Test it this way: if the living room feels safe, size up. This is a piece that rewards nerve — twelve deep blue vessels laid out on a hand-painted black and cream checkerboard, loose brushwork and all. It brings colour and pattern to a quiet room without shouting, and it holds its own above a sofa, sideboard or console. Hang it on a cream, plaster or soft off-white wall so the blue can sing. Pair it with warm oak, cream linen upholstery, a black metal floor lamp and a couple of cream ceramics. Avoid stacking it near other busy pattern or competing blues — this one wants room to breathe.