Home décor tips: 6 ways to use contemporary art to elevate your living space

Art is a reflection of the self. Displaying a curated collection of smaller works, prints or pieces from emerging artists allows you to showcase your personal tastes and beliefs (Image: Canva)

When you carefully select and place contemporary art in your home, you create an atmosphere that resonates with who you are. The art you choose can evoke emotions, spark conversations, and even challenge the way you see the world. For example, a bold, abstract painting in your living room could express your love for creativity and color, while a minimalist sculpture in a quiet corner may reflect your appreciation for simplicity and calm.

Art has the power to set the tone of a space, says Vaishnavi Murali, Founder Eikowa, an art gallery in Gurugram and Hyderabad. “A striking piece might add energy and warmth to an otherwise neutral room, instantly lifting the mood when you walk in. On the other hand, a more muted or introspective work could create a sense of tranquility and thoughtfulness, offering a quiet place for reflection in your home.

Murali suggests the following ways you can use contemporary art to rev up every corner of your home:

• Infuse colours vibrantly: Whether it’s abstract art or figurative art, adding pieces infused with the bold, vibrant hues typical of India’s art scene can alter the mood of a space. Colourful artworks inject life and energy, brightening up spaces and influencing the perceived temperature and size of a room.

• Create a focal point: Large-sized pieces like that of Anish Kapoor’s reflective sculptures or Subodh Gupta’s installations can anchor a room. These artworks draw the eye and define the space’s character, making a striking statement that sets the tone for the rest of the environment.

• Add texture and dimension: Mixed media artworks bring an exciting, tactile quality to interiors. Textures, from the roughness of raw canvas to the smoothness of polished metal, add depth and intrigue, making the art feel alive and interactive.

• Express personal style: Art is a reflection of the self. Displaying a curated collection of smaller works, prints or pieces from emerging artists allows you to showcase your personal tastes and beliefs. This not only personalises your space but also makes it uniquely yours. Say, a collection of smaller abstract prints could flaunt your love for bold, modern designs, while a minimalist black-and-white sketch might reflect your preference for simplicity and calmness.

• Redefine spatial perception: Three-dimensional pieces, like Tapas Biswas’s wood and ceramic sculptures by Vinod Daroz, have the power to transform the perception of a space. These pieces can make walls appear more expansive or ceilings higher, thus altering the room’s physical space and appearance.

• Add to the conversation: Art pieces that challenge norms or stir strong emotions can spark meaningful dialogue, making your living space more engaging and thought-provoking for both guests and inhabitants. For example, a sculpture made from unconventional materials like recycled metal or glass could prompt conversations about sustainability and creativity.