Art in the home. It’s often a big hangup for some, especially when it comes to something new. Collecting such a fun array can be intimidating if you don’t have the right guide or feel like you don’t have the right eye. For those unfamiliar with me, I’m a professional designer and owner of The Handmade Home, where we love assisting clients with their homes. From full tear-downs and gut outs with a beautiful finish to that key piece for your home, we’re here to help. I’ve studied art history and am also an artist by trade. So I love helping clients select those beautiful pieces for their homes, and I create them for my own home and others. It’s a multifaceted relationship, and this is the part where I over-explain my strong background and love of art. Today, I decided it might be helpful to break it down from the perspective of a designer, artist, and fellow homeowner. So without further ado, Selecting Art for your Home: A Few Easy Principles to Live By.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
Let’s jump right in with this one, shall we? When it comes to art, the more diverse, the better. Especially in your home. These selected pieces can make a beautiful impact in any space. If you’re not accustomed to a particular style, maybe investigate how to work it in. If you’re wondering where to start, lean into what you love. But if you’re looking for something fresh, then I’d urge you to try something new when it comes to art. For instance, if you’re a big fan of landscapes, check out an abstract piece. Even vintage posters can be a beautiful addition. Stretching those creative muscles we don’t use much, often lead to new inspiration.
2. No Need to be a Snob About It.
We all have our hangups, but I approach my art like I approach design in my own home and in clients’ homes. Simply put, look for authenticity. I feel this needs to be one of our starting points because it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Here’s the best way I can explain it. In this industry, there are way too many people projecting. Trust us, we’ve seen it all. As a result, there are a lot of designers out there who are a little out of touch with reality, the process, and costs. If you view art as investment pieces, then, by all means, do it. I also obviously believe that artists should be paid their worth. But also, there is no need to be discouraged by the intimidation of cost. You can find some great artists locally, on Etsy, and more. I would argue that you can do both high and low pieces, but if you’re always looking down your nose at things, you may miss some real gems. You never know where your favorite piece will pop up, so don’t weed the ‘little guys’ out. When collecting art for your home, stay open to your sources and listen to what speaks to you. When you know, you know.
3. It’s Personal.
The most interesting pieces make a statement. The kind of statement that they make is up to you. They can be a mood. Something that strikes you personally. Colorful. Photography. Anything. Even a vintage poster. Something that makes you happy or wonder how the artist accomplished their final piece. Sometimes it speaks to you, and you’re not sure why. Any emotion it evokes is a great response, and sometimes art just is. It can still carry visual significance even if {especially if} it’s an abstract piece. It’s personal. Which brings me to…
4. You Can’t Rush Art.
In looking forward to finishing up a space, I recently had a client searching for a meaningful piece for their room. I’d already searched for a while on a few rounds of edits, as had she, but nothing was speaking to the homeowners at the moment. She was fixated on sourcing something meaningful, which I understand entirely. My solution was to give it a moment. Sometimes, living in the space is best before selecting the art. It can happen in any order when it comes to inspiration. Art is personal, and sometimes, that can only come from you if the designer or artist you’re looking for isn’t quite speaking to you. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be deep… it just is. We can overthink it. I would know because I’m a world-class overthinker. Spaces are meant to breathe and organically grow, and it helps to source those ideas when you’ve had a minute to let the dust settle after a renovation. We’ve been brainwashed by HGTV. It can be easy to get caught up in the rush of things and the pressure to finish a space. Often, I suggest my clients use something as simple as a placeholder until they find precisely what they want. It can be a vintage poster or something small from Etsy that still works, but maybe it isn’t THE piece. I view it as an investment in their future, with something clever they can display in the meantime. My favorite quote from Toy Story 2: “You can’t rush art.” As someone who creates art from the other end, the sentiment is the very same.
5. Explore the Love of Color
Okay, guys. If neutrals make you happy, go for it. But don’t default to the no-color trend out of fear. I’m going to argue for the sake of color. Beige on beige on beige was never my fave, and that’s no secret. When I mentioned no. 1 above, {don’t be afraid to try new things} that means this category, too. People usually default to neutrals because it’s easy. I’d argue that there is a need to explore color in your home since the payoff is always worth it. You never know what new avenue a piece of art can unlock. You can even use it to inspire your next room redo.
6. Hang it in Diverse Ways
Now that you’ve found it repeat after me: I will not hang my art too high. A great rule of thumb is no higher than the eye level of a 5’4″ person {the average height of a woman- it’s me} or 60-63″ off the floor. When in doubt, go closer to the furniture over which you hang said art. Nothing is sadder than a beautiful piece, poorly hung. Or a too-small piece over a large piece of furniture. Also? Don’t limit yourself. Our home is a little short on walls, and while we are so glad we have an open living space {no worries, we also have extra rooms} we were a little limited. So, the gallery wall never goes out of style, and sometimes, hanging them in diverse ways only adds interest to the display as a whole. Clearly I could discuss this topic, forever.
7. Dabble in art Yourself
I told you I see the subject matter of art, from every angle. Nothing makes me happier than to see someone so passionate about something they love. Or someone dabbling in something new. I am never more thrilled than when I hear from people who have decided to create their own. If you’re interested, I have a few suggestions: A great place to start would be with this simple abstract piece, here. + Check out an entire list, here. Also see: the basics of painting, our best tips + tricks. Of course let us know if you give these a whirl. We’d love to hear!
8. Bonus: Interested in our art? We have an entire collection on our site, and when you purchase from us, you’re supporting a small business. We would love to hear from you! Insert shameless plug: check us out here.
Have an inspired day!
