When homeowners dream of remodeling, the hardest question is often the simplest: where do I start? With so many finishes, layouts, and styles to choose from, finding inspiration can feel overwhelming.
One powerful approach is an art inspired home remodel — using a meaningful piece of artwork as the foundation for design decisions. More than a finishing touch, art can guide the mood, color palette, and textures of a space, resulting in a design that feels cohesive and deeply personal.
This is the story of how one painting — Larkin Bridge by New England artist Fred Nold — shaped the open living area of the Lakeside Legacy home on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Why Art Matters in Interior Design
For many homeowners, art is chosen last. The walls are painted, furniture is in place, and artwork is added as a decorative detail. But interior designers often recommend flipping this order.
Artwork naturally carries emotion. A landscape might evoke nostalgia and calm. A bold abstract piece may bring energy and playfulness. When used as inspiration, these qualities can influence every decision — from paint colors to materials to lighting.
That’s the beauty of an art inspired home remodel: design becomes more than visual coordination. It becomes storytelling.
Case Study: Lakeside Legacy’s Open Living Space
At Lakeside Legacy, the homeowners had clear goals. After years of living between two homes, they chose to make Gilford, NH, their full-time residence. Their vision was to move away from orange-toned wood and dated layouts, instead creating a home that felt elegant but comfortable, stunning yet livable.Â
In the open-concept kitchen, dining, and sitting area, they found inspiration in Larkin Bridge by Fred Nold.
The painting hangs in the dining space, where it can be seen across the open area. Its cheerful palette of blues and greens and its rustic covered bridge subject provided a creative spark for the design.
Interior designer and owner Lauren Milligan of Backdrop Interior Design explains:
“Art is a great jumping off point for a remodel or decorating project. Artwork typically evokes an emotion, which can be translated into the feeling fostered by an interior space.
In the case of the homeowners’ inspiration artwork, it has an overall joyfulness to it, brought out with the cheerful colors used. The saturated colors we used throughout the home mirrored that playfulness.
The painting also has rustic and natural elements which can be seen throughout their home. The covered bridge carries a sense of nostalgia and New England history which can also be seen in the property’s architecture, stone walls, natural landscape elements, and of course, the waters of Winnipesaukee.”
– Lauren Milligan
She continues:
“The colors of the painting were a primary inspiration for the tones used in the space. This, to me, is the epitome of where family gathers.
This space just has such nice flow to it and it’s such a comfortable space. I love the brightness of the colors and the way the blue and green complement each other.”
By weaving colors from the painting into cabinetry, textiles, and furnishings, and reinforcing its rustic character with natural textures, the design team created a central space that feels joyful, timeless, and totally unique.
The rest of the remodel reflected broader goals of efficiency, comfort, and timeless style. But this gathering space stands as a perfect example of an art inspired home remodel — one where design grows directly from a piece of art.
Meet the Artist
Fred Nold
The inspiration behind this design came from Larkin Bridge, a painting by Fred Nold.
Born in White Plains, New York in 1936, Nold studied at Parsons School of Design and earned his BFA from New York University. Throughout his career, he became known for capturing beauty in everyday surroundings.
As Nold explains:
“Throughout my career, I have attempted to create a social statement which would foster the awareness of the majestic beauty that surrounds us in our everyday existence.”
Nold’s works have been featured in New England and Florida galleries. His distinctive brushstrokes, often compared to Van Gogh’s, signal both emotion and movement.
In Larkin Bridge, the rustic covered bridge and saturated palette evoke joy, nostalgia, and a distinctly New England sense of place. These qualities carried directly into the design of the Lakeside Legacy’s open-concept space.
Meet the Designer
Lauren Milligan
The interpretation of this artwork into design was led by Lauren Milligan, owner and principal designer of Backdrop Interior Design.
Lauren’s design philosophy centers on authenticity and livability:
“Our work is less about a specific aesthetic and more about building joyful, memorable spaces through originality, customization, and quality.”
A Connecticut native, Lauren studied at the University of New Hampshire and interior architecture at the Academy of Art University. She founded and continues to own Backdrop Interior Design, which she launched in 2010 after working at the Boston Design Center. Today, her work is recognized for blending timeless style with real-life functionality.
Lauren has partnered with Lighthouse Contracting Group on several high-end projects across the Lakes Region, including the Shore House on Governor’s Island and the Crystal Lake Home Remodel.
Lauren’s approach demonstrates how art can serve as a starting point for design — guiding color, texture, and emotion. Her process offers valuable insight for homeowners considering their own remodels.
How to Use Art as Inspiration for Your Remodel
The story of Lakeside Legacy shows how art can elevate a room without dictating an entire remodel. For homeowners interested in pursuing their own art inspired home remodel, here are some practical tips:
Choose artwork that resonates emotionally, not just aesthetically. A piece that makes you feel joy, calm, or nostalgia will naturally guide your design.
Use the artwork as a color roadmap. At Lakeside Legacy, the blues and greens from Larkin Bridge became the foundation for cabinetry, accents, and textiles.
Consider the physical qualities of the artwork. A rustic painting may inspire natural wood beams or stone finishes, while an abstract piece might call for glass or polished metal.
Artwork often reflects history, culture, or personal memory. Incorporating those elements into your remodel adds depth and authenticity.
Position the piece where it will influence daily life. In Lakeside Legacy, the painting was placed where it could be seen from both the kitchen and sitting room, making it central to family gatherings.
The Value of an Art Inspired Home Remodel
Art isn’t just for walls. It can guide color, texture, and atmosphere while bringing meaning into design. At Lakeside Legacy, Larkin Bridge by Fred Nold didn’t dictate every decision, but it transformed the open-concept living area into a space that feels timeless, cheerful, and deeply personal.
This is the essence of an art inspired home remodel: design rooted in emotion, guided by beauty, and made for living.