Many people think interior design is only for women. What if I told you it's not? Interior design can be as much fun for men! From the manly woods like elm, oak or walnut, to animal print rugs and decor, or leather chairs, there are so many ways a man can add some "manliness" to his home. But don't worry — it all looks great together! So let's stop staring at the walls and make our spaces look more awesome with this interior design for guys guide.
When it comes to interior design, the first rule of thumb is that less is more. A space should be clean and organized; it should never resemble a junkyard, no matter how minimalist the decor. It’s not uncommon for men to give in to their inner pack rat, but doing so will only make your environment look smaller and untidy. When you get rid of clutter, everything becomes easier: finding things, putting things away, keeping things clean, and staying organized.
The benefits of an organized life go beyond aesthetics: studies have shown that clutter can actually be bad for your mental health. Even if you claim not to care about the state of your messy room or apartment, chances are you feel at least a little bit uncomfortable when you walk into it—which means that improving the organization of your space could in fact improve your mood.
When putting together your home design plan, step back a bit and consider the larger picture. How will the design of one room transition to another? Even if you’re designing only the living room, how will it interact with your kitchen and adjoining rooms? You want to create a smooth flow between rooms so that each space complements and reinforces the others. So be sure to coordinate colors, style, materials, textures — everything — throughout.
Do this by using an analogous color scheme: choose three colors adjacent on the 12-spoke color wheel (12 o’clock is red; 3 o’clock is yellow; 6 o’clock is blue). Mix in various shades and tints of those hues to create depth. For example, if you go with red as your primary wall color in one room, choose a shade or tint of red for other areas such as throw pillows or rugs. In this way all spaces work in harmony, creating a smooth flow from one area to another.
You can also do this by choosing one general theme for your entire home (e.g., modern farmhouse), then carry that theme throughout various rooms and styles of furniture. Just make sure that whatever themes you select complement each other rather than competing with each other — unless you want spaces that feel like they’re at odds with each other (which isn’t necessarily bad).
Color Wheel Basics
The color wheel is the basis of art. It gives you a visual representation to work off of, and is the foundation of understanding how colors interact with each other. There are three main types of color wheels:
Now that you've learned how to arrange your furniture and accessories, it's time to learn the next step in making your living space more appealing: setting the focal point. The focal point is the most important part of any room—it's what people see first when they enter. It can be a fireplace, a picture or a piece of furniture. As long as it stands out from the rest of the room, it will draw your eye, giving unity and direction to your space.
Setting a focal point for each room makes decorating much easier because instead of being all over the place, you can decide how many accessories you want around each main feature. If you're wondering how many, consider this: If there are too few items around your focal point, it will look under-decorated; if there are too many things competing for attention, no one item will be highlighted.
Our final tip is to be mindful of your lighting. It's really easy to just walk into a room and decide the overhead light is enough, or that it's too harsh and you should use lamps instead. These are both mistakes. Here’s why:
Instead, try mixing up your types of lighting with well-placed floor lamps, table lamps, candles (when appropriate), wall sconces—or any other type of light source you can think of! This will help create the cozy ambiance we discussed before.
You can also add layers by having different types of lights on dimmer switches so that you have control over how much or how little light each layer emits at any given time. For example: using an overhead light paired with table lamps might give you too much light when both are set to their highest settings; but if they're set to lower levels and mixed together right there wouldn't be either too much or too little light.
Finally, don't forget about natural light! Setting up furniture near windows allows for plenty of natural light during the day without feeling particularly harsh or fluorescent like some indoor lights can be.
The last step in the process of decorating is choosing the furniture. The furniture you choose should not only be functional but should also contribute to the beauty of your space. Watch the shape and size of the furniture to make sure it matches with other pieces in your room and doesn't look out of place.
Also, consider how you want people to feel when they're in your living room. Is it a place for conversation? Or do you want it to be more about relaxing?
Finally, make sure there is enough room to move around your furniture since there's nothing worse than having overcrowded furniture that makes moving around difficult.
Don't forget that the right choice of furnishings can actually make a room feel larger than it really is. For example, if you have a large living area but no coffee table, adding one won't just provide extra storage space and functionality, but will also help tie everything together as well as add visual interest.
Think about what you use the room for. If it’s a living room, is it primarily for socializing? Work? TV watching? Think about what you want to get out of the room, given how you use it. If you haven’t already considered these things (and most people don’t), do so now. They will inform your design decisions. Make sure it is comfortable and practical for that use - if you spend all day in the office space working from home or using the computer, then make sure it is usable and comfortable for this purpose before worrying about anything else.
