The Ultimate Guide to Buying Original Art: 5 Essential Tips for Purchasing One-of-a-Kind Art for Your Home
“The Heartbeat of Mountains”
The world of original art is vast and choosing the right piece is overwhelming. How do you know what to choose and the size of the piece? Do the colours need to match the aesthetic of the room or can they contrast the existing pallet? What sort of message or meaning do you want displayed on your walls? Does the artist's vision and approach to their art align with your interests? These and other questions will inevitably arise when deciding on purchasing one-of-a-kind art for your home. Luckily, this guide to buying original art will provide the five essential tips to help you make informed and meaningful decisions, so you can buy what is right for you. A thoughtful approach ensures that the art you select is a cherished addition to your living space.
Understand Your Space
A key to purchasing original art is knowing your space. Before purchasing, consider where you plan to display the artwork. Consider the room's lighting, color scheme, amount of available space, and overall aesthetic. It's also important to consider the purpose of your future purchase and how it will play in the home. By thoroughly understanding your space, you can choose artwork that fits physically as well as enhances the aesthetic and emotional ambiance of your home. Let's explore a few different facets to consider.
Room Size and Wall Dimensions
Measure the wall space so you know the amount of available space to fill. Knowing how much room you have to display an original piece of art will ensure you pick something that fits perfectly. Measure the dimensions of the wall where you plan to hang the artwork. This will help you determine the appropriate size of the piece. A small piece may get lost on a large wall, while an oversized piece can overwhelm a smaller space.
Consider the proportion of the artwork in relation to the wall. An ideal guideline is that the artwork should cover 60-75% of the available wall space to be balanced and aesthetically pleasing. This ensures that the piece is prominent enough to draw attention without overwhelming the room.
Importance of Lighting When Buying Original Art
Consider the natural and artificial lighting in the room. Lighting can significantly affect the appearance of an artwork. Natural light can enhance colors, but be mindful of direct sunlight, which can cause glare and fade over time. Think about the placement of windows, the direction of light, and whether you might need additional lighting like spotlights or picture lights to highlight the piece.
Room Function and Mood
Reflect on the room's function and the mood you want to create. Are you looking to make a bold statement or to subtly tie together the room’s theme? For example, a tranquil bedroom might benefit from calming, serene artwork, while a vibrant, energetic piece could be perfect for a lively living room or a creative home office. The art should enhance the intended atmosphere of the space.
Placement and Viewing Distance
Consider the height at which you’ll hang the artwork. Generally, art should be hung at eye level for the best viewing experience. Also, think about the typical viewing distance. A highly detailed piece might be best appreciated up close, while a larger, abstract work can be admired from afar.
2. Know Your Style
Personal Taste & Aesthetic
Reflect on your personal taste and the style of art that resonates with you. Whether it's an abstract or impressionist landscape, floral, or eclectic, choosing a piece that speaks to you and aligns with your preferences will ensure you enjoy it forever. Are you drawn to bold, vibrant colors, or do you prefer muted, earthy tones? Writing down your aesthetic preferences during the initial stages will help guide you in selecting the right artwork for your home.
Home Decor and Furnishings
Similarly, consider the style of your home decor and furnishings. Your art should harmonize with the overall design theme of your space. For example, a minimalist home might benefit from clean, simple lines and monochromatic palettes, while an eclectic space might welcome a mix of colors, textures, and styles. However, knowing whether you want to make a statement or simply tie the room together, will act as a key factor in your choice.
Color Scheme and Decor
Take into account the room's existing color palette and decor. Choose a piece that complements or contrasts effectively with the room’s colors and furnishings. A harmonious color scheme can create a cohesive look, while a bold, contrasting piece can serve as a focal point and add visual interest.
3. Consider the Artist’s Background
Research the artist’s background, techniques, and artistic vision. Understanding the artist's journey and the story behind their work can add a deeper connection and meaning to your purchase.
Aligning Art with Personality
Integrating original art into your home involves more than just hanging a picture on the wall. It’s about expressing what you believe in and what you resonate with. Aesthetic appeal is part of it, but it is also about expressing emotion and conveying feelings. By knowing how your personality aligns with the artist's, you can create a cohesive and harmonious home that reflects both the nuances of your personality and the artist’s.
The Transfer of Values
Adding original art not only adds aesthetic value to your home but also imbues it with your personality and character. The artist and their work act as a conduit of experience. What is the artist's voice? What does their work say or speak to? What causes do they support? What are the artist’s motivations or goals in creating the piece? How do these reflect your goals or motivations? Are there common themes throughout their work that resonate with you and that you can showcase? These and other elements of an original piece of art for your home should align with corresponding aspects of your personality that you wish to highlight or share with guests and family.
Support= Support
When you purchase an original piece of art from Lïlï Dauphinee, you are not only supporting her financially and creatively but also supporting others. With each piece purchased, ten percent goes back to great causes near and dear to her collectors. Charitable donations have been a part of Lïlï Dauphinee's art practice since day one: It began with raising money through the Paint it Forward Charity Project, for the NICU that saved the life of her firstborn, Jack, and nursed her second son Dash back to health. Lïlï continues the practice of giving back to others, so when you make a purchase, you contribute to giving back too.
4. Assess Quality and Authenticity
Ensure the artwork is of high quality and authentic. Look for signatures, certificates of authenticity, and any provenance documents. This not only verifies the piece’s legitimacy but can also add to its value over time. At Lïlï Dauphinee Fine Art, each piece comes signed with a certificate of authenticity. When you receive your original art from Lïlï, there is no denying where it came from, its originality and genuineness.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, when you undergo the process of buying original art for your home, you must trust your instincts and choose a piece that speaks to you emotionally. Art is a personal experience, and selecting something that you, your family, friends, and guests connect with on a deeper level will bring joy and inspiration to your home.
Bringing Home Your Original Art
Navigating the art world to find the perfect piece for your home can be a rewarding experience when you know what to look for. By understanding your space, knowing your style, considering the artist's background, assessing quality and authenticity, and trusting your instincts, you can confidently select artwork that enhances your living environment while resonating with your personal journey. Original art is more than decoration; it’s a reflection of your values, passions, and connection to the world. Take these five essential tips to heart, and let them guide you in making a meaningful and cherished addition to your home.
Ready to Bring Home the Perfect Piece?
Explore Lili Dauphinee's collection and find a piece that speaks to you. Each painting tells a unique story about the illusion of duality. Let her original work bring a touch of inspiration to your space. Explore her gallery here.
