When you’re trying to finish up decorating a room, we’re all looking for the holy grail piece of art that just works in the space. One that has the right colors, isn’t overbearing, but stylish, and can fit in with any décor – and maybe if we’re lucky, bring about some emotion or memory. That’s where the abstract landscape painting comes in. It really is the chameleon of artwork. It doesn’t really look like anything, yet it does. It is never offensive and will blend into every room, from the bathroom down to the basement den. I personally love creating and decorating with abstract landscape paintings and like to mix up how I decorate with them. Here are a few ways to decorate with an abstract landscape painting if you find yourself a little stressed with where to start or maybe just want some new ideas.
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My Favorite Ways to Decorate with an Abstract Landscape Painting
Go Big for a Focal Point
Looking to make an impact? Have an obnoxiously big blank wall to fill over the couch or above the fireplace? Large artwork can pack a powerful decorating punch, in a good way. It creates an instant focal point and makes it look like you were very intentional with your decorating, professional even. It can also cover a lot of wall territory without a lot of effort. An abstract landscape painting works because it is familiar scenery territory with a modern vibe. It doesn’t overpower the room, but also makes a statement. (Check out my post How to Fill a Large Living Room Wall When You Have No Money for more information on filling large blank walls.)
Large abstract landscape paintings don’t have to be expensive either. If you wanted an original painting shipped to you, yes, that would get costly, but there are now more options to choose from online. Fine art prints of paintings from online artist networks like Society6, Redbubble, Minted or printable wall art from sites like Etsy are easy alternatives that keep costs in check.
Check out my Etsy Abstracts Shop – NLS Design Abstracts for printable art, or my Fine Art Prints shop for physical art prints.
Think Gallery Wall
I think I like abstract landscape paintings as much as I love a good gallery wall. You can print off or find smaller artwork on the cheap, incorporate many different styles, and cover a small or large wall space. Gallery walls just work, and if you have a gallery wall of abstract landscapes, it works even easier. There just isn’t as much guess work involved. Stay in similar color families for a cohesive calming feeling, or choose complementary colors (opposite sides of the color wheel) for more of an excited or engaging feel. (Check out my post The Lazy Way to Create a Gallery Art Wall for more info.)
Contrast Your Décor Styles
Love an abstract landscape painting, but have a bunch of traditional furnishings you are trying to deal with? No worries, blend them together for a transitional eclectic home. It’s kind of like people, opposites attract. You can frame an abstract landscape painting or print in an antique style gilded frame and place it over a rolled arm nail head sofa, or try a sleek modern frame over an ornately carved fireplace surround. It all works and makes you look like the expert interior designer that you are. (I’ve had good luck finding frames of all sorts at hobby stores like Michaels and online at mega stores like Amazon or Walmart.)
Start with the Artwork
Oftentimes, wall art is the last thing that is added to the room, but consider starting with the abstract landscape painting instead. Use the colors in the artwork as a starting off point to decide how to decorate the rest of the room. It can feel a lot less overwhelming to start with a piece of art you love and work outward. Abstract landscapes usually have a more limited color palette, so it makes things easier. Go with neutral for the big stuff like couches and main furniture like TV stands, and pick out the colors from the painting for drapes, throw pillows, etc… In this way, it takes all of the guesswork out of what you should choose.
Don’t Rule Out Rooms
Don’t make the mistake of ruling out rooms in your home that you wouldn’t normally think to put an abstract landscape. Instead of using “wash your hands” type of signage in the bathroom, consider an abstract landscape painting art print. By having unexpected artwork in an unexpected space, you are adding sophistication and engagement to the space where there wasn’t any before. I would go with framed pieces or canvas prints for rooms with high traffic like bathrooms, kitchens or game rooms.
If you’ve ever seen an abstract landscape painting and liked it, but thought you could never decorate with it, think again. Abstract landscapes are extremely versatile and can add so much to a room. Experiment with large pieces in small spaces or lots of small pieces in a big space, the more unexpected the better. Don’t go crazy expensive so its still fun to do, because decorating and art should be fun, not stressful.