Think about how you are going to use the room as well as who will be using it - if kids are going to be playing in there, invest in some stain resistant upholstery!
You may have heard that interior design is an art—and for some, this can be true. However, for many people, it's really just about knowing a few principles and making sure you keep those in mind when designing your home.
If you're not sure where to start, begin by looking at what other people do. For example:
Framed art prints are the best way to display and show off your favorite pieces whether you're shopping for art in person or browsing online. Framed prints can be both cost-effective and versatile; they work well at home or in the office.
Framed art prints simply look more elegant and high-end than canvas prints. They have a more sophisticated feel, which is what you want for your home decor. If you're trying to impress someone—like a potential buyer, for example—you need framed art prints.
For those very reasons, if you're planning on selling your home or moving, we strongly suggest that you purchase framed art prints instead of canvas ones. You'll get a better return on your investment since they look so much more professional and refined. Simply put: Framed wall art will make the space feel more valuable and polished overall.
A frame adds a sense of completion to any art print, making the artwork look more finished and polished. The right frame completes the overall look of your art, creating cohesion among your furniture, decor and wall design.
When choosing what type of framing material you want for your piece, consider how you plan on hanging it. Once you’ve found the best color for your walls and furniture, choose a frame style that complements it for an elevated look in seconds!
You can also use a frame to express your personality through color and style. If you love bright colors and bold patterns, choose a top-loader frame in one of our vibrant colors like hot pink or orange! Or if you want something more rustic or antique-inspired (especially if you live in an old house!), choose one with distressed edges to give some textural interest to your piece as well as help it stand out against the wall behind it.
One of the greatest things about framed art is that it is incredibly versatile. Not only can you hang a framed piece vertically or horizontally, but also you can really display it anywhere in your home. If canvas art is too big to fit on the wall in a certain area of your house, then you are out of luck. However, this isn’t a problem with framed art because you have many more options for displaying it. For example, if there isn’t enough space for a large print on the wall in an entryway, simply hang a small framed piece at eye level on the doorframe instead! A hanging picture frame will make this area feel more pulled together and welcoming for guests when they come over.
Another wonderful thing about having framed pieces displayed around your house is that it’s easy to switch them out as often as you want! You can do this seasonally or whenever you want to change up your decor style. Framed art prints give you numerous opportunities to explore different aesthetics and so much flexibility when designing your living space, which allows you to put together an area that truly reflects who you are and what makes you happy.
Imagine your framed art print is a family member. Let's call it Fred. If you were to hang Fred on the wall without a frame, you're basically raising Fred without proper protection. A canvas print can get chipped, creased and ruined in any number of ways. That's why many homeowners choose to go with a framed art print instead—it's safer for your artwork and walls alike!
Don't worry: We're not suggesting you wrap Fred in bubble wrap, duct tape him to the wall or slather him in epoxy glue (examples of things we've seen people try). You just need a simple frame—preferably one with hanging hardware already attached. This extra step provides an extra layer of protection for your walls as well as the art itself.
Whether you’re planning to hang framed art on its own or alongside other wall decor, the key to creating a unified look is choosing pieces that complement each other. Look for items that share similar styles and colors, but aren’t too matchy-matchy. A good rule of thumb? Pick two small accent items that make bold statements and pair them with one larger piece that offers a more subtle effect.
This rule applies to any type of wall decor arrangement, from gallery walls to vignettes. We recommend printing framed art prints in standard sizes (like 8x10 or 11x14) so you can mix and match with ease. If you want to go for a simple look with fewer frames, stick with offset matting in white or off-white tones so your photos stand out against your wall color.
Framed art is a great choice for any home. Whether you’re going for traditional, modern, or abstract framed prints, they make an amazing addition to your living room, bedroom, dining area—pretty much anywhere in your house.
But why should you use framed art? Well…
First of all, it's flexible. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and colors to fit the exact look you want to achieve. And there are tons of different types of frames to match the artwork itself: thin black frames with minimalistic paintings; colorful frames with bold patterns and contrasting motifs; ornate gold frames with Renaissance-era sketches…
The sky's the limit! And that’s just talking about what goes inside the frame!
If you’re looking for high-quality wall decor that also fits your budget, then framed prints are a fantastic option. Just browse through our collection and find one (or many!) that matches your personal taste or existing decor scheme.
Buying art as an investment isn't a simple process where you just start buying up anything and everything you can to put on the walls of your house. You have to be smart about the purchase. Take your time, explore all the options, and consider all your options.
