One of the questions I get asked most often, is “what do I put on my empty walls?” First of all, there’s nothing wrong with some empty wall space. In fact, it’s often a good thing! But a home devoid of art can feel a bit soulless. You don’t have to have a lot of money or a large collection of art, but it should be meaningful. I would rather see a blank wall than something randomly picked up at Target simply to fill the space. (Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Target and shop there often!)
The one piece of art that is dearest to me hangs in our home in Big Sur. It is a vintage pastel of a country scene with sheep. It hung in my parents home for as long as I can remember and then moved with them to their Vermont farmhouse. I had always loved it as a child and on a recent visit to my parents home, my mom gave it to me. She wanted me to enjoy it as much as she had over the years. I was so moved by her gift. After shipping it across the country, it now hangs happily in our new home.
My other favorite piece is a photograph by Matt Albiani. I’ve admired his work for years and saved up to finally buy one this year. This photograph evokes memories of the East coast, growing up with a wood-sided station wagon, trips to Nantucket, and lots of salty beach memories. And that’s what art can do in a home…
My advice would be to take your time and find pieces you love. Flea markets, tag sales, and local shops can be great resources. Find a piece on your travels that will remind you of a favorite trip. If you’re like me and you have a lot of art, consider a gallery wall. Don’t worry that it’s no longer a “trend”. Gallery walls have been around forever and will always be a classic.
In our Santa Barbara home, I’ve collected sea themed art over the years. Some are my own, others are gifts, and a few I have flown across the country from the East Coast. My friends at Mate Gallery always have a beautiful collection of vintage ocean art and I pop in frequently. I started with a huge vintage basket (something else I collect!) in the center of the wall because I loved it’s warm, earthy texture. I worked out from there, constantly rearranging as I’ve since collected more art. Think of it like a large puzzle as you fit the art on the wall. I try to balance dark and light, oil and watercolors until it feels right.
My parents have an animal themed gallery wall in the hallway of their Vermont farmhouse…
Don’t limit yourself to paintings or photography. Almost anything can be hung on a wall!
In the bedroom, a textural wall hanging from The Dharma Door is all the wall decor needed and adds to the beachy vibe.
A Christmas gift, in the shape of California, from my family that’s not only cool but adds light to our wall!
In my daughter’s small apartment, a vintage ‘Chilled Wines’ sign from Summerland Antique Collective hangs over her bar cabinet and a boho wall hanging from Knotty Gal Macrame adds personality to her beach abode.
Like many people, my parents wanted their all white farmhouse bedroom to be serene. There was nothing on the white walls. As pretty as it is, my mom felt like something was missing. She had tried some art, and ended up taking it down. It was just the matter of finding the right piece. A black and white photograph that was in my dad’s office was jus the ticket (sorry, Dad). The room is still serene, but has a little bit more soul.
The bottom line is, take your time and find pieces you love, whether they be paintings, wall hangings, or even baskets! Don’t be afraid to move them around until you are satisfied. I keep a big container of putty and extra paint around for this purpose alone. My one tip that I can’t stress enough is make sure not to hang your art too high! While there are always some exceptions to this rule, generally art should be hung at eye level, lower if it is in a seating area such as over a sofa. When in doubt, I opt for hanging it on the lower side.
Don’t be afraid to buy art that you love if it speaks to you. That priceless sheep picture means more to me than if it had cost a million dollars.
“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” -Henry Ward Beecher
Hi Elizabeth
Do your siblings have “the gift” also?
Love your work. The new painting is wonderful.
My siblings have many talents but not really as into the home decor. One sister however is a talented painter and she does have the eye! Thank you!