I received a question a couple of weeks ago about how to style a pet portrait in a room without it looking like a shrine to your dog, cat, hamster, or horse.  Good question!  I’m so glad you asked.  Let’s talk about animal art in interiors and how to make it work with your decorating.

First of all, let me say that there really aren’t rules when it comes to style, art, decorating, or aesthetics.  I mean, there are rules (like the rule of thirds, the golden mean, complementary colors, etc.), but people break them all the time with outstanding results.  There are always exceptions.  Hang a portrait of your dog in any room of your house in any way you want.  But, since the question was asked, I will offer some practical tips and lend my opinion on the matter.

This first picture is of animal portraits currently hanging in my foyer.  The second is a portrait of a dog in my living room.  The rest of the pictures are ones my assistant put together digitally for fine art prints coming soon, but they offer a nice visual for this post!

how to style a pet portrait in interiors | match the art with the room

The most important thing about an animal portrait, or any art for that matter, is that it suits the style of the room.  A pet portrait will look out of place if the art style looks out of place.  That doesn’t necessarily mean modern art has to be in modern interiors, or that traditional art needs to be limited to traditional interiors.  It means that the painting will make sense where it hangs.  Whether it’s a portrait of your dog, a still life, or a landscape, it should look at home in the room.

So, if you’re commissioning a pet portrait, work with an artist who paints in a style you like that will also suit your room/home.

how to style a pet portrait in interiors | select the right frame

The painting is just one component of the equation.  The frame selection is also important.  Again, it doesn’t mean a traditional painting has to go in a traditional frame.  I actually love modern or abstract pieces in chunky antique gilded frames.  When considering frames, ask whether the frame and painting are speaking the same language; do they feel cohesive?  In practice, that could be a common thread that relates them to one another like color, line, shape, or style.

how to style a pet portrait in interiors | select the right spot

Hanging a pet portrait over an altar with candles will obviously make it look like a shrine, so don’t do that if you’re trying to avoid that look!  As you would with any piece of art, hang it where it looks best.  It can be in a prominent place, like over a mantel, buffet, or sofa, but if it makes sense in the room, it won’t look like an homage to your pet.  It will simply look like a good piece of art hanging in your home.

(This picture was actually taken in my house as well!)

I have grown to love animal portraits and have several hanging in my home.  Only one is actually a pet!  I am just drawn to them as a subject.  If you are as well, or if you like the idea of putting a beloved pet in oils on your wall, I hope this gives you some ideas on how to make that work.

If you like my art style and are interested in an original pet portrait, you can find details on commissioning a piece HERE.  My queue is currently scheduled about a month out.