Once you have delved deeply into what you like and who you are and how you want to live, the first purchase should be art. It doesn’t have to be a new purchase. You could use a favorite piece that you already own to build around. Art is the soul of your home. Art will send the strongest message about your homes design direction. Are your a traditionalist, or do you like lots of color? When you start with art it’s easy to then coordinate your paint colors with the colors in your artwork, along with colors in your area rugs and the upholstered pieces.

One of my clients wanted family-friendly warm and inviting. She also wanted aneclectic mix of comfort with a modern edge. I used a modern abstract painting to support the modern message, while the slip-covered rounded arm chair and rich warm colors sustains her need for comfort.

Do you need to see things in person or are you comfortable purchasing from catalogs and online? I love to visit local galleries, or commission a piece from a local artist. You can also use numerous art work websites that carry everything from original oils to limited editions to poster art. You can do a Google search for artwork web sites and get an eye full of fabulous pieces to choose from! Let your art work convey the strongest messages about your style.

Designer Secret: Take color photos of your art pieces and carry them with you when shopping for an area rug and fabrics for your upholstered pieces. Or if possible bring your art piece with you to match colors to the upholstery and carpet etc.

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