The Power of Personalisation: How Art Transforms Houses into Homes

Our homes are more than just structures; they are the canvases of our lives. They hold our memories, aspirations, and emotions. When we personalise our living spaces with art, we infuse them with our unique personality, creating a sanctuary that reflects who we are. In this blog post, we'll delve into why personalising our homes with art is not only aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly meaningful.

A styled, framed giclée fine art print of ‘A Fisherman’s Sunset’, painted by me (Emily Nickless). Click here to purchase a print.

When we think about adding wall decor to our spaces, we often forget to choose art pieces that really mean something to us. It's amazing to have your favourite photos of loved ones on display, but your home is also a place for you, where your own preferences should come first. What do you enjoy? What colours do you like? Let's dive into why it's important to decorate our homes with art we love, and I've included some helpful tips for picking out your favourite art.

Expressing Individuality

Art serves as a powerful form of self-expression. It allows us to communicate our individuality, tastes, and values to anyone who enters our home.

Whether it's a bold abstract painting, a quirky sculpture, or a delicate acrylic landscape painting, the art we choose speaks volumes about our personality and style. It's an opportunity to showcase our creativity and make a personal statement that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.

Fostering Conversation

Personalised art often becomes a conversation starter. When guests enter our homes, they are greeted by an array of intriguing pieces that pique their curiosity. Each artwork can lead to discussions about its origin, meaning, and significance, fostering connections and shared experiences.

Here, I have styled this original canvas painting of Pelorus River (next to Pelorus Bridge in Marlborough, New Zealand) on a black picture ledge styles with a hanging plant. The wall is painted in a light dusty pink to contrast with the dark green hues in the painting.

This particular piece in our home, I painted for my partner. We went to New Zealand to visit family in 2020 and, rather than paying for a canoeing tour down Pelorus River, we decided to buy our own rubber dingy and scoot down. This painting of my partner with the dingy on the riverbank ignites that adventurous feeling we felt on that day. Conversations are sparked with the initial question of, ‘Is that a rubber dingy?’

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Personalised art brings a sense of belonging and comfort to our living spaces. When we surround ourselves with pieces that we connect with on a deep level, we create an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity. This feeling of being "at home" can have a positive impact on our well-being, reducing stress and increasing overall happiness

I have created so many paintings that aim to capture the sense of feeling that a particular location or landscape evokes for that individual. Many are gifts, but they all have an emotional connection with the landscapes which makes their space more personal.

Telling Our Story

Every piece of art has a story to tell, and when we incorporate these stories into our home, we transform it into a narrative of our lives. Family photos, travel souvenirs, and heirlooms become visual chapters, reminding us of cherished moments and experiences.

Our home becomes a living, breathing memoir, capturing the essence of our journey. Original paintings in particular are a unique way to tell your story. The bespoke nature of the artwork and the fact that the artist works to emphasise the elements that tell your story best, mean that you can create a space that is truly unique to your narrative.

Enhancing Mood and Ambiance

Art has the remarkable ability to influence our mood and set the ambience of a space. Vibrant, energetic pieces can invigorate a room, while serene landscapes can create a calming retreat. I love big, bold colours in my home, particularly in my studio and office, but I also appreciate that some spaces need a more calming vibe, such as my bedroom which has artwork with a more muted tone. By selecting art that resonates with the desired mood, you can curate an environment that supports your emotional well-being and the activities you engage in.

I have this original painting I created of Borth beach in Wales hanging in my bedroom. The muted purple and grey hues contrast calmly with the dark yellow tones of the reflections. It helps to keep the space feeling calm and serene. Prints of this artwork are available to purchase here.

Inspiring Creativity

Surrounding ourselves with art can spark our own creative impulses. The colours, textures, and forms present in our chosen pieces can ignite our imagination and encourage us to think outside the box. Although I could easily cover my walls with my own art, I choose to adorn them with work of other independent artists to boost my own creativity and support others. It’s amazing how living amidst a curated collection of art can inspire us to explore our own creative pursuits and embark on new artistic endeavours.

A canvas print of a Penny Samociuk painting of Borth beach that I have hanging in my dining room. I love the surrealist style of this artwork, using a vivid colour palette to emphasise the rocky beach.

Supporting Artists and Local Communities

Choosing to personalize our homes with art also has a positive impact beyond our personal space. By purchasing art, whether that’s an original acrylic painting or a fine art print, you’re supporting artists and the local art community, enabling them to continue their creative work. It's a symbiotic relationship where our personalisation efforts contribute to a broader cultural ecosystem.

Adding art to your home is about more than just decoration. It's a process that transforms houses into cozy homes, spaces into comforting havens, and walls into galleries of our lives. Art lets us show who we are, share our stories, spark creativity, and create an atmosphere that connects with our feelings and dreams. So, whether it's a meaningful painting or a playful sculpture, go ahead and let your walls reflect your unique personality. Your home and your soul will both appreciate it.

Do you agree? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!