Choosing art for your home is about more than filling walls; it reflects your lifestyle, values, and how you want to feel. That philosophy guides Verbunt Galerie, founded by Australian-born art advisor Mikayla Verbunt, now based in Colorado, blending global perspective with personal curation.
Recently opened, Verbunt Galerie connects collectors and designers to contemporary artists from around the world through thoughtful, intentional curation. Rather than following trends, Mikayla focuses on pieces that feel meaningful and livable, meant to grow with those who live with them.
Start With How You Live
Mikayla’s first step in helping clients choose art is understanding their lifestyle. “A big part of my process is getting to know my clients as people, because art is so deeply personal and connected to our experiences and memories,” she says.
She considers daily routines, the type of home, and how each space is used, noting that a mountain home requires different materials than a beach house and households with children may not suit fragile works. “I always consider how someone will actually live with a piece over time,” Mikayla explains. Her advice is consistent: “Art is subjective, and you should lean into that. Always choose the piece that moves you and feels meaningful to you, not what is trending.”
Define the Mood First
When selecting artwork, Mikayla typically begins with mood. “How do you want to feel when you walk into the room? What do you want your guests to feel?” she asks. Bedrooms benefit from calming, grounding work, while entryways and living areas can support bolder pieces that encourage conversation.
Scale matters: pairing a delicate piece with a larger work creates a focal point, and thoughtfully arranged smaller works can be just as impactful.
Think Beyond the Canvas
Color, lighting, and placement guide the eye and create flow, but Mikayla also encourages clients to explore unconventional formats. Framed tiles, wall sculptures, textiles, sculptural objects, and mixed media add depth, texture, and personality, helping a space feel layered rather than overly styled.
Originals, Prints, and Building Over Time
For clients unsure about investing in original art, Mikayla emphasizes emotional connection, aesthetics, budget, and long-term goals. Originals offer individuality, while prints and mixed media provide accessible entry points. Clients can build a collection over time, blending originals, prints, ceramics, textiles, and photography to create depth rooted in personal story rather than price point.
Visualizing the Right Fit
Verbunt Galerie offers complimentary art advisory consultations, during which Mikayla learns about a client’s vision, space, and lifestyle. She curates selections and provides digital mockups so clients can visualize how artwork will live in their home. Clients can preview a piece in their home, while Mikayla oversees framing, shipping, and installation to ensure a seamless experience.
Ask the Right Questions
Before committing to a piece, Mikayla encourages clients to pause. “Does this piece bring me joy? What was my first instinct when I saw it, before hearing anyone else’s opinion?” That initial reaction, she believes, is often the most honest. When emotion, aesthetics, and lifestyle align, art moves beyond the wall and becomes part of how a home is experienced every day.
To shop Verbunt Galerie's collection, visit VerbuntGalerie.com.