I Asked 5 Designers What Art Is Out for 2025, and They All Said Basically the Same Thing

When it comes to buying art and decor for your walls, there are endless directions to go in — both in terms of aesthetic and price range. If you’re feeling lost, you’re not alone. What you may assume to be a simple task could prove difficult if you’re unsure of what you’re drawn to aesthetically. While there are no true “rules” when it comes to art, there are certainly aesthetic choices that can elevate your space and maximize style — and those that can have the opposite effect. 

When you’re unsure what to do, sometimes it simplifies the process to start with what not to do. I spoke to five designers to get their advice on what to avoid when it comes to selecting art for the home, and they all seemed to agree on one thing: It’s best to avoid mass-produced, impersonal artwork.

Most designers are proponents of thinking a bit outside the box (rather than going with the crowd) when it comes to selecting art for the home, like for a gallery wall. “These [mass-produced] pieces are often generic and trendy, and you’ll see the same print everywhere from a dentist’s office to a chain hotel lobby to a dorm room,” says Rebecca Frye Jones, the founder of Rebecca Frye Design.

Regardless of color palette or style, art is most effective when it feels true to the person who inhabits the home. As Emily Roose of Emily Roose Interiors puts it: “Art should be personal to every client and evoke feelings or remind them of their favorite places and favorite things.”

Madelaine Mayer, the founder of AD:ROIT, feels similarly. “Sometimes the connection is with the artist, especially if I’ve met them in person, sometimes it’s the subject matter, and sometimes it’s the discovery process, but there’s always a specific connection between the client, the space, and the pieces I select,” she says. 

Rather than driving to your nearest big-box store, it may be worth taking yourself on a mini road trip. “We prefer scouring galleries, antique and vintage shops, estate sales, and everywhere we go in our travels in search of special treasure for each of our clients,” says Jill Litner Kaplan, the founder of Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors. Or do some scrolling [online] from the comfort of your sofa!” 

And contrary to popular belief, this kind of artwork is not necessarily more costly than those mass-produced options, as Jones points out: “There are so many talented emerging artists that are on platforms like Etsy or Instagram, or who can even be found through a local gallery, that are selling their original art at accessible price points.” 

That said, if you come across a mass-produced piece that you simply can’t resist, consider elevating it slightly by way of a new frame. For example, Bradie Fisher, founder of Bradie Fisher Interiors, will never leave a canvas as-is. “It must have a frame,” she says. “Period. Always.” 

While big-box stores do make it easy to acquire and hang an entire gallery wall’s worth of art in the span of a weekend, designers feel that collecting meaningful pieces can — and should — take time. “I tell my clients not to rush to fill their walls because it should be special and something that will coordinate with their spaces and bring them joy and make a connection,” Roose says.

The effort you put in upfront to source pieces that really speak to you will pay off in the long run. “No matter how many times you move or rearrange your space, you will always find a place for the pieces that truly resonate,” Jones says. 

Oh, and while you’re at it, it’s best to avoid any kind of word art, the designers add. “Hanging inspirational words or expressions also feels kitschy and acts as a space filler, rather than adding genuine character to a home,” Kaplan says. Adds Mayer: “Live, laugh, and throw it in the trash, please!”