What I've learned about owning art from my podcast guests
Art means something different to each of us but if I’ve learned anything from my podcast guests it’s that art can really transform a house into a home. It brings connection and story. Here are some of my favourite stories from my guests on The Curated Nest Podcast.
Art commemorates special events
In episode 12, I chatted to my friend Ashleigh Donald, Co-Founder of Halo Business Consulting. Talking about the art in her home she took us through some of the prints that celebrate her seaside home of Whitley Bay but also the enormous poster from the 2012 London Olympics. Not only does she love sport but she spent the summer working on the Olympics and Paralympics with her sister and even took part in one of the opening ceremonies. That poster now lives in her kitchen and even inspired the colour scheme. It’s a reference to an amazing experience, inspiration for her children and a beautiful piece of art in its own right.
Find the links for Ashleigh’s episode here.
Art is a heartfelt gift
In episode 6, I spoke to Anke Rainbow - a woman as colourful as her name and a talented Jewellery and metal artist. She talked about her love of Scotland and highland cows (or coos as she names them in her small sculptures that are an homage to them). She regaled us with a story of her husband secret going back to a gallery to splurge on a beautiful highland cow artwork as a meaningful gift for her. They’ve moved house a lot but that wonderful artwork goes with them every time and reminds her of how thoughtful he is and what lovely memories they have made in Scotland.
Find the links for Anke’s episode here.
Art gives us hope
In a special episode for Podcasthon, in aid of Prostate Cancer, I talked in depth with my stepdad about what a huge part home has played in his treatment and recovery process. His favourite piece of art was one that I created celebrating the oak tree. He talked to me about the strength and new life that it represents to him and how it is a symbol of better times to come. It’s an inspirational episode. Find the links for it here.
Art can be a symbol of our purpose
In the very first episode, Jill Whitehouse, a solution focussed hypnotherapist based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, described her favourite artwork as the picture around which her therapy room was built. Percy the Polar Bear is her business mascot and even became part of her new logo and this artwork (another wonderful gift from a spouse) captures the imagination of all of her clients. He symbolises the polar bear (danger) the we are programmed to run away from (metaphorically or literally) as part of our in built fight or flight response. She admits that the Percy in the picture is much more adoral than our fears but I think that only makes it easier to talk about, don’t you?Jill talks about this and other natural brain responses through her treatment.
Watch and listen to Jill in episode 1.
Art is like a window to another world
Brenda Killgallon, a powerhouse women’s change coach, lives in a very different kind of home - a gallery. In episode 5, she reminisced about her favourite artworks from exhibitions passed and told me just what impact a new collection of art has on her home. She talks about how sad she feels between exhibitions when the walls are blank and how new work brings not only a new set of views but also a totally different atmosphere. Find Brenda’s episode here.
Art links us to the creator
Episode 9 features the interiors influencer and all round decor inspiration that is Dee Phenna from Maric Living. Her flair for colour and love of pattern is evident throughout her home, not least in her art. She showed me a piece she had commissioned by and artist friend. They adore it so much that it has been hung in the optimal place to be seen as soon as they enter the house and from as many rooms as possible. Dee was keen to have a bespoke original piece by this artist not just because she loves his style but because working with him on the brief meshed her vision with his too. Listen and watch more here.
Art reminds us of our happy place
As I write this blog, I am in between recording episodes for series 3, coming September/October 2026. One of my upcoming guests is Lorraine McGill from Willow and Maine interior design. While Lorraine found it difficult to narrow it down to one favourite piece of art, she waxed lyrically about what she calls her ‘Malibu beach art’ that hangs in the office above her reading chair. It’s an image that reminds her of her favourite place on Earth - Antibes. As soon as she got onto the subject, I could see what the place meant to her and she talked about family holidays, catching up with friends and enjoying the stunning old town.
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