Art can be intimidating. Because art is subjective, there are no rules to follow (mostly) and what appeals to one may not appeal to someone else. And so we get paralyzed. Mostly because we don't want anyone to think we have bad "taste", so in most cases we go with something safe (as in, the colors in this painting go with the colors in my pillows). Where's the joy in that? The art in your home should be so much more! Art should elevate how you live. A favorite piece of art will bring a smile to your face every time you see it, so it's worth taking a step outside of your comfort zone to go with something unique that really speaks to you. Choose art that touches you.
And so that leads us to the subject of today's post. Today I'm going to give you my favorite tips and suggestions for selecting art for your home.
1. Create Tension with Art.
I'm talking about the good kind of tension. Where opposing design styles are used together to bring out the best in each other.
This traditional living room by Lindsay Coral Harper features a modern abstract painting over the fireplace. Unexpected and beautiful!
My favorite is modern art with traditional furnishings or antiques. What appeals to me in the image above is how simple the abstract painting is in contrast to the ornate French writing desk.
By the way, this also works in reverse:
Antique painting in a modern bathroom. Opposites truly attract.
Here's more of that good tension in the image above. The ornate frame and classically styled portrait provide such amazing contrast to the minimalist decor.
2. A collection of related framed art makes a beautiful statement.
It can be framed maps, as above
Botanical prints
Or black and white photography.
When installing an art wall of related subject matter, hang them close together in a grid pattern with same sized simple frames and mats. If you like things neat and orderly, a grid wall of art is a good option for you.
3. Create Your Own Art
Truly. This is personalization at it's best. Observe:
In the image below I hung a wall of oversized family photos taken by my client. Not only is it a great and colorful way to add interest to this large wall, but it's an ever present reminder of the the good times they shared when the photos were taken.
Children's art is another great way to personalize your space with meaningful and colorful art. Children don't have the inhibitions we adults carry, and it shows in their paintings. The image below is an iphone photo I took of some children's art we used in a powder room makeover
And more framed children's art below found via Pinterest
4. Think Outside the Box
I hate overused expressions like that, but it's late and I couldn't think of a better way to say it. It simply means that wall art doesn't have to be a picture or a painting. In the image below we used a framed flag in my clients' family room. It's graphic and it references their love of sailing.
Fast forward to their new home, and the framed flag has found a home over their fireplace.
Image above via my Instagram (The Green Room Interiors).
5. Create a Random Gallery Wall
My taste in art is diverse and I love to collect vintage art. I also have a very white very long wall in my family room that is the perfect candidate for displaying said diverse art collection. All of this combined adds up to the perfect scenario for a floor to ceiling gallery wall of collected art. This approach to wall art is collected, quirky and organic.
I think diverse is the key word here, don't you? A few of the pieces are original paintings. The black horse portrait was a Christmas gift from my horse's former owner (over 20 years ago). There are framed vintage posters and Picasso print that was the first piece of art my parents bought as a young married couple.
I don't know who to credit for the image above, but it's a stellar execution of a gallery wall. It's collected, interesting and nicely laid out.
I hope this has been helpful to you if you're struggling with what type of art to hang on your walls or the best way to install it. The most important tip is to always buy what you love and it will bring you happiness for year to come!
The Green Room Interiors provides Interior Decorating and Design Services in Chattanooga, TN. If you'd like some help turning your house into your haven, contact Kim at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com