A major indicator of an artist’s potential for future success is their previous sales history. The more someone has sold at auction or through galleries, the more likely they are to continue to sell—and well.
The artist’s awards and honors are also a key element in determining their value as an investment. If artists have won major awards in their field, this may be a sign that they will continue to be recognized for their work throughout their career and beyond.
The recognition of an artist within the art community is important as well. Artists who work with other artists often benefit from shared attention and publicity for exhibitions and collaborations. The number of exhibitions that an artist has had is another helpful gauge of how much interest there is in them among the artistic community at large.
Media coverage can also help determine a particular artist’s success now and in the future. Media coverage influences the public perception of figures in any field—a positive media campaign can propel someone towards greater visibility, while negative media coverage can diminish public interest quite quickly (eBay).
The representation by major galleries also suggests that an investment would be worthwhile since galleries only choose artists whose work they believe will sell well, both now and later on down the road when it may gain even more traction with collectors who seek out early works by successful contemporary artists (Investopedia).
Finally, reviews by curators and critics tend to help solidify an emerging artist’s reputation within the field; if critics consider someone to be a promising young talent who will continue to produce worthwhile works throughout his or her career, others will follow suit when it comes time for them to invest in a piece of artwork themselves
When you're looking at a piece of art, you should be able to tell how much work and care went into it. It's worth taking the time to look for the artist's signature on paintings, as well as other signs of quality craftsmanship.
For example, when looking at paintings, examine how the piece is framed. Does it look like something that came from a thrift store? Or does it appear professionally finished with wood or gold-leafing?
You should also take a look at the construction of the piece itself. Is there anything falling off? Are there holes in it? These are all factors that can affect its value.
In addition to examining these details, also pay attention to what materials were used. For instance: was high quality canvas employed? Did they use strong materials instead of cheap ones like paper mugs or plastic cups?
A large amount of inventory, whether it be a few dozen or hundreds of prints, indicates that the artist is not as highly sought after. Artists are best invested in when there are only a few pieces available for purchase. If an artist has made many prints or multiples such as drawings, or even other paintings, these pieces will be valued lower than if there were only one piece in existence. If there are many pieces available, the price will likely drop over time as they all flood the market.
Cultural or political statements are not the best investment in art. To make money on art, you want a broad audience to like your piece. Avoid art that is highly specific to a particular culture or interest: for example, an astrology chart painted by an obscure artist from the Netherlands...or a painting of a shipwreck in the Florida Keys by a local painter. Rather, look for art that appeals to a broad range of people; paintings with no background and neutral colors work well.
Art investors should buy works from a reputable source and look for documentation that the work is indeed by the artist. Online art marketplaces can be good sources, but buyers are encouraged to dig deeper. Do your research on the gallery or auction house where you intend to purchase. Call them and ask questions. If they are not able to provide answers that satisfy you, go elsewhere. Asking questions of vendors will often reveal how knowledgeable they are and whether they are interested in helping their customers build a collection that suits their needs and budget while protecting them from fraud.
You can find artwork directly from artists of all levels, from beginners to masters.
Some artists may only have a limited number of one-of-a-kind works available for sale. In some cases, they may not even be listed anywhere, and you’ll need to contact the artist directly. Even when they are, though, it's always best to contact the artist first as a matter of principle.
Artists love talking about their work! They can provide information about the work that no online description or private dealer can provide. Some artists have websites or blogs with contact information; others have studios that are open for visitors by appointment. You can also find them at art festivals and galleries across the country (and around the world).
You also need to know what to look for. Quality workmanship is a must, but it's also important to consider an artist's successes and the artwork's potential for appreciation. You should examine whether there are many other pieces available and research your source thoroughly before you make a purchase. Lastly, learning how and where to find artwork directly from artists can cut out middlemen who increase the price of artworks you're interested in buying.
A good way to get a recommendation is to ask as many people as possible. If you're looking for a recommendation, don't be afraid to ask your family, friends or coworkers. Don't forget about your boss, clients or customers and certainly don't leave out your suppliers!
If you are fortunate enough to have the money to buy art, then there are many options available to you. You can buy it from an artist directly or from an auction house, online retailer or gallery. In this article we will look at some of the different ways that you can go about purchasing art and what each of them entails.
The colors of your art piece should either coordinate the color schemes in the room or contrast them. If you want to tie everything together, opt for a piece that has colors similar to those already on your walls and flooring. For instance, if you have lots of green decor in the room, consider a painting with a variety of green shades.
