Accessorizing Your Home With Art
by Nikki Willhite - willhite@aol.com
Description: Ideas for accessorizing your home with art.
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I have to admit that I love art. I walk by pictures and always
have the desire to buy them. I would be happy to fill my walls
from ceiling to floor with framed pictures (which I've actually
seen done in some homes)!
I also know, however, that I cannot afford it. I am very limited
in the amount of art I can display. I know from experience that
in time I WILL TIRE of some of the pictures that I look at all
the time. Also, in my price range the artwork that I buy may
become dated, either because of the colors or the frame.
So, how do we buy artwork for our homes? How do we know what we
will be able to enjoy looking at for a long time? How do we make
sure that we make the most of our money?
If our taste is developed, it will be a lot easier. Sometimes
people start out thinking they love the modern style, and then
take a serious disliking to it. They start buying traditional
furniture and accessories, and begin disposing of the modern
pieces at a financial loss. Or it may be the other way around.
Thankfully, we can now blend styles in our homes, so we have more
options. One of the safest ways to accessorize our homes is to
stick to the middle of the road. Buy items that blend with all
furniture styles. In other words, don't limit yourself to exotic
or ethnic looking pieces--such as Oriental and African designs
(unless that is what you really like).
When I was first married, I had to deal with a bunch of Mexican
accessories my husband had brought home from the 2 years he lived
there. I was forced to put serapes and BIG hats all over our
apartment. Thankfully these items slowly disappeared :-)
Another rule to good accessorizing is to buy things that have
meaning to you. If you have a favorite artist, buy their prints
and frame them. The classical works of art will always be in
fashion.
If you take a vacation, bring accessories home that will remind
you of the good time that you had (hopefully), and will have
meaning to you.
Cherish any pieces of art that you inherit from family. They
will grow more meaningful to you as time goes by. These will not
be items that you dispose of. My mother was an artist, and very
creative in all areas. As money allows, I display her art and
handicraft. She died several years ago, and I was given many
items that I am still slowly preparing for display.
Just recently I was able to get a few doilies framed. Some
people might have discarded them. Doilies are old-fashioned, and
you wouldn't think they would be much of a decorative asset.
However, as I've said in the past, anything looks good in a mat
and frame.
I purchased the frames from Walmart, lined the insides with some
satin lining I had in my fabric collection, which matched my
decor, and then placed the doilies in the frames. I ended up
with two wonderful pieces of art with great sentimental value to
me. I put up a picture up on the Internet of one of them so you
could see how easy it is to take the simplest of items and make
them art for your walls. Here is the link:
http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/doily.htm.
Don't overlook your children's artwork! I'm not just talking
about putting it on the refrigerator. Many things they do can be
framed and put in their rooms.
When they get older they will start making all kinds of
interesting items. Some will last, some won't, but display them
as long as possible. My son was gifted in pottery, and I have
his work in my living room. I also have a beautiful watercolor
he did of Mt. Rainier. You can bet I'll never tire of these
items..
Group your collections on your wall. Let your home reflect your
personality. Some people like to display pictures of their
ancestors. Spend your money on things that will last. Remember,
when you put up wallpaper, you will probably have to leave it
someday. However, your pictures and collectibles will go with
you wherever you go.
Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded
The Conservative Homemaker & Home of The Pennypincher
E-zine
http://www.AllThingsFrugal.com
Related articles:
How to Change a Room's Dimension using Wall Pictures
Re-Using Old Picture Frames
Poster, Print or Painting -- Where are you going to put it?
