RENO+DECOR spoke with artist Robyn Asquini, a Toronto-based, award-winning oil painter who specializes in blending figurative realism with abstraction. Asquini offers her insights into how homeowners can connect with artwork to elevate their home’s aesthetic, as well as suggestions on where to purchase, choose, collect and display art.
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RENO+DECOR: When is the best time to choose art during a home update?
ROBYN ASQUINI: It depends on why you’re acquiring art. If you’re looking to have a strong statement piece to anchor the room, many people will start by finding a piece they love and use that as a jumping-off point for the colour palette and layout of the space. If you haven’t found a piece that resonates with you before or during the interior design phase, hold off purchasing anything until you find one that does. Don’t rush into buying art. Get familiar with artwork that you like by looking online, visiting galleries and reading art magazines. Art shouldn’t only be about displaying something nice to match your furniture; it should reflect your personal taste and connect with you, as you’ll need to be able to look at it every day and have it add something to your life.
R+D: Where is the best place to purchase art?
RA: A great starting point is to visit local galleries or artist networks. This allows you to view art in person and learn more about the work. Galleries can offer valuable insight and help guide you toward artists and pieces that suit your taste and budget. Art fairs are also a great place to get a broad overview of the art market and discover a range of artists in one setting.
Online platforms like Artsy.net allow people to browse galleries and artists internationally, making it easier to research styles, pricing and availability. Some collectors also connect with artists directly through their website, Instagram or other social media platforms. Reaching out directly to an artist can be a great way to start a conversation, whether about available works or commissioning a custom piece.
R+D: What should a person think about when choosing artwork?
RA: Most people buy art because it resonates on a deeper level, like a film, song or book that sticks with them, evokes a memory or makes them see the world differently. Experienced collectors often ask themselves a few simple but important questions: ‘Do I love this piece? Can I live with it, even with trends and decor changes? Can I afford it? How does it fit with the rest of my collection?’
Other practical considerations matter, too. Is the price fair for the work? Is now the right time to buy if investment potential is a factor? And does it feel right in the space where it will be displayed?
Ultimately, choosing art is a balance between emotional connection, personal taste and consideration of the context for which you’re buying, like elevating the look of a space.
R+D: is Art as an investment something to consider?
RA:: Art is considered an asset class and can be bought as an investment but that shouldn’t be the primary reason for purchasing a work. There are so many factors that influence the price and value of art and its potential as an investment.
If you are thinking about the investment potential of an artist, it’s crucial to research the artist’s career trajectory, including their exhibition history, residencies, awards and grants, gallery representation, consistency of practice and media coverage to know how their work fits into the broader historical context and current conversations in Canadian and international art.
R+D: for people who are afraid to commit, is renting art a good idea?
RA: Dedicated art rental programs have become increasingly popular, but they can be limited in terms of artist selection and available works. Many galleries and artists, however, will offer installation with a trial or return window, allowing you to see how a piece works in your space before committing to a purchase.
If you’re working with an interior designer or decorator, they can often place the artwork digitally into design mockups to help visualize scale, colour and placement.
There are also online platforms and apps, like Artsy, that offer digital viewing tools to preview how a piece might look in your space.
R+D: How important is the frame? What about lighting?
RA: For paintings and works on paper, framing plays an important role in enhancing the artwork and helping integrate within a space. A well-chosen frame should complement the piece rather than compete with it.
When choosing a frame, think about how it will enhance and not distract from the painting. A contemporary option would be a simple black, white or wood-grain floating frame to keep a minimal aesthetic, or it could have more weight or a traditional look by showing it in an ornate frame that makes it look historical or like in a museum.
If the painting is in a darker section of the house, consider a sconce, spotlights, track lighting or floor lamps that will allow you to better view the work. If the painting or work on paper is next to a window with a lot of light, consider framing it with museum grade glass, so the colours don’t fade over time. Also, some artwork is sensitive to humidity or temperature changes. It’s helpful to ask the artist or gallery what materials were used in the work and to ask for suggestions on how the work can be displayed.
R+D: What is the best way to hang or display artwork?
RA: Paintings and photography can be displayed individually as a focal point or grouped together as part of a gallery wall for a curated effect. Smaller works can also be leaned against a wall or placed on a shelf or console, creating a more casual, integrated look within the space. Sculptures and other three-dimensional pieces can be wall-mounted, positioned on a shelf or displayed on a pedestal or plinth, allowing viewers to appreciate them from multiple angles.
When arranging artwork, consider how it will be seen as people move through the room and whether you want it to serve as a focal point or blend with the surrounding decor. Larger pieces need lots of space to create a clean, minimal aesthetic, while smaller works can be placed near other objects to spark visual dialogue. In the end, positioning should account for sightlines and breathing room, ensuring each piece can be appreciated.
R+D: What does artwork bring to the overall design of a room?
RA: Art should elevate a space and engage the viewer visually and intellectually. It should enrich your life, whether by bringing beauty, sparking thought, triggering a memory or creating a connection with the artist or the subject. Collecting art is as much about personal connection, context and cultural engagement as it is about financial value. Ultimately, the work you choose is a reflection of who you are, your tastes, values and lifestyle.