A new trend is emerging in London; developers are borrowing art from galleries to dress their properties. Dozens of art galleries and developers have begun using art as part of their marketing strategy. This works for both parties, the gallery gets a classy extension where it can show its art for free, the interior designer acquires a luxury look for little investment and the artists often sell their work to the buyers. Many buyers looking for a turnkey purchase are buying the art with the property.

Most of the art used to dress properties is decorative or abstract, Nick Campbell from Narcissus Interiors says, “more often than not, figurative art is a no-go”. Store Street Gallery Manager, Yolanda Cruz-Suarez finds that ‘large statement pieces with bold colours work best’. Georgina Adam, Art Newspaper Editor says calligraphy, birds and animal paintings are also popular.

If you think you can dress your home with art, here are a few keys tips to bear in mind:

1. Create a view: On walls without a window why not create a view. Chose a landscape or seascape in golds, blues and greens.
2. Go Big: Make a statement with a large piece of art, this can look more tidy and effective than several smaller pieces.
3. Pick a colour: Select a colour from the art and draw this into the room in the cushions or curtains or other accessories. This will increase the impact of the art and draw the room together. You can choose more than one single colour from the art, just don’t go overboard.
4. Keep the balance: Carry the balance of colours through the room to spread the influence of the art.
5. Create visual interest: Repeat the spaces from the art with objects in the space.
6. Fill the gaps: If there are corners which look a bit lost try adding a smaller statement piece to bring this space into the room.
7. Juxtapose Objects: Art is not all 2D, a drift wood sculpture or cast iron design can add texture and patina to a drab room.
8. Forget the Frame: Not all art needs a frame, for a more casual look canvasses or prints can be mounted without need for a frame.
9. Multiple pieces: Combine several pieces of art, do so carefully. Ensure they have a similar visual style, if they are well matched the impact together should be greater than each alone.
10. Complement the space: Give your house style that suits and is consistent. Choose art which goes with theme, story, or mood you are creating.
11. Make the most of the space: Narrow gaps between door frames and walls can be decorated with a vertical stack of smaller pieces.
12. Keep it simple: On many occasions less is more, if there is a lot going on in the space a simple graphic piece can work best. Sometimes art just needs to stand alone and be the star of the room. Exercise restraint, keeping the rest of the furnishings and décor monochrome, the art gives you eye a place to rest, other accessories would just distract from this.