Decorating With Original Art
In a day when contact with others is reduced or even, manufactured by AI, print on demand, and digitized , I find myself going back to the old days and ways. It’s my own private rebellion, and I think the human spirit and body still work at a more social, slower pace.
I limit my time each day online(answering emails, WhatsApp, and social media posts.) I find myself choosing classes and meet-ups in -person rather than on zoom or facetime. I’m shopping real bound books at a local bookstore rather than only reading on my Kindle screen. I use a cashier line at the supermarket rather than self-checkout. I prefer to shop in local clothing stores rather than online and delivered. I also have the advantage of time now that I’m semi-retired and working at home, but even that is a choice. I’m not holding technology at bay. I’m embracing community and human connection.
Decorating Our Homes Connects Us to Others
and Expresses Who We Are
I like to decorate my home with original art rather than manufactured items. I get that the cost of a print purchased from a discount home store can work, but I like the story behind the art and artist. I like to know it’s unique and one of a kind. I like to invest in something I’ll give to someone else. Living with less and having moved so much in my life, my husband and I have honed in on decorating with items that have meaning and stories behind them. Some of our art we created-pottery, glass, stained glass, paintings, pastels. But other pieces we chose on a trip, or one that reminded us of a vacation or favorite place. Some are Asian inspired which reminds me of my family’s brief time in Japan. Some sculptures or vases hold images of animals that my husband and I love. Some scenes in paintings that we picked up at art fairs evoke certain feelings. That’s why they caught our attention in the first place.
Another popular white in a showroom….White, gray, and muted or pastel colors are popular with furniture and linens where I live. And, yes, our sofa is gray and bedspread is white, but now I think of ways to POP COLOR into each room. Cushions, pillows, table runners, and ARTWORK breathe the bright colors back into our rooms.
Decorating with art can be eclectic and interesting.
Some things can match, go with a color scheme, or theme but buy what moves you and usually you’ll find it fits in somewhere. I live on a budget in a small apartment. I tend to put smaller pieces together with some larger pieces. I like blank wall to surround and accentuate art rather than feeling I’m in a cluttered space.
Tips for Decorating with Original Art
Group smaller paintings together on a wall rather than just having one large painting.
Remember hallways. (We have 4 family heirloom paintings in our hall, which don’t match the style of other works in the living room.)
Place very small paintings on tabletops like you might for a photo. They look wonderful next to a flower vase or lamp, and small framed pieces are great gifts for this reason, too.
Set small to medium paintings on shelves among books and nick-nacks to break up the pattern and look of your shelved items.
Don’t forget bathrooms but make sure the frame is good so moisture won’t damage your special pieces. Flowers, fish, mermaids, beach or holiday scenes are great. These pieces can be traded out for the seasons or if the bathroom is used by children, you, or guests.
Don’t forget the kitchen. The space can be elegant or casual. I love food art, quotes, and art with humor for the kitchen. Again, small pieces can be rotated and rearranged over time. If you’ re sick of lemons and watermelon art set them aside and put up some Italian vineyards and orchards.
Mix and match professionally framed pieces with attractive, inexpensive store-bought frames. Yard sales and home stores often have frames that can finish up your art on a budget.
Have fun decorating with original art. It’s fun to tell guests the stories behind the pieces we purchase or something about the artist or theme. Original art is the accessory that dresses up our homes so have fun with shopping and decorating this season.