The ultimate guide to integrating abstract art into your home décor
Abstract art represents a modern trend and a timeless way to express creativity and transform your living, retail or commercial space. Its unique ability to evoke emotions and, at the same time, enhance aesthetics makes it a fantastic choice for anyone who wishes to bring some colours into their space.
So, whether you’re a seasoned art collector or a newcomer to the world of abstract art (or my world), picking and integrating these pieces into your home decor can be just what you are looking for.
In this detailed guide, I’ll delve into selecting, positioning, and showcasing your abstract art to enhance your space, all while steering clear of typical blunders that could diminish its effect.
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Understanding abstract art: a canvas of creativity
What is abstract art?
Abstract art goes beyond traditional representations by focusing on colours, shapes, and forms to express emotions and ideas. It’s more fluid than conventional fine art. It doesn’t aim to show and represent real life or reality but offers a somewhat subjective experience that can be interpreted differently, allowing viewers to see anything in the art and provoke thoughts and emotions.
It’s incredibly liberating. Integrating abstract art paintings into interior designs is also simpler because their colours and shapes can blend seamlessly into the environment. Colourful, fluid impressionist and expressionist abstract art paintings are widely used in hospitals, hotels, spas, restaurants, law offices, and psychological and therapy practices to create a calming, serene, or energising atmosphere for visitors and clients.
Abstract art initially emerged in the early 20th century, a period of great artistic experimentation. But let’s be honest, all periods had many artistic experimentations. Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich wanted to break free of the limitations of the conventional artistic approach and expectations and looked for new possibilities for artistic expression.
To summarise quickly what abstract art is really; abstract art uses various styles and techniques, from geometric abstraction to fluid, organic forms.
Why embrace abstract art in your home?
You’re reading this article, so I know you’re interested in abstract art, which is unsurprising as it’s highly versatile and well-blending with various décor styles. You can place abstract pieces into contemporary, minimalist, or eclectic spaces, and it will feel perfect.
Its emotional richness can stimulate a broad spectrum of feelings, some unexpectedly, from tranquil serenity to encouraging excitement and profound inspiration. Especially if there are meanings behind the art.
Hint, hint: you can find nearly always intended meanings and representations in abstract paintings. And, of course, these one-of-a-kind or mass-produced but thought-provoking pieces can start discussions, making them perfect enhancements for social spaces.
How to start exploring abstract art
Art is deeply personal, and there are many avenues through which you can explore and appreciate its beauty. Here are the three most often-used paths.
Visiting art galleries: witnessing diverse styles and techniques in person can be a powerful way to connect with the art that speaks to you.
Online platforms: delve into the expansive realm of abstract art through online platforms such as Artsy, Saatchi Art, and Instagram. OR simply search on Google for abstract art and check out the websites that come up. This way, you can directly land on the artist’s website instead of the vast platforms and find real treasures. These platforms offer a wealth of abstract art collections, allowing you to discover artists and styles that resonate with you.
Reading and research: enrich your understanding of abstract art by delving into books and articles that offer valuable insights into the movement, artists, and techniques. By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of abstract art. Many Cafes that work with artists or are in an artsy district will have magazines and catalogues, and you can browse them while sipping your iced latte or chai tea.
Common misconception: abstract art is meaningless
Abstract art is often misunderstood as needing more substance and meaning. However, each piece is infused with the artist’s intention or emotion. By delving into the artist’s background and understanding the context, one can truly enhance one’s appreciation of abstract art.
For example, behind my fine art, abstract paintings are designed to bring abundance, serenity, and positivity into your space, helping you create a captivating sanctuary that embodies your essence.
My art explores the invisible threads that connect us to the natural world, each other, and the myriad forms of life we share this planet with. Through abstract expressionism, I’m to capture the essence of these connections, using vibrant colours, intricate textures, and bold forms to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Each piece I create reflects my commitment to nature conservation, social justice, and animal rights. By utilising eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, I strive to ensure that my art speaks about environmental and social issues and embodies the change I wish to see. My work is an invitation to look deeper, question, and act.
There are many meanings behind abstract art, and no one can dismiss it as lacking substance or meaning.
Choosing the perfect abstract art for your home or commercial space
Align art with your personal style
When purchasing abstract art for your home, you should consider how it reflects your style and fits into your living space’s overall design. Here are some steps to ensure that your artwork integrates seamlessly:
1. Evaluate your space: consider your current decor, including the colour scheme, furniture, and room layout. Identify areas where artwork could enhance or contrast these elements.
