Art & Soul
One house. Eight ways to add warmth and style to your walls and beyond.
By Caroline McKenzie · Photographs by Deb Heuer
Lean on Me
For a casual vibe, skip the hammer and nail and lean artwork against a wall instead. Here, layered frames give the home’s entry a smart, relaxed look.
Mix and Mingle
Whether displayed above a bed, over a dining room table or along a hallway as shown here, mixing frame materials creates texture and contrast. Metals, woods, acrylics and more combine for an upscale look.
Shelf Life
Shelves can transcend their practical purpose and serve as both storage and artwork display. A collection of decorative and functional pieces, along with one or two framed items — like the mix shown on these asymmetric metal shelves — dresses up open storage by adding character to a room.
Mirror, Mirror
Mirrors are artwork, too! Bring form and function to a space with a well-placed mirror that amps up the natural light. It will help a room feel larger and airier. This eye-catching sunburst design also lends architectural interest.
Cleanup Act
The bathroom may be at the bottom of your decorating to-do list, but don’t ignore it completely. Adding artwork to otherwise overlooked walls can turn a blank space into a mini-gallery. Regardless of the color scheme, medium or era, a few framed finds will infuse the room with pops of color and panache.
Bright Idea
Not all art comes in a frame. This hip nursery showcases an of-the-moment design trend: neon signs. Whether customized with a name or featuring a cheery motif like the one shown here, the unexpected statement piece glows with personality. This room also spotlights another foolproof way to add a personal touch: Let your hobbies inspire your artwork. Vinyl records in brass frames add a groovy note.
Work It
Whether it’s a home office or a living area, you can quickly transform your space into a vibrant gallery by pinning artwork to a bulletin board. Combine textures, colors and sizes for a dynamic collage that tells a story, sparks creativity — and is easy to change when inspiration strikes.
On Impact
While gallery walls are lovely, a single piece of artwork can be equally attractive. Go for a bold selection at an oversized scale. Here, a graphic black-and-white painting gets the job done. It anchors the neutral room without competing with an assortment of decor accents like the wood lamp and potted plants.
About the Home
The Cedar is a 990-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home designed with on-trend favorites such as crown molding and black plumbing fixtures. It’s also built to Clayton’s eBuilt® ENERGY STAR® standards.
