CENTURY 21 Fine Homes & Estates Magazine - 2025 Spring/Summer
Published
Art in Form: The Power of Sculpture in Personalized Luxury Spaces
Make your home a true reflection of your identity with custom sculpture that blends beauty, story, and soul.
Sculpture brings character, emotion, and legacy to high-end homes—whether integrated into architecture or standing alone as a bold statement of personal style.
When it comes to luxury home design, every detail matters. From architecture to interior styling, today’s high-end homeowners are looking for ways to create spaces that feel uniquely their own. And, increasingly, sculpture is becoming the centrepiece of that transformation.
Much like a mural or a curated art wall, sculpture adds dimension, depth, and a sense of soul to a space. Whether dramatic or discreet, indoor or outdoor, abstract or classically inspired, sculpture offers more than visual appeal—it sparks conversation, evokes emotion, and creates a connection between space and self.
Recent studies have shown that integrating art into home environments can positively impact well-being. According to the American Art Therapy Association, exposure to visual art in personal spaces contributes to stress reduction and improved emotional states. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology further found that viewing art in one’s home can enhance feelings of happiness and cognitive stimulation, offering not just aesthetic appeal but also a tangible wellness benefit (Chatterjee & Vartanian, 2021).
A separate survey conducted by the Home Trends & Buyer Preferences Report (NAHB, 2021) found that nearly 58% of homeowners in the luxury market consider custom or artistic design features—such as sculptural pieces—to be “essential” or “very desirable,” reinforcing the growing demand for personalized art at home.
“Art should evoke emotion, whether it’s joy, curiosity, or a sense of wonder,” say Australian artists Gillie and Marc, whose works appear in homes and cities around the world. Known for their whimsical and deeply personal creations, they do believe that sculpture is not just a decorative element, but a storyteller. “Start with what speaks to you,” they advise new collectors. “Even a small piece can redefine a room when thoughtfully placed.”
Sculpture comes in a variety of styles that complement different home aesthetics. Classical pieces lend a sense of timelessness and tradition, especially in formal spaces or neoclassical homes. Contemporary or abstract works, by contrast, often take on bold, conceptual forms, making them ideal for modern or transitional interiors.
Materials play an equally important role. Bronze, marble, stainless steel, stone, and glass are some of the most sought-after mediums for luxury installations. “There’s a beautiful mix of bold contemporary forms and timeless finishes right now,” say Gillie and Marc. “Indoors, high-polish bronze or patinaed finishes add sophistication. Outdoors, stainless steel and bronze offer durability with visual impact.”
At David Harber Studio, known for its sculptural installations in both private gardens and estates, Design Director Lior Kristal highlights the use of “natural materials like bronze, brass, and stone” for their longevity and emotional resonance. “These materials evoke tradition and artistry refined over centuries,” he explains. “They help forge meaningful emotional connections.”
While art for art’s sake remains timeless, today’s homeowners are also exploring sculpture that serves a purpose. Water features, lighting installations, or sculptural furniture bring utility to beauty.
“We’ve created interactive pieces that double as seating, fountains, or even side tables,” say Gillie and Marc. “The key is making sure the piece enhances the space, not just decorates it.”
Kristal agrees: “A sculpture should reflect your lifestyle, values, and the soul of the home. It’s not just an object—it’s a legacy.”
Whether nestled into a curated shelf, anchoring a dramatic entryway, or standing as a sentinel in a landscaped courtyard, sculpture must be placed thoughtfully. Scale, lighting, and flow are essential considerations.
“Scale is everything,” note Gillie and Marc. “Too small, and it gets lost; too big, and it can overwhelm.” A good rule of thumb: sculpture should occupy about one-third the height of a room to feel balanced.
David Harber Studio often collaborates with interior designers and landscape architects to ensure that the work harmonizes with its surroundings. “Even at the final stages of a project, we revisit the original vision behind the design,” says Kristal. “Our goal is to create something distinctive and integrated.”
For those who want something truly unique, commissioning a custom sculpture can be an extraordinary experience. Start by reviewing the artist’s portfolio and discussing concepts or themes that matter to you. High-end artists will often provide sketches or maquettes before fabrication.
“We explore the client’s personal story—what moves them, what values they want to express,” say Gillie and Marc. “From there, we create something deeply personal.”
Kristal agrees: “A sculpture should reflect your lifestyle, values, and the soul of the home. It’s not just an object—it’s a legacy.”
From intimate entryways to sweeping garden vistas, sculpture has the power to ground a space, tell a story, and express identity with grace. For luxury homeowners seeking more than aesthetics, it offers an enduring legacy—one that lives and evolves within the rhythm of the home itself.
A Buyer’s Guide to High-End Sculpture
Start with Emotion
Choose pieces that move you or resonate with your space.
Think Scale and Lighting
Bigger isn’t always better. Placement and light define impact.
Explore Materials
Bronze, stone, glass, and stainless steel all evoke different moods.
Work with Reputable Sources
Look to galleries, consultants, or the artists directly.
Commission for Connection
A custom piece can reflect your story and values.
For more information, visit:
Gillie and Marc: gillieandmarc.com
