Most of my career has been connected to property. I've overseen renovations, managed teams and transformed ordinary houses into welcoming spaces.
Working closely with properties taught me something important, a space doesn't need an enormous budget to feel welcoming, but it does need thought. Colour, artwork and thoughtful styling can transform a functional room into somewhere guests genuinely enjoy spending time.
I understand the realities i.e. budgets are limited, furniture must be practical, and compromises happen. But practical doesn't have to mean impersonal.
This room has all the essentials, a dining table, television and storage, yet the large wall lacks a focal point. The clock feels disconnected, and the furniture appears chosen for function rather than brought together as one considered interior.
Here, the small decorative picture hangs too high and is out of proportion with the desk. Instead of defining the workspace, it gets lost. A larger piece or carefully arranged group of artworks would make this corner feel intentional and inviting.
When Every Property Feels the Same
After fitting out property after property, I became disheartened by the mass-produced artwork being used, the same familiar prints, selected because they were inexpensive rather than meaningful.
Art can completely change a room's atmosphere, bringing together colours, introducing warmth and texture, and creating a focal point. Yet when a picture is placed on a wall without considering the furniture or room's proportions, it can make the space feel less considered. This isn't about spending a fortune but about choosing with purpose. One well-chosen piece can have far more impact than several items filling empty walls.
Seeing the Space Through a Guest's Eyes
My work gave me a practical view of setting up properties, but staying in holiday accommodation gave me the guest's perspective. Guests notice how a place makes them feel, that feeling comes from colour palette, lighting, textures, furniture placement and small details.
An uninspiring interior can make even a perfectly functional property feel temporary and forgettable. A thoughtful one helps guests settle in and remember their stay.
How This Led Me Back to Art
My frustration with repetitive interiors pushed me to explore my own creative side. Creating original pieces gave me the freedom to make something individual and art that carries the marks, movement and ideas of the person who created it. That journey became Maison M Store.
Thoughtful interiors are about making intentional decisions and investing in areas that have the greatest effect. Original artwork gives a room character, turns a blank wall into a focal point and helps a property stand apart.
A Room Should Feel Like More Than a Checklist
In the property industry, we talk about occupancy, rates and practical amenities. All of those things matter. But hospitality is also emotional and it's about how people feel when they walk through the door and what they remember after they leave.
Even with a modest budget, a room can feel warm, individual and inviting. My artwork is inspired by my love of colour, texture and experimentation, but also by years of seeing how interiors work in real life. I want to create original pieces that give a room personality, bring its different elements together and offer comfort to the people who spend time there.
Because whether it's the home we live in or somewhere we stay for only a few nights, our surroundings matter.
Three Simple Ways to Make a Holiday Property Feel More Considered
You don’t need a huge budget to create a space that feels warm and memorable. A few thoughtful choices can make a significant difference:
1. Choose artwork with the room in mind
Look at the colours, furniture and proportions already in the space. One well-chosen piece can create a focal point and bring the room together.
2. Use colour to create connection
Pick out one or two tones from the artwork and repeat them through cushions, throws or smaller accessories. This helps the room feel intentional rather than assembled piece by piece.
3. Pay attention to scale and placement
Artwork should relate to the furniture beneath it and be positioned at a comfortable viewing height. A piece that is too small, too high or lost on a large wall can make the room feel unfinished.