By: Divya PamnaniThere is no 'right art' for a home – it comes down to personal taste and what you love. And mostly, no one can tell you what art you like, although people can make suggestions. Art, akin to taste in music, is very instinctive. We are either drawn to certain kinds of art, or we are not. Most importantly, it should be art that you enjoy looking at daily.
Generally speaking, homes and spaces within a home have a narrative arc; common living rooms have a different vibe, aesthetic and narrative compared to bedrooms or TV rooms. For instance, the arc for a living room area would need to be a welcoming space that fosters a space for people to be at ease in conversation. A bedroom on the other hand is a space to find solace in at the end of the day, a calm personal space to retreat to. Given these thoughts, here are some things to consider while choosing art for your home.
Consider the color palette
Generally for me, colors are the first thing I think about when considering art for a space. As an artist myself, colors are very much linked to emotional states. So personally speaking, I’m very much drawn to a soothing color palette. In my own home, for example, my bedroom is whites and blues, and hence the art needs to complement these colors, given I do not want bold reds and jarring colors in my personal space. The living room in my home is warm and earthy, and hence the art works speak to this palette.
Consider the space
In considering the narrative arc for a space, the question to ask is what is the focal point of that room or space. In a living room, is it the space above the dining table? Or is it the space behind the sofa set? A room can have more than one area that draws your attention. Are you looking for a single point that will define the room, or some decor pieces to complement your overall color scheme? These are some questions to consider. Make sure all the room’s design elements have some breathing space to avoid becoming too cluttered.
Consider size options
Size has an important role to play in finding the right pieces: When it comes to buying for your home, measure the space that you want to fill, and keep in mind size options when considering the art. Sometimes it could be one piece that takes up the entire wall, sometimes if the wall is big enough, it could be two pieces side by side. And sometimes, it could be a wall to fill with many small paintings grouped together.
Consider variety
Choosing art is more than just filling up wall space. As we keep in mind narrative arc, color palette and size considerations, we must also realize that variety is nice to have while selecting art. By that I mean paintings, yes, but there are also sculptures, textiles, bronze works, and a whole host of Indian traditional art mediums to choose from, just to mention a few. Paintings will add a broader swath of color. Sculptures will add depth and dimension to the space, and textiles add texture and a mixture of visual elements. So in considering art, consider a few mediums that will enhance the narrative arc of the space and home overall.
Consider content
What does the art depict? Is it a pastoral landscape, is it abstract, is it figurative? Overall, the art needs to be in conversation with the other elements in the space. Does the abstract art work well for the living room area that perhaps has tropical imagery on the cushions of the living room sofa set? Depending on the narrative arc of the space, the color palette and other design and decor elements of the space, select art that will harmonize with the contents of the space.