Art has the power to transform a space and bring life and character to your home. But, with so many options and styles to choose from, sourcing and styling artwork can feel overwhelming. The good news is, with a little guidance, you can learn to source artwork that sparks joy and learn how to style it so you can turn your home into a beautiful space that reflects your personal taste and style.
Keep reading to discover our tips for sourcing and styling artwork for your home.
Sourcing Art: Embrace Sustainability
When it comes to sourcing art, it’s essential to consider the impact of your choices on the environment and the world. One way to make a difference is to embrace sustainable sourcing options, such as consignment shops and popular online antique shops like Chairish and 1st Dibs. Not only does this reduce waste and save resources, but it also provides you with the opportunity to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that add tons of character to your home. So go on and give new life to an old piece!
Additionally, sustainable sourcing options can offer affordability and accessibility. You can find art that fits your budget and resonates with your style, without sacrificing your values. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, sculptural art, classic pieces, or even architectural salvage pieces, there’s a wealth of options out there!
Pro Tip!: If you find a vintage piece of artwork you love, but you’re not fond of the frame or mating, you can easily re-frame the piece at one of your local frame shops. They have knowledgable staff who can help you select the perfect mat and frame to breath new life into an old piece!
Sourcing Art: Buy Art on your Travels
When traveling, we love to find unique pieces made by local artists that can be displayed in our homes to remind us of our life’s adventures. Seek out small boutique shops when you’re visiting another city or country, and speak with the owners to learn about what art they have to offer. You’d be surprised at the conversations you’ll have and the things you’ll learn! Plus, you’ll likely leave with something truly unique, all while supporting that city or country’s local economy.
Sourcing Art: Support Independent Artists
One of the best ways to sustainably source art is to support independent artists. Not only does this help individual artists thrive, but it also ensures that you’re getting a unique piece of art that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some recommendations on how to support independent artists:
- Shopping on sites like Etsy, Artfinder, Soicher Marin, RoGallery and Wescover (my new obsession!) – These online marketplaces offer a vast selection of art from independent artists worldwide. Now it’s easier than ever to find unique and sustainable art pieces while supporting independent artists.
- Visiting local art galleries – Another way to discover local artists is by visiting your local art galleries. Local galleries offer a chance to meet artists, learn more about their work, and find pieces that fit your style and budget.
- Going to local art fairs – Fairs are an awesome place to browse through a vast collection of art and find pieces that catch your eye. We recommend picking up business cards at these fairs and keeping them in a safe, organized spot at home, or taking a photo of the booth and creating an album on your phone titled “Artists I Love” so when you need a new piece of art, you can revisit these cards/album and find the perfect piece!
- Commissioning pieces from independent artists – This is an excellent way to get a one-of-a-kind piece for your home. You can work directly with the artist to create a piece that fits your style and preferences.
Remember, when it comes to sourcing art, the most important factor is that it brings joy and happiness to your life. So don’t be afraid to embrace your personal style and choose pieces that speak to you, even if they’re not what you’d expect!
Styling Art: Layer Old and New
Once you’ve sourced your art, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to display it in your home. A great way to create a lived-in feel is to combine old and new pieces. This creates a unique and dynamic display that adds so much depth and dimension to your space that really draws you in.
When combining pieces, it’s essential to consider scale and proportion. For example, you can balance a large, statement piece with smaller, complementary pieces to create a cohesive and visually appealing display. Also, consider the color palette(s) of the artwork and choose pieces that complement each other to create a harmonious display.
Styling art can be tricky, and it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the process. If you need help, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional interior designer. They can help you finesse your display and offer expert advice on how to make the most of your artwork collection.
Styling Art: Even Surprising Things Can Serve as Art
When it comes to sourcing and styling artwork, don’t limit yourself to traditional pieces. Art can come in many forms, and it doesn’t have to be limited to paintings or sculptures. For example, you can use vintage postcards, ticket stubs from your travels, textiles, or even found objects to create an eye-catching and personal display that you won’t find in anyone else’s home.
The beauty of this approach is that it allows you to bring memories and stories into your home, making it feel more lived-in and personal. And, because these types of art are often unique and one-of-a-kind, they add character, interest and HEART to your home.
Styling Art: Remember There Are No Hard And Fast Rules
When it comes to styling and arranging art in your home, remember that there are no hard and fast rules. Design is meant to be playful and fun, so don’t take it too seriously. The goal is to create an inspiring atmosphere for yourself that you love, even if it’s not an arrangement that speaks to everyone.
When you have a collection of art pieces that you love, there is no set way to style them. Play around with different arrangements and move pieces throughout your home, trying them in new spots as you acquire new pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and mediums of art to create a dimensional look that reflects your personal style.
One important consideration when styling art in a room is to be cognizant of how the colors of the artwork interact with the other colors in the space. If the artwork introduces a new color to the room, try to pick up that color somewhere else in the room to help balance things out. It doesn’t have to be a large presence; a small trinket on a side table, a throw blanket that has a hint of that color in it, or a throw pillow on a chair can all tie the room together.
However, sometimes the color in the artwork may complement the other colors in the room so well that it doesn’t need to be repeated elsewhere. It can stand alone and become a wonderful juxtaposition to the rest of the room’s design, creating a focal point that draws you into the room.
In the end, remember that art is a personal expression and should reflect your unique style and taste. Have fun with it and experiment with different arrangements until you find the perfect look for your home.
Are you feeling inspired? We hope so!
East & Gray Interiors is here to help you with all your interior design needs. If you’re looking for expert guidance on sourcing and styling artwork for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll work with you to create a beautiful and unique gallery that reflects your personal style and taste. Book a complimentary Discovery Call to learn more on how we can help!
