Art is all about personal expression. You’d be hard pressed to find an artist who doesn’t have a story behind their pieces, or at least an inspiration behind their style.
The same can be said for a person who is decorating their space!
Think of the house as your masterpiece and your walls, your canvas. You don’t have to be an artist to create art. Read these top tips on how to choose unique art that makes your space stand out.
1. Choose What You Like
We all like to see those “likes” on our social media posts, but your home’s decor style only needs to please one person: YOU.
Forget about what your mom thinks or what’s trendy (unless you happen to like it) and decorate with the art that makes you happy.
Not sure what you like? This fun art personality quiz might be able to help. Simply vote “yes” or “no” on a selection of art and you’ll have a style preference that can help you start your search.
It’s not a scientific test, but fun nonetheless!
2. Colors Matter
Even within art styles, there can be a lot of choices, so narrow down your options by choosing a color palette.
This doesn’t need to be intimidating; you can have a lot of fun with color. Selecting a neutral palette for furniture and walls will allow colorful artwork to really pop (plus, it’s easy to switch it up later if you want a change). Or, select a collection of your favorite hues and look for art that coordinates.
Make sure you also choose complementing frames. A traditional farmhouse print won’t look as rustic with an ornate gold frame.
3. Pay Attention To Size
A common mistake is to choose pieces of art that are too small for your space.
If you can’t find one large focal piece, arrange a group of smaller pieces. You can also use furniture, plants, or other bigger items to tie your room together. Or frame a smaller piece of art in a large frame and matte. This creates the illusion of a bigger art piece while keeping the art in its original size and form.
4. Think Of Your Budget
A lot of art costs a pretty penny. When you think of the time, supplies, creativity, and effort that goes into making a piece of art, the prices make sense.
Decide on the amount you’re willing to spend so you don’t go overboard without realizing it. Another good tip: reach out to a local artist with your budget and see what they come up with. You might be completely blown away by the results!
5. Shop Around
Ultimately, art can be found anywhere. But if you’re looking for unique art, you’ll want to steer clear of “big box” stores—that’s where everyone else shops!
If an original piece isn’t in your budget, check out second hand shops or resale apps like eBay, Mercari, and OfferUp.
Even better, look for a local artist who specializes in the style you’re after. Chances are, no matter where you live, there’s an artist-in-residence somewhere nearby. Check out independent galleries, art festivals, and even Google to look for unique pieces that no one else will have.
Plus, you’ll be supporting the local art industry where you live (and possibly even a great cause).
6. DIY
One surefire way to make sure you have a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork is to make it yourself. And there’s good news: you don’t need to be an artist to make that happen.
Between YouTube tutorials and DIY workshops, you can have a pro walk you through a simple technique that you can customize however you’d like. Who knows, a local paint night could be just what you’re looking for.
7. Be Ready To Purchase
There is a big drawback to unique art that can’t be found just anywhere: when you find something you like, you need to be ready to buy it.
There’s no guarantee that original painting will still be available later on. Taking a few days to “think about it” could be allowing someone else to swoop in later that day. And the more unique the piece is, the harder it’ll be to find another one.
Trust us, be ready to buy when you fall in love.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Change It Up
Selecting that perfect piece of unique art can be intimidating. Take a little of the pressure off by having a rotating selection of art.
Changing up your decor style, color palette, or seasonal displays can make your home feel like an entirely new space…all the time! This is also an excellent way to compromise if you end up with multiple pieces that you simply can’t choose between.
Your walls are only limited by your imagination!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, “unique art” is truly in the eye of the beholder. Whether you like movie posters or Monet, go with what makes you happy!
At Evolution Art, I’m inspired by bold colors that remind me of my childhood in Columbia. Perhaps you love things that remind you of your grandmother’s mountain cabin or perhaps you prefer a modern, minimalist look.
But whatever your vision, we want you to feel inspired by what you can create. Start out by taking a look at my gallery.