Red Birds by Hokusai Art Print nocturnal animals in art Skip the country-cottage florals next

Skip the country-cottage florals next to it — this print has its own pattern and prefers calmer neighbours

It's happiest above a console in a hallway

so the room feels calm rather than busy

linen and old books

and holds its own on a dark-painted wall in a study or hallway

Red Birds by Hokusai Art Print nocturnal animals in art Skip the country-cottage florals nextBefore anyone mentions Japanese woodblock, notice what the warm red does to plaster. The off white background almost matches a chalky wall, so the two red birds and grey willow leaves seem to float just in front of it. The room feels quieter and more considered without going cold. Hang it in a study, hallway or reading corner at eye level, where the small details reward a closer look. It sits well with pale oak, linen, woven rush and warm off whites,