How to Use Photographs and Paintings in Home Design

Photographs and paintings can add personality to any home, transforming blank walls into works of art. Ultimately, however, it comes down to choosing the right pieces, frames, and placement to complement your existing décor and showcase your unique style.

Purchasing art can be expensive and overwhelming, but there are a few interior design rules you can follow. With these simple tips and tricks, you can successfully incorporate paintings and photography art into your home design.

A Common Thread

Chances are you already have a number of furnishings and accessories in your home that you adore. If that's the case, take a look around and see whether there are any common features. For example, does your room have a theme, such as beachy, bohemian, rustic, or sophisticated? Is there a color that is prevalent throughout?

Say you found an eye-popping beachside print that you want to hang somewhere. Then you should recognize that your bright, light kitchen with touches of blue would serve as a good home for the print. Conversely, an adult's lounge with potted plants and a relaxed atmosphere might suit a rainforest theme.

If your space is neutral, start with your favorite artwork. You can then add subtle touches of complementary hues in accessories such as cushions, tea towels, or throws. Recall the intricacies of color theory and know that loud colors like red or orange shouldn't suffocate the room, as they are much more effective in small doses.

Artwork Series

For large walls, you can choose an oversized print, an eclectic mix of canvas paintings, or the artwork series. Consider choosing three prints in either a matching set or a similar theme. Ensure they all have the same frame and take your time to measure the spacing. A series of artworks is visually appealing, and the gaps between will create an extra design element. This style works best with prints that have a portrait orientation.

Go with What You Love

Art is subjective, and you're the one looking at it, so you, of course, need to love it. If you're attached to a certain photograph or painting, have a look at similar styles to find the best fit. While you'll need to consider the color and size of your walls, furnishings, and lighting, the perfect piece of artwork will be something you can look at over and over again. For example, you may be a fan of black and white photography, retro buildings, animals, or landscapes.

A Theme for Your Frames

Frames are almost as important as the artwork itself. Having the right frame will accentuate the print, without detracting from its beauty. The key is to keep all your frames in the same color scheme, but with slightly different designs. For example, you might have a gold theme with a mix of thick, thin, and patterned frames. Or, a crisp white theme with thin frames that let the pictures speak for themselves. Black frames can give you contrast on a white wall, while grey is soft and subtle. Alternatively, you may prefer frameless canvas prints.

Wall Art for Your Interior Design

Ready to liven up your bare walls with photography art and paintings? Decorating is a project that can be fun, and when you follow these and other simple rules, the results will be well worth it.

Find a common thread between your artwork and your interior design; for example, a similar theme or an accent color. If you need to fill a large wall, consider a series of photographic prints with even spacing.

Finally, when choosing frames, don't be afraid to mix and match different sizes and styles, but try to stick to the same color scheme. Most importantly, find artwork that you love and will adore for years to come.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes