Expressing Your Style: 8 Artwork Styles to Enhance Your Home Décor
Discover how to match mid-century pieces with abstract art, rustic furniture with landscapes, whimsical illustrations with boho and Scandinavian furniture styles, and more. Find the ideal combination of furniture and artwork styles on Spoken to make every room feel uniquely you!
Photo by Lotus Design N Print
Artwork has an incredible superpower: to transform your space, pulling a room together with character, color, and texture. Whether your home leans toward modern minimalism, cozy cottage core, or eclectic bohemian, the right artwork styles can make all the difference, tying together colors, textures, and themes in a cohesive and personal way.
I enjoy finding the perfect artwork styles to complement my home's furniture, themes, and colors. When you start by deciding on the colors, styles, and aesthetics you're going for, the artwork you choose can help relay the message about your personal style—and it evokes specific emotions, depending on which type of art you choose.
Here are a few examples of what I mean:
- Bright, colorful artwork styles can bring joy and a feeling of vitality to a room.
- Pieces with vibrant colors, bold patterns, or whimsical subjects lift the mood and make a space feel warm, welcoming, and full of life.
- Artwork styles that resonate with your personal journey, values, or dreams can turn your home into a meaningful retreat.
- Traditional landscape art, botanical prints, or pieces that capture elements of nature and heritage can elicit comfort and make a space feel grounded and inviting.
Here are some art styles to consider, where to find them, and which décor styles they’ll suit best.
1: Abstract Artwork – Perfect for Modern & Minimalist Spaces
Abstract artwork adds a pop of color and visual interest without overpowering clean lines and open spaces. Think of soft brushstrokes, geometric shapes, or splashes of color that bring energy and a hint of mystery. The abstract art style is perfect for minimalist and modern furniture styles, which are consistent favorites on Spoken.
Where to Shop for Abstract Artwork
Try Saatchi Art for a vast selection of original works by emerging artists, or check out Minted for affordable prints that can be customized in size and frame style.
Pair Abstract Artwork with Minimalist and Modern Furniture
Minimalist and modern spaces thrive on the simplicity of abstract art, but it also works beautifully in contemporary and mid-century modern settings where bold statements are welcome. Try placing an abstract painting above a buffet or a bench in your entryway.
Iconic Abstract Artists
If this style resonates, find works by Georgia O'Keefe, Jackson Pollock, Hilma af Klint, Wassily Kandinsky, or Mark Rothko for inspiration. You may find a print or piece you love or feel inspired to create your own unique abstract art. I have done this before, and it's a lot of fun!
Current Trends in Abstract Artwork on Spoken
Henri Matisse's abstract art and cubism, another type of abstract art, are in the spotlight. Colorful abstract art can also add a pop of color to otherwise plain Scandinavian-style furniture and décor. Abstract watercolor prints are also popular. Save 67% on abstract floral watercolor prints on Spoken.
2: Vintage-Inspired Botanical Wall Art – Ideal for Cottagecore & Rustic Styles
Nothing says timeless charm like vintage botanical artwork. From delicate wildflowers to bold ferns, these prints evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring the outdoors in, perfect for homes with a natural, grounded aesthetic. We recommend adding vintage botanical prints to farmhouse, cottagecore, and other rustic styles.
Where to Shop for Botanical Wall Art
Etsy is a go-to for vintage-style botanical prints and beautifully framed originals. For a modern twist, Anthropologie also offers botanical-themed artwork with unique frames and finishes.
Pair Botanical Wall Art with Farmhouse and Rustic Decor
These prints work wonders in cottagecore, farmhouse, and rustic interiors, complementing natural materials and organic shapes. Botanical prints complement farmhouse and rustic furniture, adding natural beauty and warmth. Paired with wood finishes and textured fabrics, botanical art brings the outdoors in, creating a harmonious, inviting space rooted in nature.
Original Botanical Artists
Perhaps you've seen fantastic botanic artworks from the OG botanic artists like Maria Sibylla Merian during the turn of the 18th century or Pierre-Joseph Redouté in the early 19th century. Their detailed paintings paved the way for the many styles of botanical artwork today.
Current Botanical Wall Art Trends on Spoken
Watercolor botanical paintings, scientific botanical illustrations, and contemporary botanical collages are several popular styles of botanical art that you might want to explore more. We have found the best deals on botanical wall art online; see our collection here!
