Art and interior design really go hand in hand.
Original art allows you to decorate your space in a way that is truly unique to who you are - and as a result your home winds up being a beautiful space that you are proud of. Instead of being filled with cookie-cutter decor that anyone can find at the big box stores when you decorate with original art, you create designs that are one-of-a-kind.
Art and Interior Design - Tips for Decorating with Art
How to Decorate with Wall Art
Consider Your Color Scheme
When you are thinking about incorporating art into your interior design plans for your home, one of the first things to think about is what color schemes will work best. Select pieces that complement the overall color scheme for your home, as well as colors that maintain the flow from room to room. You’ll want pieces that draw the viewers’ eyes from space to space. However, don’t shop for pieces of art that are too ‘matchy-matchy’ with your decor. The idea is to display your home’s unique personality while still creating a smooth flow.
How to Hang Art
The second thing to consider is where you will place the pieces. When selecting sizes for wall art, it’s good to follow the two-thirds rule. This means that the piece (or grouping of pieces) should be about two-thirds the size of the object you are hanging it above (a sofa, buffet, etc). Additionally, hanging your art in relation to furniture pieces creates a finished look - so if you are wondering whether to center the art on the furniture or the wall, it is always the furniture!
Another tip is to hang artwork at eye level. Most people’s eye level is between 57-60 inches from the floor, so that is typically the height that you will want the center of the artwork to hang.
If you are hanging a gallery wall, I suggest laying out all of your pieces on the floor first before you hang them, so that you can easily decide on the arrangement you like the best. This helps you play around with different placements until you are satisfied with the final result.
Lastly, be sure to use the proper tools!
A level will help you ensure that your wall art is perfectly level, and painter’s tape can help you mark the spot on the wall where you intend to place the piece before you damage your wall with misplaced holes. Using a measuring tape helps to find the true middle point at which to place your nail.
Art and Interior Design - Curating the Perfect Mix
The best part about using art in interior design is that it allows you to truly showcase your personality through your home’s decor. You can choose pieces that really speak to you and your home, not just what everyone else has. And, you can curate your home’s design over time. This allows you to find pieces that you really love and fit your personality. When you rush to decorate your home all at once you wind up following trends (which go out of style quickly) and settling for cookie-cutter designs that look the same as everyone else’s.
Art and Interior Design - Shopping Local
The best place to look for unique art to use when decorating your home is local shops and galleries. You’ll find that boutiques owned by interior designers often sell work by local artists. Local galleries are always a great way to find beautiful and unique works of art for your home. In Oklahoma City, the Paseo Arts District is a great place to look with lots of galleries and shops all within walking distance. Many cities also host art walks - typically held once a month, where galleries open their doors into the evening for people to stroll through and check out the newest pieces. In addition to the Paseo’s art walk in OKC, Edmond and Norman have one each month as well!
And, you don’t just have to shop local galleries in your own city, this is a fun activity to do on vacation as well. Picking up pieces of original art while on a trip is extra meaningful, because not only do you get to enjoy the piece, but it will remind you of fond vacation memories as well. Especially if you live in a smaller city like OKC, it can be really exciting to check out galleries and shops in some of the larger markets.
Whether you shop locally in your hometown or while away on vacation, looking through galleries and independent shops is a great way to furnish your home with original and unique pieces. It’s also an excellent way to support local artists as well!
Looking for Original Paintings by an Oklahoma Artist?
Creating colorful abstract paintings for your homes brings me so much joy. I love painting works that adorn the walls of so many uniquely designed homes! If you are looking for a bright and fun piece to add to your design, then I would encourage you to visit my shop.
