Since we're talking about artwork...

...here are a few inspiration images of photo/artwork walls

A peaceful nook photographed by Melanie Acevedo

Another cozy nook via photographer Douglas Friedman

A modern take photographed by Erik Johnson

Simple decorating with pretty paper via Busy bee's blog

A good example with smaller pieces also via Busy bee's blog

Great large and colorful photographed by Pierre-Jean Verger

Unusual horizontal theme by Kevin Corn Design

Photo ledge also by Kevin Corn Design

Could be neat in a hallway. Via mondo cherry

Hopefully this collection will be helpful for someone else out there that is considering a wall of artwork or photos. Any favorites out of the above?

Etsy artwork results

A few months ago, I posted about these beautiful watercolors by Putnam Court. They've been framed and put up on the wall. No surprise, but I'm absolutely loving them in our office. They add just a touch of color, while still giving us the "calm" feeling that I seek.


We still need to get the countertop on the cabinets (not sure why it's taken us two years, but we've obviously been cutting ourselves slack). Nonetheless, it's amazing how much these pieces have finished off the room. It's definitely been worth the wait.

With that being said, is there anyone else out there who is just finalizing rooms after living in their house for two years? Or is it just our sorry selves who are taking so long? :)

Etsy hits again

How can one possibly pass up these original watercolors from etsy seller Putnam Court? We are in desperate need for some artwork in our office and these would start us off well. Simple, peaceful and colorful.

A little something to cheer up your day

Just a few little treats that made me smile this morning.

Nest print by Bold & Noble

Egg candleholder by Michel Mason

Pelicano rocking chair by Michel Arnoult

Wood clock by etsy seller Woodstockclocks

Always a good reminder

Lovely ceramic tag from Paper Boat Press.

So true

Etsy seller enchantedpond touched a cord with this print titled "Only the sea".

Hide that TV

Another interesting way to present your television.

Room designed by Delson or Sherman Architects as featured on Desire to Inspire

Lovely large artwork

Could you imagine crashing at the end of a long day, book in hand, in this beautiful room designed by Jiun Ho? If so, count me in as a like-minded friend.


Beautiful artwork. If it were only as easy as it looks.

Am I wierd?

Valerie Hammond's artwork (as featured on Design*Sponge) is romantic in a slightly disturbing way.

They're like mendhi taken to the next level.

Affordable photography

Check out Viewville. Their prices are competitive with those at larger chain home stores, but the prints are far more unique. As per their site:

Viewville is the best online resource for affordably-priced, gallery-quality digital prints. If you’re looking for beautiful and original photographs to decorate your walls, you have discovered the right place. Explore our exclusive gallery — all images are from the personal collections of professional photographers. We’ve selected the best of the best. So, you’ll find photos here that aren’t available anywhere else. Order your favorites and add some Viewville style to your life.

The smoke images by Paul Nelson are oddly beautiful.

Master bedroom entrance

When we designed our master bedroom, the possibilities at the entrance excited me. We've got a blank canvas at the moment, which doesn't help the wandering eyes.


This wall piece from Heather Fraizer of Fraizer and Wing is whimsical. I'm currently enjoying monotone interiors complimented with texture, but this might be slightly dull for the space. On the other hand, I can imagine it fluttering as we walk past.


Or perhaps something like Susan Woods Spring Line would be interesting.


And there's no chance that I would have looked past etsy for artwork that might be interesting. Gollybard's skirt and trousers pair have piqued my interest, as has Deb Grossfield's Knees, Image 186. Not sure why these catch my eye, ...but they are a little out of the ordinary.



Has anyone out there seen any larger size wall artwork or sculptures that they would recommend? Any sites that I'm missing?

I'm weak

I have absolutely no will power. A moment of weakness hit this morning. Etsy seller Irene Wood (Irenemachine) had these beautiful 8x10 paintings taunting me for the past month. Not only do I love the neutral tones, she has finished them in a cool polyurethane for a glossy finish.

Treetop I

Treetop II

There are already have 2-3 different spots in the house vying for their attention. Side by side, they should be stunning on a bright white wall. Ooohhh...now I can't wait for them to arrive!

Wall application

Urban Outfitters has this wall application at a reasonable price at the moment.


No, they won't create a Jennifer Prichard fanciful wall (oh how I pine over her work), but they might be good for a test run. They would definitely be adorable in a little girl's room.

Airport love?

These posters from Grafik 180:City Love are modern and reminiscent of familiar locations at the same time. The Orlando, Paris, and San Francisco posters are currently my favs, but it could also be the location.

