Art is a great way to make a house feel like a home. Whether it is hanging on walls or displayed on shelves and tables, a room with fabulous art definitely makes a statement. It adds personality and character to your home and shows off your individuality. And really, who doesn’t want to show off their individuality? I know I strive to be unique and have my home be a good representation of our family.
The downside of Art? Anyone who has walked into an art gallery knows that art isn’t cheap. A lot of art is expensive. And I mean, very expensive. Over the top expensive!
Check out No. 5, 1948 by Jackson Pollack that was purchased for $140 Million!
So can you still have fabulous art without spending $140m? Absolutely! Art doesn’t have to be expensive! There is no need to spend your life savings on art. I mean, come on, we need to save those pennies for cute shoes and trips with the kids!Here are some ways you can display fabulous and unique art in your home without spending a fortune!
1. Look around your house! Use what is free!
Calendars, magazine ads, menus, pretty cards, maps, a puzzle you've put together, a collage of postcards from a trip, family photos, leaves or branches from the backyard or other items from nature. Pieces that are just decorative can be put directly into a frame and displayed.
I bought and framed this puzzle for my kids bathroom from Pottery Barn Kids because it matched their shower curtain! Not only is it super cute but it went along with the theme of the room.
Here is a calendar used as wall art..
2. Buy art books
Art books are another option. I know this may sound shocking to those of you who were taught to never deface a book, but you can find wonderful photos of famous paintings in large books. Other books with fabulous photos are books about birds, furniture design, architectural structures, historical art, regional art from places such as Spain and Italy and also children’s books. Children’s books have some of the greatest illustrations and are vibrant and fun! Select pictures that will coordinate with your decorating scheme.
eclectic kids design by Lauren Liess Interiors
3. Use Your Camera
Get out there and take some photos of things you see as beautiful or different or even just funny! You can take pictures of the kids, the family, flowers, houses, interesting architecture, or everyday items that appeal to you and your family! The possibilities are endless! And you will have one of kind art that others will be drooling over and asking where can they find it? Another option for your photos is to have them transferred to canvas. Again, you will have inexpensive, original artwork that will look like a million bucks!
Look at this gallery worthy display...
living room design by blogger Michelle Hinckley
4. Go to Art Fairs and Student Art Shows
Check your local paper for any information in the arts and culture section regarding art shows or fairs. Most cities have an art association that puts on art fairs to showcase local talent. These fairs are a great place to find art that is being sold for considerably less than in a gallery.
Go down to a college or university art department and get a schedule of the year's student art shows. Because students have little to no experience the art is very inexpensive, and you can often find some really nice pieces.
My hubby and I went to a historic home tour a few weeks ago and I stumbled upon a local artist, Joshua Dean Wiley, that I fell in love with. I purchased a canvas and I am waiting for it to be framed by Michael’s. I can’t wait to get it home and on display.
Here is one piece that he has available on his website...I adore this one as well!
5. Consider prints.
Not everyone can afford oil on canvas or an original watercolor; that is why they invented prints. Today, it is easy to find prints of your favorite paintings, great quotes, and even really cool abstracts. Etsy is a great place to start your search! You can easily make a print look like a million bucks with the right frame and matting!
This one is from madebygirl...you already know I LOVE her prints!
6. Removable Wall Graphics
These are fantastic! Your imagination is the only limitation you’ll bump into when you create your personalized decorating style with removable wall graphics. They’re easy to apply and easy to remove. No matter what you’re taste or style, you can find a wall graphics that seems custom made for you. In fact, you can have them custom made. You can have your family name or kids names made to use on surface you'd like. You can make an entire wall appear intricately painted, create the look of a hand painted mural or just send a message to your guests.
What about mixing wall graphics with family photos? Don't you just love this?
image by blogger Thriftydecorchic
7. Enlist the kids
Frame your kids drawings or paintings! Or give them a canvas or board and glue gun (if they're old enough), and let them go nuts on a personalized project. Who knows, maybe your child will turn out to be the next Jackson Pollack!
8. Think outside the box
What about using just frames to create a wall effect? Got a lot of frames in different shapes and sizes? Just paint them all a great color and hang! You can use this same repetition technique with other items as well. Just figure out what you want to display and multiply! You can display plates, clocks, or take any of the ideas above and multiply! Instead of hanging just one page from a book, frame eight of them and hang as a grouping on an entire wall. What a statement that will make!
Here is one from Classically Amber..
This one is just cool...
So there you have it! Lots of ideas for getting some new and interesting artwork on your walls.
I hope I've given you a little bit of inspiration to get you going!
If you come up with any other ideas you'd like to share, please comment!
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