Stylist Hack: 7 Unexpected Places I Like To Hang Art (To Make Your House Look Unique)

photo by bethany nauert | from: fdr chic – a dude’s mix of antique, mid-century and bohemian style

If I had to rattle off a few of my favorite styling “moves” they’d be this: The open book on the coffee table (sculptural, yet horizontal),  a footed bowl of pistachios (obviously), or maybe the casual throw breaking the line of the sofa base… but most of those are for photoshoots and don’t apply to life. But recently I was combing through the years of work (per my obsession with self-reflection), and I realized one thing I’ve always done that I do really think is worth pointing out – Stylists (including myself) put art in unexpected/weird places. It’s so easy, and it edges up a space instantly because there is something very irreverent about breaking the rules with your art placement. I’ve done it all over the houses I’ve styled and designed. And today I’m gonna show you how.

IN FRONT OF SHELVING
photo by bethany nauert | from: fdr chic – a dude’s mix of antique, mid-century and bohemian style

What I like about this, in particular, is the round shape breaking up the horizontal lines. It adds dimension, in a rebellious way. As I struggle with my own built-ins (which aren’t as cool, as they are so shallow) I recently threw up a painting on my shelving (for Christmas) and BOOM, I loved it.

photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: our living room, dressed up for the holidays (with a ‘and how I feel about it’ running commentary)

There is just a “please don’t tell me where I’m supposed to be. I’m cool hanging right here, thank you!” thing about it.

IN THE BACK OF CABINETRY AND OPEN SHELVES
photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: all the what’s, why’s, and how much’s of the portland kitchen

It can be little, and you can hang or lean, but what a nice secret surprise it is to open a cabinet and see a piece of art. This is best done in a glass cabinet so you don’t literally hide it, but you get it – a secret piece that just feels cool and unexpected.

photo by david tsay | from: my best friend’s home

But there is more good news. There is another great place for “kitchen art” to be displayed and it’s not just behind a cabinet door.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: spanish california home: kitchen

Nay, this art can also live on open shelving behind plates and bowls.

photo by tessa neustadt | from: spanish california home: kitchen

Now while this may seem obvious, people just don’t typically consider art for the kitchen and I think it’s a missed opportunity. Please try it, because it’s awesome and fun.

ON KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
photo by tessa neustadt | from: emily’s kitchen and dining room reveal

It’s true that I have too much art and not a lot of wall space. It’s also true that I have a lot of small art that is easy to pick up at the flea market, but hard to style on walls unless you are doing a big ‘ole gallery wall. So where do you put this art? In the kitchen and bathrooms of course