When choosing artwork for your home, it’s easy to focus on the immediate appeal of a portrait or product. Beyond simply loving the art itself, there are important questions that many clients overlook, questions that ensure their investment truly enhances their space and stands the test of time. That’s because they often get caught up in the fun of choosing their images; however, there’s more to creating stunning artwork than just choosing what portraits you love.
That’s why as your photographer and design consultant, I ask these questions for you, but here’s what you should consider prior to your session and ordering appointment to make the best decision for your home and lifestyle.
How Will This Artwork Fit Into My Home’s Design?
Before selecting a piece, think about how it will integrate into your space. Does your home have a modern, rustic, or eclectic feel? A sleek, minimalistic room may call for clean lines and neutral tones whereas a cozy, farmhouse-style décor can be enhanced by warm, textured frames, and more organic craftsmanship.
Another consideration is whether your artwork should blend in or stand out. Do you want it to complement your existing décor, harmonizing with your color scheme and furniture, or would you prefer it to be a bold statement piece that adds contrast and visual interest? The right choice can enhance the mood and personality of your home.
Placement is also key. Evaluate how lighting, furniture arrangement, and surrounding colors will affect how the piece looks in your home. Think about where your artwork will have the most impact. A carefully chosen spot can turn your artwork into a focal point that draws attention and sparks conversation.
What Size is Appropriate for My Wall Art?
One of the most common mistakes is choosing artwork that is too small. To avoid this and remove any uncertainty about sizing, I’ve made it easy to visualize your potential new piece before committing. Your private client portal lets you upload multiple room photos, which allows me to create a precise mock-up of your space using your pet’s actual portraits on your walls paired with countless sizes and frame possibilities. In fact, your client welcome package includes a special calibration card that you simply tape on your wall and snap a photo of. From there, I’ll generate a true-to-scale visualization to guarantee you choose the perfect size with confidence!
The secret lies in creating balance. The size of your room, the amount of furniture, and even your ceiling height all play a role in determining the right wall art size. The appropriate size ensures your artwork feels intentional and enhances the room’s design. A general rule of thumb is that artwork should take up around two-thirds to three-fourths of the available wall space above a piece of furniture.
When choosing a wall art piece, bigger is usually better as larger pieces make a stronger statement and feel more purposeful in the overall design of the room. If you prefer smaller artwork, a wall art grouping can be just as impactful when thoughtfully arranged. Sizes like 8×10, 12×12, and 11×14, while too small to stand alone, work beautifully when paired with larger pieces or arranged in a grid or gallery-style layout. For a cohesive look, space multiple pieces a few inches (2-4) apart to ensure they fill the area effectively.
Is This a Standalone Piece or Part of a Grouping?
If you love the idea of a wall art grouping, consider how the pieces will work together in terms of color, framing, and the portraits themselves.
Remember that a bold, standalone piece draws attention while a grouping creates a dynamic, evolving display. To mix and match styles, balance sizes, frames, and finishes while maintaining a unifying element like color tones or the portraits. I recommend you start with an anchor piece then expand with complementary pieces from there.
Thinking long-term with a possible second (or third or fourth) Bark & Gold Photography session down the road? Leave room to expand your collection over time. Whether adding new portraits or incorporating fresh styles, a well-planned display ensures your artwork grows beautifully alongside your home and memories.
Which Artwork Type Best Matches My Aesthetic and Lifestyle?
From handmade artisan wood pieces to painterly bespoke canvas masterpieces, different materials bring additional visual and practical qualities. Whatever your aesthetic, I can source you a perfect piece for your space. Traditional framed prints, for example, offer a classic, polished look, while reclaimed wood framed prints add an unassuming look with rich texture. For a sleek, contemporary touch, acrylic blocks provide vibrant colors with a glossy finish. Fine art albums, on the other hand, are ideal for storytelling and hands-on memories.
Durability is also a factor. Framed fine art prints and albums offer archival quality while bespoke canvas masterpieces bring a timeless feel with minimal upkeep, especially valuable if you have an active household with young kids or messy pets since certain products can be wiped clean with water or Windex or offer protection against water…or dog drool! Consider how each option aligns with your home and daily life.
How Will This Artwork Hold Up Over Time?
Not all artwork is created equal in terms of longevity. High-quality, archival materials ensure colors stay vibrant and materials don’t degrade over time. Factors like sunlight exposure, humidity, and general wear and tear can affect how your artwork ages, which is why Bark & Gold Photography opts for only professional-grade materials that will stand the test of time. These materials are designed to resist fading, yellowing, and deterioration, unlike standard consumer-grade prints.
Framed prints with UV-protective glass, properly stretched canvases, and well-stored albums all help prevent fading, warping, and environmental damage, ensuring your artwork remains a lasting treasure.
What’s the Best Way to Display Artwork in Different Rooms?
Various spaces call for different approaches to displaying art. In living rooms, large statement pieces can create a focal point. Bedrooms often benefit from softer, more calming artwork above the bed. In hallways and stairwells, a curated gallery wall can add character and interest. Understanding the unique needs of each space ensures your artwork feels intentional and well-placed.
Lighting and furniture placement also play a role. Position artwork at eye level and ensure proper spacing from furniture to keep it balanced. Accent lighting can enhance details, while avoiding glare from direct light.
How Can I Properly Care for My Artwork?
Protecting your investment is critical to its longevity and beauty. Whether it’s dusting framed pieces with a soft cloth, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, or ensuring humidity control, simple maintenance can drastically prolong the life of your artwork.
Upon picking up your artwork, I provide you with an art care card that discusses how to best care for and maintain your different products so that your artwork will stay in pristine condition for decades to follow.
How Will This Artwork Grow with Me Over Time?
Artwork isn’t just for today—it grows with you over time. Whether you move to a new home, renovate a space, or add new furry family members, consider how your artwork will fit into future transitions.
Refreshing your display doesn’t mean starting over. Rotate seasonal pieces or rearrange a gallery wall to keep things feeling fresh while maintaining meaningful artwork that continues to complement your space. Opting for timeless designs, adaptable displays, and premium materials guarantees your collection will evolve beautifully with your home.
Questions Answered, Concerns Covered
Your artwork should be more than just something you like—it should be an intentional, lasting piece of your story. Thoughtfully chosen pieces have the power to evoke emotions, enhance your space, and reflect your evolving relationship with your pet. By asking these questions, you ensure that your investment is both beautiful and practical as it continues to fill your home with joy and love. Whether you’re selecting a statement piece or curating a collection, prioritizing quality, style, and longevity will help you build a home decorated with meaningful art that grows with you over time.
Your pet is already a huge part of your home—dog hair, slobber string, muddy paw prints and all! Why not make them part of your décor too? I’m here to create artwork that truly reflects their personality and fits seamlessly into your space. Reach out today and we’ll get started!
Those are all great questions! I’ve been in the process of adding artwork to my office and utility room. For the first time ever, I’m going BIG with framed photographs and love the look!
Yes! It’s so exciting, especially when it’s your portraits on the wall. I can’t wait to see what you add!
I love how deliberate you are in helping your clients with their artwork planning. It’s so important to not only choose you favorite images but the best artwork options for the space.
Great questions! I love the way you have the answers for clients at the ready.