How to Choose Original Artwork for Your Home
Bringing original artwork into your home is one of the most personal and rewarding choices you can make for your space. It can change the mood of a room, express your story, and add a layer of beauty that no piece of mass-produced decor ever could. But knowing how to choose the right piece can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to start building a meaningful art collection. You just need to slow down, notice what moves you, and let yourself be curious. Whether you're looking for one special painting or thinking about adding to your collection over time, here are some simple, thoughtful ways to approach the process.
Start With How You Want the Space to Feel
Before thinking about colors or sizes, take a moment to think about the atmosphere you want to create. What kind of feeling do you want in the space? Should it feel calm and quiet, like a retreat? Or would you rather bring in warmth, energy, or a sense of movement?
Art has a powerful way of shaping a room’s energy. A soft, abstract landscape can bring a sense of peace to a bedroom, while a more textured or expressive piece might add vibrancy to a hallway, kitchen, or workspace. Let the feeling guide you, and you’ll already be heading in the right direction.
Look for a Genuine Connection
You don’t need to analyze every painting or know exactly what it means. The most important thing is that you feel something. Maybe the colors remind you of a place you love, or maybe the brushstrokes feel familiar in a way you can’t explain. That’s enough.
If a painting makes you pause, if you find yourself coming back to look at it again and again, trust that instinct. Original artwork is personal. It doesn’t need to match anything or follow a trend. What matters most is that it speaks to you, in your own quiet way.
Think About Scale and Placement
Once you’ve found something that resonates with you, think about where it might live. Is there a blank wall waiting for something bold? Or a small corner that could use a gentle presence?
Larger pieces can create a strong focal point, anchoring a space with a single visual voice. Smaller works can be just as powerful, especially when placed where they can be seen up close or grouped thoughtfully with other pieces. If you're unsure about what size you need, try using painter's tape to outline the dimensions on your wall. This can give you a better sense of scale before making a decision.
Also consider the viewing distance. A large painting in a hallway may be appreciated differently than one above a dining table. The goal isn’t perfection - it’s finding balance between the artwork, the space, and how you move through it.
Don’t Worry About Matching Your Decor
It’s tempting to look for art that “goes” with your furniture or wall color. But some of the most interesting spaces come from contrast. A painting that introduces a new palette, texture, or feeling can actually pull a room together in surprising ways.
Let your art bring something new into the space. Instead of asking if it matches, ask if it adds something meaningful. Art can act like a bridge between elements, or it can stand on its own as a moment of quiet or energy. Either way, it should feel like it belongs.
Learn a Little About the Artist
One of the joys of collecting original art is getting to know the artist behind the work. You don’t need to do a deep dive, but learning about the artist’s background, process, or inspiration can help you connect more deeply with the piece.
When you know who created the work and what they were exploring, it adds another layer to the experience. You’re not just hanging something on the wall. You’re living with a small piece of someone’s creative process, and that often makes the work feel more alive.
Many artists include information about their process or background on their website. Some even share studio updates or insights into how a particular series came to life. If you’re working directly with an artist, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Most are more than happy to share.
Be Open to Different Styles
Even if you think you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, stay open to the unexpected. Sometimes the piece you end up falling in love with is different from what you imagined.
Art is a conversation. Let yourself be surprised. The goal is not to find the “right” piece in a logical sense, but the one that feels right in a deeper way. You may discover a new style or technique that wasn’t on your radar before, and that’s part of the fun.
Go Slow and Enjoy the Process
You don’t need to fill every wall at once. In fact, taking your time often leads to a more meaningful and cohesive collection. Let your space grow gradually. When you take a slower, more intentional approach, each piece becomes part of your story.
Visit galleries, browse online shops, and follow artists whose work speaks to you. Ask about payment plans or commissions if you’re drawn to something that isn’t quite the right size or color. Many artists are happy to work with you and answer your questions. You don’t need to know the right language - just be honest about what you’re drawn to and what you’re hoping for.
Consider the Long Term
When choosing original art, think about the long term. Will you still love this piece years from now? Does it have a timeless quality, even if it feels fresh?
Trends come and go, but artwork that connects with you on an emotional level often becomes something you carry with you. Even if you move or change your style, those pieces tend to find a place. They become part of the fabric of your home.
Choosing original art for your home isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about finding pieces that speak to you and bring a sense of presence and beauty into your daily life.
Trust your instincts. Take your time. Ask questions. And most importantly, choose artwork that feels meaningful to you. Whether it’s your first piece or one of many, every painting you bring into your home becomes part of your story. It holds a memory, an energy, a sense of place. And when it’s the right piece, you’ll know.
If you’re curious about available work, or thinking about commissioning something personal, I’d be happy to help. Sometimes the most powerful artwork isn’t the most dramatic - it’s the piece that quietly makes your space feel more like home.
