Lately, we’ve been drawn to antique portraits. Not just as decoration, but as design elements that bring weight, character, and a quiet kind of drama into a space. Whether they come from a Paris flea market, a Los Angeles antique store, or an Italian street fair, these pieces have a way of grounding a room — even when you don’t know exactly who’s looking back at you.
In this post, we’re sharing three portraits that have made their way into our world — and why we believe every thoughtfully designed home should include art with a story.
Why Portraits Work in Design
Portraits do more than fill a wall. They introduce scale. They create a focal point. They set the emotional tone of a room.
When thoughtfully placed, a portrait can:
- Add instant presence — giving the space a sense of history or narrative
- Introduce a new texture or material quality, especially when paired with unexpected backdrops like drapery or wallpaper
- Create tension and contrast within a modern or clean-lined environment
- Serve as a conversation piece, even without a known backstory
In short: they make a room feel considered — not just decorated.
Maestri Studio | Dallas
The newest addition to the front office at our Dalla studio came from the market in Parma, Italy — a city close to Eddie’s heart and heritage, and a long-standing source of design inspiration. As we refreshed the space, we leaned into rich tones and bold materials:
- Wall Color: Picture Gallery Red by Farrow & Ball
- Wallpaper: In the Wild by Porter Teleo — the last little bit leftover from our Kips Bay Show House installation
- Millwork: Backlit custom curved burlwood panel, with brass trim
The portrait sits front and center on the burlwood panel — warming up the modern finish and weaving in an unexpected layer of texture and story. The balance between architectural precision and painterly softness is exactly the kind of contrast we love.
Villa Cali | Eddie’s Foyer
At Eddie’s own home — affectionately nicknamed Villa Cali — a small antique portrait hangs with casual charm on a clip in front of golden drapery. The layering is intentional, but nothing feels overly precious. It’s an everyday kind of elegance.
- Portrait: Sourced at a Paris antique market during Deco Off
- Drapery: Nordic Knots
- Chest of Drawers: Hand-painted in Poland
- Chairs: Family heirlooms from Eddie’s grandmother, also featured in Le Salon de Musique
This moment speaks to one of Eddie’s favorite styling principles: let the mix tell the story. Art doesn’t need to be oversized or centered to have an impact — sometimes the quietest pieces say the most.
Maestri Studio | LA
In our Los Angeles studio, the mood shifts entirely. Here, a moody male portrait — sourced from a local antique store — anchors a layered, eclectic workspace.
- Art: Found at an antique shop in LA
- Palette: Deep blues, soft neutrals, and washed wood tones
- Furniture & Styling: A mix of vintage and contemporary, gathered and grounded
With a painted ceiling, bold rug, and expressive furnishings, this space has creative energy — and the portrait gives it gravity. It’s that little bit of friction that makes the design sing.
Takeaway
If you’re looking to add depth, warmth, and a bit of mystery to your home, consider starting with a portrait. It doesn’t need to match anything. It doesn’t even need to be large. Just hang it — or lean it — and let the room shift around it.
Often, it’s the pieces with the least clear origin that bring the most presence. And that’s the magic.
Curious where to start?
Try your local antique shop, a flea market while traveling, or a favorite gallery. Let instinct guide you — not labels. And if you fall in love with a face you’ve never seen before? Take it home. You’ll know where it belongs.