ART COLLECTING

Anyone can become an art collector. Here are a few tips for installing artwork in your home to add meaning, depth, and beauty to your space.

Note: Some images are mock ups using manipulated interior photos from other sources. Sources are listed below.

Pair geometric artwork with natural textures. Create a warm, modern look with geometric artwork framed in white and natural elements like this cowhide rug.	Introduce a new color w/artwork. Lavender in the art creates a dynamic look. Artwork: Alternating Aubergine, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Email for purchasing information. Background image from Behance. Design (minus artwork) by Tamara Batsmanova.	Earth tones add warmth. Artwork: Amber Fire Seed, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Email for purchasing information. Background image / design by Ignant Design. Furniture from SOL Collection designed by Sarah Ellison.
Ultra Mod. The artwork mimics the shapes in the furniture for a perfect match. Artwork: Falling Up, 36 by 32 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available from Decorazon Gallery, 917/292-1227. Background image (minus art) from Alchemy Fine Home.	Black & White sophistication. A black and white color scheme creates an elegant look. Artwork: Sea Fan III, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic, colored pencil on black paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Background photo (minus art) by @Jack.Lovel. Crescent Pendant Light by Lee Broom. Design by Cera Stribley Architects.	Soothing gray. Use soft grays for a relaxing vibe. Artwork: Flight of Song, 48 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from The Visual Vamp.
Pair soft cool tones with gray / beige. The soft purple tones in this piece go well with gray. Artwork: Woodland Thicket, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art): Decor Demon.	Add drama with bold color. Artwork: Tiger King, 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. From HEADS series. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from Melanie Jade Design.	Make a great first impression. Hang a large painting in your entry way for impact. Artwork: Late Day North End, 36 by 48 inches, Acrylic on canvas. SOLD. Private collection. Background image (minus art) from Design within Reach.
Repeat shapes. The curves in this piece mimic the curves in the fireplace surround. Artwork: Track Shift, 36 by 24 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from Caprini & Pellerin Architects. Photo by @Cafeine.	Pair something playful with something formal. Artwork: Yellow Brick Parade, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N. Potomac, MD. Contact gallery for purchasing information, 310/947-7400. Background image (minus art) from Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Photo by Amy Vischio, Styling by Leslie Cohen.	Embrace the exotic. The fire and palm fruits around the border of this piece mimic the carving in the buffet for a perfect fit. Artwork: Cinnamon Ape Exile, 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / design (minus art) by Charmean Neithart.
Glam. For a formal look, pair metallic furnishings with artwork that has metallic tones. Artwork: Rebound, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / interior design by Megan Winters.	Lean. Instead of hanging, try propping a large artwork on a low shelf or bench. Artwork: Blue Seagrass, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from Apartment Therapy.	Southwest Style. Try pairing a striped wool blanket with warm toned southwestern style artwork. Artwork: War Bonnet Wolf (from HEADS series), 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / blanket from Garza Marfa.
Don't hang a pretty picture. Choose something meaningful and thought provoking for your home. Artwork: Oppenheimer, 48 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior (minus art) from Architectural Digest.	Use geometry. Geometric abstract art presents a striking modern look. Artwork: Pinstripe Cross, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / wallpaper from Juju Papers.	Dark colors add depth. Artwork: Tulip with Chalkhill Blue, 30 by 15 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Email for purchasing information. Background image / wallpaper from InnovationsUSA.com.
Repeat elements. Shapes in this abstract artwork mimic shapes in the furnishings. Interior design by Fairfax Dorn. Artwork by Lee Ufan.	Hang real art in the kid's room. Foster an appreciation for the arts in your children. Artwork: Toy Turtle, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Available. Email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by Ginny Chase. Image from Apartment Therapy.	Brighten things up with yellow. Yellow goes beautifully with gray or beige and livens things up with a cheerful burst. Artwork: Foggy Plaid, 30 by 15 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior design (minus art) by Massucco Warner.
