Congratulations on your first home! Decorating your first home is super exciting as it’s your chance to create a space that reflects your personal style and represents who you are. And what better way to do this than by incorporating art pieces into your decor! Art not only has the power to transform a room, but it also adds character, and makes a space feel way more personal.
In this guide, I’m going to show you how to decorate with art by choosing the right art pieces to elevate your home. So letssss get started!
Understanding Your Personal Style
Incorporating Personal Style into Home Decor
The first thing is that your personal style is a reflection of who you are so incorporating it into your home decor is the easiest way to make your space feel like you. Think about what you like, the styles that inspire you, your favorite pieces growing up, the colors you love, the textures you’re attracted to. These factors will come in handy in order to choose art that represents your unique style and will help you create a space that is not only visually appealing but also meaningful and personal.
How to Identify Your Personal Style - What Aesthetic Do You See Yourself Living In?
A I mentioned, start by considering your favorite colors, patterns, and textures. Take a look at your wardrobe, what are you drawn to when shopping for clothing or accessories? Do you go for dark and goth? Moody? Bright and sunny? Are you more cottagecore or 90s inspired? Do you like sleek or boho? Do you want your home to be filled with plants or are you more of a minimalist?
The other thing is, what kind of art or photography are you drawn to? Black and white? Bright collages? Classical figures? Art is very personal and you should always love the pieces you buy, especially since they are in your home and you’ll probably look at them for a long time.
The truth is that your personal style will for sure impact the type of art pieces you choose. For example, if you prefer bold, vibrant colors and patterns, you’ll probably be drawn to colorful pieces such as Reveuse or brightly colored photography prints. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic and timeless aesthetic, you may prefer more traditional art pieces, such as oil paintings or sculptures. If you take the time to understand your personal style before acquiring pieces, you'll be able to choose art that truly reflects who you are and make your first home feel like you.
Choosing the Right Art Pieces for Your First Home
Types of Art Pieces
Okay so there are many different types of art pieces to choose from, and if you are a newbie (and even with experience) it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help you make the right choice for you at this time (because remember, you can always switch out your art), consider the following types of art pieces:
- Hand-Drawn Illustrations
If you are on my site, then you can see and buy many of the hand-drawn illustrations that I make with love. Hand-drawings were once considered a more traditional art form, but there are many artists like myself that have modernized it. Drawings add charm to spaces because of the human touch and they're perfect for creating a cozy and homey feel.
- Abstract Art
Abstract art can add a bold touch to any room. They're perfect for creating a modern look and can be a great way to incorporate color into your home decor. But remember, abstract art does not have to be colorful. It can also come in black and white and in neutrals.
- Photography Prints
Photography prints can add a personal touch to any room, and can range from landscapes and nature scenes to portraits and still life to many more. You can get them in color, you can get them in black and white, in sepia, it really depends on your taste.
- Prints of Famous Paintings
Prints of famous paintings are a great way to bring classic art into your home. They're good for creating a traditional vibe, and can be a great way to incorporate the works of back-in-the day artists such as The Dance Class (pictured below) by Edgar Degas into your decor.
- Sculptures
Sculptures are a more three-dimensional art form that are a great way to incorporate texture and dimension into your home decor. Modern sculptures are super cool so you should definitely research sculptures if you want to add a different touch to your home.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Art Pieces for Your Home
There are a couple of external factors you should consider when choosing art pieces. First, the size and layout of each room will play a big role in determining the type and size of art pieces you choose. For example, large, open-plan living areas will probably look better with larger statement pieces, such as abstract paintings or oversized photography prints because you have the room to really display them. Smaller spaces, on the other hand, may look better with smaller pieces, such as hand-drawn illustrations like Weekend Mood or cool minimalist ceramic sculptures.
Secondly, in addition to the size and layout of a room, you'll also want to consider the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve. For example, if you're going for a modern, minimalist look, you may want to choose art pieces that are simple, clean-lined, and have a neutral color palette. On the other hand, if you're going for a more eclectic, bohemian look, you may want to choose more eclectic, colorful pieces that are in line with your free-spirited personality.
Where to Buy Art
Online
Online is a great place to start when looking for art pieces for your home. You have a lot of good sites like Fine Art America, Society 6, and Etsy where you can find the work of amazing emerging artists.
Social Media
Most artists nowadays have a presence on social media and most of them have an online shop or at least a way of selling their work. If you have a favorite artist you follow, definitely reach out to them if there’s a piece you are interested in.
Events, Street Fairs and Street Artists
There are many artists, especially in bigger cities, that participate in pop-ups, arts and crafts shows, and street fairs. GO check out their work, you'll be able to browse the piece and take one (or two or three) home right away. In places such as New York and Paris, they also have a tradition of artists setting up around the city in parks and on the street, especially near museums. I have participated in all of these activities and I can tell you that it is a great way to learn about the work directly from the artist as well as to get help choosing the best pieces for your home.
Art Fairs and Exhibitions
Art fairs and exhibitions are another great place to find art. You’ll see a variety of styles and mediums in one place, and often you’ll get the opportunity to meet the artists and learn about their work.
Local Art Galleries
I know that it can be daunting to walk into a gallery so if you can try to go during events and art openings so you can take your time and really take in the pieces. This will help you get a better sense of the quality and style of the work.
Flea Markets
Flea markets often offer vintage and antique art pieces that have history, and can add a touch of character and charm to any room.
DIY Art Pieces
Finally, don't forget about the option of creating your own art pieces. Whether it's through painting, drawing, or other forms of self-expression, DIY-ing can be a great way to personalize your home and add a touch of your own personality to each room.
At The End of the Day, Making the Right Choice for Your Home Is About YOU
My biggest piece of advice is that you should just get art you love. You are the one who will have to live with it and if a piece gives you good vibes and steals your heart, it will fit in any space, in any decor in your home. When it comes to choosing the “right” art pieces, the most important thing is to make choices that reflect your personal style and make you happy. Never be afraid to mix and match different styles and mediums, don't be afraid to experiment, to try new things or to switch things out seasonally, yearly, for a day, whatever floats your boat. Remember, decorating your first home is all about creating a space that feels like your own, so have fun, enjoy the process, and enjoy the final result!