Why Art Matters in Your Home

First, let’s talk about why art is so important in your space. Art is not just an accessory; it can make or break the vibe of a room. Think of it like seasoning—your food could be fine without salt, but with it, it’s a chef’s kiss. Art does the same for your home. It adds character, stirs emotion, and gives depth.

Here’s why it matters:

Personality: Art brings individuality to your space. Whether you’re into moody photography, vibrant abstracts, or rustic landscapes, the pieces you choose reflect who you are.
Mood: Ever noticed how certain colours can affect your mood? That calming blue watercolour might bring serenity to your bedroom, while a bold, red abstract could energize your living room.
Connection: Art creates conversation. It draws people in and often becomes the focal point in a room—especially when they ask, "Where did you get that?" (Cue proud smile).

Now, let’s dive into how you can find art that truly resonates with you and transforms your home into something you’ll love living in.

Step 1: Determine Your Style

Before you start browsing galleries or scrolling through Pinterest for hours, take a minute to figure out what styles you’re naturally drawn to. Don’t worry—there’s no wrong answer. Do you love modern, minimalist spaces with clean lines? Or are you more into eclectic, bohemian vibes with lots of colour and texture? Maybe you like a mix of both (who doesn’t love a good mash-up, right?).

Here’s how to pinpoint your style:

Look at your existing decor: What do you already love in your space? Maybe your furniture is sleek and modern, or perhaps you’ve got a bunch of vintage pieces. Your current decor can give you hints about the kind of art that will work best.
Browse inspiration: Pinterest, Instagram, or even taking a walk to your favourite coffee shop or boutique can spark inspiration. Pin or save the pieces that catch your eye. Pay attention to recurring themes, colours, or subjects.
Mood check: How do you want to feel in the room? Calming? Energized? Inspired? Your mood can guide you towards the right type of art, whether it’s serene landscapes, bold abstracts, or fun, quirky illustrations.

Step 2: Know Your Space

Next, take stock of where you want to hang the art. The size of your wall, the room’s purpose, and the existing decor all play a role in finding the perfect piece. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Scale Is Everything

Have you ever seen a tiny piece of art floating on a massive wall? Or a huge, overpowering canvas crammed above a tiny desk? Size matters, people!

For large walls: Go big or go home. Consider oversized pieces or create a gallery wall (more on that later).
For smaller spaces: A single, striking piece can make a statement, or try two or three smaller works in a cluster.

Room by Room Breakdown

Every room has its own vibe, so the art you choose should complement the mood of the space.

Living Room: This is usually the heart of the home, so go with pieces that create conversation and set the tone. Think large abstract pieces or a curated gallery wall.
Bedroom: Aim for soothing, calming art. Soft watercolours, landscapes, or minimalist line drawings work beautifully here.
Dining Room: This is the place for bold, statement pieces that spark conversations. Food and wine-inspired art, abstract pieces, or bold photography are great choices.
Hallways or Entryways: Use art to make a first impression! This is your chance to go bold or quirky—anything that makes you smile when you walk in the door.
Bathroom: Yes, art belongs in the bathroom too! Think small, fun, and playful prints. This is also a great spot for whimsical or humorous pieces.

Step 3: Pick the Right Colors

Choosing the right colours for your art pieces is crucial to making them work in your space. Here’s a tip: You don’t have to match the art to your sofa (unless you really want to). Instead, think about how the art will complement or contrast the existing palette.

Match or Contrast: If your room is neutral, art is the perfect way to add a splash of colour. Alternatively, if your room already has bold colours, you might want to go with more subdued art to balance the look.
Find your accent colour: Look for pieces that pull out the accent colors in your room. For example, if you’ve got a lot of navy blue throw pillows, a piece with blue undertones will feel cohesive. Like our Seabed to Shoreline, which has beautiful blue tones that tie a room together effortlessly. Whether it’s soft hues or bold splashes of color, accent pieces can harmonize a space and add that perfect finishing touch.
Go bold or stay subtle: Feeling adventurous? Choose art that contrasts with your walls—think bright, saturated colours on a dark wall. If you want to play it safe, pick pieces that have similar hues to your room’s colour scheme.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to go dark! Painting a wall black or deep navy can make colourful or bright artwork pop.

Step 4: Consider the Frame

A frame is more than just a border around your art—it can elevate the piece and tie it into your space. The right frame makes all the difference between something looking finished and something feeling like you tacked it up with scotch tape in your college dorm (we’ve all been there).

Wood Frames: Add warmth and texture to your art. Perfect for photography, modern prints, or rustic decor.
Metal Frames: Sleek and minimal, great for modern or industrial spaces.
Matting: Adding a mat can make the piece feel larger and more substantial, drawing attention to the art itself.

And hey, if you're feeling creative, you can always DIY your own frames for a personal touch!

Step 5: Where to Find Unique Art

You’re ready to start finding the perfect pieces, but where do you begin? Here’s the fun part—there are so many places to discover unique art, from local markets to online shops.

Local Galleries: Support your local artists! Take a weekend to visit nearby galleries and explore emerging talent.
Vintage Shops and Flea Markets: One-of-a-kind pieces are often hiding in plain sight at flea markets or secondhand shops. Plus, the thrill of the hunt makes it that much more satisfying when you find something special.
Online Art Markets: Sites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, Society6 & Tate Modern offer thousands of unique pieces from independent artists around the world.
Art Fairs and Shows: These are great opportunities to meet artists and see their work in person. Don’t be shy—chat with them, ask about their process and get to know the story behind their art.
Create Your Own: Feeling inspired? Why not create your own art? Grab a canvas, some paint, or your camera and make something unique for your space.

Step 6: Gallery Wall Magic

If you’re struggling to pick just one piece (we’ve all been there), why not create a gallery wall? It’s a great way to showcase a collection of art and prints while adding visual interest to your room.

Tips for a killer gallery wall:

Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to combine different types of art—photographs, paintings, sketches, and even framed textiles or tapestries.
Plan your layout: Before hammering in nails, lay your pieces out on the floor to find the right arrangement. You can also cut out paper templates of each piece and tape them to the wall to experiment with positioning.
Keep the spacing consistent: Whether you prefer tight clusters or spaced-out arrangements, keeping the spacing between frames uniform helps maintain a cohesive look.
Play with frame styles: Mix and match frames for an eclectic vibe, or keep them uniform for a more polished, modern look.

Step 7: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Art is personal, and there are no hard and fast rules. Your home should feel like your space, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try out new styles, colours, and formats, and most importantly, have fun with it! After all, the best thing about art is that it evolves with you—your taste, style, and home will change over time, and that’s part of the journey.

Bold Moves: Want to paint a wall bright orange and hang a moody, black-and-white photo on it? Go for it!
Unexpected Placement: Who says art belongs only on walls? Try propping a large canvas on the floor, or hanging a small piece on your bookshelf.
Personalize It: Don’t be afraid to incorporate personal photos or even your own artwork into the mix. It makes the space uniquely yours.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Process

Choosing the perfect art for your home is as much about the journey as the final result. Take your time, explore different styles, experiment with placement, and most importantly

How to Choose the Perfect Art Pieces for Your Home