Is Artwork Important in Our Homes?

Are your walls bare, or worse, looking dull and boring with artwork? Here are some reasons why art in your home is important, including tips to consider when decorating and what types of art will enrich your environment.

Art Creates a Mood

Our environment has a direct impact on our mood. When we spend most of our time at home, it’s important to create an environment that makes us feel comfortable and brings us joy. Art can promote positive energy in the home; create a healthy space; foster a sense of comfort, safety and security. Whether you rent or not, art can create a space that is truly our own.

Self-Expression

Art expresses your personality. Self-expression is affirming, promoting a sense of self-worth and security. Showing others your favorite pieces communicates your style without words. American artist Edward Hopper once said, “If I could express it with words, there would be no need to paint.” These pieces create a focal point in the room, sparking discussions about personal tastes, passions, interests, politics and social views. It helps reflect who you are.

Sure, some people prefer a clean blank slate, minimalist and uncluttered look, but ask yourself what values are important to you and what aesthetics bring you joy. Some people don’t decorate because they’re afraid of commitment, others because of financial issues. But if possible, you should display art that makes you feel good.

Inspires

Art inspires creativity and imagination. We can display our dreams and fantasies on our walls and it will become something that inspires us every day, helping us imagine a world of endless possibilities.

Since COVID-19, we’ve been spending more time at home, so it’s vital to make the space inviting. Look for art that inspires you to think. What do you think of every time you see it?

Gives meaning

Art helps transform a space from a house to a home, from a functional room to a room that feels comfortable, safe, and like a place of belonging. Having art on the walls creates a sense of completion. It also brings meaning to an environment through personality and warmth.

Look for art that is meaningful to you. It can incorporate places you’ve visited or activities and hobbies. For example, if you’re interested in hiking, then landscape paintings are likely to trigger feelings of happiness.

Boosts mental health

Research has proven that simply looking at a work of art can boost our mood. Whether it’s created or viewed, art decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases the happy hormones dopamine and serotonin in the brain. In other words, art makes us feel relaxed and happy.

Viewing works of art has also been shown to enhance brain function. Just like learning a new skill, viewing a new piece of art increases brain activity. It has been linked to improved memory and critical thinking skills.

Art is for Everyone

The visually impaired community benefits from art’s ability to inspire, express, and elevate emotions through Braille and textured works. These elements add another dimension to an environment, making it more tactile and involving other senses.

Just as different colors affect the feel of a space, so does texture. Texture draws attention and adds depth and variety. A smooth surface can feel sleek and modern, while a rough texture evokes feelings of rusticity, comfort, and stability.

Color Associations

Colors affect our emotions through different associations. For example, blue is associated with the ocean and sky, evoking feelings of calm and tranquility. Red, on the other hand, is a fiery color associated with blood and passion. It can promote feelings of love and heat, or it can promote anger and intensity. Every color is different; for a detailed explanation and to find out which color suits your mood or the mood you want to foster in each room, check out another of our blogs: The Effect of Color on Mood.

Find Your Fit

There are plenty of tips on the internet about how to decorate, but it really comes down to personal choice and what brings you joy.