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Your home is a reflection of your personal style and taste. But unless you’re a trained designer, the daunting task of selecting wall art that fits your existing space can seem overwhelming. You want to ensure that each image sets just the right tone and elevates the room’s energy. The pieces you choose to feature can either tie everything together or stand out like a sore thumb.
So if you’re searching for some guidance on how to select the perfect pieces to complement your home, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five simple tips to guide you in your journey to find stunning wall pictures that work seamlessly for your home.
1. Set a Budget
Determining a reasonable budget is the first step to finding paintings and prints that work for your space. While you may think beautiful art costs a small fortune, the reality is that you can start curating an impressive collection for a very reasonable price. All it takes is a savvy eye for design and a few tips on where to find great deals.
If you’re working on a larger project with an existing budget, such as room renovations or interior design, a helpful rule of thumb is to designate between 10 and 15 percent of that budget to art. Otherwise, specify whatever budget you can afford to decorate the space you’re interested in sprucing up, and you’re ready to start planning your next move. Another factor worth considering is if you’d like to engage the services of a professional picture hanging service to ensure your work is hung beautifully. In which case you might need to add another section in the budget.
2. Consider Your Personal Style
Look around your home and study the decor you already have. Do you prefer classic or contemporary designs? Or maybe something more eclectic? Is there a particular motif you’re drawn to, such as flowers or the color blue? Once you’ve narrowed down your style, you’ll have a better idea of your personal aesthetic.
Imagine that the imagery, composition, and colors are an opportunity to express your unique personality throughout your hunt for the perfect pieces. Think carefully about what kind of art speaks to you. Each of the works you hand-select will add to the story your home tells about you and your family, so be authentic to yourself. Art is a necessity that transcends mere decoration; it is the soulful expression of your unique narrative, weaving a tapestry of emotions and memories within the walls of your home.
3. Choose a Color Scheme
Whether you are going for a modern or traditional look, make sure the artwork compliments the room’s existing color scheme. This will help create a cohesive look that is both beautiful and functional. Therefore, your home’s existing furniture and decor offer an excellent starting point for making informed choices about wall art color.
To determine your existing color scheme, look for two or three base colors that appear in various shades around the room. A strong color scheme is well balanced and includes primarily neutral colors with one visually striking color to grab your attention. Keep your color scheme in mind as you select artwork that complements the space.
Don’t stress if the room doesn’t have a discernible color scheme or you’re still unsure which colors you should go with. Two easy rules will help guide you in the right direction. First, if the room is filled with mostly muted or neutral colors, you’ll want to select art that brings a splash of vibrancy to the space. More subtly designed pieces will work best for rooms already popping with several patterns and colors.
4. Mix Things Up
When decorating your home, it is essential to mix textures and styles. This will create a more exciting and visually appealing space. Using different textures and styles can add visual interest and make your home look more sophisticated.
Just because you have a color scheme doesn’t mean everything has to match. If you create complementary ranges to your wall art, your room will have more depth and personality. Search for a mix of prints, sketches, paintings, and photographs such as those created by Patrick Reiner to infuse different textures. Variety can add visual interest, make the room look more sophisticated, or create an eclectic feel.
The key is finding a balance between all of these elements so that none dominate over others. You will want to think about how each piece fits into its own space and how it complements other pieces around it without overpowering the room.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Trying new things is the best way to learn what works for you and your home.
5. Measure the Walls
Another vital thing to consider when selecting wall art is each piece’s size. Start by sizing up the available space you’re working with on each wall using a tape measure for exact measurements. It’s generally a good idea to match the scale of a piece of wall art size of your wall while leaving enough negative space that the work doesn’t overwhelm the room.
Large spaces can also be made into gallery walls that feature a variety of styles, textures, and colors paired together. Take inventory of what’s already in your space and select a few complimentary additions to add to the mix.
Consider placing bold, statement pieces facing entrances and doorways to invite attention from guests who come to your home. Use smaller, more subtle pieces in spaces throughout the rest of the room to balance a statement piece.
6. Shop Local
When it comes to buying art, there are plenty of options available. From the corner street vendor selling his paintings on the sidewalk to big-box stores like Ikea and Target that sell mass-produced versions of famous artwork, you can buy art just about anywhere these days – but is it worth sacrificing quality for convenience? The answer is no.
By supporting local artists in your area, you’re not only doing a good deed: you’re also getting better quality at lower prices than those that are typically offered by national retailers.
If you’re on a tight budget, you could commission a painting or print from an emerging artist. Over time, this piece of art will become more valuable as the artist builds a strong reputation in your community. Shopping with local artists also helps keep the arts alive and thriving in your community.
