Julie Bloom
Hands up if you’ve ever dreamt of collecting art but feel intimidated by the aspirational price tags. We feel you, and so do the good people at the Affordable Art Fair, which is returning to Sydney in 2025.
More than 20 years after the first Affordable Art Fair took place in London, it’s stronger than ever, held annually in 10 cities around the world. The fair’s mission? To give everyone the opportunity to purchase contemporary original art, whether new to art collecting or a seasoned admirer.
In Sydney from Thursday 6th November to Sunday 9th November 2025, art lovers can peruse thousands of works priced under $10,000 while supporting emerging and established local artists. All you need is a ticket, a healthy appreciation for visual art and a spare wall (or three).
A little planning goes a long way where art is involved. If you’re ready to elevate your interiors with art, there are some things to consider before you dive in. Ahead of the event, we spoke to Affordable Art Fair Australia Fair Director Georgia Huestis to learn how to style art in every room in your home.
When it comes to selecting art for the home, what are the key things to consider?
“Start by considering how you want the space to feel and where the piece will live. A large work can anchor a living room, while something smaller might bring curiosity to a reading nook.
Then, consider your medium. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond paintings. Ceramics, textiles and photography can add unexpected depth and personality to your space.
Finally, focus on connection. Choose a piece that makes you pause, that stirs a feeling, memory or curiosity. Because homes styled with intention aren’t just decorated; they’re felt.”
“When it comes to selecting art for the home, it’s about finding a piece that speaks to you right away and sparks a feeling every time you walk past it.”
Affordable Art Fair Australia Fair Director Georgia Huestis
Are there any guiding principles or unexpected rules when it comes to hanging and positioning artwork?
“There are definitely some principles to guide you, but between you and me, the best spaces often come from breaking the rules.
We’re told to hang art at eye level, but that really depends on where you are in the room. In a dining space, you’re seated so slightly lower often feels more natural. In a hallway, a little higher can help the piece command attention. I also love leaning art casually on shelves, a bedside table or propped up somewhere unexpected. This way you can move things quickly and your home feels fresh.
If you’re hanging multiple works, think of them as one composition. Start from the centre and build outwards, keeping a consistent gap between each piece so the eye flows easily. Play with colour, or you may place a series of monochrome works together and that subtle interplay between shades may encourage you to look more closely at texture and then light.
Light plays a really important role in how we view art. Natural light brings art to life during the day, while a warm glowing lamp or picture light can transform how it feels at night.”
How do you recommend balancing different art styles, mediums or frames within a single room?
“The trick is to find a gentle conversation between your pieces. They don’t need to match; they just need to make sense together. It may be that they are thematically similar, or there is a colour or tone that naturally permeates the collection. This so often happens naturally as we are drawn to a particular colour palette or style of work.
I like to start with one hero piece that sets the tone and carries the room. The next step is to let smaller artworks support and not overpower. A bold abstract balanced with smaller prints or ceramics creates contrast and character. If they share a colour, tone or similar mood, they’ll naturally feel connected.
As for frames, there is no need to worry about re-framing everything in the same finish. Cohesion comes from harmony. A mix of timber, black and brass frames can feel collected as though your art evolved with you, not all bought in one day. When framing an artwork, I frame to complement the artwork itself. Build a collection of artworks that you love, and you’ll soon find you have a style unique to you.”
“People are less interested in trends and more drawn to pieces that reflect their personality and values.”
Affordable Art Fair Australia Fair Director Georgia Huestis
What advice would you give on mixing statement pieces with more affordable works?
“Selecting art for your home isn’t about spending lots of money, it’s about finding a piece that speaks to you and feels right in your space. A smaller or more affordable piece can still be the one that stops you in your tracks and holds the greatest wall power.
If you have your eye on a statement piece, pair it with limited-edition prints or handmade ceramics. Together, they bring rhythm, balance and a sense of curation to your home. After all, it’s connection and not cost that makes a collection truly special.”
How do you see the role of art evolving in interior design? Are there trends or shifts you’re noticing in how people are styling and living with art today?
“Art has moved from being the finishing touch to being the starting point. People aren’t waiting until the end of a renovation anymore. Instead, they’re choosing a piece first and designing the room around it. I love seeing that shift because it shows growing confidence and emotional connection to art.
We’re also seeing people embrace art as something you live with and enjoy, instead of displaying on a pedestal out of reach. For example, ceramics within reach, a small painting propped on a sideboard or sculpture in the kitchen.
There’s also a real appetite for authenticity. People are less interested in trends and more drawn to pieces that reflect their personality and values such as works by emerging artists, handmade objects and art that tell stories or a marker of time.”
Have Breakfast with Home Beautiful’s Editor
Join Elle Lovelock, Home Beautiful’s Editor in Chief in an intimate group breakfast at Affordable Art Fair Sydney on Friday the 7th of November at 9am as she shares her tips and tricks to having art in your home.
Get your tickets here. Tickets include coffee/tea and pastries, plus a general entry ticket to the fair.
