For many individuals, displaying art at home goes beyond mere decoration. It allows them to enrich their living space, adding depth and personality even in areas that were previously bereft of character. Art, after all, has the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and reflect the unique character of a residence’s inhabitants. When thoughtfully chosen and displayed, it can transform a house into a real home, offering a visual narrative of one’s interests, experiences, and style.
If you want to take displaying art in your home a step further, you can do so by experimenting with combining different art forms. Consider blending various mediums and styles to create a dynamic and personalised environment that will feel cohesive and engaging. This approach will allow you to explore the interplay between different textures, colours, and shapes, resulting in a display that is as varied as it is harmonious.
From understanding your personal style to balancing different styles, here are some ideas that will help you craft a space that truly reflects who you are.
Know Your Style
The first step in creating a dynamic home display is to have a clear understanding of your personal style. Remember, your art collection should be a reflection of your tastes, whether you’re drawn to sleek, modern designs, the warmth of traditional aesthetics, or the vibrant colours of geometry in abstract art. Additionally, identifying your style will guide your choices as you begin to mix and match different art forms, whether it’s art prints from DROOL, sculptures, or textiles.
If you find it challenging to define your style in art and you’re having a trying time selecting pieces that you feel represent your taste, consider using selection or discovery tools like DROOL’s Art Finder Quiz, which will help you unearth the right art prints for your home. In the quiz, you’ll answer some questions that will give us some insight into what you appreciate in art. Once you’ve completed the quiz, we’ll provide you with recommended art pieces that can help you start your collection.
Select a Unifying Element
When mixing various art forms, selecting a unifying element is crucial to avoid a cluttered or chaotic look. It acts as a thread that weaves through your display, bringing harmony to an otherwise eclectic mix of pieces. This element could be a consistent colour palette, a recurring theme, or a common motif that ties your collection together.
For example, if you’re drawn to bold, vibrant colours, you might choose artworks that share similar hues, even if their styles or mediums differ significantly. A blue-toned abstract painting could sit comfortably next to a traditional photograph of a seascape if both pieces share a similar colour scheme. Alternatively, a thematic approach can be just as effective. If you’re passionate about nature or love the cottagecore theme, you could combine botanical prints, landscape paintings, and even nature-inspired sculptures to create a cohesive atmosphere.
Create a Focal Point
A well-chosen focal point is also essential in any art display, as it acts as the anchor that ties the entire composition together. In a room filled with different art forms, the focal point draws the viewer’s eye and sets the tone for the rest of the display.
When choosing a focal point, it can be as simple as selecting a large or particularly striking piece of art. This might be a large and striking photography print from DROOL, a dramatic sculpture, a huge macramé piece, or even a gallery wall filled with smaller pieces that together create a powerful visual impact. Just make sure the focal point is placed in a location where it naturally commands attention, like above a fireplace, on a prominent wall, or in a central position in a room.
Balance Different Styles
When you’re combining pieces from various periods, genres, or movements, you need to know how to balance them. This involves creating a dialogue between different styles, where each piece enhances the others rather than competing for dominance.
To achieve this balance, consider the scale, colour, and framing of each artwork. A large, bold piece might need to be paired with smaller, subtler works to avoid overwhelming the space, for example. Large and expensive original paintings can also be combined with smaller art prints not just for cost considerations but also to achieve more variety and depth. If you’re looking for artwork to help balance your current collection, consider some of our discounted art prints. We have a great selection of pieces that will allow you to save money while expanding your repertoire.
Mix Different Mediums
One of the most exciting aspects of creating a dynamic home display is the opportunity to mix different mediums. Each medium brings its own texture, form, and visual impact, and when combined thoughtfully, they can create a richly layered and engaging display. Sculptures, textiles, paintings, and digital artworks all offer unique qualities that, when combined, can transform a space.
When mixing mediums, consider how different textures and forms interact with each other. A sleek, modern digital art print might contrast beautifully with a textured, handwoven tapestry. It adds both visual and tactile interest to your display. Similarly, a sculptural piece can bring a three-dimensional aspect to a wall dominated by flat artworks. The key is to create a balance where each medium complements the others.
Incorporate Functional Art
Adding functional art into a space is a fantastic way to inject both aesthetic and practical value into your home’s art display. These are pieces that serve a practical purpose while also contributing to the visual appeal of your space.
For example, a beautifully crafted chair or bench can be both a functional piece of furniture and a work of art if it features unique design elements that elevate it beyond mere utility. It could have a unique shape or configuration, or it could feature intricate woodworking details, for instance. Similarly, a statement light fixture can act as a focal point in your home design by providing sculptural interest while illuminating the space where it is placed
Combining different art forms in your home display is a deeply personal and rewarding process. It allows you to turn your space into a constantly evolving gallery that reflects your personality and tastes. The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. While these ideas can help you get started, you have the freedom to experiment and create a space that feels both cohesive and eclectic. In the end, the most important thing is that your home reflects who you are, so don’t be afraid to make bold choices.