3: Classic Oil Painting – Timeless for Traditional & Transitional Decor
Classic oil paintings add a sophisticated touch to any room, grounding a space with depth and warmth. Imagine a large family portrait, a moody painting of a historical figure, or even a modern take on classical oil painting. I find Sophie Dumont's painting (pictured below) a sophisticated, timeless work that complements a reasonably traditional living room.
Where to Shop for Oil Paintings
Check out Chairish and 1stDibs for unique, often antique, options. Society6 offers budget-friendly alternatives that can be printed on various decor objects, such as curtains, throw pillows, and more.
Pair Oil Paintings With Transitional and Traditional Decor
Classic oil portraits are ideal for traditional or transitional decor. These portraits bring elegance to library walls, formal living rooms, and dining rooms with a classic English manor feel.
Legendary Oil Painters
Many legendary artists painted beautiful oil paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci, Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, and Jan van Eyck. You can search for prints of their work or discover contemporary oil painters whose work would look picture-perfect in your transitional or traditional living spaces.
Current Oil Painting Trends
Today, you can still find prints by these artists, but there are many new adaptations to traditional oil paintings. Modern oil painters take various approaches: they may emphasize realism, explore abstract art forms, or incorporate mixed media.
4: Whimsical Illustrations – Perfect for Bohemian & Eclectic Homes
Whimsical illustrations are delightful for spaces that exude creativity and personality. From fantastical creatures to quirky nature-inspired pieces, these artworks add a sense of playfulness and imagination. Of all of the artwork styles, whimsical art prints are ideal for children's rooms and nurseries but can be strategically placed anywhere.
Where to Shop for Whimsical Illustrations
Try Urban Outfitters for fun, affordable options, or Society6 for a wide range of quirky, illustrative art from independent artists. Society6 is fun because you can order art prints, curtains, throw pillows, and other items with illustrations by your favorite artists on the platform.
Pair Whimsical Art with Eclectic, Boho, and Scandi Styles
Eclectic, bohemian, and Scandinavian styles benefit from the charm and color of whimsical illustrations, creating a lighthearted and personal atmosphere. Whimsical art, with its playful forms, imaginative themes, and eclectic colors, fits perfectly with the boho style’s embrace of unconventional, creative decor.
Noteworthy Whimsical Illustrators
Celebrated whimsical illustrators bring enchanting worlds to life. Edward Gorey’s gothic characters, Beatrix Potter’s nature-inspired animals, and Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are blend charm with dark touches. Contemporary artist Oliver Jeffers adds humor and vibrant storytelling, expanding the genre’s imaginative appeal for all ages.
Popular Styles from the Whimsical Art World on Spoken
We love sharing the best deals on whimsical illustrations on Spoken. Kawaii art, cozy character art, fantasy illustrations, and surreal whimsy are some of the most popular whimsical art styles. Think adorable characters, mythical creatures, magical landscapes, and dreamlike scenes.
5: Monochrome Photography – Perfect for Industrial & Scandinavian Spaces
Monochrome photography adds a sleek, grounded look to any room, bringing subtle drama without overwhelming a space. Black-and-white art is versatile, whether landscapes, architectural shots, or minimalist portraits.
Where to Shop for Monochrome Photography
Juniper Print Shop and Artfully Walls have a great selection of monochrome prints, ranging from high-contrast cityscapes to softer nature scenes.
Pair Black and White Portrait Photography With These Styles
Ideal for industrial, Scandinavian, or modern farmhouse interiors, monochrome photography adds a timeless, artistic element that complements neutral color palettes. The photo above shows that the artwork can instantly change the room's vibe. So fun!
Quintessential Monochrome Photographers
Notorious monochrome photographers like Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Diane Arbus transformed black-and-white photography into an expressive art form. Adams’ dramatic landscapes, Cartier-Bresson’s decisive street photography, and Arbus’ raw portraits pushed boundaries, capturing beauty, emotion, and the human experience. Their iconic, high-contrast work remains influential, defining monochrome photography's power to evoke timeless, impactful stories.
Popular Now in Monochrome Photography
Today’s popular monochrome photography styles include minimalist landscapes, focusing on stark contrasts and simplicity, and high-contrast portraits that highlight emotions. Street photography captures spontaneous, gritty moments, while abstract compositions use light and shadow for dramatic effects. These styles emphasize texture, mood, and storytelling, showcasing monochrome’s unique visual impact.
