How to Style a Home with Custom Furniture and Art (Design Masterclass)
Understanding how to style a home with custom furniture and art begins with collecting pieces that hold personal meaning. At a residence in Wainscott, New York, designer Matt McKay shares his approach to creating interiors that balance individuality, comfort and function. Rather than following trends, McKay encourages a considered approach to collecting, where existing possessions, vintage discoveries and bespoke furnishings contribute to a home that reflects its inhabitants.
Before beginning any interior design project, McKay recommends taking inventory of existing furniture and artwork. Whether it is a collection of photography, sculptural chairs or treasured paintings, identifying what holds significance can establish the direction of a space. At the Wainscott residence, the client's existing art collection became a defining element of the interiors, informing decisions around furniture, materials and colour.
An important part of understanding how to style a home with custom furniture and art is recognising the value of mixing different periods and styles. Throughout the residence, vintage lighting and chairs sit alongside contemporary furniture and existing pieces. In the dining room, a much-loved table was refinished in a darker, richer tone, allowing it to complement the surrounding design while preserving its original character.
Texture also plays an essential role in creating depth and atmosphere. McKay combines hair hide walls, rich brown paint, graphic carpets and soft alpaca upholstery to establish a tactile backdrop for the art collection. Elsewhere, raked plaster walls, suede chairs and a silk rug introduce contrasting surfaces. These layered materials create visual interest without competing with the artwork.
For those exploring how to style a home with custom furniture and art, McKay highlights the importance of designing furnishings around the proportions and requirements of each room. In the living area, a cast bronze table inspired the development of a custom curved sofa. Its rounded form complements the sculptural table while softening the long, narrow room and encouraging a more intimate seating arrangement.
Beyond aesthetics, successful interior styling begins with understanding how a space will be used. McKay recommends considering daily routines, from family breakfasts to evening gatherings, before establishing a furniture plan. This practical approach ensures that rooms accommodate changing needs while maintaining a cohesive design.
Lighting is another consideration when learning how to style a home with custom furniture and art. In the dining room, vintage chandeliers and sconces are paired with functional downlights, creating a balance between atmosphere and practicality. Rather than relying on excessive illumination, McKay emphasises the importance of subtlety and careful placement.
Ultimately, McKay's approach to how to style a home with custom furniture and art centres on developing a collection over time. From flea market discoveries to pieces found while travelling, meaningful interiors emerge through curiosity and personal connection. The Wainscott residence demonstrates how thoughtful furniture choices, varied textures and an appreciation for existing objects can create a home that feels collected rather than decorated, allowing individual pieces to tell their own stories.
0:00 - Introduction To How To Style A Home With Custom Furniture And Art With Matt McKay
0:41 - Curate What You Already Own
1:18 - Mix Old With New
2:13 - Layer Textures And Fabrics
2:56 - Elevate With Custom Furniture
3:39 - Design Around Your Lifestyle
4:15 - Set The Mood With Lighting