated feel if they are used well. It's especially important to incorporate neutrals when you are designing around colorful art. It's all about being intentional about who you want the "star of the show" to be. If this entire foyer vignette was done in vibrant teals and navys, this smaller abstract piece would be overwhelmed. But by choosing a simple, white console and the primarily white boat photograph, the focus stays on the art. 

His Highness by Jennifer Atkinson | Console Table | Mirror | Afloat by Haley George via Minted | Lamp | Lamp Shade | Candle | Grapewood Branch | Ottoman

Tip #3: Add Texture

Now that you have a balanced scheme of colors and neutrals, you need some textural elements like wood, glass, and metallics to tie it all together. I went for all three in this modern, eclectic, bohemian library design. In the previous two mood boards, I kept it light and airy feeling by using lots of white that kept the focus on the art. For this room, I took the opposite approach! I love the way the colorful abstract pops off of the black bookcases, so for this room, I would suggest painting the walls a soft black as well. But all of that dark color is balanced with cream upholstery and the addition of texture through a boucherite rug, the wood bases of the side chairs, a metallic drum coffee table and the hanging mirror. All of these elements work together to create an eclectic space that still feels finished and cohesive. 

Elizabeth by Jennifer Atkinson | Double Bookcase, Sofa, Boucherite Rug, Chairs, Coffee Table, Floor Lamp, Mirror, Dark Purple Pillow, Ikat Pillow, Orange Velvet Pillow, Kilim Pillow

There you have it! 3 pretty simple tips for designing a room around a piece of colorful artwork. If you are looking for the perfect painting to inspire your next room project, I recommend checking out Jennifer's shop! She has a great variety of original abstract, floral and landscape paintings and will be offering prints very soon. She's definitely one to watch!  Follow her on instagram @jennatkin. 

P.S. I met Jennifer through The Rising Tide Society and was happy to do this collaboration to support her growing art business. If you are a small business owner who is interested in being featured on my blog, please email me at stevie@steviestorck.com and we can brainstorm ideas!