Turning Your House into a Home with Abstract Art
From Blank Walls to 'Ooh I Love That!' - Making Space for Abstract Art
Let’s be honest, buying art for your home can feel a bit daunting. Like you’ve stumbled into a world where everyone’s nodding thoughtfully at canvases called Whispers of the Infinite while you’re just wondering if something will go with your cushions...
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an art critic, a collector, or have a secret stash of lottery winnings to start turning your house into a home with art. In fact, all you really need is a blank wall, a little curiosity, and the willingness to say “Ooh, I love that!” without overthinking it.
If you love the idea of having beautiful art at home but don't want the pressure of 'getting it right' and you’re ready to swap your bare walls for something a little more joyful, personal, and you-ish, read on...
Why Art Matters (even if it’s just for you)
There’s something magical that happens when you hang the right piece of art. It’s not just decoration - it’s a mood-lifter, a conversation-starter, a little daily boost of beauty or calm or colour. It's the visual equivalent of listening to your favourite happy song 🥰
Sometimes you just want to look at something and feel good. You want to walk into your lounge after a long day and have your eyes land on a painting that makes you think Ah, yes. That’s better...
That’s what turning a house into a home with art is all about - adding something that reflects you, not what’s trending in some uber hot gallery on the internet.
The Blank Wall Dilemma: Where do you even start?
Most of us have at least one wall in our homes that’s just... there. Staring at us. Boring. Empty. Maybe it used to have a clock that never worked. Maybe you hung a print you didn’t even like, just to fill the space.
The blank wall isn’t a problem - it’s an opportunity (sorry, I went full Pinterest-inspirational there, but stay with me). Think of it as a stage waiting for a star performer. And that star could be a joyful abstract painting that brings your whole room to life - and maybe even lifts your mood in the process.
But What If I Don’t Understand Abstract Art?
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to get it. There’s no test. No need to interpret brushstrokes or explain symbolism unless you really want to. Abstract art can be all about feeling. Texture, colour, movement - it’s like music for your walls. You don’t analyse your favourite song lyric by lyric every time you hear it, do you? You just enjoy it because it makes you feel good, and you can apply the same principle with art.
If a piece makes you smile, calms you down, energises you, or just looks fab above your sofa, that’s enough. In fact, that's brilliant!
Finding Your 'Ooh I Love That' Moment
Forget the rules. When you’re looking at art, whether it’s in a gallery, online or at a market, just notice how it makes you feel. You don’t need a spreadsheet of colour schemes and room measurements (although if that’s your thing, you do you 😁 - nothing wrong with a good spreadsheet!)
Just ask yourself...
- Would I still like this on my wall next Tuesday?
- Does it give me a little spark of joy? (Marie Kondo would be proud...)
- Can I imagine it being part of my everyday?
If you can answer yes to any or all of those, you’ve found your 'Ooh I love that' piece 😀
Matching vs Mood: Don’t overthink it
One of the biggest myths in home décor is that your art has to match your furniture. It doesn’t! In fact, some of the most striking, homely interiors are ones where the art stands out, rather than blending in.
Instead of obsessing over whether the painting contains the exact shade of grey in your curtains (the clichéd paralysis of analysis), think about the mood you want the room to have:
- Do you want calm, beachy vibes? Look for soft, flowing abstract forms in blues or neutrals.
- Want to energise your space? Bold, joyful brushstrokes in bright colours can instantly lift the energy.
- Craving something cosy and cocooning? Earthy tones and layered textures can warm up a space beautifully.
Most importantly, you need to love the colours. Your home should feel like you, not a catalogue - and art is a brilliant way to inject your personality, without a single cushion cover change.
Size (Sometimes) Matters
One of the most common art-buying worries is buying something too small for the space. (Followed closely by buying something so big it looks like you’re opening a museum in your hallway 😆)
A general tip: bigger is often better when it comes to making a statement. If you’re not sure, get a bit of masking tape, mark out the size on the wall, and take a step back. You’ll know pretty quickly if it works - or if it’s giving off 'postcard lost on a billboard' vibes...
But also remember that it's not a disaster if you do buy a painting that looks a bit small - you can pair it with another favourite piece in matching frames, or even create a gallery wall. As long as you love it, you can make it work.
Where to Put It: The art of displaying art
There are no hard rules, but here are a few ideas to get you started...
- Above the sofa or bed: Classic spots, perfect for large or wide pieces.
- Hallways or entryways: Make a strong first impression.
- Dining area or kitchen: Unexpected, but lovely places for art - especially cheerful abstracts.
- Gallery walls: Mix it up with other artworks, photos or prints. Your abstract piece can be the centre of attention or one of the gang.
Art doesn't have to be confined to one spot. Move things around. Live with them. Your home is your gallery, and you’re the curator.
You’re Allowed to Just Love It
Art doesn’t have to have a deeper meaning to be meaningful to you. If it brings colour to your walls and joy to your day, that’s more than enough.
Turning your house into a home with art isn’t about impressing anyone else - it’s about surrounding yourself with things that feel right, that make you smile, that soften the edges of a tough day or add a little spark to an ordinary one.
So go ahead, give that blank wall a new job. Let it hold something beautiful, something you love!