It has long been understood that artwork is a vital part of style and expression – for both room and curator. Ever since the times of our prehistoric ancestors we have adorned our living spaces with art (though our style has likely advanced since those days). However, even though our style has evolved, our societal appreciation for artistic expression has not and thus we continue our perpetual love-affair with the arts.
We are all used to appreciating art on the street or in a gallery, but how does one incorporate art into their personal living space?
Buy art to fit your style
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When choosing a piece of artwork to display in your living room or elsewhere in the house it is important to consider if it will fit in with your existing décor. Naturally, you’ll be familiar with your own style and aesthetic. Look around your room and take note of:
- Your color scheme
- Your current style (modern, classic, rustic etc.)
- Any obvious empty wall space
- Areas of texture and pattern
- Areas that are touched by natural light
Primarily, you should consider the size of the piece and if you have space to accommodate it. Your personal taste can come into play here – you may want to display one main piece per wall and have lots of white space to breathe or you might be one of those people that utilises every square inch of wall space. Whichever your preference, overall it should speak both to your sense of style and your room’s needs.
Create a focal point in your room
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Art is made to be observed and appreciated – and what better way to accomplish this than to make your piece the sole focus of the room. This is one of the most tried and tested methods in interior design in order to both boldly tie together the room’s elements and create a point of interest for the observers – just like the TV is the focal point in most living areas!
The best way to make a focal point pop out at you is to contrast it effectively with the rest of the elements in the space. Monochrome, black and white room? A teal blue mirror on the wall will make such a stark contrast that the eye can’t help but be drawn to it! The same can be said for dark elements in a light-coloured room, or (like the Scandinavians do) ANY art in a completely empty space.
Yes, isolation is one of the best forms of contrast.
Style your room to fit your art
If you’ve just bought a fantastic piece of art or inherited a valuable piece from a relative, then the chances are it’s not going to fit snugly into your space, or the rather personal niche that is your style.
Thankfully, there are a few key things you can consider if your heart is set on it. Firstly, depending on your disposition and if budget allows, you can redecorate the entire room to fit the piece.
It may be as simple as a fresh coat of paint and a few furniture pieces stripped and painted or it could take an entire new collection of furniture to bring the artwork into place. Whichever you decide, be sure to consider the best route for your budget.
Your art could be made to fit with something as low-budget as a new frame – just be careful though. If it’s an expensive piece, the chances are the frame is equally important (you don’t want to go ripping frames off any obscure Monet or Matisse paintings you inherited from your aristocrat uncle twice removed).
Art doesn’t need to hang on the wall
“Not all that hangs is art” – is a quote I just made up but sounds like it could have been coined by a well-respected art historian lost to the ages. Well something equally true is the fact that not all art needs to hang, it simply needs to provide artistic & emotional value to the observer. So, if you don’t have any wall space left for new artwork then fear not because instead you could display:
- Functional yet decorative elements – (mirrors, lamp shades, chandeliers, etc.)
- 3-dimensional art including sculpture
- Adding pattern and texture to walls – (gradient colour, geometric stencils etc.)
Only choose art that resonates with you
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It is implicit that when choosing art to proudly display in your living space that you should receive some enjoyment from it – after all, you’re the one that must look at it every day! Perhaps it calms you down or inspires you creatively, but whatever feelings it bestows upon you, it is important that it resonates with your style and personality (at least on some level).
However, art is abstract, art is figurative and everyone perceives it in a different way, so get out there, don’t be too serious, have some fun and go choose some art for your living space!
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Author Bio:
Sofa Sofa are based in the UK and have been designing and making sofas for over 30 years, so they know a thing or two about interiors and design.
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