2. Choose complementary colours: abstract art encompasses many colours. If your room features a neutral colour palette, pick a piece with vibrant, bold colours to introduce a striking focal point. You can see a few abstract paintings from that category here. But in case your room already boasts a variety of colours, you can opt for artwork with more subdued tones to maintain a sense of harmony and avoid the feeling of chaos.
One of the easiest ways to see if the abstract art’s colours will complement the room is to consider the existing colours. Select one or two of those colours and find a painting that incorporates those colours or shares very similar tones or shades. This approach will help ensure the artwork integrates seamlessly with the room’s overall aesthetic.
Tip: create a mood board
Most people are visual and like to ‘see things’ in the space. Try to assemble a collection of images featuring abstract art that resonates with you, whether the colours, the shapes or the emotions they represent and then put together a mood board. Doing so can assist you in envisioning how various art pieces will complement and enhance your space.
You can create multiple mood boards, like interior designers do, with a selection of furniture, texture and art pieces (and everything else) to curate your perfect space.
You can do this, for example, on Pinterest, Canva or with paper cutouts. Print off the piece you’ve found online and stick it to your board.
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Consider art size and scale
When you decide which abstract painting is the best, you need to think through the relationship between the size of the selected artwork, your wall space, and the furniture in the room. Because you want to make sure the piece doesn’t overwhelm and overpower the room, is too busy, or is barely adequate due to its small or large size.
For large walls, consider large or oversized pieces or a series of smaller works arranged in a gallery style to fill a bigger wall space. Large art pieces can create a gorgeous focal point and make a bold statement in the room or just simply direct the eyes away from something.
For example, an excellent way to do this is to select multiple pieces from the same collection (or a matching one) and arrange them on the wall next to each other. Like in the picture (blue) below – the pieces are from my Slate Sunset Collection. You can pick art pieces in different or matching sizes and play with them, mixing and matching to create the best variation.
You can choose multi-canvas installations, creating a cohesive visual experience in which each canvas complements and extends into the next. This usually happens by commissioning large art pieces.
In smaller spaces, choosing artwork that fits comfortably within the area is best. A single, carefully chosen piece can be more impactful than a larger, overwhelming one, effectively complementing the space.
A helpful tip is to use painter’s tape to outline the size and placement of your art on the wall. This will help you visualise how the piece will fit in the space before making a final decision.
Choose art that sets the mood
When selecting abstract art for your living spaces or office or commercial spaces, it’s essential to consider the desired ambience for each room/space:
If you’re looking for abstract pieces for bedrooms, spas, or relaxation areas, go for artwork with soothing, abstract designs characterised by gentle, flowing shapes and calming colour palettes for serene spaces. The delicate, wiggly lines and subtle, muted or natural shades establish a tranquil and peaceful ambience, helping you relax after a long day and offer some sense of calm.
Vibrant and dynamic abstract art can inject energy and excitement into social areas like living rooms and restaurants. Look for artwork with bold patterns, vivid colours, and dynamic compositions to enliven the room and create a lively atmosphere for social gatherings and activities.
It’s also essential to align the artwork with the room’s function. For instance, consider selecting vibrant and lively art for a home office to boost productivity while choosing calming art for a meditation space to enhance relaxation.
Consider the room’s purpose when choosing art. Avoid selecting highly stimulating artwork for spaces meant for rest and relaxation to ensure that the art complements the room’s intended function.
Placement tips for maximum impact
Strategic placement enhances visual appeal
If you’re still reading this, this is common sense: place your abstract art strategically to maximise its visual impact and enhance its connection with your interior design.
Consider hanging large pieces above key furniture, such as sofas or fireplaces, for the living room. Ensure the artwork is centred and positioned at eye level for optimal viewing. Large pieces can anchor, creating a focal point in the room.
In the bedroom, position calming artwork above the bed or on a feature wall to cultivate a soothing and restful ambience that promotes relaxation and sleep.
Art can double as a conversation starter in the dining area. Place pieces where they are visible and can be appreciated during meals, adding depth and interest to the space.
Remember to create a balanced layout. Aim for symmetry and balance that complement the room’s proportions when arranging multiple pieces. Use a mix of horizontal and vertical placements to achieve harmony.
Use the right height and spacing
Achieving the ideal height and spacing is essential for showcasing art captivatingly. Consider these things when hanging your artwork on the wall, and let me echo again: use painter’s tape).
