Art that fits your home — and also your budget

Art can serve as a finishing touch, a conversation piece or a focal point in a room.

“It provides visual beauty, but it also is a layer of life that has a story to it,” says Whitney Forstner, founder of Into/Art. “And when we allow ourselves to be open to that story and connection, it’s fun and powerful.”

But choosing art for your home can be tricky. You want to collect pieces that have staying power, that will be relevant for many years and that you won’t grow tired of. That’s a tall order. Where do you start? And how do you know what — or where — to buy?

The right pieces are visually interesting and offer an emotional connection, but they don’t have to break your budget to be both beautiful and meaningful.

“We are all collectors,” Forstner says. “You don’t have to buy something from Sotheby’s. Frame your kid’s handprint, and that’s the beginning for a collection.”

We spoke with Forstner and another design expert for advice on building your home art collection. Here are their suggestions.

• Determine what you like. If you don’t know where to start, spend time identifying your style. Do you gravitate toward photography or landscapes? Are you drawn to realism or abstract images? How do you feel about bold colors? Imagine what different pieces would look like in your home.

“Art isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. You don’t have to know art history to know what you like. You can fill your home with pieces that feel personal to you and fit your aesthetic,” says Bridget Mallon, editorial director of MyDomaine and the Spruce. “Art should make you happy when you look at it.”

Flip through magazines and catalogues to see how art is paired with design elements and other art. Take note of what speaks to you. Is it the contrast of a large abstract piece over an antique, or are you more interested in muted landscapes paired with contemporary furnishings?

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