GRAFIK180:CITYART / A series of artwork inspired by the distinctive architectural element from buildings around the world. Whether it be a pattern or shape that distinguishes these buildings, it is the first layer of visual iconic recognition. The cities in which these buildings reside in are called out by their airport code instead of their names, creating another layer of graphic distinction, akin to the visual alignment between architectural elements and buildings. The codes also function as a beacon of destination, proclaiming the cities' association with inspiring architecture. An interpretive project from Lian Ng and Jean Orlebeke, in limited edition of 180.

These might be fun in a guest bedroom. Or is it too much of a reminder of the airport hassle that they just came through to visit? Thoughts?

Mortgage or Artwork?

Mr. Big and I recently found ourselves in a gorgeous art gallery in Calgary by the name of New Zones. If you have the chance to go, it's definitely worth a stop. Your head will be swimming with piece after piece of gorgeous artwork. Sigh. And even moreso, they are very helpful in pulling out pieces that you might be interested in. None of the hoighty-toighty gallery people there.

But there was a slight problem. We couldn't figure out how we could meet our mortgage payment and own any of their pieces. Hmmm. Just as much as it is beautiful, artwork can be p-r-i-c-e-y. Of course I immediately came home and came up with a short term plan...find items that give the feel of the gallery pieces, but at just-moved-into-a-new-house-and-are-broke prices.

My first purchase was this gorgeous fashion print from Etsy seller redheather.

Seamless by Jerry Seguin

I love her! And for $25 + the cost of a frame, I feel pretty comfortable that she was within our budget. :) I've also commissioned an original piece from the same artist at a very reasonable price. Very eager to see what he comes up with.

Maybe someday we can roll up to New Zones with a roll of cash in our pocket (ugh...imagine the possibilities), but until then, the hunt is on!

Pulling it together

As has been evidenced by my recent posts, lately I've been secretly salivating over beautiful artwork available online. Perhaps its been an escape from our incomplete house or the busy hours at my rather uncreative job, but I have been seeking out inspiration through others artwork on a regular basis.

While a great escape, I sometimes lose sight of the overall feel of the house...and how artwork plays into it. To that extent, this is a summary of artwork in rooms that wow me...and my attempt to find common themes.

Love how the painting almost hides in the room...monotone but peaceful

Another example but slightly more modern

A reminder that a few smaller pieces can have just as much (if not more impact). From Jonathan Clark Architects.

The pale blues, sages, and browns are soothing and the light in the center makes the painting hopeful...almost like the peaceful start to a new day
So many paintings in these colors look drab...this looks dreamy. The chairs pull together the entire look.

One urge that I have to get over is the desire to put something on each wall. Let them be. In photos, bare walls can sometimes look refreshing so perhaps I don't need to scurry to get them dressed up. But the definite consensus from the images above is a monotone palette...for this year anyway.

Evoking a feeling

Looking for artwork is such an awesome undertaking. Some pieces move me initially, but after a few days, they feel a bit flat. Others evoke wonderful feelings, but perhaps not exactly those that I'm trying to get after.

It's been a fair time coming, but I've come back to the following images for the last time. Now it's time to pull the trigger. Amazingly, all images are from etsy seller lightleak.

Light Dance II

Light Dance I

Pacifica V

I get a lot of energy from these photographs. At the same time, they are fanciful and leave a lot open to the imagination (exactly what are the first to images of?).

I also love his blurred images of individuals on the beach. So peaceful. I can't imagine choosing between the company of good friends or just myself if I were actually in one of the photos.

Soul Friends II

The teacher

Contemplation

Don't you wish you could start every morning this way?

So now the question is which set should find it's home in our guest bathroom. I'm leaning towards the first set because it's a bit more modern and has more movement, but the second evokes a real calming, comfortable feeling. Thoughts?

Wall print

Now that we've got the new table in the kitchen, we're going to have to move a large chest currently in the room. In it's place, this wall print from Amenity might just be a good option. It's fairly simple and still in our color scheme.

Willow Cream and Cocoa from Amenity

We're not introducing new colors at this point. If we decide to do something more bold, we can do that after living in the house a bit longer. The alternate option is to wait to find a very neutral, large painting. I'm thinking that for $330, it should provide a good solution for at least the next 3-4 years. Are we on the right track?

Ideas for those left over wine bottles

What to do with the remnants of a good bottle of wine? We don't have a glass recycling facility on the island, but apparently we are waiting for one to arrive. We have an entire cupboard full of wine bottles! A quick search across the internet revealed some interesting options for reusing our goods.

Spray painted centerpieces by PH Design Group

Bud vases via Design*Sponge


Carafes and vases by Transglass via Apartment Therapy

More vases by Franz Maurer via Inhabitat

We always knew that certain bottles had beautiful form. Maybe we can make something happen with them now...