Fall in love with your home

We’ve all been there. You’re getting on great, sparks are flying and everything seems to be going smoothly, but then suddenly, something feels a little off. When we move into a new place, we often have big dreams and grand designs. But, before we know it, prints are left unhung, walls are unpainted… you get the picture. In short, life gets in the way, and all of our bright ideas fall by the wayside.

But fear not! What better way to invigorate your space than by investing in some new affordable pieces of art! Whatever your budget, we have foolproof tips and interior ideas to enliven your space and help you to fall in love with your home again.

Declutter!

First things first: time for a spring clean! We’re big believers that artwork can help create a sense of order and organisation at home. Bringing a few carefully chosen additions into your space will not just invigorate it with minimal fuss, it may also help tackle other home improvements too. Investing in a key piece such as Gary Stranger’s enigmatic ‘Us’ screenprint, or Carla Freschi’s stunning, simplistic ‘Cosmos 36’, will give a sense of balance and order in no time through their monochrome hues.

Remember – a piece designed to help you chill and declutter does not necessarily have to be minimal or monochrome. As long as it brings you a sense of calm and restoration, you’re on the right track.

Mix and Match

Artworks don’t exist in a vacuum – they can work wonderfully with existing furnishings to really bring your home to life. For an instant update, match or contrast artwork with patterned wallpaper, embrace a new wall colour or let your artwork clash with your soft furnishings.

Nick Ervnick’s brilliant sculpture, for example, would look fantastic either against a darker wall or alongside monochrome furnishings. Or how about hanging a screenprint on a contrastingly bright red wall to really allow the bold hues to sing? A few clashing accessories would also bolster a print; a good reminder that sometimes, just investing in a few bright cushions or a bold throw can give a quick creative fix to your space.

Let art create atmosphere!

When moving into a new home, high creative hopes are often replaced by a need for instant efficiency and functionality. Of course, it’s important that your rooms serve a purpose; bedrooms need to be relaxed and ideally have minimal furniture and clutter, whilst kitchens and dining rooms are more social.

Despite this functionality, don’t forget that artworks can really help create and boost a particular vibe for each space, and have an amazing capacity to transform the feel of a room the moment they are hung. Something soulful and vivid such as ‘Sea Fan – Red on Shimmering pink’ by Jo de Pear would work beautifully in a chilled bedroom space, whilst a showstopper like Jana Schumacher’s ‘Doors of Perception’ instantly revs up a tired living space.

Try a new medium

Perhaps you have a penchant for painting, or are enchanted by etchings? We often play it safe with artworks in the home, choosing tried and tested mediums that we know we like. But stepping out of your comfort zone and being a little bolder with your medium choice can really help with an interior revamp.

For those willing to take the plunge, how about investing in lithography such – a trending medium that can elevate any print. Unique pieces such as Pierre Alechinsky’s ‘Ordre Disperséthis’ are a brilliant way to play around with textures and invigorate a living space without a full design overhaul – we love the idea of this piece against a warm, brightly painted wall, such as a yellows or oranges.

Experiment with colour theory

Things don’t always have to be intuitive, and sometimes thinking theoretically can help your interior thrive. For those looking to instill a certain vibe or feeling to a room, colour theory is a great way to do so.

There are all sorts of colours we could suggest here, but how about some good old romantic pink?

Typically associated with all things love and romance, pink is also renowned for being both soothing and invigorating, and is a colour which can inspire, excite and relax in equal measure. Mixed with cool greys, as we see with Anne Russinof’s mesmeric ‘Selfie’, the result is something instantly modern, contemporary and chic.

What’s more, pinks are on trend right now, with pastel pinks and purples typically paired together, like in Fei Alexeli’s effortlessly cool ‘Dream Palace’. Mimic the photography itself and surround with similar colours, or even folgiage, for the strongest effect.

Feel the love!

Finally, sometimes the only way to fall in love is embrace all things soppy and romantic. And your home is no exception. Whether it’s friendship, familial or romantic love, Mark Vessey’s aptly named artwork will make you melt a little, and fall back in love with your home.

I don’t know about you, but I suddenly feel motivated to freshen up my living room with a little arty-number! If you feel the same way, make sure to keep an eye out for a new artwork at your local Affordable Art Fair to help you fall in love with your home again.

Main image:Mark Vessey, ‘Love’, 2017, c-type photographic crystal print, Olivia Connelly Gallery