The artwork is often an afterthought when styling a new space. It should be added to a room well after the paint has dried and the furniture has been planned. Of course, the layout, colour and furniture are very important, but it is usually a home’s details that define its interior design.

Adding an artistic layer to your interior design is a very personal process, one that can make a home truly distinct. Your selection of art signifies not only what you like, but what speaks to you, what speaks about you, and the experiences you have had.

Here are some tips that can help you to create a perfect art wall and give your space a professional touch:

No matter how gorgeous the furnishings, a room with bare walls often feels incomplete. “Art to a room is like punctuation to a sentence; it is that all-important ingredient and without it a space lacks the layers and attitude that a significant piece can bring," says, designer Tara Bernerd in an interview conducted by AD.

Go with you instincts:

Perhaps most importantly, a home should represent its owner, so one shouldn’t be too driven by trends,says Bernerd. Something that you are truly attracted to is something that will ultimately stand the test of time. Surround yourself by art that speaks to you is incredibly inspiring and can improve your own creativity. Select paintings can be expressive of your personality and feeling, but they can also prompt you to work harder and feel better in your day-to-day life.

Be Creative:

"Art doesn’t have to match your room, you can be eclectic," says Bernerd. "Traditional rooms can take modern art, and modern rooms can take older-style paintings. Often it is better to mix it up.

Seek Unique:

While it can be practical  to buy mass-produced art reproductions, there's nothing like being the sole owner of an original art piece that can be handed down for generations to come. 

Nothing compares to the feeling of owning an original painting that an artist spent hours upon hours creating and has a piece of them in it. Not to mention, you'll be hard-pressed to find a reproduction that can outlast a well-made painting. 

Know your art:

Purchased a piece of art and don't know anything about it? Do your research on its history, the process may lead to more works that suit your style.Once you are attracted to a picture, find out a little more about the artist, values, and background, and learn. Art is more than a piece of colour on paper attached to a wall. And next time a guest comes over, flaunt some of your knowledge about art and make a stunning impression over them!

Tell a story:

"Wall decor reflects your personality, personal style, and interests," says Lloyd. It conveys to others that certain ‘it’ factor that makes you and your life interesting. Figure out what you want to say and then go for it!

Create a Focal Point:

If you're going to invest in an original artwork, you want it to be a focal point in your room. So go ahead and look at larger pieces! Showcase your favorite art and bring a new life to your space. 

There are areas and rooms in any home that can accommodate smaller paintings, too. Think of entryways, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.

A good rule of thumb is you want your wall art to cover ⅔-¾ of your wall. Measure the height and width of your wall and multiply those numbers by .57. That will give you the smallest dimensions you should be looking for. 

If that is much too large for you, you can always opt to create a gallery wall or group art together to cover the necessary space. Some artists even have groupings of paintings that are sold as a set, so keep an eye out for art like that, especially if you have a lot of space to fill. 

Place your art in the right way:

While certainly a room’s architectural design (wall height/width, location of windows, etc.) may dictate where the frame should rest, you will want to carefully consider what wall and specific location the piece should be installed in.Consider the furniture and accessories you already have in the room. And place your art accordingly. 

Be certain with the lighting:

Highly recommend installing the art piece on a wall that receives little to no direct sunlight. Sun rays can drain a picture of its vibrant color, which is the last thing you want. If you have a room with a lot of windows and sunlight that needs art, make sure to frame it using specialized UV acrylic plexiglass which will protect the paint from fading. While there are exceptions to any rule, you should aim for your artwork’s center to be at eye level or 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

To sum up:

Artistic expression and individuality are beautiful, powerful things. We're all unique and deserve to have inspiring spaces to live in that reflect who we are to our guests. Allow yourself the chance to fall in love with art and to truly appreciate the pieces you bring into your home.