Building a Personal Art Collection: 5 Tips for First-Time Collectors
A note on the author: Alyssa Owens is an interior designer based in Melbourne. She heads Alyssa Owens Design—an interior decoration studio delivering intentional design for clients worldwide.
Art is what transforms a house into a home—collected, layered, and deeply personal. Yet, one of the biggest hesitations I hear from clients in my interior decoration practice is the fear of getting it ‘wrong’ when building an art collection. Will this piece work in my space? Will I still love it in five years? Should I be considering investment value?
Interior Designer Alyssa Owens and her partner in their first home in New Orleans. Image by Jacqueline Marque.
It’s easy to overthink and delay, waiting for the ‘perfect’ piece or a clear set of rules. But the truth is, there’s no rigid formula for collecting art—the key is to simply start. A great personal collection should evolve alongside you, reflecting your experiences, tastes, and the way you want to live. The right piece isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Whether it introduces contrast, depth, or a sense of balance to your interiors, what matters most is that it stirs something within you.
Whether you’re buying your first piece or refining an existing collection, these five tips will help you build your art collection with confidence.
1. Follow Your Instincts
Art is deeply personal, and the best collections start with pieces that make you feel something. It might be an abstract work that draws you in, a moody photograph that stirs nostalgia, or a bold painting that brings energy. If you can’t stop thinking about a piece, take that as a sign.
Original artwork by Zak Tilley, commissioned by Alyssa Owens Design for the space. Image by Sebastian Evans.
Not sure what you love yet? Start exploring. Scope out local galleries in your area that represent emerging artists (shoutout Bluethumb Art!). Platforms like Instagram can also be a goldmine for fresh talent—I’m always sharing my favourite finds over on my Instagram—come take a look. The more you see, the more your taste will sharpen.
2. Let Art Lead the Conversation
Art doesn’t need to “match” your home — it should elevate it. The most striking interiors allow art to take centre stage, creating tension or contrast that feels alive. A vibrant painting in a pared-back room, a quiet drawing in a bold space—these are the moments that make a home feel layered and intentional.
Pair of modernist portraits by Mark Chu. Image by Sebastian Evans.
Treat each piece as part of a conversation with the room and the people who inhabit it. Play with placement, scale, and lighting until the piece feels right in your space. The more you engage with art, the more intuitive these choices will become. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for what works and what makes your home feel like yours.
3. Think Beyond Canvas
Some of the most compelling collections incorporate unexpected formats—sculptural objects, textiles, or even furniture with an artful quality. A vintage scarf framed with care can hold as much presence as a painting, and a handmade ceramic vase can serve as both art and function. Museum posters are another underrated choice—affordable, timeless, and effortlessly chic when chosen with intention. These alternative formats bring texture and dimension into a home, making a collection feel layered rather than formulaic.
Ginful by Austin Flowers.
4. Buy Emerging, Buy Local
Great art doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag. Supporting up-and-coming artists allows you to collect distinctive pieces while investing in the creative community around you. Start by exploring local art fairs in your area. In Melbourne, for example, the Affordable Art Fair and The Other Art Fair are great entry points for discovering original works that feel personal rather than mass-produced. Starting small doesn’t mean compromising on impact—as long as you’re choosing pieces with a story.
The Other Art Fair Melbourne.
5. Take Your Time, Leave Space
An art collection should grow with you. Leave room on your walls for the unexpected—a chance encounter at a gallery opening, a piece found while traveling. Resist the urge to fill every blank space at once. The best collections unfold naturally, creating a home that feels curated, not over-designed. Collecting isn’t about perfection—it’s about telling your story. Each piece adds a new layer, shaping a space that’s soulful and authentic.
The nursery at Helen Street by Alyssa Owens Design. Original artwork by Claudia Brand. Photo by Sebastian Evans.
The beauty of collecting is in the process. If you’re ready to build your art collection but unsure where to start, I’d love to help. Thoughtful collecting doesn’t have to be intimidating—it just takes time and the right perspective.
Alyssa Owens Design is an interior decoration studio in Melbourne dedicated to elevating everyday living through intentional, soulful design. Our signature approach blends styles and eras, materials and colours to create spaces that are both unique and timeless, sophisticated yet unexpected. Let’s find the perfect pieces for your home—Book a discovery call with Alyssa here.
Hear more of Alyssa’s expert insights on the Art in My Home podcast. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube.
