Guidelines
One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, "How do I choose the right artwork?" or "There are too many to choose from, I can't decide!" There are a few guidelines that can help you to make sure you select the right piece for a specific space. Artwork is what helps define the personality of the homeowner and their space. It's useful in tying certain pieces together and creating character in a home. The best thing about art is that it's an investment you can take with you as you move, and can even grow in value over time. It also doesn't require you to take out a second mortgage; you can spend as little or as much as you like.
The Kitchen
One of the most commonly forgotten rooms in terms of artwork is the kitchen. Yet it is one of the most social places of the house! Often referred to as the "heart of the home." There is no question, art needs to be incorporated here. If you have the space, countertops or spaces above or between cabinets are perfect homes for art. To keep the art in the details, lean toward smaller to medium size pieces that complement the space.
Of course, The Bedroom
The bedroom is a retreat, a place for relaxation and the artwork should reflect that. The best walls for art in the bedroom are directly over the bed or on the wall opposite the bed. Large scale pieces are best and should be hung at eye level. Look for pieces with soothing colours or tones. Keep the frames minimal--a gallery frame or canvases work great as well. Here, we want to focus on the art piece itself and not so much its vessel.
The Office
Whether you work from home or in an office, art is a great way to personalize your space and keep you inspired. You want to incorporate different sizes as well, big and small so the possibilities are endless. It is a space to inspire you and also show your personality. And let's be honest, you will be looking at them a lot so you want them to be something you truly love. You can have them all in similar frames for a minimalist look or all different frames to add some character. Another great idea is if you have the room is to add a floating wall where you can also rotate your prints. The beauty of this is that it's the only thing you will have to hang! These pieces can be rotated or updated whenever you get bored, no nails required.
For The Bathroom
The bathroom is another room that often gets neglected with art. The artwork you choose should go with the vibe of the bathroom. For example, if it's the main bathroom that everyone shares, you should stick to more fun and bright pieces. If it's a master bathroom, go with more serene or calming pieces. Bathroom art looks great in pairs, we like to choose a set of two either stacked or side by side. They can be two of the same abstract pieces with one flipped on its side, or two different pieces that go with the same theme. Large solid places for these pieces would be over the toilet, over the bath (if you're lucky enough to have one), or over the towel/robe hooks.
The Living Room
The most fun room to decorate with art, and most times, the most intimidating is the living room. Most of us feel a lot of pressure here since this is the room most of your guests will see and spend time in. Choosing the right piece is elemental in provoking conversation and setting the feel or vibe of the space. You can opt for one large-scale piece or a large gallery wall. Sometimes you need to think outside the frame.
The Kids Room
Rather than go down the typical route of pretty pink for girls and sky blues for boys, you can keep children’s bedrooms neutral and dress up the walls with artwork. Not only will it save on the decorating overhaul every few years. Baby animal prints are on trend at the moment for styling your child's room. Think fun and playful and nothing that will give them nightmares or think they are seeing scary monsters (I have seen a few children's prints lately that would scare the hell out of me if I was looking at them in the dark!) Let's be honest, no parent needs another reason to be woken up by a crying child in the middle of the night. Stick to fun, cute and happy prints!
Choose Art That You Love
The last (and most important) tip for choosing art for your home is to go with your gut! At the end of the day it's your home and you're the one that's going to be staring at it every day so choose something that inspires and resonates with you and your family. If you love it, buy it - it's as simple as that!!! We're all pretty unique creatures and are shaped by many different experiences and interests so of all the tips, this is the most important one to think about before curating art for your home.
