Art can inspire. Art can soothe. Art can energise. This makes art the ultimate ‘go to’ when transforming a house into a home.
But how much is too much? And can it go anywhere you want it to?
The knack of knowing where to hang art is often an interior designer’s best kept secret. Why? It’s like a master chef not revealing a treasured recipe. It’s not only priceless information, but often way too hard to explain without sounding like an insufferable perfectionist.
However, like food, art is no longer just for the elite. With the increasing affordability of art, particularly canvas and giclee prints, everyone is now welcome to muck in and have a go.
The key is understanding the fundamentals, so let’s take a tour through the home – from living room to laundry - to discover how you can get your style on like a pro.
Living Room
The living area is the most popular space to hang art for a variety of reasons: we spend a lot of time there; it’s the most visible and visited room; and it often has the most wall space.
When confronted with a massive wall space, the key is ensuring the work of art you purchase to fit that space doesn’t get lost in the void. One of the biggest mistakes made is hanging a piece of art that’s too small.
Take time to measure the available space and select an artwork that does the space justice, nicely centred with an equal amount of ‘white space’ or ‘blank space’ above, below and on either side.
If you’ve accidentally purchased an art print that’s too small or you’re determined to hang a much-loved piece, don’t stress! Simply add more art! You can either add another 1-2 pieces of the same size or style to create a wall series or add 5-10 completely different pieces to create a feature gallery wall.
Oh – and be sure to hang your art, particularly large pieces, at eye level. It’s not meant to be a hindrance; it’s meant to be there for everyone to enjoy as they wander past.
Dining Room
With the advent of open plan living, the age of the intimate dining room is fast fading away. However, if your home still has a traditional separate dining room, it’s the perfect place to hang art.
Art prints aside, you can get as creative as you like. Think tapestries, ornate mirrors, decorative plates or shelves full of ornaments.
When it comes to the dining room, the key is to keep it non-controversial. If you decide to invite your boss over to dinner on a whim, the last thing you want is a sexy nude making it awkward.
It’s perhaps best to keep the more contentious works of art for the bedroom or reading room. The dining room is meant to be a warm, comfortable, communal space.
Bedroom
The bedroom is entirely your space, so you have the freedom to decorate as you please. Same goes for your child’s bedroom. It’s their space, so let them take part in the design decisions.
The trick to encouraging your child to think beyond the rock-star or movie poster is to invite them to join in browsing alternative art options. Support them as they discover what appeals to them. It could be contemporary, abstract, pop or urban art; however they may be equally enamoured by the world of impressionist, cubism or still life art. They won’t know until they start exploring.
When it comes to choosing bedroom design ideas, if you really want to create something extraordinary be sure to complement the rest of your décor. Think about the colours of your walls, your floors, your bedspread and your cushions. Then decide whether you want your artwork to match or clash. Either option is fine, you just have to own the decision.
Hallway
Transform a small hallway into an art exhibition with either an art gallery series or, if there’s a clear entry point, a single work of art that binds the home together.
It’s very unusual for art to work as a standalone feature in a large hallway. Instead, the key to achieving a sophisticated space is to create an area of interest around the art, perhaps with a side table, chair, vase of flowers or even a small rug.
The style of art you choose is completely up to you, but hallways are renowned for featuring some of the most creative art in a collection.
Kitchen
We often focus so heavily on the functionality of a kitchen that we forget it deserves to be beautiful as well.
If you are blessed with a large or open plan kitchen that features more than just cupboards and splash-backs, hanging some stunning art is a must.
The kitchen is the perfect place for some inspirational word art or creative food photography. The kitchen is a bright, lively, happy place. That’s why it’s often where the best parties take place!
Your kitchen art should enhance this atmosphere with plenty of colour, fun and energy.
Bathroom
The bath is back! And we’re not talking the type that doubles as a shower. Baths are becoming focal points in themselves, the bigger the better.
What this means is less tiling and more wall space for artwork.
Choose art for the bathroom that inspires relaxation. In terms of colours, think pastels and cool blues. In terms of styles, think marine art, zen art and watercolours. Anything that conveys tranquility is ideal for the bathroom.
Author bio:
At Wall Art Prints we specialise in creating beautiful yet affordable art. With an online art gallery of over 20,000 canvas prints, you're sure to find the perfect print for your décor, style and taste. Our mission is to brighten your home one wall at a time. Be sure to check out our fantastic collection of landscape photography.
