There’s no denying that the right piece of art has the power to instantly transform a space, bringing beauty, warmth, and personality into every corner of the home – even the ones we often overlook. In fact, some of the most delightful moments come from placing artwork where you’d least expect it.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the go-to gallery wall or statement hang, but if it’s something unique you’re looking for – there’s a lot to be gained by thinking out of the box. By embracing unexpected ways to display art, we can bring joy and charm to the everyday.
Ahead of this year’s Affordable Art Fair, director Georgia Huestis shares her expert tips for showing off your collection.
How to display art in unexpected ways
Art has a way of enriching our daily lives. Whether it’s a still life in the kitchen, a streetscape in the laundry, or a propped painting above the piano, these small, intentional touches invite beauty, creativity, and personality into the everyday.
Have a play around with colour and groupings of artworks that harmonise with one another. Your eye will naturally be drawn to artworks of a similar palette preference or theme. By trusting your personal style a cohesive collection of artwork will follow.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment, rotate, and rethink – often the most inspiring homes are those that are lived in and constantly evolving.
Perfectly propped
Give yourself a break from the tool kit and embrace a more relaxed approach by simply leaning an artwork on a piece of furniture such as a piano or sideboard.
A casually propped painting, like this richly painted still life by Lael McDonald perched above the piano, evokes a sense of a home that’s truly lived in; where the piano is played and there is time for creativity.
Keep it fresh in the laundry
Why not add a touch of beauty and charm to the most practical room in the house? A thoughtfully chosen artwork can transform the laundry from a purely functional space into one that inspires and uplifts.
For instance, this textured oil painting by James Lyle, offers a gentle escape, transporting you from the household chores at hand, to a meander down an imagined streetscape.
Whether it be a small piece casually propped on the laundry bench or a larger work installed, introducing art into the laundry is a reminder that beauty belongs everywhere. A simple yet effective way to make everyday chores feel much more cheerful.
Change it up in the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and I have a small hook in my kitchen where I regularly rotate artworks depending on my mood or the season.
Don’t be afraid to move pieces around, smaller scale works are particularly easy to swap. These little changes can brighten your day and subtly transform the energy of a space.
As pictured, a classic still life such as Nell Symonds’ painting of pears above a bowl of fresh fruit, adds depth and charm. It’s a clever way to keep your fruit bowl ‘ever fresh’ and bring a sense of artistry to your culinary space.
Stack with style
Don’t overlook the opportunity to make a statement by hanging more than one artwork together. Hanging artworks in unexpected places such as above a doorway or stacked vertically not just at eye line can transform forgotten walls into striking focal points.
For example, this double hang of paintings by self-taught artist Emma Ashton, installed one above the other. This arrangement draws the eye right in and adds a dynamic energy to what may have otherwise been an overlooked space behind a side table.
Like the artworks shown here? All these, and more, can be found at the Affordable Art Fair in Sydney – held from November 6-9. For tickets and more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.
