Whether your taste in art tends toward masterpieces auctioned by Sotheby's, bold pieces from art-school ingenues, or retro flea-market finds, there's no denying that a prized piece can enhance your life—and by extension, the look of your home. While the rules aren't set in stone when it comes to incorporating art into your decor, one approach (which works with stunning results in each of these rooms) favors an integration ruled by feeling. Acclaimed British designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen sums this up nicely: "Art should be as sympathetic to the room as the room should be to the art."

• masterpiece theater: The careful arrangement of a classical collection results in regal elegance that's anything but stuffy.
• tabula rasa: Clean furnishings and a muted palette create the perfect backdrop for showcasing a bold, oversized piece of art.
• modern mix: An unexpected melding of modern art and eclectic furnishings leaves a personal imprint on any space.