Buy original work. Don't opt for something mass produced—choose an original. Pair a bold, colorful piece with an elegant antique for a superlative look. Interior design (minus art) by Collins Interiors. Artwork: Eternal Return, 48 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information, 901/488-8504.	Create a garden. Bring the outdoors in with botanical artwork paired with fern wallpaper and plants for a garden oasis. Artwork: Fig Leaf, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Design, photo (minus art) by Barrie Benson, Ngoc Minh Ngo respectively.	Pair contemporary with antique. Pair a contemporary piece with an antique for a sophisticated look. Artwork: Sun Up, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. SOLD. Image (without art) from Garden Home & Party.
Lead the eye with diagonals. The diagonal lines in the landscape pick up the diagonals in the pillows and lights, animating the space. Artwork: Overlook, 36 by 48 inches, Acrylic on canvas. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior design (minus art) by Blair Harris. Photo by Jessica Glynn.	Add pizzazz. The artwork and rug add pops of color, livening up a soft muted interior. Artwork: Falling Up, 36 by 32 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available for sale through Decorazon Gallery. Contact gallery for purchasing information, 917/292-1227. Image (minus artwork) from ItalianBark.com, by Nicole Franzen.	Hang a painting above the mantel. Don't put your TV in the focal point of the room. It creates a black hole. Choose something more engaging. Artwork: Blue Dog Tea Whistle. SOLD. Wallpaper from Juju Papers.
Beautify the end of a hallway. Place something special at the end of your hallway. Artwork: Cerulean Portal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N Potomac, MD. Design (minus art) by Patrick Ahearn, Architect.	Smaller work, larger mat. The large mat gives a small work space to breathe. Artwork: Road IX, 24 by 19 inches, Acrylic on paper. Currently ON HOLD. Image (minus art) from HonestlyWTF.com.	Create a theme. Phoenix (Acrylic on panel, 24 by 36 inches) is paired with a bird sculpture to create an ornithological theme. Design (without art) by Arent & Pyke. Photo (minus art) by Felix Forest.
Use metallics to add glamour. Dress things up with metallic furnishings and artwork. Artwork: Alternating Aubergine, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Manipulated photo from House Beautiful, 2LG Studio.	Navy blue classic. Navy, beige, and white invoke a classic elegance. Artwork: Midnight Ikat, 24 by 18 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Contact gallery for purchasing information, 917/292-1227. Design (minus art) by Sara Story.	Try dusty pink. Create a soft mood with dusty pink. Artwork: Desert Coral, 30 by 22 inches, Colored pencil on paper. Available—email for purchasing information.
Unify with color. Choose art that intrigues you, but also pay attention to color. The bronze & green in the artwork unifies the space. Artwork: Bronze Portal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N Potomac, MD. Photo (minus art) by Nicole Franzen.	Think big. Use oversized work for big impact. Shinola Hotel, Detroit. Interior design by Gachot Studios. Tondo artwork by Nick Cave. Photo by Nicole Franzen.	Be a maximalist. Stand out from the crowd with a bold piece that stops people in their tracks. Artwork: Apis, Isis, and the Underworld, 30 by 96 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Furniture by Kelly Wearstler.
Hide the TV. Here is a clever way to hide your TV with a hinged painting. Artwork by Stuart Coleman Budd. Design by Pursley Dixon Architects. Photo by Annie Schlechter.	Create space to relax. Find artwork that exudes calm to create a retreat within your home. Artwork: Tranquil Beach, 30 by 40 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Photo (minus artwork) from 1stDibs.com. Interior design (minus art) by Hive LA Home.	Hang artwork in pairs. Instead of one large work, hang a pair of works to fill a horizontal space. Interior design (minus art) by De Sousa Hughes. Artworks: View with Red Maple & Woodland Thicket, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information.
Streamline. For a tailored look, choose work with minimal color and fuss. Artwork: Fern with Teal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Framed. Available—email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by De Sousa Hughes.	Add beauty to your bathroom. Yes, you can hang art in your bathroom. Artwork: Sea Whip, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic, colored pencil on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by Elizabeth Lawson. Image from MarthaStewart.com. Wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler.	Tailor made. Create a masculine, tailored look with clean straight lines in artwork and furnishings. Artwork: Open Loop, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on black paper. Available. Email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by Shawn Henderson.
