Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Alternatives to artwork


I hate to admit this to you, but I don't have a single painting on my walls in my home. I do have some beautiful black and white photographs, which I bought while on holidays to remind me of the places I've visited. But I've struggled to find artwork that I love and am completely committed to putting up on my wall. Actually that's not totally true - I have found art that I loved, but it was way out of my price range!


So instead I tend to have mirrors and other objects on my walls - like my Chinese screen I posted about yesterday. Really when you think about it, there are many alternatives to art when you want to fill up a bare spot on your walls. Some options are cheap, others not so cheap.


I've already done a couple of posts on mirrors here, and a posts on signs, as they are also a fantastic alternative to art, see here.

But there's plenty of other options too.


How about salvaged doors......



Or salvaged shutters. These ones are exquisite......




Or you could frame some objects. Here's a clever idea - bits of nature's flotsam and jetsam, painted black.......





Frame some stylish shopping bags. Although I'm kind of uncomfortable with this ode to commercialism...think about how much money you would spend in the process!




Anything that holds sentimental value can be framed really, take these vintage kitchen utensils....




A vintage newspaper sheet......(my apologies for posting this image for about the millionth time, but it just has so many beautiful elements to it)


Or these sublime rose petals (once used by couturiers for colour matching) found in a Paris flea market...... (and thanks Amanda, at Swish and Swanky, for showcasing this gorgeous home - I have fallen in love!)





You could cover a panel with a piece a wallpaper (I'm thinking this is a great way to introduce pattern without the full commitment of a whole wall or room).....





Or you could wrap pretty fabrics around some canvasses......




Or simply tear out some images that speak to you, and tape them to the wall in a casual vignette....




Or make an inspiration board.......



Then there's always big, oversized clocks.....









And then there's old salvaged gates, antique plates, rugs, flags....this list goes on. So if you can't afford art, or can't find something that you like, there's no excuse for bare walls!


Images 1 Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 2 Jayne Wunder via Desire to Inspire 3 Mari Eriksson 4 Better Homes and Gardens 5 Australian Better Homes and Gardens 6 Atlanta Bartlett 7 Interiors (now defunct) 8 Daily Mail via Swish and Swanky 9 Desire to Inspire 1o Mari Eriksson 11 Christine Rudolph 12 Kissing Cage 13 Australian Home Beautiful 14 Australian Country Style


Best wishes,

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