Buying artwork is so much more than ‘curating your space’ - owning something you love or which inspires or resonates with you becomes a source of daily inspiration, even a moment of positive emotion can help your day - this is the concept behind mindfulness.
So Rule 1 - choose something which resonates somehow with you.
Then …. the challenge is about fitting that in.
While a single artwork, whether that is a large original oil painting or a little print is interesting and evocative in itself, it is also a component which contributes to the overall look and feel of the larger space where it hangs.
I was deeply disappointed when someone who I was sure was about to buy one of my paintings at an exhibition turned away and said “No, it won’t match the sofa…..”

Some tips on making that space, those walls YOURS :

- What do you want from the room? - Rest / peace / interest / entertainment of guests / - your choice!
- Check out the room as a ‘space’ - where does the light come from at different times of day?
When will the space be used most? How (eg eating / sleeping / relaxing / entertaining / playing) As with music, different styles generate different moods.
Do people pass through here, or stay a while?
How high is the ceiling, what other furniture is around, where would you put a piece of artwork?
- Work out the ideal size for your new piece of art - maybe use decorator’s tape to outline the new picture in the space on the wall to check its size and the balance (or cut out a piece of newspaper). Giving a wall some interest often makes a room seem larger.
OR - J.D.I. ! - Just Do It !
Not everybody is a planner, some of us follow our instincts and confidently put things together. Harmony and interest seem to flow.
What is the difference between a showroom and a home?

Then - the artwork -
- Will this be a major focal point for the room, or something to enhance what is already around?
- Browse different styles in context of that space - curtain colours, floor coverings, and yes - the sofa (!) - do you want harmony or contrast? (But - it is easier and cheaper to change your cushions to suit the artwork!)
- Are you looking for a ‘statement piece’ that will not only provide a focus, but will also be an ‘anchor’ for everything around it? (and if ‘Yes’, then lighting this will be important), or something nice to add to your sense of relaxation at home?

Why stick at one?
- A pair of paintings can complement each other, a collection of several, either of similar sizes or various, can make the whole place very interesting.
- Rotate your collection. How long has that painting hung there? - Move them around!

Framing generally does enhance the painting, but some artwork is created to be hung without. Your choice of frame, or to go with none, depends on the overall look of your space as much as it is about the painting. Some frames are great for tying this piece into the rest of your decor. Prints are usually smaller and benefit from being presented in a frame with a ‘window mount’ which makes the whole piece stand out. A simple black frame with a cream mount is the most popular option for presenting a print……

{This is a 10” x 8” watercolour illustrating the impact of a simple black frame with a cream window mount}

Finally - Avoid clutter. It might be fun to visit a junk shop occasionally, but do you really want to live in one?

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO EXPLORE IDEAS ….. >>>