Oil Paintings, Art and Wall Decor Blog

Changing trends

Top Decorating Trends for 2008

It’s that time of year again to start thinking about a new look and all the things that we can do around the house to make our home more fashionable and trendy.

So what’s hot for decorating in 2008? Think affordable luxury with a wide variety of styles and flavors to suit any Decorator!

As the wheels of fashion turn, so do the wheels of home décor trends, observe the coming of Neo-classic art back into modern décor in the year 2008. Luckily, it’s never been easier to create a luxurious home to suit your lifestyle with these simple decorating tips:

1. Eco-friendly decor – The focus this year is on organic and the natural artifacts. In the past, eco-friendly or what is now termed Green Design could be summed up in one word: ugly. That isn’t necessarily the case anymore. Eco-friendly design has met a stylish interpretation proving that earth friendly decor can at the same time be elegant, beautiful and exciting as well as Green.
2. Contrasting color combinations - Contrast colors and textures like smooth against rough add a touch of the unexpected to your décor. Pair up accessories or furnishings for that special feeling and spark to lighten up your décor.
3. The ‘X’ factor - X is everywhere, Find it in furniture and accessories. It was first spotted at the Highpoint European Show and has since been making its way down the trend ladder to almost every trend seeking home in America.
4. Beautiful Design is simply not enough - For today’s multi-tasking, on the go lifestyle, home décor needs to be multi-functional as well. Home Décor shoppers want utility as well as sheik in their furniture and accessories. Look for furniture and decorative accessories that will make your everyday life easier and more organized. It’s time we demanded more from our décor!
5. Expect to see the softer side of leather – Earth tones on smaller pieces of furniture with contrasting more feminine like colors.
6. Art that Inspires Luxury - 2008 is all about the Classics of luxury. Add elegance via home decor, and specifically wall decor. Shop for hand painted art reproductions of famous works of art. Hang a hand painted Impressionist masterpiece like a Monet or a Van Gogh. Like David Sasson, President of OverstockArt.com says: “It is sure to bring many admirers…”
7. Whites - From pearl white to ivory, the white color family will be on display in 2008. From your furniture to your wooden frames. Adorn your home in soft whites.
8. Make a dramatic Impact – Oversized décor for a dramatic look. Shock your friends and add one focal point piece as a jaw dropper. Imagine one huge work of art in your living room that would leave everyone in awe.
9. Gray tones and Metals – Add a touch of steel to your design with elements such as Silver, brushed nickel and aluminum. Recycled would be a preference (remember to think green!).
10. Feng Shui – In this hectic and fast pace world we all want a bit of piece and tranquility in our home. Let your design and furnishing make you feel at ease. Add the Feng Shui elements and embrace piece on earth.

Have more trends to add? Post your comments and hopefully we can all create the right environment for growth and exploration in our homes in 2008. I wish you all a fabulous and enjoyable year full of joy and successful decorating endeavors.

Facebook App about Art

Facebook has been 2007’s new kid on the block. With a growing rate of 3% each day it seems to be unstoppable…

People seem to be addicted to this social network phenomenon. What was once for college kids only, is now taking over the social networking realm throughout the world.

The big difference between Facebook and other social networking sites the likes of MySpace, Hi5 and Orkut are the applications. Anyone (with some development knowledge) can submit an application to Facebook.

The interaction of the users with these mini-apps creates a constant buzz in the network. This buzz promotes a viral affect that helps to spread this network even further.

ArtCorner.com has developed its own little mini-app. Appropriately, this app is about art! The My Art Gallery application allows you to browse through hundreds of famous oil paintings and choose a prominent work of art that you can display on your Facebook profile!

This application will allow you art lovers out there to add sophistication and style to your Facebook profiles!

Facebook has already added this app to their directory and we have over 200 users just from the first day!

So sign-up for Facebook if you haven’t done so and see what the fuss is all about…

Why Do People Buy Art Online

Have you ever wondered what factors influence online shoppers to buy art?

The people who purchase art and wall décor over the web are definitely savvy online shoppers. It takes trust and vision to purchase such a visual and touchy feely piece of art.

The people who buy art online are definitely the early adapters of this market and it is interesting to read their point of view towards shopping online.

OverstockArt.com recently held a survey and asked online shoppers what influences them to buy art online… here is a short sample of the various answers… Read More…

Free Access to Museums in Paris?

France’s prime minister announced Tuesday that free access would be tested at a sampling of museums in Paris and other towns.

Francois Fillon, current Prime Minister of France, did not name any museums, but did say that he wants to make art more accessible for all to enjoy and learn. Fillon noted that several other European nations have made similar strides in the last few years.

“Access to our artistic heritage should be truly democratized,” Fillon said in his recent speech at the parliament.

The Louvre, France’s most famous museum and home to the Mona Lisa, currently charges standard admission of $12.

Fillon also said he wants young people to get a “culture passport” valid nationwide to give them easy access to cultural sites.

I think that would be amazing for the citizens of France and that would make Paris an even greater tourist attraction. I wonder if it would be possible to purchsae the “culture passport”, that would be a really great thing to have!

However, I wouldn’t wait for this law to be passed. It might take several years… nevertheless, if you are situated or plan on visiting Paris, go see the Mona Lisa, it is a wonderful experience that’s definitely worth the twelve bucks!

