10 tips you must know for choosing art

A few years ago, we decided to put an addition on our house. I began pinning all the things! I also purchased many magazines and began tearing out pictures of what I wanted our house to look like. I was super excited! Until I went back and looked at the piles and piles of pictures. There was no way to do all of it. How could I possibly narrow down the options? I was completely overwhelmed!

And then… I came across this quote:

When you buy things you love, they work together. -Katie Brown

This became my measuring stick for all of my design decisions. So, when a friend recently told me she had trouble picking art for her home, I thought of this quote. And while that does help, I thought I would give you 10 tips you must know for choosing art for your home.

1. Follow your heart

I realize this is almost the same as the above quote, and on some levels it is. But, I believe it is the most important tip I will give you. So, while you may choose neutral colors for your couch, flooring and walls… follow your heart with the artwork you choose. Does it excite you? Does it make your heart skip a beat? Does it draw you in and captivate you? That is the right piece for you!

2. Know your goal

What is the mood you are trying to create? Do you want a calming home-y feel or are you going for a more modern esthetic? You may choose to create a gallery wall with many different sizes and shapes in a collage pattern or instead, a grouping of identical shapes in a grid. The artwork is the cherry on top of your design and will pull your home together. Make sure the artwork you choose (and the way it is displayed) fits your goal.

3. Make a statement

Sometimes one great piece is all you need to pull your vision together. You can pick one large piece or even a tryptic to communicate the feeling you are trying to achieve. From there, you can choose accessories, like lamps, tables and pillows to accentuate the artwork.

4. Make it personal

With social media, we have the privilege of getting to know people we may never meet. If you find a piece you really like, do a google search on the artist. You can often read about their background and what inspires them. You can also find reviews from other customers. I encourage you to go to the source (the actual artist) if possible. Please be aware there is a significant amount of art out there that is stolen from artists. Technology has its advantages, but unfortunately, it can also be used to steal and recreate artwork. Besides, purchasing artwork is more fun and meaningful when you know the artist. You can impress your friends with your knowledge and connections (kidding, haha).

5. Be ready to act

Have you ever been shopping found something you loved but for whatever reason decided to pass on it? Did you keep thinking about it? Did you regret not purchasing? Have you ever returned to the store to find that special something? Sometimes this works out for us, and we end up buying that special item, and sometimes we completely miss out. With original artwork, this is a regular reality. If you love it, be ready to act. One of a kind art really is one of a kind!

6. Commission a piece

If you find an artist that you really connect with (see #4) talk with them about creating a piece just for you. This is a great way to get the perfect piece for you and your home. Take a look at their portfolio and their work. Find the pieces you really love and talk with them about what you are looking for. Do yourself a favor though don’t ask the artist to “copy” someone else’s work… not only is this unethical, you will be disappointed in the results. Each artist has their own style and strengths. If you like the work of a particular artist, it just makes sense to purchase from that artist. I love commissioned pieces you can see some of mine here.

7. Pinterest is your friend

I love Pinterest for just about everything! It can really work for you when you are searching for artwork. Think about your goal and the mood you are trying to create and then search for those keywords on Pinterest. For example, you might try: calm inspiring art   then, just start pinning away! You may find the perfect piece for your home that way, or it may give you direction when making a decision in the future. This will help you determine what you like before you shop, so when the right piece comes along, you are ready to purchase. Check out one of the boards I use for inspiration here.

8. Size matters

Think about your space. As a general rule, bold art needs more space. A large piece of bright contemporary artwork can quickly take over a room and make it feel crowded. Likewise, you don’t want to go so small that it gets lost. Measure your space and allow some breathing room for your artwork. If you find a piece you like that is too small, you can always add a mat and frame to increase the size to fit your space.

9. No more matchy-matchy

People often get stuck with finding the perfect color or shade or feeling to match their space. While color is important, it is not the only thing that matters. Even matching some of the colors and introducing new colors can liven up your space. Contrast is a great way to add a new layer of freshness to your home. See #1… if you love it, don’t worry too much about the colors.

10. If it just doesn’t work

Once you get your prized artwork home. You may place it in your planned spot only to find that it doesn’t look the way you imagined. Don’t panic! There are a few things you can do. Try moving the furniture. You may need to move things around an inch or two, or perhaps rearrange the room completely. You can try moving a table, a lamp or just the other accessories that are near the new piece. Try changing up the accessories in the room. I like to look around the house and see what I can change from one room to another. Not only does this save money, it also helps keep things exciting and fresh around the house. You could also try moving the artwork to a different room. Sometimes we find a new solution that is even better than we had originally thought. Don’t give up! If you love it, it will work!

Remember, you are creating an atmosphere. You are setting the mood for your loved ones, your family and ultimately your life. Find pieces that really speak to you, not just something to fill a space.

Do you have other tips for choosing art for your home? Any questions? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.