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Everyone is creative. Everyone has a story. How they chose to narrate is what that makes the difference. Some take up art to express themselves. Others decorate their living space with art pieces to narrate the story they want to tell. So, when I decided to express myself I choose the later option. I wanted my living space to be an extension of my thoughts, but I did not want to paint. So, I took up the easier option of buying good art and started looking for stores that were offering art for sale. To satiate my new found passion and take cues, I started vising museums, art galleries, malls, flea markets, pottery markets and local gift shops. From expensive paintings to digital prints, exquisite candle stands to humble earthen oil lamps, brass sculptures to cast iron chairs; I was looking at all possible places for  artworks on sales. Though I wanted to buy it all, but I was little apprehensive about what would add appeal to my house and what it was that I was actually looking for! It was so confusing. All my visits to shops that were offering art for sale went in vain. Adamant on giving an artistic touch to my place, I resorted to Internet and started researching. I read, read and read. In the end, my mind was impregnate with ideas and I just wanted to deliver. I again hit the roads, this time with a sorted mind. I knew what was available, what I wanted and what all would go well with my existing décor. Voila! I just spent half of the time that I had spent earlier and was already done with my shopping. Over the next weekend, I refurnished my living space and added the artefacts that I had recently procured. It all went well and the space turned out as if it was done by some interior decorator. I was so proud of myself. I had never expected that I could do something so artistically.

You must be wondering why I am narrating my experience! What it has to do with you? Well, the answer to these questions is: You can refer to this blog of mine whenever you think about redoing your living space and adding some artefacts.

So, the key to selecting art for your living space lies in answering the following questions:

  • What kind of art do you like?
  • What is available?
  • What is your budget?
  • How it will go with existing décor?
  • Where to display the art to increase the appeal of your house?

What kind of art do you like: Do you really know what you like and what you want? Have you experienced it all to answer this confidently? The key to these questions is: Experiment and Experience. So, if you are thinking about bringing home an art piece, you must start experimenting. Trust me, invest some time in experimenting and you will be surprised to realize how you never knew what appealed to you.

What is available: Look out for options before you actually select something. Visiting museums, exhibitions, art galleries, art school shows, malls, flea markets, potters and online art galleries will give you a clear idea about what is on offer.

What is your budget: A word of caution: Buying artefacts is like treasure hunting. At times, you won’t get what you are looking for and on other instances you will encounter something you had never dreamt of. So, there will be instances where your heart will go like, “Oh! That’s so beautiful. I must buy it.” Unless you want to burn your pocket, I suggest, make a budget and stick to it. It will not only save you a lot of money, but also save you from having guilt arising from over indulgence.

How it will go with existing décor: I can assure that no one wants to spend a bomb buying a painting and later repenting because it does not go well with the colour scheme of your room. So, I suggest visualize a painting or any piece of art where you are planning to place it. See whether it harmonizes with the colour scheme and furniture. For example, if you are an antique lover and want to decorate your room, you can go for antique-style frames for painting or antique-style mirrors to add appeal to your room; in this case, opting for a contemporary painting won’t do justice to the décor.

Where to display the art to increase the appeal of your house: I will say, knowing what you need to keep in mind while buying a piece of art is half the battle won. To conquer it all you must know how to place your priced possession well. While hanging a painting, make sure that the center of the painting is at eye level. You can place a sculpture in a corner of room on floor, table or pedestal. Well, these are all rules and rules are meant to be broken. So, feel free and experiment. Don’t be glued to screen! Go Shop! Let creativity be your guiding force. Happy Shopping to you!!