Not everyone can afford, and nor would they wish, to have an original painting by Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali or Pablo Picasso. However, with a little guidance and creativity you can choose art that looks lovely and complements its surroundings. Selecting the right artwork can make a real difference to the look and feel of your home.

Know where and what to look for...

Knowing where to look can be one of the most overwhelming aspects, but it needn’t be. Of course, the internet is a quick starting point to gain information and access to retail outlets and even some artists themselves.  Often, artists are represented by art galleries and specialise their own areas of interest, expertise and skills.

Art Exhibitions, Art Fairs, Art Galleries and picture framing specialists are all obvious starting points. Art Schools are another source where you can be introduced to talented emerging young artists eager for a commission.

Artfinder is a relatively new and innovative method for finding art to cover wall space and it also supports and promotes artists all over the world.  

What to spend, have a budget in mind...

Unless you are super rich, ‘art’ is not considered to be a sound investment. However, original prints, hand painted or drawn by the artist can be affordable and will certainly hold their value versus a reproduction print. The size, intricacy, complexity and the time taken to create a painting or picture will often determine the price; as a general rule, the larger, the more expensive.

The innumerable styles of art will also determine the price including:-

• Traditional

• Contemporary

• Pop Art

• Abstract Expressionism

• Cubism

• Art Deco

• Art Nouveau

• Post-Impressionism

• Connectional Art

If the ‘artwork’ is already framed, this too can reflect on the price and there can be a saving if the art work is not framed allowing you to choose a more suitable frame that suits your budget.

Find the right reason to buy what you see...

You should buy what you enjoy and love looking at! It’s probably one of the most obvious factors when selecting and buying any form of artwork for your home. Whether the art gives you that feel good factor, it reminds you of an event, a special memory or a holiday, try and find the right reason, an emotional connection.

Most artwork will be dominant and often the focal point in any room. It’s probably one of the single most important purchases you’ll make for your interior.

Complement the surroundings...

Choose art containing colours that bring elements in a room together, complementing each other; either matching a piece of artwork to your existing colour scheme, or picking two or three dominant colours from the piece and adding accents from that around the room.

Create a theme and that will form an idea or scheme. Soft and subtle, loud, bold and adventurous colours can be stunning.  Ensure it is suitable and compliments the surroundings and the room.

Consider your space...

Take into account the room or area you’re buying for; think about the atmosphere you’d like to create there. Some artists or artwork have a noisy energy to their style and their work often fits well within busy environments such as kitchens and living areas; quieter pieces work better in rooms where you might want to create a calmer setting, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s also important to make sure you consider scale.

Consider where and how to hang...

All artwork (and for that matter mirrors) should be hung at eye level. It sounds obvious, but try not to hang paintings too high, even if you have high ceilings.

Picture lights can enhance your artwork as can recessed warm white down-lighters, especially if they’re directional, so you can angle them to fill the wall with light without shining directly on your piece.

For any information or help in finding or securing your home please contact us by email on enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk or telephone us on + 44 (0)1962 793100