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Home Art – Decorating and Buying Art for your Home

Home Art – Decorating and Buying Art for your Home August 11, 2015Home ArtOff

Art adds beauty to a house that can easily make a house feel look a home. Use original art when possible, in the form of canvases, photography, original prints or sculpture because

* In some cases, original art costs the same as framing a poster

* It adds energy and life that poster art lacks.

Before you rush out and get art, there are some trade secrets that need to be used so that your art will be displayed in its best light.

PLACEMENT

Make it easy for people. Hang art at eye level, which is about 65 to 68″ from the floor. People don’t need to have their eyes strained or necks crunched to look at art.

LIGHT

If available, focused lighting from a track or pot light in the ceiling adds drama. In a more formal environment, such as on a mantel, use a picture light.

SCALE

Use art that relates to the size of the wall or furniture. Small art on a large wall looks like it’s floating and looks lost. A canvas that is larger than the sofa that it’s over will appear off balance. Use appropriately-sized art as a focal point. Excellent choices are on a mantel, over a fireplace, over a sofa or buffet.

HANGING

You can either lean art on a mantel or shelf for a more casual look or hang on the wall for a more formal look.

COMPOSITION

If pictures are of similar subject matter, they can be grouped together and viewed as a complete unit. They can be arranged in a grid pattern of four, six or eight pieces (depending on wall size) or places vertically to give the illusion of height.

Here’s a tip that I strongly suggest. When you are ready to buy art, buy art that YOU love and do not match it to your interiors!

So now where can you find art?

1. If you’re new on the art purchasing scene, consider renting art for short period to get an idea of what you like. Look to small and larger art galleries in your city for rental opportunities.

2. Check out smaller, local galleries and ask lots of questions!

3. Larger cities usually have art fairs. In Toronto, we have the Outdoor Art Exhibition which takes place in early July. Walk around and see what catches your eye and keep track of any trends in art that you are attracted to.

4. Visit “art walks” in your city. Artists open up their homes and/or studios to the public so people can see how art is produced and is also a great opportunity to buy directly from the artists

Now that you have a few basic tips and a stating point for purchasing art, make your unique mark with art and create a lasting impression in your home.