Choosing art for your home can be a deeply personal and rewarding process. Art is not always just a decorative object but something that is going to bring joy to your life over many years. Here are some tips to help you select artwork that reflects your style, complements your space, and brings joy to your home:
- Consider Your Personal Taste a)
Start by considering your personal preferences and the styles of art that resonate with you. Do you prefer abstract or representational art? Are you drawn to bold, vibrant colours, or do you prefer a more muted palette? Do you prefer a vintage or modern style ? Take some time to explore different art styles, mediums, and genres to determine what appeals to you most, then trust your instincts.
Consider Your Personal Taste b)
In order to refine your personal taste a wonderful way of doing this is to visit art fairs, view auctions and exhibitions and just be amongst paintings, prints and drawings. Developing your taste and understanding what art resonates with you requires seeing a variety of artworks. You could try sifting through the artwork for sale on ebay or try visiting some of the many art and auction websites from the comfort of your own sofa. Simply put, the more art you see and appreciate, the more your own taste will start to emerge.
- Reflect on the Mood and Atmosphere
Think about the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your home. Do you want your art to evoke a sense of calm , or do you prefer something more energetic and dynamic? I guess this could be linked to the room in which it is to be housed as it is more likely that you might want calming artwork in a bedroom or study but perhaps something more dramatic in your daily living quarters. Therefore, choose artwork that reflects the mood you want to cultivate in each space, whether it's a romantic bedroom, a boho living room, or a vibrant dining area.
- Consider the Spatial Proportions and Lighting
Take into account the size and layout of the space where you plan to display the artwork. Larger rooms with high ceilings may benefit from larger statement pieces, while smaller rooms may require smaller-scale artwork or a gallery wall arrangement. Consider the proportions of the space and choose artwork that complements its scale and architectural features. Likewise you need to consider the amount of light that a room is blessed with and how that is distributed in the room. Small rooms can be quite dark and therefore this might not suit dark coloured paintings as they may disappear in the space.
- Think About Colour and Palette
Think about the colour scheme and palette of your room when choosing artwork. Consider whether you want the artwork to complement or contrast with the existing colours in the space. Look for artwork that incorporates colours found in your furnishings, decor, or accent pieces to create a cohesive and harmonious look.
- Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles, mediums, and periods of art to create visual interest and depth. Experiment with combining different types of artwork, such as paintings, textured art, prints, photographs, and sculptures, to create a dynamic and eclectic look that reflects your personality and tastes. Do also consider to mix and match with your furniture i.e. a modern painting with vintage wooden furniture or vintage art with a modern interior.
- Consider the Framing
The framing of artwork can significantly impact its overall appearance and appeal. Choose frames that complement the style and colours of the artwork while also enhancing its presentation. Consider factors such as frame material, colour, and style to create a cohesive and polished look. Vintage artwork will require a very different frame from a modern contemporary piece for example. The frame with a vintage piece of art is nearly as important as the painting itself as it needs to fulfil the overall antique aesthetic.
- Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose artwork that speaks to you personally and evokes a feeling within you as each art collection should tell a very personal story. Select pieces that you love and that will continue to bring you joy, inspiration, and a sense of connection to the world around you.
By considering these factors and trusting your intuition, you can select artwork that adds beauty, personality, and meaning to your home environment. Above all , enjoy the process of discovering and collecting art that reflects your unique style and enhances your living space.