The Thrill of the Hunt: Sourcing Affordable Art with Soul

Tips, tricks and stories from the art-obsessed corner of Pastiche

The Thrill of the Hunt: Filling Your Walls with Character (Not Just Art)

Subscriber-Only Dispatch from the Studios of Pastiche

Hello dear ones,

This little post is for those of you willing to go the extra mile—to dig a little deeper, linger a little longer, and maybe get your hands a touch dusty in the name of good design.

You’re here because you love the mix. Because you know a room doesn’t feel quite right until the walls are telling a story. And because you, like me, are allergic to bland.

So today, we’re talking about the joy—the absolute thrill—of hunting for art.

Not just any art. Not yet another oversized abstract you saw last week in someone’s Modern Farmhouse Reveal.

No, I mean the kind of art that stops you in your tracks. The kind that’s wedged behind a broken mirror at an estate sale. Or tucked into the back corner of a flea market booth, nearly hidden under a basket of Bakelite buttons.

The kind of art that didn’t cost a fortune but makes your heart skip a beat every time you walk by.

Let’s talk about how to find it, where to put it, and what to do in the meantime while you’re still looking.

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Why Bare Walls Are the Enemy of a Good Room

I’ve seen it too many times to count: a beautiful project humming along—fabrics chosen, furniture installed, lighting just right—but the walls? Empty. Waiting. Hoping the right piece of art will magically appear.

And I get it. We all want that perfect piece. The heirloom-worthy original that feels like it was destined for the space.

But waiting for “perfect” can leave a room feeling unmoored, like it’s still holding its breath.

Art brings life. It’s the final wink, the pop of wit, the deep breath that ties it all together.

So let’s let go of perfect. Let’s embrace interesting. Personal. Original—even if it doesn’t come with a gallery label.

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A Quick Note to Readers

If you’ve been enjoying this space and would like access to that deeper layer of content, I’d be honored to have you join as a paying subscriber. Your support allows me to keep creating here—and it means more than you know.

Thank you for being here, and for connecting with me around the idea that curiosity and warm design can so deeply shape how we feel in our homes—and in our lives.