| How do you choose art for your home? There | | | | you'll also be able to narrow down where you'll be |
| are four factors that will affect how you go | | | | looking - from high-end galleries to print |
| about choosing art and paintings to decorate your | | | | warehouses. |
| home. They are price, style, your house, and the | | | | Second is style. You don't have to decide right |
| artist. Some choose art for the beauty of the | | | | away, but it can often help if you know whether |
| piece itself, while others look for treasures that | | | | or not you're looking for a traditional landscape or |
| will blend in well with their decor. Neither is wrong | | | | a minimalist abstract. Are you the sort of person |
| or right, but it's important to ascertain the kind of | | | | that likes realistic portraits, or do you go for big, |
| art buyer you are before choosing art for your | | | | blotchy expressions of color? Think about your |
| home. | | | | personal preferences and style before you wind |
| Style leads to the third factor, your home. For | | | | up with a sketch of a horse when you really |
| some, how art 'matches' means little, but for | | | | wanted a Pollock-esque oil. |
| others, art is an accent and a part of the home. | | | | Finally, the artist. Whether you're buying a print |
| If your walls are covered in Victorian, floral | | | | reproduction or an original, take some time to |
| wallpaper, perhaps that abstract might not look | | | | read the artist's statement and learn about the |
| right. There's nothing wrong with purchasing a | | | | piece. You'll be surprised by how much this simple, |
| piece for color or style alone, just make sure that | | | | yet fundamental background information into the |
| you like it too. | | | | work can influence your decision. Not only will you |
| First, price. Set a price level for yourself. Some will | | | | better understand the art you've chosen for your |
| argue that such stringent values shouldn't be put | | | | home, but you'll have a story to tell as well. |
| on art, but reality begs to differ. For less | | | | Above all else, make sure you like it and that you |
| expensive options, try purchasing a print or | | | | truly enjoy looking at it. Pick pieces that you want |
| reproduction, rather than an original or buying | | | | to stare at. It may take a lifetime to find them, |
| pieces from young, new artists. By setting a price | | | | but it's worth it. |
| limit for yourself before you begin your search, | | | | |