Bringing Connection Home.
I've been reflecting a lot lately on the power of claiming your own style, in your own space. If you're anything like me, you can get hung up on keeping up with trends, especially for the home. I have spent countless hours on Pinterest, reading magazines and taking interior design books out from the library in hopes of achieving the “perfect” look in my house. But what is trendy isn't always what speaks to my soul. It's not always what gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling when I think of what “home” should feel like.
photo cred: www.ryannehollies.com
As my kids grow, our needs and uses within our home shift. But one thing is a constant: my need for our space to reflect us as a family. More than any trend or phase, I value the feeling I get when I come home at the end of the day. I want it to feel welcoming, full of soul and delight. I want our walls to tell our story. I want our guests to look around and think “Oh I see… this is who they really are.”
The best way I know how to achieve this feeling is through art. Covering the walls in my home with special pieces that speak to a moment or feeling or chapter of our lives brings me so much joy, it's hard to express. Finding that perfect piece, the one I've been searching tirelessly for, feels like Christmas morning each and every time.
photo cred: www.ryannehollies.com
No matter the feel or aesthetic you’re trying to achieve, there is an artist out there who has created something that will tie in perfectly. Some art creates a dramatic, moody affect while other pieces can create a calm and soothing atmosphere. Depending on the room, and the vibe I want to create, I take my time looking for artists whose work can provide this feeling. I would rather wait until I find the right piece that speaks directly to me, instead of rushing over to a big box store to “fill the space”.
PHILIS’ TABLE.
8”x10” acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas. Available here.
My favourite art subjects for my home are landscapes and still lifes. I adore nature more than anything else in the world, so florals and earthy abstracts are my go-to. I try to incorporate a mixture of vintage/antique paintings with modern works to give our home that lived-in, eclectic feel that I love. My latest collection of abstract florals, Things That Bloom, has brought a lot of uplifting connection to my space. As I live with these paintings before they head out to their forever homes, I am reminded of the calming beauty mother earth can provide. The vintage palettes and folk-art style of this collection ties in perfectly with the overall aesthetic of our home.
Whatever your style or aesthetic, there is a sea of incredible, independent artists out there just waiting to be discovered. So sign out those library books, dive deep on the internet, and find someone’s work you connect with! I promise your walls will thank you.
