Give Your Walls Some Love

It has been well documented that having white or magnolia walls keeps things neutral, but you don't have to live somewhere that looks too clinical or boring, even if it is calm and will help you sell your home in the future.

So why not make an impact and a statement showcasing some fabulous artwork on your wall.

The key to adding color to your home, is to pick some pieces that make a statement and draw the eye to one or two items that you want to make the centerpiece of your design. Adding accessories and art that can be swapped out, moved around or changed when you fancy a different look is much easier than getting the decorators back in.

So go on, give your walls some love.

You will want to select different styles for the rooms in your home. For example, if you go too big, bold and loud in the bedroom you may have trouble settling down for the night. Choose something soothe and calming with a quieter subject and muted color scheme.

A good tip to try and work out how big the piece of art should be for your wall is to cut out some different templates for some of the sizes you have been interested in and stick them to the wall with some Blu-Tack.

You can always put up some colored paper to see which colors would suit the room. Don't decide straight away, leave the paper on the wall for a few days and see if you're still happy with the size and the color. Mix and match - try one or two spaced a little apart from each other or if you're feeling particularly arty and adventurous, try a triptych.

You don't have to own a Van Gogh or an extremely expensive piece of art, there are many places you can go to pick up a great picture for your home especially for the budget conscious.

Check out your local markets. Budding artists sometimes showcase their work at art fairs and local flea markets. You may find a bargain, and if you hold on to it, you may be sitting on something that could be worth a lot of money in the future if they turn out to be the next Michelangelo.

If they haven't quite got the style or color you are looking for, you could always commission them to make you something bespoke. You'll get a unique piece of artwork and you'll leave fresh in the knowledge that you have supported a budding artist.

The best art that you can buy, however, doesn't stem from thinking how much it will be worth in the future or the price tag you have to pay today, it is better to have a connection with a piece of art so you'll really love it every time you see it hanging on your wall

Buy art because you love it...not because you think you should have it.

We're not all the same

Everyone has different tastes and there is no right or wrong way to go in deciding what style you wish to own.

There are a number of styles from Abstract to Realism, Fine Art to Contemporary. The best thing to do is not worry about these terms but go for something that jumps out at you.

It's always good to have a little knowledge about art and just think what a great conversation starter it will be at your next dinner party.

Here are a few styles you may be interested in exploring:-

American Impressionism

Art Nouveau

American Realism

Art Deco

Cubism

Action Painting

Kinetic Art

Pop Art

Art Photography

Digital Art

This is only a very small list of styles that have emerged from the art movement.

Do you think walls should be white or should they be rich in color?

Should walls be white or color?

Art Deco, or Deco, is an influential visual arts design style which first appeared in France. The style is often characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation.

I'm very lucky to live in Miami where the influences of the Art Deco style can be seen throughout it's buildings. We also celebrate by having Art Deco Weekends and festivals from time-to-time.

The picture I have used to reflect this style is just one of those examples that you can find by wandering around Miami.

Kinetic Art is art that contains moving parts or depends on motion for its effect.

As an avid user of this technique, I can obtain amazing effects which sometimes can never be repeated. With this form of art you can truly have an unique piece of artwork and no two pieces are quite the same.

Kinetic Photography is a great way to practice Kinetic Art. You do not use the camera in its traditional sense by focusing in on a subject and keeping the camera steady but by moving the camera around while using different shutter speeds to obtain dramatic visuals. Try experimenting with different light sources and at night you can obtain some great shots.

I hope you agree that the results are amazing as the picture I have posted to demonstrate the technique shows.

Digital art is a general term for a range of artistic works and practices that use digital technology as part of the creative process.

With the advances of technology there are so many different apps now available to help you create something funky and different by simply using your mobile device.

Digital Art has now opened up a endless scope of possibilities that doesn't tie you to an easel and paintbrush or having to buy an expensive camera.

You can also use your computer and if you buy one of the many drawing programs and hook up a device such as a Wacom Cintiq graphic tablet you can draw some great graphic digital art.