Decorating with Handmade Oil Paintings

Oil paintings have always brought elegance and ambience to home décor. Many people buy original oil paintings as part of their hobby. But then those who can’t afford original art can certainly find a great alternative. Yes, an inexpensive alternative!

Acquiring original expensive paintings doesn’t fit everyone’s budget. So what’s the alternative if you would still want to own a handmade masterpiece in your office or home? The solution is an oil painting reproduction piece that can be purchased at a fraction of the original price. These oil paintings are near to exact replicas of the original ones. Now, you have to remember that these replicas might fall short on your expectations but then they are much more fabulous then those lifeless prints. Read More…

2007 Decorating Trends - Understated Lines

It’s time for another home decor trend for 2007.

2007 will be a year of breakthroughs in many aspects, but in the decor world we are seeing a return to simplicity.

Understated lines are where it’s at! Open any number of home magazines, walk into a furniture store, or just watch your favorite sitcom! Whether it be sofas, occasional tables, or patterns on rugs, designers are leaning towards simple, not-so-busy designs. I believe the roots of this trend directly correlate with the chaos that our every day lives can bring. When we are at home we want to feel relaxed and comfortable. Simplicity in your décor can and will do that for you.

Also, if you are an art enthusiast like myself, you will find Mark Rothko oil paintings a wonderful addition to your surroundings. His passionate use of color and geometrical paintings will fit perfectly in an otherwise calm and uncomplicated space.

2007 Emerging Decorating Trends - DIY

Greetings friends! It’s hard to believe another year has passed, but we know what that means. Every New Year brings new design trends and 2007 is bursting at the seams with them! Innovative ideas, retro styles, and effervescent colors are arriving on the scene as we speak (or read). Whether you are ready for an updated look, or even if you just completed your project, there is something for everyone in the coming year.

Every week I will publish one of my top five favorite emerging trends in the design and décor world for 2007, I hope you find it helpful and inspiring. So lets start shall we…

DIY- Do It Yourselves, girls and boys! Now, you’re thinking, “why would any designer exploit this idea?!” Well, let me just say that everyone is worthy of beautiful surroundings. Truth be told though, personal designers can be pricey! Now there are a lot of situations where we should leave it to the professionals, but not in every case. With numerous programs, blogs, and publications sharing great ideas with the general public, there is no reason not to be taking advantage! I was just at Lowe’s the other day and I picked up a great book called 1001 Paint & Color Ideas. I have only done a minor amount of faux finishing in my lifetime, but in about 2 hours the backsplash of my new kitchen had a mosaic finish! I think the whole project probably cost me $10! Faux finishing is one of the many DIY projects available! Just keep your eyes and mind open to new ideas, and let your creative side free!

Incorporating Abstract Art into your Interior Decor

Interior decor is not just putting a picture on the wall; it’s also about capturing the essence of your mood and style.

Decorating the walls of your home with Abstract art adds touches of elegance and energizes your space. Whether you have a bare space on the wall, or a corner in desperate need of something special, abstract art will work.

Abstract art plays with light and color, shape and function. These paintings and sculptures will allow you to experiment with your modern look. Wassily Kandinsky, who many consider the father of Abstract art, used to paint his oil paintings as if he was writing a symphony: full of geometric shapes, passion and a marvelous flow of color.

Abstract art can add splashes of color and elegance to a room. It is a way to expose your visitors to something different.

Abstract art can also create different mood settings to your home, sophisticated pieces can revitalize your room and give it new meaning. “A white wall is simply a white wall… Add some abstract oil paintings and it becomes a showcase of style,” said Dawn Kail, Director of Style at OverstockArt.com.

If you are struggling to find a center piece for your space, abstract art pieces can provide the perfect focal point. Do not think that you have to situate your furnishings around the pieces. Instead, they add such drama and life that eyes will naturally flow to them. They become the center without effort.

Abstract art captures the elegance of contemporary design while also pushing into other boundaries. It can be playful, dramatic, sleek and exciting, all contained in one piece. Your home will never seem more complete, and more in style.

Oil Paintings to Add a Touch of Class to the Hospitality Industry

In the last few years there has been a shift in the Hospitality Industry, Hotels are being judged by the quality of their wall décor not just the size of their pools. The walls of the industry are going through a face-lift, don’t be left behind.

Everything since the year 2000 has been about class and style; cars, homes, fashion, personal accessories and decor – the modern way.

In particular, America has become entranced by the home-decorating industry. New home design programs and interior decorating shows have been airing regularly on all the major networks, and people are buying-in 100 percent to the idea that proper feng-shui is next to godliness.

But recent trends like these aren’t exclusive to the home-buyer/home-owner market. These days, everyone wants to get in the game, including the hospitality industry. Read More…

Running a Gallery, it’s a woman’s world…

Woman have always been known to have an impact on the art world, but it was always through their passion and talent, not their managerial skills. However, the impact that women have on the art world is starting to shift over to the business side as well. There are more and more women that run contemporary art and oil paintings galleries all across the world, according to Alice Rawsthorn, a Design critic for The Guardian, which wrote a compelling article on why women do so well running their galleries.

Apparently, women have the right skill sets to take care of the artists, the artworks and have the patience and stamina to look at the big picture as a business owner.
The ability to multi-task is something that every entrepreneur should posses, however, as a gallery owner you need to be ready and take part in tasks that force you to get down and dirty. Read the “Space Women” article and get inspired, may be you could become an art gallery owner one day…