Stay neutral. For a minimal look, try black and white artwork and neutral furnishings. Artwork: Bear Market, 24 by 24 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by Sonya Cotter. Wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler.	Try layering art with wallpaper. Layers add depth to a room. Artwork: Sunlit Bay, Open Beach, 22 by 17 inches each, Acrylic on paper. Image (minus art) from Southshore Decorating Blog. Wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler.	Create a focal point. Draw the eye to a focal point with strategic placement. Artwork: Three More Tulips, 24 by 24 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior design by One Kings Lane.
Create drama. Hang an oversized work to create height to dramatic effect. Room styling (minus artwork) by Ingredients Ldn. Artwork: White Oak, 96 by 60 inches, on canvas. Available—email for purchasing information.	Go big and lean. Create height with tall, oversized artwork and lean it against wall instead of hanging. Image from DesiretoInspire.net. Design by John deBastiani Interiors.	Consider stripes. The stripes in the artwork pick up the beams and wide bands in the chairs. Artwork: Marigold Damask, 24 by 18 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available —email for purchasing information. Interior design (minus art) by Salt Design Co.
Choose the right room. Hang art with imagery appropriate for the room. Artwork: Can Opener, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Email for purchasing information. Image (minus art) from Dwell Magazine.	Try navy blue and yellow. Blue and yellow make a clean, crisp color scheme. Artwork: Demilune Blue, Grid Blue Citron, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through J Nunez Gallery, 973/232-6492. Interior design (minus art) by Marks and Franz.	Repeat motifs. Black and neutral stripes and circles in the throw pillows and furniture are repeated in the artwork. Artworks: Clover, Reversal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by the One Kings Lane designers.
Use symmetry. Flank artwork with a pair of lamps or candlesticks for a pleasing sense of symmetry. Interior design (minus artwork) by One Kings Lane designers. Artwork: Bull Market. Available—email for purchasing information.	Dress things up. Add gold elements to dress up your space. Artwork: Istanbul Merge, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. In studio—email for purchasing information. Photo (minus art) by Victoria Pearson.	Pay attention to color. The calla lilies match the orange & green tones in this artwork, creating a warm inviting spot by the fire. Artwork: Autumn River, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Email for purchasing information. Image (minus art) from 1stDibs.com. Interior design (minus art) by Lisa Tharp Design, Boston, MA.
Add whimsy. Choose a whimsical piece to add charm to your space. Artwork: Manatee, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel, SOLD. Photo by K Blythe.	Be daring. Artwork: Tiger King, 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image, wallpaper from Kelly Wearstler.	Add power with red. Don't be afraid to use red to grab attention. Artwork: Black Rhino Bullet, 36 by 36 inches. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image and wallpaper from InnovationsUSA.com.
Stack smaller work. Prints by Nancy Noreth. Image from Juniper Print Shop.	Go gray. Use soft grays in artwork and furnishings for a serene look. Interior design (minus artwork) by Montse Garriga. Artwork: View with Red Maple, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information.	Layer. Add depth by layering artwork and accessories. Interior design by Thomas O'Brien.
Create a gallery wall. This gallery wall above the sofa adds depth and layers of interest to the room. Interior design by Rita Konig Studio.	Hang art in your stairwell. Add interest to your stairwell with some art that is best viewed up close—something subtle and detailed. Artwork: Tower, 30 by 22 inches, Etching. Email for information about my etchings. Interior design (minus art) by Gachot Studios.	Go minimal. Use only black & white in your furnishings and artwork for a sophisticated, minimal look. Photo (without artwork) by Nicole Franzen. Artwork: Negative Carp, 22 by 30 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Email for purchasing information.
Add sculptural elements. Layer by hanging sculptural artwork with other textured decorative elements. Image from PUFIK Homes.	Go natural. The artwork picks up natural tones of wood and leather in the room. Artwork: Amber Fire Seed, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available through J Nunez Gallery, 973/232-6492. Interior design (minus artwork) by the designers at One Kings Lane.	Frame it. If art is too small for the wall, frame it by painting a section of contrasting color larger than the work. Artwork: Wine and Chocolate. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior design (minus art) by Tempo da Delicadeza.
Make a grid. Graphic works in the same size look great hung in a grid to fill the wall. Image from Southern Living Magazine.	Don't forget about lighting. Light your artwork! Flank with sconces as shown or use a picture light. Wireless picture lights are available on Amazon. Artwork: Kalahari Sun, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N Potomac, MD, 310/947-7400. Photo with console table: Brabbu Design Forces.

