How to Decorate with Abstract Art (and How to Make Your Own Abstract Art in Online Art Classes)!

Believe it or not, abstract art can fit into almost any home’s decor. Whether your home is modern and minimalistic or cozy and traditional, there’s a way to choose an abstract art piece that will complement your own style. After creating many custom pieces over the years, I wanted to share my tips for incorporating some art abstract into your own home. I’m also excited to share that I’m launching my online art classes (which are on-demand and work at your own pace)- including my newest Virtual Abstract Art Class. I’ll also be sharing all of the details about the class at the end of this post along with some sign up links…so let’s go!

Create a Colorful Focal Point

Abstract art is the perfect way to create a focal point and visual interest in your space without letting the subject matter of the art dominate the room. The colors and brush strokes create movement and invite the viewer to look for their own meaning in the piece. Abstract art can look great on deep wall colors or offer a bold pop of color against lighter walls.

Create a Large Scale Backdrop

When abstract art is large enough, it ceases to be a focal point and instead becomes a beautiful backdrop for your room. I’ve created several large-scale, abstract murals for clients using bright pops of color that we pulled from the surrounding decor.

Add Some Neutral texture to your Space

Abstract art isn’t always about intense splashes of color and bold statements. Instead, it can focus on a textured mix of neutral colors, with layered elements such as plaster and gold leaf to create a work of art with beautiful depth and interest.

If you’ve been thinking about incorporating abstract art into your home, but weren’t sure about adding something you’d see at MoMA, neutral abstract art can be a great way to get your toes wet.

If you’ve gotten this far and can’t wait to learn more about my online art classes, click here!

Decorate in Pairs for Dramatic Effect

One of the simplest ways to make abstract art feel intentional and at-home in your space is to give it a companion. Try keeping the sizing and framing consistent in order to give it a cohesive look.

The paintings don’t need to be exactly the same (and won’t be given the freestyle nature of abstract art). You can use two or more pieces to flank a fireplace, vertically stack two on top of each other, or pair them directly side-by-side for a beautifully dramatic effect.

Keep artwork colors complementary

Again, your abstract art doesn’t have to hog all of the attention in the room. If you’re looking for art to complement your room, try pulling from your furniture’s upholstery colors, your wall color, or your curtain colors. The style of the art will give your room an edginess without making everything feel too matchy-matchy.

Sometimes it can be hard to find artwork in the exact colors of your home, so why not make your own in one of my online art classes? Click here for some more info.

Mirror the scale of furniture that it’s near

Oftentimes, when you see abstract art in a magazine or online, it’s on a very large scale. While this does make for a lovely statement, it’s important to consider the size of the furniture that you’re going to be hanging it near.

If your space or furniture are on the smaller side, make sure your artwork mirrors this so that it does not overtake the space. Alternatively, if you have an oversized piece of furniture, make sure your artwork is on the larger side, or you run the risk of your artwork looking too small next to your bed or couch.

online art classes | Lenehan Studios

Opt for the more is more *or* less is More approach

If you’re a maximalist decorator…embrace that! It’s your home and the number one rule should be that there are no rules. Opt for a gallery wall and incorporate a few pieces of abstract art into the design.

If you’re more drawn to the simplicity of a pared-down design, abstract art still has a place in your home. Neutral colors and varying textures are beautifully accented by a piece of abstract art.

Don’t listen to any of the rules and do whatever the hell you want!

Ultimately, decorating your home with art is about putting the pieces up that you want to look at every single day. It’s about doing what MAKES YOU HAPPY and when it comes to art, honestly, there are no rules. That’s what makes it awesome.

Can’t find a piece of abstract art that you’re feeling? Make Your Own Abstract Art in One of my online art classes!

Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect piece of abstract art for your home. I REALLY miss teaching in-person classes (hopefully that will start back up sooner rather than later). In the meantime, I’ve created something I’m really excited about.

My NEW VIRTUAL ON-DEMAND abstract painting class enables you to create a unique work of art using metal leaf, plaster, and paints that will be ready to hang in the comfort of your home. It’s on-demand and can be completed at your own pace, on your own time.

You have the choice of purchasing just the online art class ($20) or the kit and class, which includes all of the materials you’ll need for the class. There are two kit choices - without a frame ($35) or with a frame ($70).

You can choose to purchase the kit or shop for your own materials with the supply list provided after purchasing the workshop. Your kit will contain the following:

  • Hardwood Cradleboard

  • Venetian Plaster tinted to color of choice.

  • Secondary Plaster tinted in color of choice.

  • Spatula

  • Acrylic artist paint

  • Size

  • Dutch metal in gold, copper, or silver (indicate which color in your order)

  • Glaze

  • Chip brushes

  • Paper towels or rags

  • Disposable plate

  • Optional floating frame