Making a house feel like home with art.
If you’re anything like me, these cold winter months make you want to create a cozy and inviting space to spend your time in. With the shorter days and longer nights, I find myself prioritizing my physical surroundings. I want my home to reflect who I am as a person. I want my house to speak to my values, my design style, and my interests! When I invite someone into my home, I want them to instantly get a sense of who I am and feel curious to learn more.
The painting above reflects my deep love for nature and the countryside. It also ties in well with the overall theme of my house, as it has a colour palette reflective of the autumn months, which repeats throughout my home.
One of the best ways I know how to create a sense of personality within my house is the incorporate artwork into each room. That’s right. I’m not just talking my living room here. I’m talking kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, home office, HALLWAYS!
You might be thinking, “That sounds lovely, Alex, but that also sounds expensive!” My answer to that is, not necessarily. I truly believe that you can bring art into your home on a variety of budgets. When I was living on Kraft Dinner and Mr Noodles in my dorm room in University, I still managed to hang art on my walls. These pieces were made by my friends, included posters of Marilyn Monroe and a framed piece of old Piano sheet music that I found in my parents basement. They weren’t fancy or expensive, but they still spoke to me and helped create a sense of home in an otherwise institutional environment.
Now that I’m older, I have a bit more of a budget to dedicate to artwork. My house is by no means full of original art - ONE DAY!!! - but I am gathering a rather lovely collection of fine art prints by some of my favourite artists, as well as a unique variety of vintage art that I have thrifted over the years.
This fine art print is framed using a standard 11”x14” frame found at any Big Box or locally owned home decor shop!
One of the best ways to elevate the artwork that I own has been dedicating some of my budget to framing. Whether the artwork requires custom framing or not, I always prioritize this part of the process. Not only does framing my artwork encourage me to actually hang it up, but it always feels more special once it’s hung in a frame that not only compliments the piece, but also my home.
If you’re now thinking, “Okay yes, I understand that framing my art would make a difference to my space, but I find this part overwhelming.” I’ve got you covered. In an effort to answer any questions you might have and help guide you towards finding a frame style or aesthetic that you’ll love living with for years to come, I created a FRAMING GUIDE focusing on Art Prints and Originals. This guide will help get your art out of storage and onto your walls in no time!
This gorgeous art print brings a sense of peace to this space, while suggesting a love for nature, sunsets and happy pastel palettes!
As always, thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoy your FREE GUIDE TO FRAMING as much as I loved creating it for you!
Be sure to follow along on Instagram @alexmooregibsonart and check out my Etsy shop for my full range of prints!!
xxx Alex
This original abstract painting adds to the eclectic, contemporary aesthetic in this bedroom. It suggests a love for abstract art and unique pieces!