ART COLLECTING

Pair geometric artwork with natural textures.

Create a warm, modern look with geometric artwork framed in white and natural elements like this cowhide rug.

Introduce a new color w/artwork.

Lavender in the art creates a dynamic look. Artwork: Alternating Aubergine, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Email for purchasing information. Background image from Behance. Design (minus artwork) by Tamara Batsmanova.

Earth tones add warmth.

Artwork: Amber Fire Seed, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Email for purchasing information. Background image / design by Ignant Design. Furniture from SOL Collection designed by Sarah Ellison.

Ultra Mod.

The artwork mimics the shapes in the furniture for a perfect match. Artwork: Falling Up, 36 by 32 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available from Decorazon Gallery, 917/292-1227. Background image (minus art) from Alchemy Fine Home.

Black & White sophistication.

A black and white color scheme creates an elegant look. Artwork: Sea Fan III, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic, colored pencil on black paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Background photo (minus art) by @Jack.Lovel. Crescent Pendant Light by Lee Broom. Design by Cera Stribley Architects.

Soothing gray.

Use soft grays for a relaxing vibe. Artwork: Flight of Song, 48 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from The Visual Vamp.

Pair soft cool tones with gray / beige.

The soft purple tones in this piece go well with gray. Artwork: Woodland Thicket, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art): Decor Demon.

Add drama with bold color.

Artwork: Tiger King, 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. From HEADS series. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from Melanie Jade Design.

Make a great first impression.

Hang a large painting in your entry way for impact. Artwork: Late Day North End, 36 by 48 inches, Acrylic on canvas. SOLD. Private collection. Background image (minus art) from Design within Reach.

Repeat shapes.

The curves in this piece mimic the curves in the fireplace surround. Artwork: Track Shift, 36 by 24 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from Caprini & Pellerin Architects. Photo by @Cafeine.

Pair something playful with something formal.

Artwork: Yellow Brick Parade, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N. Potomac, MD. Contact gallery for purchasing information, 310/947-7400. Background image (minus art) from Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Photo by Amy Vischio, Styling by Leslie Cohen.

Embrace the exotic.

The fire and palm fruits around the border of this piece mimic the carving in the buffet for a perfect fit. Artwork: Cinnamon Ape Exile, 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / design (minus art) by Charmean Neithart.

Glam.

For a formal look, pair metallic furnishings with artwork that has metallic tones. Artwork: Rebound, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / interior design by Megan Winters.

Lean.

Instead of hanging, try propping a large artwork on a low shelf or bench. Artwork: Blue Seagrass, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image (minus art) from Apartment Therapy.

Southwest Style.

Try pairing a striped wool blanket with warm toned southwestern style artwork. Artwork: War Bonnet Wolf (from HEADS series), 36 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / blanket from Garza Marfa.

Don't hang a pretty picture.

Choose something meaningful and thought provoking for your home. Artwork: Oppenheimer, 48 by 36 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior (minus art) from Architectural Digest.

Use geometry.

Geometric abstract art presents a striking modern look. Artwork: Pinstripe Cross, 40 by 30 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Background image / wallpaper from Juju Papers.

Dark colors add depth.

Artwork: Tulip with Chalkhill Blue, 30 by 15 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Email for purchasing information. Background image / wallpaper from InnovationsUSA.com.

Repeat elements.

Shapes in this abstract artwork mimic shapes in the furnishings. Interior design by Fairfax Dorn. Artwork by Lee Ufan.

Hang real art in the kid's room.

Foster an appreciation for the arts in your children. Artwork: Toy Turtle, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available. Available. Email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by Ginny Chase. Image from Apartment Therapy.

Brighten things up with yellow.

