Buy what you love. This is the one rule and directive that every expert and advisor gives when it comes to art.
Your taste in paint will change. You will move. You will buy a new sofa. But art can transcend these trends and periods in your life if you choose wisely and buy what you love, then find the home for it.
Buy works of art that reflect your taste. When finishing a space or filling a wall with art, you are bringing a different type of energy and colour to the room. It doesn’t have to match the pillows or the paint. In fact, you want it to stand out, to offer an additional dimension to the room.
And if it speaks to you, it will work in your space.
There is so much choice when it comes to buying art: water colour or acrylic paints, prints, drawings, sculptures, photography, pottery, jewellery, fabric — each of these can be framed, displayed or placed in a room as a point of visual interest, a conversation piece, a small snapshot into your taste and your adventures.
Good art comes in all styles and subject matters. It only needs to speak to you and connect with a piece of your personality and it will work in the room where you will display it. Your art doesn’t need to be uniform across your house either. Depending on the room size and scale, you can use a gallery wall or simply display one large piece at a time.
Art is everywhere. These days we are blessed with a plethora of small markets, art shows, artist collectives and galleries. Many spaces also specialize in and showcase local, up-and-coming artists that allow you to support someone who hasn’t made a name yet and get great art at a great price.
Make sure you keep your eyes open when you travel. Those beautiful shots of Italy or France can become the subject of a photography display — and they will always remind you of that perfect moment on your trip. Original art is often cost effective to purchase when travelling, so make it the memento you bring home when you see something beautiful.
Remember: framing is key. You want to ensure you preserve your piece and also help bring your room together. So make sure you have a good source for framing and mounting your art. The frame can sometimes cost more than the art in it, so make a choice for the long-term when it comes to the colour and style of frame.
Sometimes placement or location makes all the difference. If you are buying something for your personal home, it will likely be different than buying a piece for an office or another place of work. Art can align to your mission, non-verbally reflect your personality or tell a story. It can also contribute to an overall feeling of health, wellness or calm.
Still afraid to take the plunge? work with someone whose taste you trust or who has access to a variety of artists so you can help clarify your personal taste. Art Interiors opened its doors in 1993 to provide a curated, cost-effective gallery experience representing over 150 artists. Eye Buy Art is an online gallery of limited edition fine art photographs from up and coming photographers. The Artists’ Network is a not-for-profit organization promoting visual artists across the GTA that organize gallery and art events. An interior designer should also be happy to help select pieces that complement the rest of your decor if you need a little extra help.
And with that, we come full circle to the first and only rule that seems relevant: buy what you love!
SLIDER IMAGES: via 1) HGTV; 2) Decoist; 3) Carla Aston; 3) Carla Aston, Sage Going on Green, Apartment Therapy
