idg’s top six tips for selecting the perfect artwork for your new home

Art by Joelle Somero Art & Interiors.

Choosing the right art can give your home a refined, personalized touch that sets it apart. Art has the incredible power to transform a room from simply functional to an inspiring space that conveys a narrative. With the myriad of options in the market, selecting art for the home that aligns with your aesthetic and the overall design of your space can feel overwhelming. Today, IDG walks you through six tips for choosing the perfect art for your new home.

Nature sea fan by Natural Curiosities in IDG garage renovation project.

1. INTERIOR STYLE

When choosing art for your room, ensuring that it complements the space's overall style is essential. Whether your decor leans towards minimalism, maximalism, bohemian flair, or industrial chic, opt for pieces that enhance and resonate with the existing aesthetic. For a minimalist setting, go for artwork with clean lines and soft colors. In an industrial-themed interior, consider artworks showcasing raw materials and urban-inspired palettes. However, feel free to explore and mix different art genres and styles - a Pop Art painting can come to life in a traditional setting as long as it harmonizes with the overall design scheme.

Art Mallorca by Casa Sol.

2. PLACEMENT AND SCALE

When considering art placement, wall space and furniture layout are key factors to consider. In spacious rooms with high ceilings, sizable artworks can serve as a striking centerpiece, drawing attention upward and highlighting the vertical dimension of the space. Conversely, smaller areas may benefit from more intimate pieces contributing to a sense of coziness. As a helpful tip for achieving the proper scaling, choose artwork that takes up around two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space. For optimal placement, hang art at eye level, typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor or 3 to 5 inches above a sofa or a bed, ensuring a harmonious connection between the art and the viewer.

Sea mist by Natural Curiosities in the IDG showroom.

3. COLOR AND MOOD

Being mindful of your artwork's color is crucial as it greatly influences a room's ambiance. Opt for calming hues like soft blues and restful greens to foster tranquility. Conversely, vibrant primary colors can infuse energy into a space. Harmonize the art with your interior palette and avoid clashes by selecting complementary tones. Let two or three accents from your decor lead your color selection process when choosing artwork.

Kitchen by Lisa Staton Interior Design and bathroom by M + M Interior Design..

4. WHICH ROOM IS THE ART FOR

Maintaining a cohesive style is vital when decorating your home. Yet art has the power to elevate the individuality and atmosphere of each space. When shopping for art, it's essential to consider the room you are buying it for.

4.1 Bedroom
Bedrooms are the most intimate part of our home and serve as a sanctuary, unlike any other space. Many individuals share a deep emotional bond with their bedroom; therefore, selecting wall art that resonates with your heart is ideal.

4.2 Bathroom
In your bathroom, you can choose wall art that is too small or too quirky for the rest of the house; this is also where you can experiment with different designs and layouts.

4.3 Kitchen
Choose artwork that complements your style of cooking. If you are a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, then the art of olives and lemons will set the tone. Avoid big glass mirrors, paintings, and frames with intricate carvings that will grease up in a few days.

4.4 Shared Spaces
The shared areas within your house are the most prominent—they reflect your creativity, aesthetics, beliefs, and personal style to visitors. This is where you tend to invest significantly by purchasing items like intricate 3D wall sculptures, large paintings from art shows, or meaningful artworks created by local artists.

Dessau picture light and Stagger wall scone by Visual Comfort.

5. LIGHTING

When selecting artwork, start by identifying its medium: painting, photograph, sculpture, or multi-media installation. To preserve the quality of paintings and photographs in particular, it is advisable to use UV-protective and antireflective glass or perspex for glazing. Avoid exposing art to natural light, leading to color fading over time. In well-lit spaces, opt for prints that are more affordable and less prone to fading. When displaying sculptures, enhance their visual appeal by placing lights strategically around them so that shapes and details can be admired from various perspectives with varying light sources.

Theconstruction Exhibition by Paul Bik. Photo by Tomorrow Yarmush.

6. ACQUIRING A ‘ONE-OFF’ PIECE THAT YOU LOVE

Once you've determined the style of your home and sorted out the sizing, the final touch is finding a piece that resonates with you. A 'one-off' piece, unique and not mass-produced, adds a distinct charm to your home that captures your heart. You can discover such one-of-a-kind pieces at art auctions, galleries, or during your travels. However, it's also crucial not to fixate solely on love at first sight. Consider how each piece contributes to the overall look and feel of the room as part of a cohesive design. 

When selecting art for your interiors, the significance of artwork is often underestimated or overanalyzed. While you may desire a personal connection with your art pieces, picking out artwork should be as deliberate as choosing the perfect designer dining table. What truly matters is how each element harmonizes seamlessly to create a cohesive whole.

If you need help finding artwork that flawlessly complements your interior design, contact the expert team at IDG. We specialize in making this process effortless and enjoyable for you!