Art in Show Homes: Staging Interiors In Bristol, with Porter & Gold

Some of you might remember that the reason I created Porter & Gold, together with my sister Johanna, was to provide show homes for developers. The main and conscious part of that reason was my ongoing frustration (outrage, really) at the lack of quality and style in many show homes across the South West. (I have recently discovered there are other deeper reasons for what I do—but more on that another time!). After 25 years of working freelance in music, film, and fashion industries, and being surrounded by artists my entire life, it makes sense that I’m obsessed with art - in all its forms! Now, I’ve found a way to combine that passion with interiors. 

 

The first artist I collaborated with for staging was Sally Coulden, whom I met at an interior design networking event. Her bold, striking canvases felt both familiar and exciting to me (I now own one!). Sally loaned two pieces for a project we did staging two chalets (both sold quickly once dressed by us!) in Somerset—adding colour, texture, and a sense of home to what had been a soulless white box. All the photos in this post are by Leighton James, aka The Property Photographer—an artist in his own right, and someone I absolutely love working with. 

 

Then, my best friend’s sister, Jane Kell, reached out and asked if I’d like to borrow some of her work. This was an honour—I had previously owned two of Jane’s paintings. I sold one of them, of a beautiful Swimming Pool, during lockdown (needs must) to a US collector (Jane's work is highly sought after), but my other, Peaches, is still on my kitchen wall—and it’s never leaving.  

 

For months, I didn’t have the right project for Jane’s work…until January 2025, when Alec at Elephant asked us to dress a converted church in Redland. I was able to showcase four of Jane’s pieces, followed quickly by a converted coach house in Clifton Village, on the market with Richard Harding. The gallery-like walls were perfect for two more of Jane’s paintings, so much so that I hope the new owners decide to keep them! 

 

Working with artists is a huge honour, and I’m deeply grateful to Jane and Sally for trusting me with their work. I hope the exposure, stunning photos (thank you, Leighton!), and placement in such beautiful homes help their pieces find new owners. 

Beyond contemporary art, I also collect vintage pieces—including a large collection of nudes and sketches. Recently, I acquired a series of abstract 1960s paintings by Antony Webber, which are also currently featured in the Clifton coach house (see it here on rightmove). I’ve also picked up prints from Dear Old Thing (@dearoldthing on instagram), two stunning oil-on-board still lifes from Dark & Bright (find them at Focus on the Past), and various sculptures. My Katy Bauer horse is one of my favourite pieces, along with busts by blacksmith Mark Lumley, and two acrylics by Shante Fagans. 

 

I’m starting to feel like I need a gallery to house my growing collection… But wait! I already kind of have one!! I get to showcase these incredible pieces in your homes when I dress them for you, ready to go on the market—turning blank spaces and lonely, empty rooms into places that feel lived-in, and loved. Because a beautifully styled home doesn’t just attract buyers—it tells a story they want to be part of. 

 

Using art, antiques, and vintage in home staging, whether for our developers' show homes or properties styled for sale for private owners, is what sets Porter & Gold apart. We love helping you, by transforming houses into homes. 

 

If you’d like us to dress your property to sell, either as a permanent show home or a staged-to-sell service, please do get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help. 

 

Have a wonderful day where ever you are, 

 

 

 

Love Samaya and the team at Porter & Gold