Art is so much more than decoration; it reflects your personality, experiences, and passions. The right pieces can transform a space completely – like the icing on a cake. When designing, we always consider our clients’ wants and needs, aiming to create spaces that showcase each client’s unique personality. Art is a fantastic way to achieve this, making your space uniquely yours. Here are a few tips on how you can start or expand your own collection.
1. What You Love
Start with what you love. It can be anything— sports, nature, animals, travel, photography… the list goes on. Your hobbies and dreams are great starting points when finding pieces for your home. Go to art galleries. Quietly take a walk through a gallery and see what speaks to you. Frame your photos or postcards from your travels to tell the story of your adventures. Find paintings and sculptures that remind you of visiting the family farm as a kid. You can even use old family heirlooms to give your space a curated and cozy feel. Art should showcase what you love and express the emotions you want to convey in your space.
Ask yourself what styles you are drawn to. Do you like more classic & moody landscapes and portrait paintings? Clean and simple contemporary pieces? bright and colorful prints? Any favorite artists?
2. Which Space
Think about where you want to place the art. For an existing space, consider scale and composition. Look at what you already have in the space and how you want to add to it. Smaller pieces work well with existing art to create a gallery wall, while large pieces are perfect for making a statement.
Different rooms have different “vibes” so to speak. For example, a kid’s room or playroom feels different from a traditional dining or living room. Even the most elegant of kid’s rooms often has a playful element that you can highlight with art. Living and dining rooms are often considered formal spaces, used during parties, holidays, and family events. Some people prefer them to have a bit more “polish” for that reason, which is where the art comes in. But our number one advice comes back in here – do what you love! If you want to have a super funky and colorful living room go for it!
3. Mix & Match
Love more than one style? Mix and match! Combine different styles and periods for a curated look. Pair a contemporary sculpture with a vintage painting to create visual interest. Mix types of art too— fine art, sculpture, tapestries, prints, and objets d’art. Mixing mediums and types of art gives your space a layered, collected, and purposeful feel.
4. Where to Look
Looking for unique and personal pieces for your home? Here are some great places to start:
- Art Galleries: Perfect for finding those statement pieces. Some galleries focus on local artists whereas others showcase art from across the country.
- Art Festivals: Many cities and towns host annual events with local artists and artisans. These events are fun and often have hidden gems.
- Etsy: There is so much to find here. While it can be overwhelming, focusing your search can help you find unique, handmade pieces. Some artists also take commissions so you can get that true one-of-a-kind!
- Antique Shops and Thrift stores: They can sometimes be hit or miss, but often you can find that perfect piece. Antique stores tend to be more curated, so start by researching the antique shops near you to see what types of items they gravitate towards.
Happy hunting for your perfect pieces! Remember to trust your instincts— Art is a personal journey, so find what you love. Best of luck curating your own collection.
Stay Inspired,
The MWI Team