Incorporating art into your home is essential for creating warm, inviting spaces. Few elements can elevate a room like the right artwork, even in minimalist designs.
Art adds vibrancy, character, and a unique personality to interiors that other decor simply can’t replicate. A carefully chosen piece can reshape the ambiance of a room and bring joy for years to come.
But how do you begin selecting and showcasing art? The first step is choosing pieces that resonate with you. Beyond that, displaying art can be a challenge. Here, we present various methods to seamlessly integrate art into your home, along with expert tips on how to showcase it effectively.
Getting Started with Art Decor
Decorating with art is a joyful experience, offering endless ways to express your style. Many interior designers believe art is the cornerstone of a successful decor scheme.
"Art completes a space," says Martin Waller, founder of a well-known design brand. "Don't hesitate to mix contemporary pieces with traditional decor; unexpected combinations often lead to beauty through surprise."
There are no strict guidelines for displaying art; nearly anything goes. Whether you design a room around a piece or search for decor to fill a space, prioritize art that you genuinely love. It should bring you joy now and in the future, no matter where you live, suggests Clara Ewart, head of design at a reputable studio.
Art can gain new meaning based on how it’s framed and positioned, creating interesting dialogues when juxtaposed with other pieces. Keep this in mind while decorating with art.
1. Use Artwork to Inspire Color Schemes
A beloved piece can serve as a fantastic springboard for your color palette. For instance, an abstract painting bursting with hues can inspire cobalt blues and fiery reds.
Art can either kickstart your decor or serve as a final touch. When coordinating colors, "Select one or two bold tones from your artwork to echo in the room," advises Andrew Martin. Alternatively, pull colors from your artwork to harmonize with cushions or other furnishings.
2. Let Art Steer the Design
Large, striking artworks shine against neutral walls. In this home, the design was influenced by the owner's collection, showcasing how art can dictate decor choices.
Designer Kate Guinness shares, "We chose a specialized paint finish that complements the artwork without overshadowing it, ensuring the walls enhance the pieces rather than compete with them."
3. Consider a Mural for Dramatic Impact
Think beyond traditional framing. A large wall mural can create a stunning backdrop, immersing you in art. Options include commissioning a hand-painted mural or using printed wallpaper inspired by original pieces.
For instance, a delicate landscape mural can add subtle color and texture to a room. Ensure that the furniture remains simple, allowing the mural to take center stage.
4. Pay Attention to Scale
Murals are bold choices that are hard to change once installed. Fortunately, hanging art offers greater flexibility, allowing easy rearrangement based on your evolving tastes.
Even with a flexible approach, you can make a significant impact with larger pieces. Clara Ewart explains, "Vibrant paintings can act like murals in a neutral room, creating a striking focal point without overwhelming the space."
5. Embrace Diverse Mediums
Art isn't limited to paintings and prints. Incorporate textile art, ceramics, glass, or metalwork for added richness. For example, a beautiful antique tapestry can set the tone for a dining room.
In a hall, a tapestry can introduce texture and warmth. Henriette, founder of a design firm, advises varying sizes when displaying art to create visual interest.
6. Create an Engaging Gallery Wall
A gallery wall allows for creative expression, showcasing themed artworks or family photos. Mixing frames adds visual diversity, creating a fun focal point above a bed or sofa.
Clara Ewart suggests laying pieces out on the floor first to ensure harmony in shapes and colors. You can also use paper templates to visualize arrangements on the wall.
7. Opt for a Grid Layout for Elegance
The way art is framed and displayed can significantly impact the overall space. Smaller artworks fit well in a gallery style, while larger pieces often need breathing room.
While irregular arrangements lend a quirky charm, grid formats create a streamlined, elegant look, perfect for restful spaces like bedrooms.
8. Integrate Art into Storage Solutions
Art doesn’t always have to hang on the wall; consider integrating it into storage ideas. For instance, a painting can cleverly conceal storage behind it.
Sophie Ashby emphasizes starting with art in your design process. Using art as an afterthought often diminishes its impact.
9. Align Artwork with Architectural Features
When choosing art, consider the architecture of the space. Camilla Clarke advises against making decisions solely from plans. Walk around to identify ideal spots for art.
Choose locations that enhance natural views, such as hanging a piece at the end of a corridor.
10. Brighten Functional Spaces with Art
Art can elevate previously utilitarian spaces. Today, artworks brighten kitchens, laundry rooms, and cloakrooms, infusing them with personality.
Erica Davis suggests adding beauty to these areas, as it can uplift your mood while doing chores. Try placing art on kitchen shelves or propping it on countertops for a relaxed vibe.
11. Reflect Shapes in Your Decor
To help art blend with your decor, echo the shapes of other elements in the space. In a kitchen, designer Julia Dempster suggests selecting smaller, practical pieces that complement cabinetry.
12. Incorporate Sculptural Elements
Sculpture adds dimension, bringing art into the room rather than just on the walls. Using a muted palette helps focus attention on the sculptural forms.
New York designer Philip Thomas loves layering artwork, whether through gallery walls or blending prints and sculptures for visual dialogue.
13. Lean Art for a Casual Feel
For a laid-back atmosphere, try leaning art instead of hanging it. This keeps the walls open and airy while creating a relaxed ambiance.
Erica Davis notes that leaning art opens up styling possibilities. Pair it with interesting objects or plants for a personal touch, making it easy to switch arrangements whenever you want.
Where to Place Art in Your Home
There are no strict rules for art placement. Use it to inject personality into any room, from bedrooms to bathrooms.
Art can be displayed in countless creative layouts, whether it's a single piece above a bed or a dynamic gallery wall.
As a guideline, Clara Ewart suggests hanging art so its center is at eye level. Smaller pieces work well in galleries, while larger artworks should have space to breathe.
Remember, art isn’t limited to walls. Camilla Clarke emphasizes that art can also rest on tables, shelves, or alongside sculptures.
Can You Have Too Much Art?
“You can never have too much art,” insists Henriette Von Stockhausen. Indeed, most designers agree that art is the heart of an interior.
According to Vanessa Arbuthnott, paintings enliven spaces, offering opportunities to introduce color and create cohesion.
