Chris and I love filling our home with bright, colorful art to contrast with our white walls and neutral color palette. Whatever your style, it’s possible to fill your walls with impressive pieces, even if you don’t have a big budget for it.
Here are some ways we’ve been able to liven up our decor with art that doesn’t break the bank.
Invest in Smaller Originals
If you find an artist you like, look at their smaller pieces. I had been coveting the larger heart paintings from my friend Lindsay Doyle for a while, but they are understandably a little pricier. This smaller version looks perfect in my living room above an antique desk.
Smaller original pieces can also look great when coupled to make a larger statement. These original watercolors by Prudence Horne in different color ways make a cute little set I’ve loved for years.
Buy Prints on a Large Scale
Prints are great ways to fill your walls on a budget. Prints range in quality. I think the key with buying a lower quality print is to buy it larger, so the size becomes a statement itself. Nice, simple frames make them look even more high-end.
This large Warhol print sits above our living room fireplace, creating a really bold statement due to its size and color in an otherwise neutral room. I love the impact it makes, especially knowing its lower price point.
Express Interest in Family Pieces
No matter what’s on your parents or grandparents walls, if you like it, let them know. When they’re downsizing or thinking about estate plans, this is an easy way for them to give you something you love. And it certainly doesn’t have to be expensive. The sentimentality is what makes it an heirloom.
My parents moved to an apartment a year ago and I specifically asked if they were bringing this piece by Skully Gustafson with them. Turns out they didn’t have the space. Now it’s the main statement in my dining room and I love it.
Follow Artists Online
I love Elvia Peña Savage‘s work. She’s a local artist with a gallery not far from my house. Following her on Instagram benefited us greatly when she recently did a one-day flash sale on this piece that’s now in my dining room. Social media is a good way to hear updates from artists on both their sales and events.
Attend Local Events
Speaking of events, one of my very favorite artists, Nita Moore, has shown her oil paintings at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s annual art fair, local gallery nights and private events. This is how I’ve gotten to see the detail and craftsmanship of her pieces up close and have chosen pieces in my budget that I know I’ll always love.
Visiting galleries, going to art auctions and attending local fairs is an incredible way to expose yourself to talented young artists that offer more accessible prices.
Make It Sentimental
Art is valuable when it means something to you. That’s why I’ll always love my modern silhouettes by Lindsay Doyle. Choosing custom art that represents your family or interests will always be an important part of your collection because it’s so personal. It’s easy to find these pieces within your budget through sites like Etsy.
We’ll continue to buy art for our home for many years to come, but it’s not something I can see us investing a significant amount of money in. Thankfully, there are so many ways to support artists and fill your home with pieces you love without sacrificing your budget.
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