Eye level: it’s recommended to hang art at eye level, typically around 150-160 cm from the floor. This placement ensures the artwork is easily noticeable and creates a powerful visual impact. It might be different if it’s a large artwork, but generally speaking, this is what you should aim for.
Spacing: when presenting multiple artworks, ensure they are evenly spaced to avoid a cluttered appearance. Aligning the centre of each piece will result in a unified and harmonious display. There are tons of examples of gallery walls on Pinterest.
Tip: use a template
Mock-up: consider using a paper template or digital tool to plan the art arrangement before hanging the pieces. Once you pick the layout, use painter’s tape to mark the placement of the art. This technique can create a unique visualisation of the final layout and allow for any necessary adjustments.
Complement with lighting
Adequate lighting is important for exhibiting your abstract art and its unique characteristics. When illuminating artwork, it’s crucial to use spotlights or track lighting to adjust and highlight the piece while ensuring no glares or shadows.
You should avoid direct sunlight to protect your artwork from potential damage. If the art is displayed in a sunny area, consider using UV-protective glass to prevent fading, even though most original paintings have a protecting varnish coating. But you must remember that any print in direct sunlight will likely fade over time.
It’s also advisable to install dimmable lights, which adjust the lighting intensity based on the time of day or to create different moods and atmospheres. This allows you to effectively highlight different aspects of the art at different times.
One common mistake to avoid is overlooking the importance of proper lighting. If a bright and vivid piece is put into a dark or heavily shaded corner, you’ll lose sight of its brightness as it’ll look much darker and less lively. Poor lighting can significantly lessen your artwork’s impact, so don’t ignore using lighting to enhance the visual appeal and protect the art from any potential damage – it’s much better than using natural sunlight.
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Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Overcrowding the space
Filling every wall with art can create a chaotic and cluttered appearance. Let some walls breathe, and give each piece a chance to shine. By alternating between art and space, you can create a balanced and serene atmosphere where artwork can be truly appreciated.
Choosing art that doesn't fit the room's purpose
The art can disrupt the intended ambience if the art does not align with the room’s function. Match the artwork’s tone and energy with the room’s purpose to avoid this. For example, choose calming pieces for bedrooms and lively works for social areas. This ensures that the art enhances rather than detracts from the room’s atmosphere.
Misjudging proportions
Remember that art should complement the space it occupies to maintain visual harmony. Measure the wall space and consider furniture size before selecting art. And here it comes again: utilise painter’s tape or digital tools to envision the artwork’s scale and placement.
Neglecting lighting
If you use insufficient or improperly placed lights, they can easily diminish the power of the artwork. To prevent this, you should use adjustable lighting to showcase the art, eliminate glare or shadows, and bring out the true colours of the piece. If needed, consider installing UV-protective glass to safeguard against fading. The latter is always a good idea, just in case.
Failing to maintain art
Remember to care for your art to maintain its beauty and ensure it lasts. To prevent harm, keep the frames dust-free and display the artwork in the right conditions. Avoid exposing your art to excessive humidity or direct sunlight – it will fade, even if there’s a protective layer on it, and the humidity can hurt the integrity of the materials.
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Conclusion
Buying and weaving abstract art into your home decor can hugely change the atmosphere and character of your living, retail or commercial space. Understanding the essence of abstract art, selecting pieces that resonate with your personal preferences and values, and strategically placing them can contribute to an aesthetically pleasing and cohesive environment.
By being mindful of the ‘oh too common’ pitfalls like cluttered arrangements and inappropriate lighting, you can ensure that your chosen beautiful abstract piece complements your space and brings you a smile every time you look at it.
And now, come on, unleash your creative spirit and embrace the emotive power of abstract art as you curate your home decor. Armed with these valuable tips and perspectives, you can make well-informed choices and craft a living space that authentically mirrors your unique identity and taste. Immerse yourself in the journey of metamorphosing your living space.
If you want to own abstract pieces representing you, you can commission them here.
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Behind the art
About the artist
I’m Viki, an artist dedicated to advocating for animal rights, nature conservation, and social justice through my art. These beliefs are the driving force behind all my creations. My fine art abstract paintings are designed to bring abundance, serenity, and positivity into your space, helping you create a captivating sanctuary that embodies your essence.
I invite you to join me on this exhilarating journey, and I hope my art brings as much joy to your life as it does to mine.
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