Art has the power to completely transform a space, both visually and emotionally. The right piece doesn’t just fill a wall but anchors a room, sets the tone, and tells the story of a life lived within it. According to Megan Hoban, owner and curator of Prairiebrooke Arts, original art brings depth, personality, and intention into a home in a way nothing else can.
"We live in a world where we’re constantly tempted to buy something new that catches our eye,” says Hoban. “We buy what we love. Collecting original art should feel the same way."
And yet, for many people, art feels different--it’s more of a challenge.
"If you’re new to buying art, it can feel intimidating. It’s often a bigger purchase, and there’s that lingering question of what if I choose the wrong piece? The good news is there is no perfect formula. Art is personal. If something stops you in your tracks, makes you feel something, or keeps popping back into your mind after you’ve left the gallery, that’s usually your answer.”
Collecting begins when you discover art you love.
"Some people are drawn to bold, colorful abstracts that energize a room. Others fall in love with peaceful landscapes, expressive figurative work, or striking photography. Many collectors discover they love a mix of styles. Your taste doesn’t have to fit into one neat category. In fact, the most interesting homes and offices rarely do. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, certain color palettes, textures, or subjects that consistently draw you in. That’s the beginning of your personal collection.”
While art can appreciate financially, Hoban encourages clients to think about investment differently.
"People often ask whether art is a good investment. The answer really depends on how you define investment. Purchasing a work by someone like Pablo Picasso represents one kind of financial investment and appeals to a very specific type of collector. For most people, however, the true return is far more personal. Art has the power to elevate your daily life in simple but meaningful ways--introducing color, evoking memories, and bringing lasting character into your space."
That return shows up in quiet, everyday moments, like the way light moves across a canvas or the feeling a piece brings into a room.
"When you fall in love with a piece, you’re investing in that feeling every single day. The way the light hits the surface in the morning. The texture of paint that seems to lift off the canvas. The sense of calm or energy it brings to a space. It’s a different kind of return on investment.”
For those who are thinking long-term, Hoban also encourages a thoughtful approach: choose pieces that genuinely resonate with you rather than chasing trends, pay attention to how the work complements your space, and protect your investment with professional framing and proper documentation. Keeping artist information and purchase records organized not only preserves value but also preserves the story behind the work.
"Don’t buy art based on trends or what is easy. Choose work you’ll love living with and elevate your space. But above all, trust your instincts."
Art also has the power to shape a room rather than simply finish it.
"If you truly love a piece, you’ll find a place for it. Sometimes the art even becomes the starting point for a room’s design. Art uniquely has the power to pull together at eye level all the design elements into something original and fabulous!”
For homeowners building, remodeling, or refreshing a space, Hoban recommends planning for art early.
"If you are remodeling or building a new home or growing a business into new corporate space, I always suggest making a line item for art in the budget. By allocating money to art, you are making it a key component to the project and ensuring it's not an afterthought with no money left when the project is complete.”
Once you’ve chosen a piece, presentation matters.
"Framing is another key detail to consider when purchasing artwork. Think of custom framing as the jewelry for your artwork. A thoughtfully chosen frame enhances the piece and protects it at the same time. Archival materials and UV-protective glass help preserve color and quality so the artwork can last for generations.”
Ultimately, collecting art is about creating spaces that feel like your personality.
"Your home should not look like your neighbors or a social media post. Your office should not feel generic. Original art brings individuality to both. It reflects your story, your travels, your milestones, and your taste.”
A collection should be curated as your life evolves.
"A meaningful collection doesn’t always happen overnight. It grows with you. Maybe it starts with one piece that feels special, or several pieces that make your house a home. Over time, your walls begin to tell a story that’s entirely your own. Falling in love with art isn’t about being an expert or making an investment. When you find a piece that makes you pause, smile, or feel something unexpected, that’s where your collection begins."
For more information, visit pbarts.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle