Incorporating Art at Home: A Tool for Wellbeing
Art as a Tool for Wellbeing
How you choose to express yourself in your home through art can significantly impact how fulfilled and connected you feel in your daily life.
Many people see art as an afterthought, a 'nice-to-have' once the essentials of design are in place. Some may think art’s expensive, inaccessible, or purely decorative, meant to impress an imagined art mafia, rather than express. And in this mindset, art becomes something remote and unnecessary, something that doesn't really add to your life, except visually.
But here’s the thing - art is so much more than a surface treatment or an aesthetic afterthought. It’s a powerful tool for self-expression, which means that neglecting it could leave your space feeling incomplete, even if everything else seems "perfect."
The Science
Historically, art has been integral to human expression and healing. Studies, like those published by the Royal Society of Medicine, show that viewing art can reduce stress, shorten hospital stays, and even increase pain tolerance. Think about the powerful emotions that art can evoke - joy, peace, nostalgia - and how those can shape the energy of your home.
More than Decor
Incorporating art in your home is more than ticking off boxes or matching colours to your couch. It's about manifesting who you are in your physical environment - something critical for your wellbeing. When your space reflects your personality, values, and passions, it becomes a place where you truly feel at home.
Imagine walking into a room that feels undeniably you, filled with pieces that resonate with your personal journey and experiences. That's what art can do for your living spaces.
5 Steps to Incorporate Art in Your Home
How do you start making art a part of your home? Here are 5 simple steps to begin:
Pick a room to start with.
Identify the feelings you want in that space. Do you want it to feel calm, vibrant, playful, or inspired?
Create a visual guide. Gather artwork (either pieces you own or from galleries or online stores) that evoke those feelings.
Curate your selections: Choose pieces that not only resonate with you but also complement each other and the overall design of your space. Consider the proportion of the walls and how the artwork will fit. Think about whether you'd prefer a single large piece, a series, or a gallery wall.
Decide how you want to light, frame and display the art.
The Wrong Art
You might be thinking, "I’m not an art expert. What if I pick the wrong piece?" Here’s the truth: there is no 'wrong' choice when it comes to art that represents you. You don’t need to be versed in art history to know what you like or what resonates with your soul. Art isn't about impressing others - it’s about communicating who you are in your space.
And yes, while the world of art can sometimes feel inaccessible or too expensive, there are countless affordable ways to find pieces that reflect your personality. Whether it's a print from a local artist or something you discover on a gallery website - even a tear from a magazine that’s framed beautifully - there’s art for everyone.
At the heart of this is the idea that your home should be more than just functional or aesthetically pleasing - it should be an authentic expression of you. Art helps you make your home a living reflection of who you are. It connects your space with your inner world, creating a sense of completeness.
Do This Next
Next time you're sitting in your living room, ask yourself: does this space truly feel like me? If not, maybe it's time to explore how art can bridge that gap. Start small, experiment, and see how the right piece can transform not only your space but your sense of fulfillment within it.
