8 easy and affordable ways to add art to your home
How to give your home a boost of culture – minus the stress and expense.
Article originally posted on Homes to Love
There's no denying that the right piece of artwork can instantly transform any room in the house – but art has a tendency to be on the more costly side, especially if you don't know where to look. Here we share 6 expert tips for adding affordable art to your home.
Whether you're indulging your inner creative or are simply trying to add some colour to a room, buying art for your home can be a tricky task.
Not only is it challenging to find the perfect piece, finding the perfect artwork in the right dimensions to suit your space that fits perfectly within your budget can be a stressful prospect. Ideally, the art you buy for your home should be a piece you're happy to live with for the next decade.
We sat down with interior designer Emily MacAlpine of MARG. Studio and interior stylist Jono Fleming, the founder of Palette by Jono Fleming, to share their top tips for adding art to your home without breaking the bank.
In interior stylist Jono Fleming's home a mix of smaller artworks come together to create a striking gallery wall. Styling: Jono Fleming
1. ALL ART IS ART, AS LONG AS YOU LOVE IT
While we might all dream of having a genuine Picasso on the wall, the reality is most of those iconic artworks are housed in the world's galleries and museums – and rightfully so! But this doesn't mean that art that hasn't made it to an exhibition would be any less lovely on your walls.
If you have your heart set on an artwork that already exists, don't be afraid to play around with prints. This applies to artworks by the likes of Matisse, and the emerging artists you follow on Instagram.
Many artists offer limited edition print runs of their works that are a fantastic way to acquire their work. Not only are these prints available at lower prices than the originals, but their limited runs give them an air of exclusivity so you can be sure your next door neighbour won't have one too.
The key to buying prints is to focus on the quality of the print as well as how you frame and display it in the home. But also, don't be afraid to play around with the definition of art: framed pages from books and magazines can look just as creative and beautiful in any home.
Art is one of the best ways to instantly add a pop of colour in any room, and these 14 homes are elevated to perfection with art. Photograph: Anson Smart
KNOW WHERE TO BUY YOUR ART
"Rather than looking to larger, established commercial galleries I would suggest looking for more up and coming artists which can be found at a number of art fairs or online," recommends Emily. "Art fairs like The Other Art Fair or The Affordable Art Fair are great starting point for exploring artist's."
"Follow artists you find on social media for updates and works coming up for sale," she recommends. "The more you look the more you will understand what you like and what you would like to add to your art collection."
Look for online art curators that work with a range of artists that offer limited canvas prints like Greenhouse Interiors or Palette by Jono Fleming for some clever ideas.
You can also take a look at a number of bigger retailers like Adairs and Temple and Webster for large artworks that are sure to brighten up any home. For prints, take a look at the likes of Society6, The Print Emporium or DG Designs for ideas.
Online art emporiums like Greenhouse Interiors work hard to curate beautiful artworks from both originals to print and can be a wealth of inspiration in your search for the perfect piece. Styling: Julia Green for Greenhouse Interiors with assistance by Aisha Chaudhry and Jessica Retallack / Photography: Armelle Habib.
3. ITS ALL IN THE FRAME
No matter what style of art you're planning on adorning your walls with, there's no denying that how good it ends up looking all depends on the framing. From the quality of the glass to the size of frame itself, getting your pieces professionally framed can make a world of difference.
"Framing is one of the most important things to consider when buying art for your wall. Where you can save money on a poster or a print, invest in framing it properly," says Jono.
"Professional custom framing can cost between $100-200 dollars depending on the size and style of your art but it is well worth the expense," explains Jono. "Good framing can turn an ordinary artwork into something really special and one of a kind. It will also help preserve your artwork – just don't fall into the trap of leaving a print unframed because we'll 'get around to it later'!"
4. LOOK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Art doesn't always have to be framed paintings or photographs. In fact, one of the best ways to display your artwork is with a gallery wall that's comprised of decorative objets as well as art.
"Find different objects and shapes to mix into your collection to create visual interest and variety. Smaller, fun shaped mirrors, hats, masks, even dried flowers or pods can add an eclectic and lived in feeling to someone's home," recommends Jono. "Be creative when selecting pieces, found objects are a fantastic way to help fill some blank space, complementing your existing art and giving you the full gallery experience.
For Emily, she suggests getting even more creative with your search for art: "One of my favourite works of art is a sketch that was done by one of my friends when we went to a life drawing class. Not only did we have a great time learning how to do life drawing but I was able to bring home a new artwork for the cost of the class, around $20. With a relatively cheap frame I have a beautiful work that I have a connection with that I don't imagine I will get sick of."
Try placing your artwork together in pairs or even trios for a bold look like the one in this beautiful art-filled home. Photo: Maree Homer | Styling: Kristin Rawson
5. COFFEE-TABLE BOOKS
Not only are art coffee table books great to leisurely pick up and ponder, they can themselves make an arty edition to a home. Full of incredible images, you'll be able to start your own collection of works, one book at a time.
Taschen, Booktopia and Kinokuniya are great places to find one-of-a-kind art reads.
We've also curated our favourite coffee books that are perfect for upping the style factor in any home here to inspire you.
6. BIGGER ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER
When it comes to choosing art for your home it can be tempting to fall into the trap of "one and done" by choosing a giant statement piece and never thinking about art again. But, these larger artworks can often cost a pretty penny.
Opting for smaller pieces of art can be a much more budget-friendly option and choosing the right pieces and creating a diptych, triptych, or a full blown gallery wall can make an even bolder style statement.
"Smaller artworks placed on a bedside or shelf can look more considered and intentional. It's a great way to add personality to your space without breaking the bank for an oversized piece," suggests Jono. "These smaller pieces are perfect for rooms that sometimes get ignored when it comes to art, the laundry or kitchen bench is the ideal spot for a pint sized masterpiece.
When it comes to innovative technology in the home, many smart TVs now come with in-built art features, like Samsung's The Frame. Styling: Jono Fleming / Photography: Kristina Soljo
7. GET YOUR TECH INVOLVED
For the indecisive art lover or for those who like their technology to look pretty, Samsung's The Frame is a smart investment.
With customisable bezels, The Frame looks as pretty as a picture on the wall and comes with a wide range of artworks to choose from that you can swap at any time. The best part? When you're not using The Frame as a television, it acts as a statement piece of art.
For smaller screens, consider choosing thoughtful photos or stylish artworks for your Google Home Hub or Amazon Echo Show devices.
8. BUY ONCE, BUY WELL
So, what happens when you have your heart set on a particular piece of art? Sure, it can be tempting to reach for the more affordable options, but if the heart wants what it wants, you're better off in the long run saving for that piece you really want rather than purchasing many pieces that you may end up simply disposing of several months later.
"Rather than buying a series of cheaper works that you will get sick of which will add up over a period of time, take the time to find works that you have a real connection with," says Emily. "Rather than spending $100 five times on cheaper works, save that money over a period of time to buy one larger work for $500. Essentially, quality over quantity!"