3 Tips for Selecting Artwork for Your Home
I am a big advocate for adding original artwork to your home. Not only does it add color and help fill those empty walls, but original artwork adds a uniqueness to your space. It also is a beautiful way to support another person’s small business and, bonus, it’s one of the few things that will likely increase in value over the years.
So how should you go about selecting artwork for your home? It’s not as complicated as you might think. Let’s chat through my top three tips to help you feel confident when selecting your next piece.
1. SELECT WHAT YOUR DRAWN TO
I told you it’s not complicated, friend. The first step in adding more artwork to your home is to bring home the items that pull you in. Those pieces that get you excited! That is the starting point to creating a home that brings you joy.
All of the artwork shown above was selected simply because it made me happy. The larger piece on the right (created by the lovely Margaret of Margaret River Lee) was one that I could not stop looking at - it just kept pulling me in for some unknown reason. So I bought it. And I’m oh so happy that I did.
“But Robin, what about matching your home? Doesn’t that matter when selecting artwork?”
Yes. But also no.
Let’s talk about that next.
Print by Elizabeth Lang, Between the Evergreens
2. PULL COLORS FROM THE ART INTO YOUR SPACE
There are two ways you can help artwork feel more connected to your space. First, you could select artwork that already has colors that connect to your room. An example would be that you already own a rug with green tones in it and you select artwork that echos those colors. The second option is to allow the artwork to inspire other decor selections such as accent pillows.
But here’s where I want you to find freedom in adding artwork to your home: It doesn’t always have to coordinate.
Does that stress you out?! It shouldn’t.
Artwork is this really special thing that we can all play with. If you fall in love with a piece that doesn’t really contain any of the existing colors in your room I think you should still buy it. And here’s why:
An expected piece of artwork in a room can create a lovely amount of tension and interest. (And dare I say, add a bit of “designer vibes”.) Think of an all neutral space and a sudden bold piece of artwork - doesn’t that sound exciting?
Adding a modern, geometric piece of artwork to a mostly traditional room is a great way to use juxtaposition and create added interest.
Bottom line - If you prefer a more coordinated design, pull colors from your space into your artwork. If you prefer a more unique space, allow the artwork to be a fun accent whether or not the colors are already in the room.
Print Set by Deeann Rieves; Sketch by Levi Watson
3. MIX THE TYPES OF ARTWORK USED
So here’s my top tip for selecting artwork for your home: MIX IT UP!
The last thing you want to do is have one type of artwork throughout your spaces. If you truly want to create a designer look, you need to mix and match. That means abstract art with a lovely landscape plus a sketch. Or a painted abstract piece and a more traditional portrait painting.
The point is, mix it up! If every piece of artwork is similar in genre, the pieces will start to fall a little flat rather than each piece of art having their own wow moment.
Variety is the spice of life, friends. Lean into it and create a home you love.
Have more questions about selecting artwork for your home? Send them my way on Instagram and I’ll be happy to guide you.
I’ll be chatting about size and scale as well as where to shop for artwork in future posts so be sure to stick around.