Tips for Choosing Artwork for Your Home

 One of the most frequently asked questions designers get is, "How do I choose the right artwork?". There are a few guidelines 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.

                                           

For the Kitchen

One of the most commonly forgotten rooms in terms of artwork is the kitchen. The kitchen is often referred to as the "heart of the home" and in many cases, the most used room of the house. There is no question, art needs to be incorporated here. Countertops or spaces above cabinets are perfect homes for art. To keep the art in the details, lean toward smaller pieces that complement, not overwhelm, the space. We tend to go with funny or more social prints that make us smile, and make mornings easier!

                                                               

For 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 abstract pieces with soothing colors or tones. If you are into photography, landscapes or desaturated photos work best. 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.

                                                  

For the Office

Whether you work from home or in an office, art is a great way to personalize your space and keep you inspired. Our favorite way to do this is by creating a rotating gallery. To start, you need a long floating ledge shelf installed preferably over your workspace or close to it. The beauty of this is that it's the only thing you will have to hang! Next is the fun part, you can pick out an assortment of artwork that inspires you. Envision a mood board of sorts, positive images or works by artists who inspire you are good places to start. You want to incorporate different sizes as well, big and small so the possibilities are endless. You can have them all in similar frames for a minimalist look or all different frames to add some character. 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 a powder room on the main level, you should stick to more fun and bright pieces. If it's a master bath, 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. Solid places for these pieces would be over the toilet, over the bathtub (if you're lucky enough to have one), or over the towel/robe hooks.

                                            

For 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. Art doesn't have to be a piece of print or canvas, sometimes it can take other forms. Whether it's a large scale replica of the American flag or Stag horns, look beyond a 2D image and you'll find a unique piece that best reflects you.