Design Crimes: Production "Art"

I was watching one of my favorite shows, HGTV's Design Star, recently and one of the finalists used the term "design crime" to describe decorating mistakes. I loved it so much I am going to borrow (and by borrow I mean steal) it for a series of design advice posts.

Todays’ Design Crime is not using original artwork in your home. Seriously. With all of the great and affordable original art available why WHY would you hang anything else? You are a grown up now. Leave the mass-produced stuff for hotels and your dentist’s office.

Art in your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Etsy is a fabulous resource for fine art prints and original works at great prices. You can buy a beautiful piece of real art for the same price as a mass-produced piece at Home Goods. Here are a few of my current favorites.

TCapone Photo via Etsy

united thread on Etsy

LoveALittle Art via Etsy

nature and art via Etsy

Many cities have festivals and fairs where you can pick up original art at a bargain. Art schools are another resource. Many have yearly sales (usually in the spring), and New York and LA have the Affordable Art Fair.

Photography is another way to decorate for less. Frame a grouping of images with the same mat and frame color and viola! You have art.

What about childrens’ artwork? Sometimes a finger painting in a really cool frame can substitute for that modern piece you’ve been longing for. And speaking of children, don’t neglect your kid’s room. Start building your child’s appreciation for art early.

spaces design by atlanta media and blogs simple thoughts

And don't forget about fabric. Have a favorite print but don't know how to use it (or can't afford yards and yards of it)? How about wrapping the fabric around wooden stretchers (available at art stores) to add a pop of color to your space. do two or three of the same size and pattern and group them for real impact.

via Ohdeedoh. click here for instructions