Do you avoid using original artwork in your home because it seems like an intimidating design feat?

You can do it.

I believe there are not really any rules to incorporating gorgeous, real art into your home.

But if you are a rule person, here is the one rule I would like to propose {no surprise here!}:

*** The only rule ***

Pick what you Love! Use it.

Truly. that is it. Really, and truly.

And the fact of the matter is, the greatest designers select pieces that wow them, and find a spot where their goodness can be enjoyed. Then somehow, ‘magically’, everything seems to work and flow together; I believe the reason for this is that when you choose what you love, there is a flow of design.

But if you are hoping for a bit more guidance, here are a few tips for using original artwork in your home:

1. Go real. or at least go very close to real.

Not all of the art in our homes can be, or needs to be, original. Prints are also wonderful {especially behind glass}. But, if you can ever purchase an original, real painting…. a real piece of art that you LOVE… DO IT!  It will instantly elevate your interior design, and the original art will bring much joy to your daily life. It is especially wonderful to support an artist you know and/or love, knowing that you have an original piece of art that no one else has.

{via Fieldstone Hill Design}

2. Don’t be afraid to go BIG.

Huge art makes a huge impact. Huge, gorgeous, original art makes a huge, gorgeous, original impact. The end.

{via Remodelista}

3. Hang your art “en masse”

You have heard me talk about this before. But it’s true: hanging lots of smaller art pieces ‘en masse’ is a very affordable way to take affordable original art, and multiply its impact and wall space.

{via Charles Spada Interiors}

4. Mix up your subject matter {but only if you love it!}

Don’t get stuck in one subject area. “I only like landscapes.” “I only like nudes.” If you verbally limit yourself, you may never open your eyes to other original art gorgeousness; Art gorgeousness that could become a love affair. Keep your options open, and yet, at the end of the day: buy what you love.

{via Elle Decor}

5. Find good, accessible, original art

Local colleges, street fairs and flea markets are great places to score original art. I also love that there are now lots of great online resources to help you balance a room with original artwork, and shop from your own living room. For my clients who desire original art {HOORAY!}, I have the most success with Saatchi online and Serena & Lily, but I also use Etsy a lot, and occasionally Buysomedamnart.com, and even less occasionally Artistrising.com.

{art © Jessica Rae Sommer, via Saatchionline.com}

6. Frame ‘real art’ that you already own

Think outside of the paintbrush, and be willing to frame other types of ‘art,’ such as handcrafted fabric, handmade paper, antique or handmade clothing… anything that is from an era of handcrafted loveliness. Items with texture are particularly wonderful hung as original art.

{via Tara Guerard}

7. Paint yourself something.

No, seriously. Just give it a try! Or, let your kids do it!! Channel your inner child, and hear the words of your old art teacher telling you to just let-it-go. Have fun with your favorite colors. Can’t find your inner child? Be sure to read Angela’s post. Next thing you know, you will be creating masterpieces.

 {via The Painted House}

Using original artwork in your home is worth the effort. It will transform your rooms, and elevate your interiors.

For more visual ideas on incorporating art into your design, check out my Pinboard Inspiration Art in Design.

Do you need to add more art in your home? Or, have you found that original art has transformed your home?

Which of these bite-size steps do you find most helpful in adding original artwork to your home?

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{This post contains sponsor and affiliate links: Thanks for reading and supporting FHD by visiting retailers through my site!}

This post is sponsored by Saatchi Online

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