I love art. I especially love when I can find a piece of art that inspires me to bring it home, hang it up and live with it for years. Something about having art in my space is so comforting—it reminds me that I am surrounded by beautiful things and have the ability to create beauty in my own life. Art can elevate any space, but like any other element of design (i.e., furniture), there are rules to follow when considering what goes where. Here’s how to elevate your space with art!
Start with one piece that you love.
If you're ready to start adding art to your space, the best thing you can do is start small. One piece of art will make a big impact in any room and keep your eyes from getting overwhelmed by too many things at once. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options out there, so start with something you love that won't break the bank. If you don't have a lot of money on hand, try making your own art with items from around the house like buttons or yarn!
Once you've selected what will be your first piece of wall art, think about where it fits into the overall design scheme of your space. Does it match in color? Is it sized right for where it’s going? Is this something that reflects who I am or how I want others to see me? You should also consider how well this artwork blends into its surroundings—is there anything else on those walls that could compete with this piece?
Consider how art can work to complement other room elements.
When it comes to how to elevate your space with art, one of the most important considerations is how your pieces will work together.
Think about how they can complement each other, whether that means bringing out the best in furniture or colors, patterns or materials, shapes or even architectural features like beamed ceilings and arched windows.
Mix it up.
Mix it up. Mixing different styles, mediums, sizes and shapes of art to create a cohesive look is one of the best ways to elevate your space. Go for an eclectic look that uses various materials—like wood prints and metal sculptures—or combine paintings with vintage frames or monochromatic accessories like rugs, pillows or vases. This can be especially effective when you’re dealing with a small space in need of some personality: try hanging large-scale abstract paintings in bold colors against white walls; small pieces on the mantelpiece; and framed photos on side tables where they can sit comfortably next to books as well as other knickknacks.
Mixing textured materials like wood, metal and fabric will also make your house feel more lived-in (and less like a showroom). Try mixing up different textures within each piece of art: an oil painting might have a rough texture from its thick paint strokes while wallpaper could have a smooth surface from being printed on paper instead of canvas. Mixed media is another way to play with different textures by incorporating natural elements such as leaves or twigs into your work—but don't forget about combining different colors into one piece!
Get personal.
Get personal.
People hung art on the walls of their homes long before there were galleries and museums, so it's no surprise that having your own gallery in your home has been a trend for decades. But now more than ever, people are looking for ways to accentuate their living spaces with art that speaks to them personally—and that means choosing pieces that don't just look beautiful but also have something meaningful behind them.
One way to do this is by using your favorite quotes or famous phrases as inspiration for finding the right piece(s). For example: if you're drawn to the phrase "this too shall pass," you could use a painting with those words written on it as an homage to positivity; if you love reading poetry, find yourself connecting deeply with some specific poems and display those works of art prominently in your living room (you can also use this method on an entire wall); even if you aren't quite ready yet for canvas prints or large canvases hanging around every corner of your home just yet—even then there's always room somewhere (like maybe above the fireplace) for one small piece like this!
Highlight your style and personality.
When choosing art to decorate your space, think about the mood you want to create and what kind of style suits your home. If you're going for a calm, relaxing vibe, then go with watercolor landscapes or still-life paintings. If you want a bolder look that'll stand out in an open space, try abstract art or pieces with strong colors. And if it's all about functionality over form—if you just need something to fill up an empty wall—then consider picking something modern and minimalist that won't attract too much attention (unless it does).
When looking at the size of your space, remember not to get carried away by artwork that's too big for its britches: unless there's a reason why it needs to be so massive (like filling up against one wall), stick with something small enough not overwhelm but large enough not feel like an afterthought when placed against surrounding decor.
Choose pieces that inspire you, make you smile and reflect your lifestyle.
When deciding which pieces to add to your space, think about the things that inspire you most. Maybe it’s a painting of a friend's dog or a piece of art that reminds you of an unforgettable trip abroad. Or maybe it's an abstract canvas in your favorite color or something with an animal motif because dogs are just awesome. Whatever it is—whether it's figurative or abstract, monochrome or multi-color—it should reflect your personality and lifestyle as well as your personal tastes.
If you're not sure where to start when selecting artwork for yourself or someone else, try browsing through some of our favorite purchases (or gift ideas!) from recent customers below:
Art can bring so much life to a space, but it takes thoughtfulness to create impactful design. Go big!
Before you start buying art, it's important to think about exactly what you want the piece to do. Is it going in an area where it's going to be the focus? Or will it be more of a backdrop for other items on display? You may need multiple pieces if so.
Once you've decided how many pieces you'll need, look for affordable options at thrift stores or flea markets. You'll find lots of great stuff—and remember: even if something isn't perfect in terms of color scheme or size, don't let that stop you! If it speaks to your vision and budget, then go ahead and buy it (or make a trip back later).
If those aren't options for whatever reason (time constraints), consider creating your own art by painting something yourself! A bold accent wall can change up any space dramatically and doesn't require any fancy equipment—just some paintbrushes and watercolors!
I hope this guide has helped you think about how to elevate your space with art. It’s not always an easy process, but it can be a lot of fun and rewarding when you see the finished product. Remember that if at first you don’t succeed in creating the look you want with one piece of art, there are many others out there that will work just as well!
