Adding art pieces to living areas, especially on big white, grey, or light green walls, brings life to any home.
A popular trend is line art, influenced by artists Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso, who united line and colour in their work.
Line art is an art form that’s been around for thousands of years, says Tania Richardson, chief executive officer and co-founder of Tomas Pearce, an international interior design firm based in Toronto. It is created with the use of a simple continuous line in varying line weights to achieve depth and perception.
“Line art has re-emerged in the design world once again,” she says.
Line art helps to create a sense of minimalism
“It’s organic in nature and, while its simplicity may seem primitive, it’s a powerful expression of creativity,” Richardson says.
She says the unprecedented amount of time we have all been spending at home in recent months is one reason for its popularity.
“It’s caused many people to simplify not only their possessions but also their taste in art and home decor,” she says. “Current decor trends suggest that we are leaning towards organic materials, fluid lines, and simplicity.
“Line art complements any style and evokes conversations about the artist’s intention and suggestive nature. From retail purchases to DIY artists, line art can be an immensely powerful, yet freeing form of expression.”
Jane Lockhart of award-winning firm Jane Lockhart Design, says line art is being seen everywhere in design today.
“I believe that walls were made for art and I incorporate it into as many residential and commercial designs as possible,” she says. “Line art can work well with most styles but pops nicely in a modern setting. Most line and figurative art are very elegant and graceful, and despite the many abstract designs, several pieces can work well together.
“Clustering several framed pieces of varying sizes is a great idea for a focal wall. Because of the simplicity and the sharp contrast of black and white, it really ‘draws’ the eye toward it.”
Lockhart says she prefers to design with classic, timeless pieces, and then add in one or two pieces that are trending as trends can date themselves quickly.
Where to place your art
Here are a few suggestions to work line art into your home design:
- On the walls. These clean bold lines work well typically with black paint on a white background, bringing a sense of simplicity or minimalism to a room.
- On shower curtains. This also works for towels and bathmats.
- On duvet covers. This helps to create a sense of calm in the bedroom as well.
- On vases, plates, glassware. Ceramic and glass accessories become a statement in themselves and add interest to any room.
- On throw pillows. This is an ideal, inexpensive way to add a modern art twist to a sectional couch.
- On wallpaper. Thin lines suggest minimalism, but more maximalist examples are being seen too, with broad, colourful brushstrokes adding serious pop to a room.
- On rugs. Line art rugs can ground the floor and define a space.
Abstract art rugs add interest to any space
Another great way to jazz up a room is on the floor through the use of abstract rugs.
“Popular in the ‘60s, abstract patterns complement mid-century modern and contemporary homes,” Lockhart says. “Meant as a statement piece, an abstract design can be very prominent so, like art, mix it with your classic, timeless furniture pieces and let it be a focal point.”
That includes outdoor space too. The creative use of outdoor space has been a big trend in design for more than a year now. Durable, outdoor furniture and area rugs are helping to bring the indoors outside.
Richardson says she likes to use abstract rugs because they help ground a space through depth of colour, free-flowing lines, and gestures. “The organic nuances and cues from mother nature lend our spaces a sense of sustainable balance,” she says.
Also, practically speaking, if you have small children and animals, abstract patterns can help to conceal marks, spills, and even pet hair.
“Why not add a piece of art to your floor and enjoy the beauty, ease, and convenience that comes with it?” Richardson says.
Looking to freshen up your living space with some of these ideas? Check out our collection of accessories.