The Art of Choosing Artwork

One of the most challenging decisions for homeowners is choosing the right art for their space. As a professional designer, people often ask me for advice on how to complete this daunting task. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a novice looking to finally put something on your empty walls, these tips will help you choose and display artwork that infuses self-expression into your living space while creating a visually captivating environment.

How to Choose the Right Artwork

1. Determine Your Style: As you start to think about what artwork you want to display in your home, you should reflect on your personal style and ask yourself if you prefer classic, modern, or eclectic décor. Your choices in art should align with your overall aesthetic. When your selections align with your personal taste, your space will feel uniquely yours. It would help to reflect on your preferences for different artistic mediums, such as paintings, prints, sculptures, or mixed media as well. Consider the texture, color palette, and materials used in the artwork to ensure it complements your interior design style.

2. Establish Artistic Intent: Art offers an incredible way to evoke emotions and messages. Consider the message and feelings you want to convey in a particular room. Is it tranquility, energy, or inspiration? Choose artwork that resonates with the room’s intended ambiance.

3. Consider Your Space: Where you’re placing your artwork plays a significant role in the pieces you should consider. Keep these tips in mind as you go through the art selection process:

1. 1. Artwork Size – One of the most common mistakes people make when looking for art is choosing the wrong size. A large, bold piece can be a focal point in a spacious living room while overpowering a smaller space. Conversely, smaller pieces may be perfect for a cozy bedroom.
   2. Room Layout – Pay attention to the layout of the space where you’ll be putting your artwork. You can achieve balance in your display by considering symmetry and spacing. When incorporating more than one piece, you’ll want to evenly distribute the visual weight of your artwork across the room to create a harmonious atmosphere. Before deciding, consider whether you’ll use multiple pieces for a gallery-style grouping or if you plan to use shelves to display your art more dynamically.
   3. Lighting – Proper lighting can dramatically enhance the impact of your artwork. Use a layered approach with a mix of overhead or picture lights to highlight your pieces. Natural light can also complement artwork, but be cautious of direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

4. Budget: Art can range from affordable prints to high-end originals. Determine your budget to narrow in on what you feel comfortable with and explore options within that range. Remember that artwork doesn’t need to be expensive to make a statement.

Decorating your home with art can transform your living spaces into personalized expressions of your style and personality. By carefully choosing artwork that resonates with you and thoughtfully displaying it, you can create an area that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally fulfilling. Let your walls tell your story through the art you choose, and use these helpful tips to make your art selection journey easier.

At Andrea Rose Design Co., we love helping with your décor selections. Contact us today or book a 15-minute information call, and let’s get started creating your dream space.