Choosing art for your home is a great way to express yourself and add some personality. It can set the tone for a room, evoke emotions, and add color and texture.
But picking the right artwork can also be overwhelming. With so many options choices out there, it can be tough to know where to start.
If you’re in need of some personality for those blank walls, I have just the thing for you today! Here are some simple steps to help you make the process of choosing art more manageable.
I’ll show you how to find pieces that truly speak to you and create a cohesive and visually appealing look in your home.
From choosing an inspiration piece to laying out your choices in a mood board format, these steps will make it a snap to select amazing art.
So, let's dive in and explore these steps in more detail!
Step 1: Choose an Inspiration Piece
Picking an inspiration piece is an important first step in choosing art because it sets the tone and direction for the rest of your decor choices.
This piece can be anything that speaks to you and inspires you, like a favorite painting, a treasured photograph, or even a patterned rug.
For example, if you have a rug with a bold pattern and vibrant colors, you can use it as a starting point to choose artwork that complements and enhances the rug's colors and patterns.
If you have a favorite painting that features soft pastels and delicate brushstrokes, you can use it to inspire a calming and serene color palette in your room.
The inspiration piece can also help you define your decor style.
For instance, if your inspiration piece is a vintage movie poster, you may decide to incorporate mid-century modern furniture and decor elements into your space.
Or, if your inspiration piece is a botanical print, you could go for more natural and organic decor pieces.
Choosing one inspiration piece can start you off with a clear vision for your decor and makes it easier to select artwork and other decor elements that complement and enhance your chosen style. And, choosing a piece that you truly love will help you to create a space that’s visually appealing and personal.
Step 2: Go Larger Instead of Smaller
I always say, it's better to go larger rather than smaller with art. There’s nothing worse than a dinky piece of art on a wall.
Large artwork will make a bold statement and it can become the focal point. A large piece will also help to visually expand the space and make it feel more open, which is very helpful for smaller rooms.
If you have a large wall, consider either a gallery wall with several larger pieces, or one oversized piece to fill the space. Both choices will fill the space and be impactful.
Personally, I prefer a statement piece of art because it can become the focal point, drawing the eye in, and anchoring the space.
If you're not sure how large you should go, consider the size of the wall you want to fill or the area where you plan to hang the artwork. You want the piece to be in proportion to the size of the room or wall, but also large enough to create a visual impact.
If you're considering a gallery wall, using larger pieces can help create a cohesive look and reduce the cluttered feeling that can come from using too many small pieces. The uniformity of size works well for may design styles as well.
Tip: When choosing larger pieces of art, be mindful of the scale of your other decor elements. For example, a large painting or photograph may need a substantial frame to balance out the size and weight of the piece.
Step 3: Take Your Time to Decide
Choosing art is not something that should be rushed. So, take your time to find pieces that truly resonate with you.
If you’re looking for original art, browse through galleries, or specialty online stores, or individual artists’ websites.
Take a trip to an art show to find unique and interesting pieces.
And don't be afraid to mix and match styles and mediums to create a unique look that reflects your personality.
Because choosing art is such a highly personal process, and it's important to take your time to find pieces that truly speak to you. If you Rush it, you could end up with choices that don't quite fit your style or vision, which can be disappointing in the long run.
Here are some other reasons why taking your time is so important:
1. Ensuring Quality: Artwork is an investment, and it's important to choose pieces that are of good quality, so they’ll stand the test of time. Take the time to research artists, galleries, and online stores to find reputable sources and high-quality art.
2. Finding the Right Style: Your art choices reflect your personality and style, so it's important to take the time to find pieces that truly click with you. Exploring different styles, mediums, and artists can help you find the perfect fit for your home.
3. Budget Considerations: Some art can be a significant investment, and it's important to take the time to consider your budget to find pieces that fit within it. So, don’t Rush into overspending or settling for lower-quality pieces.
4. Creating a Cohesive Look: Take your time to explore different options and find pieces that complement your existing decor so you can create a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Taking the time to decide on artwork can ensure that you end up with pieces that you truly love and that fit well with your style and vision. So, explore different options, and ask for advice from friends or design pros if you need to. The process may take longer, but the result will be well worth the effort.
Step 4: Layout Your Choices in a "Mood Board" Format
Once you have a selection of pieces that you love, it helps to create a "mood board" to see how everything will look together.
This can be done using programs like PowerPoint or Canva. I like to use these digital methods because you can easily play around with the arrangement until you find a layout that works best for you.
Tip: It’s better to do this mood board last, after you’ve preliminarily selected your art ideas.
My process includes copying images of art and everything else into a blank template so I can play around with pairing certain pieces together, adjusting the sizes to make sure they’ll fit appropriately. This helps me see a wholistic focus of the art and the other items that live in my room. If things don’t look right, you can easily adjust my selections before making a purchase.
Here are some tips for creating an effective mood board:
1. Include All Elements: Your mood board should include all the elements that will be in the room, including furniture, textiles, and other decor pieces. This allows you to see how the art fits in with the overall look and feel of the space.
2. Play with Scale: Include images of the art pieces in different sizes to see how they will fit on the wall or in the space. This can help you visualize the impact of the art on the room.
3. Experiment with Layout: Try out different layout options, like gallery walls or a single statement piece. This can help you determine the best option for your space.
So, creating a mood board can help you make important decisions that ensure you’ll end up with a cohesive and visually appealing space. Remember to have fun with this process and experiment with different elements to find the perfect fit for your home.
To sum up, choosing art is a personal and creative process that can truly transform your space.
When you follow these steps, you’ll find pieces that fit your style, budget, and vision.
Remember to take your time, experiment with different options, and seek out advice if needed.
The result will be a home filled with artwork that inspires, uplifts, and reflects your unique personality and style.
So don't be afraid to start exploring the world of art and find the perfect pieces to add to your home!
Do you have a tried-and-true way of picking art for your home? I’d love to hear about it. Leave me a comment and let me know.
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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.