Nontraditional Wall Art

With my husband out of town last week on a cross-country motorcycle trip, I got industrious. From changing the flow of our shared closet, to acquiring a $10 flea market antique coffee table (set on wheels!), to setting up a coffee/tea service on chrome shelving in our breakfast room, I organized and redesigned everything.

Everything.

Aside from getting the lighting right and rearranging a few key pieces of furniture, the change that made the most difference was my wall hangings. We live in a little 1930s renovated bungalow and if we aren't selective about our wall art, things can feel pretty crowded. And I'm a little schizophrenic and love to change things around, even on the walls, without looking at gaping wall holes constantly.

To me one solution is to think nontraditionally about wall art. A farmhouse-meets-Paris apartment place, we don't want to go too bohemia. And nontraditional art can be seemingly spontaneous, casual, yet still refined.

To me the best mix in a home is collages of taped art surrounding more formal art. It might be because my tastes now mix with children's art and quirky postcards and vintage ephemera we pick up at estate sales. It might be because it reflects real life, that there is a flow and a nontraditional streak in us all.

Margaret Everton

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A wonderful example of how a collage can be very grown and tres chic.

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This is a great way to display children's art. Rather than have it cluttering corners of the house, create a central location that serves as almost a casual museum collection that can be changed out for new "exhibits."

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Sticking clear of art altogether and going with this fantastic canvas wallpaper gives a unique spin on "wall art."

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A similar idea of creating a permanent artistic fixture to a wall space. This could be recreated on a less permanent, cheaper scale by printing words separately and arranging them on the wall.

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A messy, layered collage within the confines of understood perimeters allows for a controlled, managed freedom.

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When wanting to keep walls clean altogether but incorporate some vertical interest, think going bold with curtains, as in this room. Brilliant touch.

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On a thick ledge, eliminate wall clutter and opt for a collection of items. This is especially great in an infant's room, which will undoubtedly change over the next few years. Hang a more versatile piece such as a mirror, and leave the quirky details for the ledge.

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Use a series of ledges and turn a collection into wall art. This space becomes even more pleasantly casual with the taped collection of art just above the desk--the space is kept feeling neat because the "mess" is kept within understood perimeters, and is carefully-selected.

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Another collage within perimeters--all within one wall hanging. One major piece is all a louder space like this needs for completion.

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This favorite houzz photo. This photo! Here is an example of mixing some spontaneity and whimsy with a formal, grown-up office.

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Consider a screen--even a bold one made from doors as seen here--instead of wall hangings. Especially when the piece becomes art by its own uniqueness.

Nontraditional Wall Art

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