Design Advice from the Experts
If you’ve ever wanted to ask a pro how to choose original artwork for your home, or how to display and style it, then this post is for you!
Ragan Cain of The Frances Flair, Ebonee Shae of Living Shae, the team at Basic Projects and Anne Pulliam Interiors are sharing their expertise in art and design to help you create an intentional space that you love.
Photo by Emily March Payne
What is your go-to advice for choosing original art for your home?
Ragan Cain: Always buy what you love. Art is so personal that I don’t think anyone (a decorator or otherwise) can really choose it for you. Certainly there are those that can help educate you on art and art history and my goal for myself in my second half of life is to do more of that. But as for choosing art, I always say buy what you love and then find somewhere to put it. I’ve been living by that theory for the last two decades and it has worked great for me.
Ebonee Shae: Choose art that means something to you. Every piece of art I choose has a special meaning whether it’s a reflection of my childhood or history or even my personal aesthetic. Nothing has to match but make sure it’s cohesive.
Photo by Emily March Payne
What is your no. 1 tip for styling or displaying original art?
Basic Projects: I love framing original artwork in old vintage wooden frames I find. It instantly makes the art feel like it’s been there for years and creates that needed texture on a white wall.
Anne Pulliam Interiors: My number one tip in styling or displaying art in your home is to find something that contrasts against the other design elements in the space. My favorite way to "finish" a room is with art (often sourced through Liza Pruitt) and finding the perfect piece to juxtapose the design really helps a room sing and feel fresh.
Photo by Emily March Payne