Building an art collection is different for every person. Some prefer to choose pieces that speak to them, finding a spot for their art later. Others are led by necessity – choosing a work to suit a particular spot and decor scheme. If you’re working with an interior designer, the latter will certainly be more the case as they work to create cohesion in your home.
However, at some point, you might either find that you’ve run out of space, or you want to switch up your art. When this happens, you’ll need to get creative with the spaces you choose for your art. As your Charleston interior designers, we hope you’ll find this guide inspiring as you go about the process of transforming your walls.
One Large Piece of Artwork as the Focal Point
If you have a very large work of art, chances are that it is going to serve as the focal point of your room. There’s no hiding it in a corner or on a shelf, and you wouldn’t want to! Make a bold statement by hanging it on a prominent wall in the living or dining room, or place it over the mantel or entry console. Pay attention to the natural light on the work and add a picture light if needed. As a finishing touch, coordinate accent pieces, like accent pillows in the colors of the artwork. This will create a cohesive look while enhancing the visual interest of the space.
Create a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls have grown in popularity over the past decade and are widely used to achieve a dynamic look across all design styles. Whether you want to include works from many different artists or create an organized display of Antique Botanicals Framed Prints, a gallery wall display concentrates a lot of artwork onto one empty wall. Choose a larger wall in your home to serve as a focal point, such as above a sofa or along a staircase, and arrange your collection of artworks. It’s easiest to lay everything out on the floor first to see how it will look. If you’re hanging works with different themes, we recommend using matching picture frames.
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Lean Artwork
While it doesn’t work with every piece, leaning artwork is an easy way to style both smaller and larger pieces. It provides a different perspective and makes it easy to move art around whenever you need to. Try leaning small pieces within shelves or a large work above a mantel to see if you like the effect. This casual, relaxed approach to displaying art naturally evokes an eclectic charm. It is also the perfect solution if you are renting for a short period of time, but still want to display art.
Art in Unexpected Places
This is one of the hardest tips to follow because it goes against what your brain is probably telling you makes sense. Placing art in unexpected spots generally works better with small works, rather than large pieces. Instead of, or in addition to the obvious spots, consider hanging a piece of artwork above a door frame or within open shelving. Hanging artwork in unconventional spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom can make these rooms feel more polished and connected to the rest of the home.
Create a Narrative
If you’re stuck on how to group artwork, create a narrative by choosing works with a commonality. For example, you might find that they share a theme, subject, or color scheme that will work well together in a room.
Consider yourself as the curator of a museum exhibition and use art to tell a story within your home decor. Whether it’s a collection of nature-inspired paintings, a series of photographs in complementary colors, or a grouping of abstract artwork, let your art tell the story of the things you love.
Commission a Custom Wall Mural
If you have a large blank wall, why not transform it into a stunning work of art by commissioning a custom mural? The long-standing tradition of painting murals in homes has drastically declined in the present day, but we love the concept!
Not only will you be the direct patron of an artist, but you’ll get to enjoy a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching work that will always be a part of your home. Plus, it’s an immediate conversation starter that guests will enjoy.
Art that Responds to the Setting
When in doubt, select art pieces that complement and echo the architectural elements of your home. You can’t go wrong with works of art that mimic the style, color palette, and aesthetic of your existing interior design. For example, if you have sleek, minimalist interiors, you might choose modern photographs or a black-and-white painting. Or, if your home is traditional, perhaps look for an original painting of the country or seaside.
Find Beautiful Artwork for the Home at GDC
Whether you’ve already selected the artwork for your home, or are on a mission to collect more, considering where you will put the works can take time. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as you take existing works down, move them around, and try new spaces. There is no such thing as too much art – only finding the perfect place for it. If you need help, reach out to our Charleston interior designers for more wall decor ideas and styling tips for your new home.
