Inside the Homes of Artists: 6 Lessons in Living with Art
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
Inside the Homes of Artists: For Art’s Sake by Tiqui Atencio Demirdjian takes us beyond the studio and into the private spaces of some of the world’s most renowned artists. Through the lens of photographer Jean-François Jaussaud, readers are invited into homes that reflect not just artistic expression, but how these spaces serve as a canvas for daily life. From minimalist retreats to vibrant, personality-filled residences, this book offers a behind-the-scenes look at how artists live with art and how their homes become extensions of their creative worlds.
While the photography alone is a visual treat, the homes featured in the book also offer valuable insights into how we can live with art in our own spaces. Whether you’re an artist or simply an art lover, there’s much to be learned from how these artists integrate their work into their homes. Here are six lessons that will inspire you to rethink how you live with and display art, creating spaces that feel both personal and visually engaging.
Rethink Traditional Art Placement
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
Most of us default to hanging art in the center of a wall or directly above a sofa, but Spanish artist David Rodríguez Caballero takes a different approach. In his living room, a striking piece of art is intentionally placed off-center, creating an element of surprise. This unexpected placement makes the room feel dynamic rather than predictable. If you want to shake things up in your own space, try shifting your artwork slightly—sometimes a little asymmetry can be more visually interesting than perfect balance.
Live with the Pieces That Matter Most
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
Yan Pei-Ming’s home is a perfect example of how art can be deeply personal. One of the most significant pieces in his space is a watercolor portrait he painted of his late mother, hung alongside a small painting by his son. Rather than keeping these special pieces tucked away, he displays them as part of his daily life. The lesson? Don’t save meaningful items for “special occasions.” Whether it’s an heirloom, a handmade gift, or a sentimental artwork, incorporating these pieces into your everyday surroundings makes a house feel like a home.
Your Ceiling is a Blank Canvas
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
Who says art should be limited to walls? In her Los Angeles home, artist Claire Tabouret transformed her living room ceiling into a stunning, hand-painted tarot-inspired masterpiece. Working on 16-foot scaffolding, she turned an often-overlooked space into a captivating focal point. While you might not be ready to take on a full-scale mural, consider painting your ceiling a bold color or adding wallpaper to give it character—after all, why should walls have all the fun?
Maximize the Space Under Your Stairs
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
The space under a staircase is often wasted, but Julie Mehretu turns it into a cozy, art-filled nook. In her Harlem townhouse, she created an inviting seating area complete with a sculptural chair, a bench, and a bar cart. Meanwhile, art climbs up the wall in a loose arrangement that follows the angle of the stairs. If you have an empty staircase wall, consider using it to display art in a non-traditional layout—or create a small, functional retreat beneath it.
Use Your Dresser as a Gallery Wall
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
Who needs a formal gallery wall when you have a dresser? In Mehretu’s bedroom, artwork leans against the wall on top of a dresser, with additional pieces hung just above it. This relaxed approach makes it easy to swap out pieces as your collection grows and allows for a mix of family photos, personal mementos, and contemporary art. If you love the idea of displaying art but aren’t ready to commit to nails in the wall, try styling a surface with layered frames instead.
Don’t Be Afraid to Layer Art on Wallpaper
Photography by Jean-François Jaussaud, courtesy of Rizzoli New York.
Art and wallpaper might seem like competing elements, but when done thoughtfully, they can enhance each other. In their Gramercy Park townhouse, artists Rashid Johnson and Sheree Hovsepian prove that layering art over patterned walls creates a rich, textured look. Their bedroom features a gold silk jacquard wallpaper, complemented by both a painting and an oversized plaster sculpture. The takeaway? Mixing patterns, textures, and mediums can result in an ultra-luxe, layered aesthetic.
