You’ve unpacked, arranged your belongings, and settled into your new apartment. Now it’s time for the fun stuff, like picking out artwork to elevate your space. This exciting task comes with its challenges, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Use our suggestions below as a guide to improving your apartment’s look and feel with the help of personally curated artwork.
Define Your Style
The first step towards successfully choosing art for your apartment is to define your style. Before you make any purchases, you need to have a clear picture of what you want your space to feel like. Are you going for a homey, cozy vibe, or are you drawn towards a clean, modern look? The art you choose will vary greatly depending on the overall vibe you want the room to encompass. Ask yourself how you want people to feel when they enter the room, then use that as a starting point to get you on the right track. If you need some inspiration, pop into some local art galleries to help you get a better idea of the types of art you relate to most. (If you’re in the Chicago area, we recommend checking out Heather Offord Fine Art Gallery.)
Make it Personal
The art you choose to showcase in your home should be a reflection of yourself. This isn’t the time to lean towards short-lasting trends you may not like in six months. A good way to pick out art that is uniquely personal to you is to choose pieces that are related to your other interest. For example, if you’re a nature lover, consider picking art that features plants or scenes in nature. Choosing art that is a reflection or your personal passions will ensure that you love the piece for years to come.
Make it Meaningful
Choosing artwork that has a specific meaning behind it is another way to be sure you’ll cherish it for the foreseeable future. One way to do this is by picking out art that comes from a particular place you’ve visited, or art that reminds you of a certain time in your life you hold dear. Getting to know the artist behind the work is another way to make it meaningful for yourself. Get to know the story behind the artwork, or choose pieces that complement your own story, and you’ll likely be happy with your picks for a long time.
Get Thrifty
Original art can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re into bargain hunting, don’t ignore your local thrift stores. Unique pieces and prints can often be found at thrift shops, as people get rid of them when they move, change tastes, or declutter. As they say, “one man’s trash is another’s treasure.” See what treasures you can find.
When in Doubt, Go Solo
To save money or space, choose one stand-out piece of artwork to serve as a focal point for the rest of the room. If you’re sticking with a solo piece, try to choose something that will really stand out and demand attention. No matter your style, you can’t go wrong with a unique conversation-starting piece to liven up your space.
