I’ve been meaning to respond to this thread because Art is one of my very favorite things.
I love reading everyone’s responses and relate to so many already posted. In case it’s helpful I’ll include some photos, recognizing that everyone’s personal style is unique.
I’m such a visual person, I take a ton of photos to think through a process.
I don’t collect high, expensive art, but I do collect and display art (mostly original) that speaks to me in some way... ie captures my imagination with the colors, subject or composition. It may evoke a fond memory or reference a part of history I relate to.
Art is one of those things that you can grow with. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You can take your time discovering what appeals to you. There are so many good, right choices.
And many places to find reasonably priced art. My favorite art sources are small galleries, antique and consignment shops, flea markets and thrift stores.
The thing I find reassuring is knowing that designers I admire also shop for art in these places.
The best advice I can give is to start by choosing a single piece that speaks to you in some way or has colors that you feel are calming or energizing, whatever might make you feel good when you see it.
If you’re not sure, take a photo and when you get home try to imagine it in your space.
I don’t generally buy a piece for a particular space. I buy because I just really like some aspect of it. Then I find the right place for it.
As an example, I found this pair of framed kimono swatches in a local antique shop years ago. I love the colors, the patterns and the fact that most likely the fabric was hand printed.
I had no idea where I’d put them when I carted them home. I just liked them.
They’ve lived happily in various places and now they’re on my dining room buffet.
If I had grown tired of them, I’d have just passed them on to someone else.
That’s the beauty of art. If it no longer serves or inspires, you can change it out.
I have a soft spot for still life paintings and landscapes.
They remind me of the old master painters whose work I admire-Cezanne especially.
I bought this oil painting some years ago.
It was hanging in a mid century furniture shop.
I thought it was well done and I loved the colors. It wasn’t too expensive, a few hundred dollars. I learned it was done by a Polish architect when he was an art student in the mid century. I love knowing something about the person behind the paintbrush whenever possible.
This was the first piece that my husband and I bought together. I like that he found and loved it, then talked me into it. Now I love it. She’s serene and lost in thought, something I relate to.
Most of the art in our house was between $10-100. What I love most is that it lightens and brightens our house and adds a playful, rather than serious vibe.
Groupings can be done in many ways. I never match anything. If it stands alone as a piece that interests me, it will stand together in a thought through display.
The pieces in the center are concert postcards from SF in the 60’s. Art can be any interesting graphic.
I like an eclectic, collected look, a mix of modern and classic pieces, personal mementos and photos.
And I definitely love mixing art, glass, pottery, etc. I love mirrors also, preferably vintage.
All of these things add dimension to the space and enhance the art IMO.
Wall art can be flat without other pieces to move your eyes around the space.
Plants, and metal art like this can also add dimension.
Lamps can be art too, especially sculptural ones.
As far as pet art, I’d say absolutely. To me art is a personal expression of what you love and hold dear. By all means, display it.
This was our most recent purchase.
It reminded me of my 3 sisters and I and our ballet class days. My mom calls us her four roses and I thought of that also. Found at a flea market for $140 and now on our dining room wall.
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A long view of a room to show spacing. It can be done a million different ways.
Some may prefer a more polished, cohesive look rather than a collected one.
Or they may find too many things grouped to be overwhelming.
It’s subjective and personal.
There’s not a single right way.
You may have experiment a little.
There are lots of IG accounts to follow for inspiration. One of my favorites is GoodeyeHouseandstyle. I like the eclectic look and her references to classical design.
If that isn’t your style, poke around on IG for some accounts that have a more traditional, minimal or serene approach.
There is a wealth of inspiration there.
Good luck and don’t let fear hold you back. Nothing has to stay if it isn’t working.
Have fun with it!
I try to edit and display in a thoughtful way, but I enjoy it so much I have to be intentional about keeping it in check. Otherwise I’ll need a Marie Kondo intervention lol
I hope I haven’t gone off the deep end with sharing so much. Art inspires me and I love living with it.
