intro to buying art for the home
The process of choosing art for your home is incredibly satisfying and indulgent.
I love art. My home is brimming with originals, and I incorporate art as much as possible into my interior design work. I support local artists, and I share this passion with my clients.
Original art is a magical addition to an interior and offers a unique focal point in any room, inside or out. As a talking point, art is second to none and can invite long and repeated looking. Real art nurtures us emotionally and often comes with rich and compelling stories. It provides a sense of connection to the person who created it and all those who admire it. Owning original art is a true luxury.
In this article, I will cover:
Important considerations in choosing art for your home
Where to look for original art
Choosing art for your home
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful.”
That much-repeated William Morris quote is a great starting point when choosing art. But beware. The volume and the variety of artwork available can be daunting, and it helps to have a knowing eye when selecting art. Take your time but take every opportunity to discover works that you will treasure. Artwork is an excellent investment and can become part of the backdrop of your life.
Examine what you currently own. Do you own original art and love everything that you have? If you do, is there a theme or one that’s emerging in this collection? Does it reflect who you are currently? Is it satisfying? Is it displayed most compellingly and helpfully? You might consider getting professional assistance if you answered no to most of these questions.
Hire a curator. A home art curator could do it all for you. It’s a luxury worth considering if you don’t have the time or the desire to develop the necessary skills to create a meaningful collection. A curator is knowledgeable and resourceful, and they are authors in their own right. They will help you to define or refine the theme and help create a story with your art collection. An art curator can help with selection, acquisition, placement, and everything else I will mention in this post. I am particularly well-versed in art curation. Sometimes, I suggest a specific curator.
Read on if you prefer to do-it-yourself:
Note what appeals to you and, just as importantly, what doesn’t. Beauty comes in many forms; over time, you will develop a sense of what you find exciting or meaningful. It might be joyful. Moving. Nostalgic. Even laugh-out-loud funny.
Take inventory of your available space. As an interior designer, I would help you see the opportunities your home presents to you naturally. Eyeshot, drama, and accent are a few of the dimensions I might suggest. How much wall space is available? Will your windows help or hinder the game plan? Don’t forget about sculpture and objects. The right piece can turn a dark corner floor space into a destination..
Consider art useful. Well-placed art helps bring something soothing to the bedroom and something energetic to the playroom. Or a moody large-format landscape defines a sitting area. Imagine a jewel-like miniature in a spot-lit corner of the dining room or a colossal bronze centerpiece in the courtyard. You might say, if it’s beautiful, it’s useful.
The next stage is to find the perfect piece to enhance your home’s interior.
I find great joy in sourcing and placing art that you love into your new interior scheme; sometimes, we even start with the art. Curation at any scale is exciting and creative, and it’s all part of the process
I often take my clients to visit the artist in their studios. Experience helps to pinpoint artists to complement your style.
Where to look for original art
We hold a special place for original art. Art that comes directly from the mind of an artist also comes with a soul. Therefore, real art communicates through a deeper level of human understanding. We connect with it differently. Mass-produced copies are mere objects of decoration, and there’s a difference.
The original and authentic artist produces original art. Her work may include one-offs like paintings, sculptures, and mono-prints. Editions made by mechanical, photo-mechanical, or digital means can be originals. Prints and other reproductions also qualify as long as they were each directed, overseen, and approved by the original artist who conceived the artwork.
For all these reasons, it’s a great idea to see art in real life before buying it, particularly if you are starting to acquire art for your home. While online art marketplaces are an excellent place to do some initial research, I advise you to go out and see the work in person. Screens can distort, the scale can be tricky to visualize, and the color is not always actual.
It would help if you stood before the piece you are considering. Pay attention to the details; see the brushstrokes. Discover how it makes you feel.
Art galleries are excellent venues for viewing artwork. Most have exhibitions that change periodically and may offer opportunities to meet the artist. They can be great to dip into and see if something catches your eye.
I prefer to take my clients to visit the artist in their studios. I’ve developed a vibrant network of artists and artisans throughout my career, and I can help you pinpoint artists whose work will complement your style.
In the best-case scenario, I arrange a viewing in your home, which is convenient and informative. Try the piece in your “light” and against the scale and proportions of your room.
I also delight in assisting with commissioning new works. There’s such joy in having artwork made just for you by an artist you admire. Commissioned work is not limited to wall-based work – you can commission a sculpture, tabletops, furniture, textiles, and unique finishes. The possibilities are endless.
In summary,
My top tips for clients who wish to venture out and choose art for their homes are:
Make a habit of viewing art. Consider what appeals to you and what doesn’t.
Focus on original art
Try to see artworks that interest you in person (don’t rely on screen-based viewings).
Ask your designer for help,
Enquire about home viewings to see how the artwork looks in your interior.
Consider commissioning custom works.
Have fun!
I hope this straightforward approach will help you boldly step into the art world. I promise you won’t look back.
