Ornamentation began under the Victorians, when soldiers, aristocrats and politicians would emblazon their homes with things they had bought from abroad. This was to let the world know they were cultured, traveled and had the affluent background to visit different countries at a time when most of the world could not. It was as much a statement of artistic choice as it was about social status. Nowadays however, everyone has the ability to decorate their homes in an abundance of styles. There is no shortage of items you can put in your home but you don’t want to clutter your rooms by covering every inch with ornaments, figurines, artwork, decor pieces, etc. The walls are the hardest area of all to decorate with a purpose, and make them look stylish without forcing it.
By Team Savant
Historical Importance
Early-modern paintings have been the source of much pleasure throughout the world. This is when painting really took off and became the prestigious form of art that we all know and love today. But it wasn’t always like that. Sculpting out of stone was the number one artistic expression, thanks to the 2000-years reign of the ancient Greeks and ancient Roman cultures. But it made up for this by distinctly having paintings that depict historical events such as the fall of Rome, the sack of Constantinople and the Mongol Horde rampaging through the Balkans.
Your home would look splendid with such a piece that displayed a historically significant event throughout human history in the early-modern style. This type of painting should be displayed in a place of importance such as the foyer, hallway or staircase. The frame should be in a regal or renaissance style, as these were the most popular at the time in Europe. Brass or polished bronze were the most common materials used for this.
Your Moments
Perhaps there is no artwork in the world that is as grand as your own family. That’s why so many family photos are making a huge comeback as the premier decorating items for blank and boring walls. If you click here you will see how awesome it can look to have your baby grandchild on the wall next to a window. You can also have a photo of your pet dog up on the wall. Pick one of his best moments, such as jumping into the lake trying to catch fish, or running through a meadow during spring, etc. You can have the classic canvas, the framed or the collage if you want more than one photo. They are print quality so although they are sharp and crisp, they might not have as much artistic flare by themselves, unless of course you are a wizard with the camera and can edit or take photos that are stylish.
Metal Art
Metal has become a staple material in the modern home, all thanks to the affordability that it provides in our everyday decor pieces. Our dining tables, chairs, coffee tables and lamps are all things that we take for granted to be made out of metal. Thankfully, metal art has expanded to become more affordable and just as brilliant to have on your wall as paintings and sketches. Take for example, tree metal art. This is when metal is bent and shaped in such a way as to look like a tree that is sprouting from up the floor and spreading out into the wall. Usually this type of artwork is made from iron as it's easy to work with, which is why it can have a very dull look. It's great in black but it's not as good at keeping different colors such as aluminum. Aluminum is much more expensive than iron, but it can bring light and atmosphere into your home unlike iron. It all depends on how polished aluminum artwork can be incredible.
Portrait Painting
Perhaps the most recognisable artwork in the grandest of grand homes is the portrait. These types of paintings are found in very prestigious homes such as Buckingham Palace and English manor homes in the countryside. They are also very prominent in government buildings around the world. Portraits are supposed to capture the essence of a person. How they stand, sit, or look in their eyes and face, tells us a lot about them. Their clothes and their location is also important. For example, King Henry VIII wanted to do a portrait in front of a tapestry as well as in his royal court. This said a lot about the man and who he was.
Similarly, you should also have a portrait of some kind that speaks to you. It doesn’t have to be you or anyone you know, it can just be of a person you admire or found interesting. For example, you could have Nelson Mandela, JFK, or perhaps Isaac Newton. Anyone who you feel has had a big impact on your life, seeing them in their glory could be just what you need for a bit of inspiration every morning.
Writing On the Wall
Another and very popular modern choice of art is for writings to appear in every room. Do you have a favorite quote or slogan that you live by or speaks to you? This is your chance to have it on your wall. Many people like to write slogans on their hallways so the guests know what kind of house they are entering. You could also have a poem written on the wall, something that lifts your spirits or reminds you of a nice day. You can select the font and also have the writing accompanied by a little creature if you’d like. For example, a children’s poem on your children’s bedroom wall, along with a squirrel or badger, etc.
Wall art comes in many forms and we think that these are some of the best choices. Portraits are powerful as it's someone that is looking into your home. So make sure the person really matters to you. Also, you have the option of metal art which is a great way to express contemporary messages.