We all love wall decorations. They make our houses come alive and transform them into homes. When you add the wall art/decor, you can see a major difference in your environment. Sometimes, we can determine the personality of the person by the art that they have selected. Some persons rely on the choices of others to give their home that special touch or that special look that they are seeking. Then, the question is “Does this home reflect the personality of the owner’s?” What are your basic principles when you select art decor for your walls and other accent pieces for your home?
Here are some pictures, a painting, a print that grace the entrance hallway. The owner wanted art that reflected her personality throughout her home.
(In the above painting, yarn is coming out of the painting like four yarn waterfalls. Quite fascinating!)
When you make artristic selections, what are you looking for? Ask yourself what kind of art do you like and will the colors, style, design blend with/highlight the decorations in your home. Wall decor does not have to be expensive, but it must be meaningful to you. You should be able to look at it and feel a connection and identify where you want to put it in your home. Sometimes we buy pieces and have no place to put them and they stay in the corner of the closet for years. Even though we liked it enough to buy it, we didn’t have a real purpose for it nor did we find a place for it.
(This wall art looks the same, but careful examination shows the difference. The matting is done with suede.)
(This is a nice print that appears to be done in colored pencils. This is a narrow print between two doors. It’s also about location, location, location.)
1. Remember, you can buy wonderful art without spending a fortune.
2. Your choices should reflect your taste.
3. Before spending the money on wall decor, look at a lot of art before you decide.
One woman said that she selects the furniture and her husband selects the wall art and she claims credit for it all (smile). However, by examining a variety of art, you began to learn what you like and what you don’t like. You might even decide that you can make your own wall decor. Quess what? It is definitely your personality that will be reflected.
Share with us about your wall decor and what you have on your walls that makes you happy.
1. I live with my boyfriend and his daughter who is 15 years old. The question I have is their home is very dark and I want to lighten up the kithchen and front room.
Thank you
Robin
by Robin — 4/12/08 at 5:17 pm #
2. Hi Betty,
Most of our walls are covered with our children’s art work. We started matting and framing their artwork in kindergarten(pick and choose) and continued thru high school. We love looking back at these now that both children are grown. Doris
by doris — 4/13/08 at 4:49 pm #
3. Hi Robin,
Thank you for taking the time to share. I have a few questions to ask:
1. Do you have windows in the room?
2. Are the windows covered with drapes or blinds that might limit the light?
3. What are the colors of the paint on the walls in these rooms? Is the paint dark?
4. What are the overall colors of furnishings and decorations that are used in these rooms?
5. Are there trees that might block out the light coming into the house?
I understand how you feel, because the sun and light tends to bighten your spirits and gives us all a different comfort level. Once you can get back to me with your response and sure we can find some answers.
Thank you so much and have a great day!
by Betty — 4/14/08 at 12:42 pm #
4. Hi Doris,
There is nothing more precious to me than children’s art. To have if framed and matted and placed in prominent positions in the home where those who visit can see it is such a beautiful sight. Just think in terms of proud it makes the children to see their art work mounted and shared with everyone. It is so great for the children’s egos and lets them know how much you appreciate them and encourages them to do more.
I have my daughter’s art work all around the house, like you have done. People often look at a piece that she did in nursery school where she made a design with bottle tops and a variety of beautiful colors of paint. People think that it is famous art by some renown artist. This piece I keep in my home office. The artist, though not famous from the public’s view, is my daughter.
Doris, it’s a great feeling to have this special art work to look back at again and again. I will always have them some place in the home. Thanks for your comments and helping me to remember the importance of the wonderful work done by our children. Let us hear from again you soon.
by Betty — 4/14/08 at 12:58 pm #
5. I just bought a new stainless steel fridge and had to put away all my “refrigerator art”. I have a lot of souvenier magnets from various locations that I would still like to display, amonth other things. I have looked for some kind of magnet board to display these collective magnets but have been unable to find anything. Any suggestions?
by Diane — 4/29/08 at 8:24 pm #
6. Hi Diane,
I think that I have just the answer for you. There is a great company called STACKS AND STACKS -THE HOUSEWARES PLACE. Stacks is well known for it’s magnets and memo boards. You can call them at 1-800-761-5222. You may reach them Monday thru Friday between 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. They are located in Richmond, California. I appreciate you taking the time.
“Stacks and Stacks” have a wide and very colorful collection. Let me know how you make out. Good luck!!
by Betty — 4/30/08 at 3:16 pm #
7. I have a new house and I painted it all neutral, a light cream color. I also chose my furniture light wood and the fabric is also a very light brown and I don’ know how to give color to my living room without having to change the wall color. Can you please give me ideas?
by Maricela — 5/2/08 at 5:29 pm #
8. Hi Maricela,
Neutral and light cream colors on the walls and furniture are a great start! It’s easier to pull in colors when you have colors like these. what are your favorite colors? what are the colors that seem to pop out at you that you consider exciting? Look at some Home and Garden Decorating Books, or check out Decor Home Decorating Magazine and other home designing sources. They give you wonderful ideas about how to mix colors and make your home pop with delight.
Some colors that would be quite lovely for the spring, try pale blue, yellow, green and one or more print designs. Look for a rug that picks up the colors that you want in the room or that you already have in the room. I think of these first with the thought for pillows for your couch. Get some pictures with bright and exciting colors. HG has fabulous wall decor and a wonderful variation of pillows and throws that would add awesome colors and make your house come alive.
You might decide on something quiet in color like burgundy, burnt orange; however, you might want to add emerald green and a yellow orange color. You have a perfect place to work with and you can do wonders.
I am working with a gorgeous and massisve house on the water that has all white walls and chrome. The owner does not want the walls painted. She wants to keep the white throughout. Her favorite colors are red and black. Well, we decided that we wanted to add a little life to that. The long couches in the livingroom are yellow. The pillows are white, yellow red and black. And there are four pillows that are a wild print with green included with the colors that we have identified above. We had three little benches made that went between the 6 tall windows that were the print of the four print pillows. The long drapes at the window are in white with specks of yellow. Beautiful live plants are in two of the corners and a wonderful armoire that was purchased from and antique shop was painted red and we purchased black handles trimmed in chrome and gold tone. A massive sculpture from HG is on the side and it welcomes you into the room. There is more as you go throughout the house. We continue to tie in the main colors that tie in all aspects of the house. When you walk in the house, the first thing you see to the right is the open kitchen. The high bar chairs are in red leather with black metal. The paintings in the kitchen consist of one that is all yellow and another that is green with a few specks of red. None of the furniture was expensive. It was a tremendously economical decorative setup and purchase. The most important thing is that the owners were quite pleased with the results. It allows you the opportunity to let your imagination work for you. Don’t be affraid - step out on color! You’ll be glad that you did. Let me know what you decide to do.
Good luck with your color designing!
by Betty — 5/5/08 at 12:04 pm #