Friday, January 20, 2017

Affordable Wall Art Ideas Tips and Tricks






Art is SUPER important in a space.  It's what gives a room personality. The "icing on the cake" if you will. But, even though artwork is important in a room, it doesn't mean you have to empty your wallet to purchase a nice piece of art. This post is about where to get (or how to make) good-looking art that you can get FAST and CHEAP! Keep this post in mind next time you want to tackle that gallery wall you've been thinking about!



Tip #1: PAINT YOUR OWN ART!
YOU KNEW I WAS GONNA SAY THAT! I know... I know...  you're probably rolling your eyes thinking "yeah right" but trust me, you can do it! Especially abstract art! Search "abstract art" on pinterest or the internet and find a few inspiration pieces. Purchase some paint and a canvas and start painting! Painting an abstract piece is pretty forgiving since a mistake can sometimes look deliberate 😉. I painted mine in an hour or so and had new art after a few hours! And not only is your DIY art affordable; it's original! A DIY piece of art will give your space more personality than any store-bought piece would!

painting these took me about an hour! I used inexpensive ikea frames to frame them.


Pro:tip: GO BIG with your canvas for BIG impact! And don't worry, I think the large canvas cost me about 45 dollars :)



TIP #2: DOWNLOAD FREE ART FROM THE GRAPHICS FAIRY!
Yes, I said FREE! I have been downloading instant art from the graphics fairy blog for years! Blogger, Karen uploads vintage images from the early 1900's and all you have to do is click, download, print and frame! Her site has an amazing collection of images. No modern stuff here, so if you're a lover of vintage images, victorian images and steampunk, then the graphics fairy is for you! Check out some of the images I have used in my home and my clients' homes.

These beautiful bird images compliment the color scheme so well!

something about the feather image makes me warm and cozy


I used these yellow corals in my home when I was going through a yellow phase


TIP #3: FIND "DIGITAL DOWNLOAD" ART ON ETSY!
Is modern art more your thing? Then check out Etsy for modern art that you can purchase and download immediately! Search the type of art you're looking for, plus the words "digital download" to see your options.  I searched "geometric print digital download", found one I loved, paid $4.95 to download, ordered a poster-sized print from Walgreen for $13 and an hour later I had my new art print!

Like this BLA print? Find it HERE!




TIP #4: FRAME PAGES FROM A BOOK, MAGAZINE OR CALENDAR!
There are some beautifully illustrated books out there. I recommend going to a second-hand store to find them. Also, be on the lookout for any calendars that have nice pictures. Especially after new years when they go on sale.

vintage typography book pages framed in dollar-store frames adorn the powder-room walls.

TIP #5: GO OUT AND TAKE SOME NICE PICS! AND THEN "GASP" DEVELOP THEM! 🙀!
And let me add, you don't need a fancy camera either. All you need is a nice, picturesque location and some thoughtfulness when taking the pic. I used pictures from a trip to the beach that I snapped with my camera phone and ordered them in a larger size (at Walgreens, love that place) and framed them in my favorite IKEA frames. Boom! Personal art!

FYI, the small oil painting is a vintage find. I didn't paint that, lol.


LAST TIP! CHECK OUT MINTED.COM FOR SOME AMAZING LIMITED EDITION ART!
Minted is a website that connects you to independant artists. These artists sell prints of their art on Minted and the prices are very reasonable. What I especially love about the art in Minted is that these prints are limited edition which means that your print will look unique in your home, not "mass-produced". Here are just a few of my current favorite art pieces from Minted:





Now, you are equipped with a bit of knowledge and hopefully a few ideas so that you can incorporate some unique and budget friendly artwork in your home! Did I leave anything out?? Let me know if you have any other ideas for affordable art in the comment box below!

Take care!
-Oscar






2 comments: