Weekend decorating: Simple ways to refresh your home with art
Refresh your home
Life in the UK is busy. Between work, family, and everything else that fills our days, it’s easy to let our homes fall a little by the wayside. You might find yourself walking through the door after a long day and feeling a sense of…. something missing. The space feels a bit stale, perhaps a little uninspiring. It’s not that it’s untidy, but it lacks that spark, that personal touch that makes a house truly feel like a home. You know you would love to give it a refresh, create a more welcoming and inspiring environment, but the thought of a major decorating project feels overwhelming, especially when time is such a precious commodity.
This feeling is perfectly normal. Our homes are more than just four walls: they are the backdrop to our lives, it's the place where we relax, connect with loved ones, and recharge for the day ahead. The atmosphere of our home has a direct impact on our mood and well-being. A well-chosen piece of art can create a focal point in a room, drawing the eye and adding a touch of visual interest. It can inject personality, reflecting your tastes and interests, turning a generic space into something uniquely yours. Art can also evoke emotions, whether it’s the calming serenity of a landscape or the vibrant energy of an abstract piece.
But who has the time for a full-scale renovation or even a lengthy shopping trip? The good news is that you don’t need to dedicate an entire weekend or spend a fortune to make a noticeable difference. Even small, simple changes can have a big impact on the overall feel of your home. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective and a few clever tweaks to bring new life to your living space.
This is where this blog comes in. We understand the demands of modern life and the desire to create a beautiful welcoming home without sacrificing precious weekend time. That’s why we’re here to share some simple, weekend-friendly ways to incorporate art into your décor. These ideas are designed to be quick easy, and affordable, allowing you to refresh your space and add a touch of personality without the stress of a major overhaul. Whether you’re looking to create a striking focal point, add a pop of colour, or simply inject some personal style, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and inspiration that you can easily put into action this weekend.
Quick and easy art fixes
Let’s start with some of the quickest and easiest ways to refresh your space with art-no shopping trips or major DIY projects required! These simple tweaks can make a surprisingly big difference to how your home feels.
1 Rearranging existing art:
You might be surprised at how much of a difference simply moving your existing artwork can make. It’s like giving your walls a fresh coat of paint without painting! Try swapping pieces between rooms to give them a new context. A painting that felt a little lost in the living room might find a new home and shine in the hallway. You can also try grouping similar pieces to create a more impactful display. For example, if you have several smaller prints of a similar theme or colour palette, arrange them together in a gallery wall style. Remember the golden rule of hanging art: aim for the centre of the piece to be at eye level. This simple tip can instantly elevate the look of your display.
2 Create a temporary display:
If you’re not quite ready to commit to permanently hanging new pieces or rearranging existing ones, creating a temporary display is a fantastic option. Utilize existing furniture like shelves, ledges, or mantel pieces to showcase your art. This allows you to easily rotate pieces and experiment with different arrangements without putting any new holes in your walls. Picture ledges are particularly useful for this, as they allow you to lean artwork against the wall, creating a relaxed and informal look. You can easily swap art pieces whenever you fancy a change, keeping your décor fresh and dynamic.
3 Frame existing prints or photos
Do you have a collection of prints, postcards, or family photos tucked away in drawers? Framing them is a simple yet effective way to instantly elevate their look and turn them into display-worthy art.
Even simple prints can look incredibly sophisticated when presented in a nice frame. You don’t have to spend a fortune on custom framing: there are plenty of affordable options available online and in the high street shops. You can even try your hand at DIY framing using inexpensive frames and some creativity. A well-chosen frame can complement the artwork and tie it to your existing décor, adding a polished and professional touch.
Adding new art without breaking the bank
Now if you are looking to add some fresh pieces to your collection without emptying your wallet, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. You don’t need to spend a fortune to acquire beautiful and impactful art for your home.
1 Explore online marketplaces
The internet has opened a world of possibilities for finding affordable art. Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy are treasure troves of unique and original pieces, often at significantly lower prices than traditional galleries. You can find everything from original paintings and prints to photography and handcrafted artwork.
On eBay, you can often find great deals through auctions or by searching for specific artists or styles. Etsy is a fantastic platform for discovering independent artists and supporting small businesses. When searching these platforms, use specific keywords to narrow down your search and filter by price to stay within your budget. Keep an eye out for vintage finds and antique prints, which can add a touch of character and history to your home.
Visit my eBay art shop by clicking the button below
2 Consider prints and posters
High-quality prints and posters offer a fantastic way to enjoy beautiful artwork without the high price tag of originals. Many museums and galleries offer prints of their collections, allowing you to bring masterpieces into your home at an affordable price. Online print shops also offer a vast selection of artwork in various styles and sizes. Look for Giclee prints, which are known for their high quality and archival properties, ensuring that your prints will last for years to come. Framing your prints will further enhance their appearance and make them look even more impressive.
3 DIY art projects
If you are feeling creative, why not try your hand at creating your own art? There are countless DIY art projects that you can easily tackle over a weekend. Pressed flowers and leaves, framed in simple glass frames can bring a touch of nature indoors. Simple abstract paintings, using acrylics for watercolours can also be a fun and relaxing way to create a unique piece for your home. You can even use fabric scraps to create colourful collages or textile art. Pinterest and other online platforms are brimming with inspiration and tutorials for DIY art projects of all skill levels. This is a great way to personalize your space and create something truly unique.
So, as we have seen, refreshing your home with art doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. Whether you’re simply rearranging existing pieces, exploring online marketplaces for affordable finds, or getting creative with DIY projects, there are plenty of simple, weekend-friendly ways to inject personality and style into your living space.
From quick fixes like reframing old prints to more involved (but still manageable) projects like creating a gallery wall, the key is to start small and focus on making changes that you can realistically achieve in a short amount of time. By incorporating these tips, you can transform your house into a home you truly love, reflecting your unique style and creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for you and your family. Now, why not pick one or two of these ideas and give them a try this weekend? You might be surprised at the difference a little art can make.
If you are looking for some watercolour art to start or add to your collection, be sure to check out my eBay art shop by clicking the button below.
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