Wall Art: The Final Piece in the Puzzle
Artwork is a vital addition to any home. It fills empty spaces with life, warmth and colour and ties together all the elements of a room.
It can tell a story and create a sense of character within the home, offering glimpses into the personality of the homeowner. In fact, it can often be the most influential decorative piece that allows the owner to express themselves, without saying a word.
Interesting pieces can be conversation starters and draw people together in discussions. They create emotion in the admirer and can alter the mood.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” said poet Thomas Merton, when describing the impact of artwork on the admirer.
So, it’s important that when choosing art for your home, you select pieces that reflect who you are, and it is something you truly love. Usually, you’ll know at first glance if a piece is special, it will draw you in for a little longer, to look a little closer and will have an almost spiritual pull toward it.
It doesn’t need to be expensive – it just needs to be loved. Captivating artwork can be painted by an adored child, created by a friend with love, or be a print of a faraway place you’d love to visit.
It can, however, also be an investment – a well-selected piece of art can grow in value over time and unlike some investments, you can take it with you as you leave. If budget is a consideration when choosing an investment artwork, select just one or two key pieces to make a bold statement.
Placement of art in a space can be just as important as the piece itself, so give consideration to the size and use of the space where it is to be admired.
The placement of your artwork can have an impact on the space surrounding it. One large dramatic artwork can have a strong focal impact, however a collection of smaller artworks, themed by size, colour, texture or composition can also create a lasting impression.
When grouping artwork, be sure to keep the frame surrounds consistent in colour and texture to create a modern look; or for a more vintage, eclectic style, choose frames or different shapes, sizes and colours, but space each piece evenly on the wall. Usually 10-15 centimetres between the frames, is an ideal spacing to prevent the collection from looking cluttered.
Put your treasured and bold pieces on display in main living areas, kitchen and even bathrooms for all to admire. Or for a more personal piece, hang it in a bedroom to be enjoyed in the serenity of a calming space.
A pop of colour in a monotone room will draw the eye immediately to your artwork, so make it big and bold if the space allows. Or to lessen the impact, select a single colour or tone from your art piece and co-ordinate soft furnishings, ornaments and floor coverings – too many colours can be chaotic.
Unless you’re creating a gallery, don’t clutter the space by hanging too much artwork. In smaller rooms, keep large artworks to one wall; in larger rooms add interest to the adjacent wall or a corner by grouping 2-3 smaller pieces that are of similar shape and size to each other.
Soft Protea
Your decor will pop with the addition of the Soft Protea Wall Art! The chic printed canvas features a stunning protea flower. Pair this wall art with blush and natural textures to complete the look. 90cm x 110cm and available at Pillow Talk.
Artbox Elephants Kissing
Kissing Elephants is a charming black and white image of two elephants embracing making for a beautiful focal point. The monochrome canvas print is 110cm x 75cm and is a wonderful statement piece for your home. Available from Harvey Norman.
Marina Wall Art
Inspired by the gorgeous reefs of Australia, the Marina wall art is carefully hand crafted on a linen backdrop. This unique piece is a must-have for stunning coastal style at home. 60 x 60cm and available from Pillow Talk.
Natural hues and textured fibres are the emerging trends for this season. It denotes simplicity, nature and getting back to basics.
A palette of earthy clay, charcoals, stone, sand and grass tones can be carried through artwork, soft furnishings, floor coverings and bedlinen – the look is simple, raw and minimalistic with a coastal or boho feel.
Natural light, unstained timbers are the popular choice for artwork frames; wall hangings and ceiling installations are derived from husks, grasses and dried flowers, while shells and stones are used as décor collections.
To create the natural look, art placement is key – it needs to be simple and uncluttered. Choose a bold abstract print on a vast wall to draw the eye; a natural woven or seagrass wall hanging placed at eye level or a small collection of similar toned prints, with matching frames to fill a corner.
So, whether you’re adopting latest trends, adorning the walls with much-loved vintage pieces, a bright and fun painting, or a sleek and modern piece, as long as you can create the feeling of warmth, love and homeliness, you really can’t go wrong.
- Farmhouse Wall Deco Boat Large, 58 x 10 x 46cm Recycled Pine, $76.30. Eureka Street Furniture
- Black & White Venetian Dream, 158cm by 53cm canvas, $119. Harvey Norman
- Clarissa Wall Clock, Round with Rectangles, $99.60. Eureka Street Furniture
- Street Lamp Forest Print, POA. Harvey Norman
- Malay Canvas Wall Art, 76cm x 152cm, $249.95. Pillow Talk
- Wall Clock, $50.40. Eureka Street Furniture
Style tip:
A palette of earthy clay, charcoals, stone, sand and grass tones can be carried through artwork, soft furnishings, floor coverings and bedlinen.