If you are looking for more contrast, select an artwork that has complementary colors. For example, if your living room is predominantly blue and yellow-based on your furniture and decor items, choose a painting with orange hues to complement these two colors.
Seek suggestions about design from an interior designer or decorator. Invest in art that you enjoy and will want to look at for years to come. Don't try to purchase paintings that you think will be worth a great deal of money in the future.
You may wish to consider whether you'd like to have an original work of art or a print from a local artist. Prints are reproductions of original works of art and can be in the form of lithographs, serigraphs, woodcuts, or other types of printmaking. Most prints bear the artist's name on the front and indicate whether it is a lithograph (Ltd. Ed.), serigraph (S/N), woodcut (W/C) et al., as well as an edition number indicating its place in a limited series (out of 150 for example). The artist may also sign the print in pencil at the bottom right corner, indicating that this is an original representation of them.
Displaying art isn’t limited to the walls of your home. Consider giving some thought to where you place your art pieces so they’ll be unexpected and interactive. For example, you can hang a piece over a doorway, or you can use it to divide a room, such as hanging a mirror across an open space in the living room. You could also hang pieces down the length of a hallway. If you have bold art that’s eye-catching, but also not necessarily traditionally “decorative,” it might look great in an unexpected place like the kitchen or bathroom.
There’s no doubt that the art world has been revolutionized by the ability to purchase art online, but if you’re a collector, you’re probably wondering how this new online world of purchasing art fits into your collecting strategy.
Corey Wesley is a bit of an entrepreneur! How do I know this? Because he influenced me to write this copy, after reading his blog post about a "no-brainer" topic like creating good content.
To some, it's the "tagging" and scribbles on the sides of buildings that local governments deem vandalism. But to others (like Wesley), graffiti is a form of art. "Graffiti and street art is a form of expression," he says. "It's a way for an artist to express themselves, their feelings — whatever they want people to see."
However, this misunderstanding between the two groups has resulted in many artists keeping their work under wraps. So finding artists was one challenge Wesley had to overcome while starting his business.
But now that he's been running online galleries for almost two years, Wesley found out another issue: Many people don't think graffiti or street art can be beautiful or valuable. At least not until they find out how much it costs!
That said, by educating his audience about what makes these works so special (and why they're worth investing in), Wesley hopes more people will realize that some graffiti and street art can be art and not just urban vandalism.
Wesley went to college for communications but left after two years, and moved to Chicago for four years only to come back to New York City. Wesley's decision to drop out of college was not an easy one, but Wesley felt it was the best thing for him at the time. After years in Chicago, he wanted to be in New York City with his friends and family so he could pursue his dream of being a curator. When asked about leaving school, Wesley explained that having your friends and family around you is more important than what people think.
You don't have to be a statistician or the CEO of a large corporation to know that the odds of becoming one of the few minority-owned businesses that thrive in New York City are low. Yet, despite these odds, curatorial director and art dealer Corey Wesley has made it work. The success of his business has brought him more than money; it has allowed him to build a community in which he can support other black artists and art enthusiasts, who often feel isolated by a culture they love but find themselves pushed out of. "I think my biggest problem is that I still haven't built enough of a community," laments Wesley. "I'm trying to do things where we can all make good money together."
It is often defined as any painting, sculpture, or graffiti put on public spaces for the purpose of public appreciation. The artists don't get paid for their work, and it goes up in cities around the world, from New York and London to Thailand and Brazil. That's why it's also often called "urban art."
The artist Banksy is probably everyone's favorite street artist. You may have heard that he recently set up a shop in New York City. It was pretty meta: The shop sold paintings that were painted by him, but they were all unsigned. Many people lined up to buy them, never knowing that they were getting something made by Banksy himself!
Another famous street artist who works under an alias is "Invader," a Frenchman who draws pixelated aliens inspired by the video game Space Invaders on walls across big cities around the world. He usually puts them in high places so they are difficult to reach without some climbing equipment.
Be sure to check out the online store that bears the Milton Wes name. This retailer has built a reputation for selling graffiti and street art at affordable prices, and it continues to expand by adding new designs every month. Here you can purchase canvas art, framed prints, books, clothing, accessories, and much more. With all the different styles of artwork available on the Milton Wes website, it's easy to find what suits your taste best.
The brand is known for its vibrant colors and bold prints that appeal to those who prefer not less conventional home decorating options than what they might find elsewhere. The focus on affordability ensures that everyone can buy something from this shop without feeling like they're breaking the bank when making an aesthetic decision about their living space.
