Choosing artwork is one of the hardest design decisions you can make simply because art is such a personal choice. Most people have an affinity towards a particular style of artwork and most people are pretty clear on the type of artwork they don’t like. While I’m pretty clear on the type of artwork I don’t like, I’m open to a wide range of artwork styles which can sometimes create a decorating challenge.
If you’re like me and are attracted to a variety of artwork styles then you too probably struggle with how to mix different styles together.
Today I’m going to talk about different ways to you combine artwork and share tips that will make the art of Mixing Art a whole lot easier.
Once you’ve identified the type of artwork you like, use your style as a guide in grouping two or more pieces together on a wall. If its contemporary art that you like, only pair pieces in that style together. Where possible, group pieces that share common colors to help tie the wall statement together and use images with different size scales so each image will stand on its own.
via Centsational Girl
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You can take the approach of combining artwork by genre–photos with photos or oil paintings with oil paintings. Grouping pieces together that share a common art style will create a sense of similarity within the arrangement. Combing art by genre can be a bit tricky so stick with images that evoke a similar feeling or that represent a single design statement.
via Tobi Fairley {Richmond Designer Showhouse}
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Another method that will make mixing art styles easier is to mix pieces that have a similar pattern style. The pattern could be brushstrokes, block prints or even damask designs. Like items paired with like items will always work together. And don’t be afraid to mix colors since the pattern style will keep your wall grouping cohesive.
via Burlap and Lace
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I think most people are comfortable mixing together pieces of artwork that share a common subject. Some of the most popular subject groupings are landscapes, floral designs and nudes. Mixing art using this method is perfect for a gallery wall display or when you want to combine two or three larger pieces of art together. If your wall grouping is abstract, try combining framed images with canvases for added visual interest. If the grouping is two or three larger pieces, keeping the frames and mats similar will create uniformity between the pieces.
image via LaMaison Gray Interiors
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For those of you that like colorful art, go for it and create a wall display that combines different images with similar colors. The artwork styles, genre and subject can be different and as long as there are common colors represented in each image, the arrangement will work together.
This is probably my favorite art mixing method and one that represents my design style–eclectic glam with a twist.
via Kate Singer Home
Artwork is a great way to personalize your decor so have fun mixing it up and create a style statement that enhances your home.
That’s a great post, Shelly! When you’re choosing art how much of the colors in it should match the color scheme of the room? Is it ok for it not to match?
Hi Dana,
The artwork you choose does not have to have a major color connection to the color theme of the room. As long as there are shades of the colors used in the room represented in the art it will all feel connected.
If you are decorating with black and white art, I would recommend that you have touches of black in the room to create a connection.
Hope that helps.
Shelly
Thank you Shelly! It helps a lot. I was thinking along those lines but I wasn’t sure. I always like at least a little touch of black in a room. Once I find a place and get moved I’ll make some art to go on the walls until I can find things I like. It’s good to know what I have in mind will work. Again, thank you!