WHAT’S ON YOUR WALLS IS IN YOUR MIND

We often think of art as something decorative—a final touch to a living room wall or a splash of color in a hallway. But the art we choose to surround ourselves with does far more than beautify our spaces. It quietly molds our perception of the world, influences our emotions, and even reflects our identity back to us. The art in our homes is not just a reflection of taste; it’s a mirror to our minds.

As you can see in the above photo, the art of artist, Brent Holland captivated us and our minds during his exhibit at a local social. Art has the ability to quietly intrigue the mind, toy with emotions, and tickle the eyes, while simultaneously voicing a distinct message. Imagery and color communicate on multiple levels in a split second, and the message can imprint our thoughts and beliefs either positively or negatively.  Keep in mind that just because a work of art is worthy of being hung in a museum does not mean it is worthy of being hung in our home. In other words, what we bring into our home and hang on our walls talk to us daily, and that message will impact the harmony and balance within the home, and the family’s rapport. It is important to be mindful when selecting art for your home because what you surround yourself with is key to creating an uplifting inner sanctum.

Art as a Mood Architect

Have you ever noticed how a room with soft watercolor landscapes feels more calming than one filled with bold abstract prints? That’s not accidental. Color, form, and subject matter in art have a direct impact on our mood. Cool hues and organic shapes tend to create a sense of tranquility, while vivid colors and dynamic lines can energize and/or agitate. Energetic colors and shapes are not conducive in bedrooms but could be lovely in the family room or rec-room. Children are especially sensitive to the things around them. So, keep nurseries and children’s bedrooms inspiring, soft, and embracing. No pictures of weapons or toy weapons, no realistic-looking monsters, aggressive animals, life-like dinosaurs, or pirates, etc.; instead, select soft shapes, soft colors, smiling tigers, fluffy dinosaurs, cuddly bears, etc. This is true for teenagers’ rooms; galactic battles do not make for restful sleeping. Bedrooms are our personal sanctuaries; there are dozens of ways to create a safe, relaxing, uplifting, and beautiful space where a person can breathe, unwind, and recharge. If you or your family is having sleeping issues, the décor may be a contributing factor. Don’t hesitate to contact me; there are beautiful solutions to consider, just click here for a personal collaboration.

The left example creates a soft peaceful nursery to help calm a curious mind, while the right example is fun and positive but not overwhelming for a teen’s energy. (left: vintage artwork from SYYANKK; right: livspace.com)

Research in environmental psychology suggests that viewing certain types of art can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone), especially in comfortable, familiar settings like your home. In other words, your favorite painting isn’t just pretty—it might be helping you unwind a little easier. Taking a “mental moment” to admire a work of art can give your mind a bit of fresh air. This casual moment can help your body release built-up stress, which can free your mind to embrace a new perspective. This will allow your body to reset, rebalance, and regain a healthy composure. Freeing your mind can even help you become more productive.

Shaping Identity and Memory

Interestingly, the artwork we choose often holds personal meaning. A print picked up on a trip abroad, a family portrait, or a piece by a local artist can anchor us to our experiences and values. These images help shape our identity. They become a representation of who we are when friends visit, yet more importantly, they remind us of who we are or aspire to be.

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A framed family portrait in the front entry sets the tone for all who enter. It not only represents who lives in the house, but it also warmly extends a quiet invitation for guests to come in and join the family. To take this family connection to the next level, frame casual family photos that make you smile and create a gallery wall in your family room. Make sure each photo contains more than one person, because this creates a fun-loving bond between those in the photo. And in keeping with this, make sure you are in many of the photos; this is very important, because it will include you in the family bond. A great perk of using family photos for art is that they need to be updated as the family grows. Outdated photos keep us stuck in the past, while updated photos allow people to grow and evolve. This not only keeps the energy in the photos fresh, but it also keeps the décor fresh, inspiring, and beautiful.

Psychologists have found that displaying happy family photographs in your décor creates positive impressions in children about their family unit. It shows them that everyone in the family is special and worthy of being honored in the home’s décor; it creates a feeling of togetherness, it reminds them of laughter and special events, and it gently reinforces the bond found within the whole family unit.

Curating our walls is a kind of visual autobiography. Without even realizing it, we’re surrounding ourselves with daily affirmations—images that reinforce our values, passions, and aspirations. Be tasteful and have fun curating messages that represent who you currently are and who you are becoming. And, as I mentioned before, don’t curate your walls with items that represent the past. We are not the people we once were; we have evolved. Use your décor to propel you forward into the future you desire.

Influencing Space and Perception

Art doesn’t just influence how we feel—it changes how we see. For instance, a well-placed mirror can magnify the perceived space in a small room; similarly, a large, moody landscape can make a tiny apartment feel expansive and open. The brain is highly sensitive to visual cues, and art is one of the strongest cues in an interior space.

Well-placed art pieces can also act as focal points, drawing attention and guiding how people move through a space. This is a lovely way to lead guests into the rooms you want them to be in without verbally saying anything. In that sense, art serves as both decoration and silent navigator.

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Daily Exposure Creates Subtle Shifts

One of the most powerful aspects of art in the home is that it works subtly, over time. Unlike a museum visit, which may offer a burst of inspiration, living with art means absorbing it day after day. Its impact is cumulative. When art is first hung, it will consciously grab your attention and speak to you, but over time, the conscious mind begins to overlook it, and you may no longer notice it and not realize it is still speaking to you. This is when the magic happens, the subconscious takes in everything all the time, even when the conscious mind no longer acknowledges it. The subconscious is still absorbing the message, and the subconscious mind is the real influencer in our inner world. A bold, motivational quote near your desk may gradually shift your mindset toward confidence and action. A surreal painting in your living room might subtly encourage more abstract or creative thinking.

Our brains are highly adaptive. When we live with art, we don’t just enjoy it—we integrate it.

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Final Thoughts: Curate with Intention

Art isn’t just decoration—it’s a tool for transformation. When you choose art for your home, you’re not just selecting something that looks good on a wall. You’re curating an environment that influences your thoughts, your mood, and your sense of self.

So the next time you hang a painting, think about what you’re really bringing into your space. Not just color or composition—but emotion, memory, and meaning.

Because the art in your home isn’t just on your walls—it’s in your mind.