Yellow goes beautifully with gray or beige and livens things up with a cheerful burst. Artwork: Foggy Plaid, 30 by 15 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior design (minus art) by Massucco Warner.

Buy original work.

Create a garden.

Bring the outdoors in with botanical artwork paired with fern wallpaper and plants for a garden oasis. Artwork: Fig Leaf, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Design, photo (minus art) by Barrie Benson, Ngoc Minh Ngo respectively.

Pair contemporary with antique.

Pair a contemporary piece with an antique for a sophisticated look. Artwork: Sun Up, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. SOLD. Image (without art) from Garden Home & Party.

Lead the eye with diagonals.

The diagonal lines in the landscape pick up the diagonals in the pillows and lights, animating the space. Artwork: Overlook, 36 by 48 inches, Acrylic on canvas. Available—email for purchasing information. Interior design (minus art) by Blair Harris. Photo by Jessica Glynn.

Add pizzazz.

The artwork and rug add pops of color, livening up a soft muted interior. Artwork: Falling Up, 36 by 32 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available for sale through Decorazon Gallery. Contact gallery for purchasing information, 917/292-1227. Image (minus artwork) from ItalianBark.com, by Nicole Franzen.

Hang a painting above the mantel.

Don't put your TV in the focal point of the room. It creates a black hole. Choose something more engaging. Artwork: Blue Dog Tea Whistle. SOLD. Wallpaper from Juju Papers.

Beautify the end of a hallway.

Place something special at the end of your hallway. Artwork: Cerulean Portal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N Potomac, MD. Design (minus art) by Patrick Ahearn, Architect.

Smaller work, larger mat.

The large mat gives a small work space to breathe. Artwork: Road IX, 24 by 19 inches, Acrylic on paper. Currently ON HOLD. Image (minus art) from HonestlyWTF.com.

Create a theme.

Phoenix (Acrylic on panel, 24 by 36 inches) is paired with a bird sculpture to create an ornithological theme. Design (without art) by Arent & Pyke. Photo (minus art) by Felix Forest.

Use metallics to add glamour.

Dress things up with metallic furnishings and artwork. Artwork: Alternating Aubergine, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information. Manipulated photo from House Beautiful, 2LG Studio.

Navy blue classic.

Navy, beige, and white invoke a classic elegance. Artwork: Midnight Ikat, 24 by 18 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Contact gallery for purchasing information, 917/292-1227. Design (minus art) by Sara Story.

Try dusty pink.

Create a soft mood with dusty pink. Artwork: Desert Coral, 30 by 22 inches, Colored pencil on paper. Available—email for purchasing information.

Unify with color.

Choose art that intrigues you, but also pay attention to color. The bronze & green in the artwork unifies the space. Artwork: Bronze Portal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available through Artists Circle Fine Art, N Potomac, MD. Photo (minus art) by Nicole Franzen.

Think big.

Use oversized work for big impact. Shinola Hotel, Detroit. Interior design by Gachot Studios. Tondo artwork by Nick Cave. Photo by Nicole Franzen.

Be a maximalist.

Stand out from the crowd with a bold piece that stops people in their tracks. Artwork: Apis, Isis, and the Underworld, 30 by 96 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Furniture by Kelly Wearstler.

Hide the TV.

Here is a clever way to hide your TV with a hinged painting. Artwork by Stuart Coleman Budd. Design by Pursley Dixon Architects. Photo by Annie Schlechter.

Create space to relax.

Find artwork that exudes calm to create a retreat within your home. Artwork: Tranquil Beach, 30 by 40 inches, Acrylic on panel. Available—email for purchasing information. Photo (minus artwork) from 1stDibs.com. Interior design (minus art) by Hive LA Home.

Hang artwork in pairs.

Instead of one large work, hang a pair of works to fill a horizontal space. Interior design (minus art) by De Sousa Hughes. Artworks: View with Red Maple & Woodland Thicket, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Available—email for purchasing information.

Streamline.

For a tailored look, choose work with minimal color and fuss. Artwork: Fern with Teal, 30 by 22 inches, Acrylic on paper. Framed. Available—email for purchasing information. Design (minus art) by De Sousa Hughes.