6. Surrealist Art – Adds Drama to Mid-Century Modern & Eclectic Homes
Surrealist art creates an intriguing focal point in any room with its dreamlike scenes and unexpected details. I love how surrealist art draws the eye, inviting viewers into an imaginative, often whimsical world.
Where to Shop for Surrealist Art
Saatchi Art and Etsy feature surrealist art by many talented and imaginative artists. You can choose from originals and prints at different price points. Many prints come as downloadable files you can have printed at a local retail store or print shop.
Pair Surrealist Art with These Home Styles
This artwork style works well in eclectic or mid-century modern spaces, adding a unique twist that balances bold furniture and geometric shapes. The colors of surrealist art tend to complement the colors of mid-century modern furniture. Mid-century modern furniture tends to have simple and predictable designs, but surrealist art adds an element of imagination and surprise.
Best Surreal Artists
Notable surrealist artists include Salvador Dalí, known for his melting clocks, and René Magritte, famous for everyday objects hiding faces. Max Ernst’s collages create haunting scenes, while Joan Miró’s abstract shapes challenge perception. Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo added a mystical, feminine touch, blending reality and fantasy uniquely.
Surrealist Art Trends Today
Contemporary surrealism embraces digital art, whimsical furniture (like our favorite hand-shaped chair!), and mixed-media collages. Digital surrealism uses technology to craft fluid, fantastical images perfect for digital displays. Whimsical furniture plays with form, adding playful, surreal elements. Mixed-media collages layer materials for rich textures, easily incorporated as unique, narrative-driven decor pieces.
7. Impressionist Landscapes – Perfect for Transitional & French Country Styles
Impressionist landscapes are soft, flowing, and full of movement. With their light, airy brushstrokes, they capture the essence of nature without strict realism, bringing calm energy into a room. A piece of art is considered impressionist if it captures the essence of a moment through loose brushwork, vibrant color, and a focus on light and atmosphere rather than precise detail.
Where to Shop for Impressionist Landscapes
Art.com and Artfinder offer a range of impressionist pieces, both originals and reproductions. Online platforms and local galleries offer unique impressionist landscapes or prints of popular pieces.
Pair Impressionist Art With French Country Interiors
These landscapes beautifully complement transitional, French country, and traditional interiors, pairing well with ornate furniture, vintage finds, and earthy textures. Impressionist artwork complements French country interiors with its soft, natural colors and loose, expressive brushstrokes, evoking the French countryside's rustic charm and relaxed elegance.
Iconic Impressionists
The iconic Impressionists—Monet, Renoir, Manet, Pissarro, Degas, Sisley, Morisot, and Cassatt—transformed art with their focus on light, color, and everyday moments. Monet’s landscapes, Renoir’s social scenes, and Degas’s dancers capture movement and emotion. Manet bridged realism and modernism, while Morisot and Cassatt brought a sensitive touch to domestic scenes, inspiring future generations.
Today's Most Popular Impressionist Landscapes
Today’s popular impressionist artwork blends traditional techniques with modern themes, featuring vibrant landscapes, urban scenes, and abstract figures. Artists focus on light, movement, and color to evoke mood, often adding personal, expressive touches. Contemporary impressionism embraces bold palettes and loose brushwork, capturing natural beauty and modern life’s essence.
8. Bold Pop Art – Energizing for Modern & Retro-Inspired Spaces
Pop art’s vibrant colors and playful, often humorous subject matter bring an undeniable energy to a room. Pop art is perfect for adding a touch of boldness and personality, especially in spaces with a more streamlined design, like modern living rooms or industrial-style apartments.
Where to Shop for Pop Art
Try AllPosters for pop art classics or Society6 for contemporary interpretations of this colorful, iconic style. iCanvas, Artsy, and Etsy also have fun pop art pieces!
Pair Pop Art with Minimal Furniture and Decor Styles
Perfect for retro-inspired, modern, and even industrial spaces, pop art pairs well with clean lines and minimal décor, letting the artwork steal the show. Minimalist furniture is simple and doesn’t compete with the artwork. Pop art adds personality and playfulness, while minimalism maintains order and sophistication. Together, they create a modern, lively environment where the artwork becomes the focal point and conversation piece.
Pop Artists You Probably Already Love
Some of the most influential pop art artists transformed everyday culture into bold, iconic art. Andy Warhol remains legendary for works like Marilyn Diptych and Campbell’s Soup Cans, using bright colors and repetition to elevate consumer products and celebrities into art. Roy Lichtenstein brought comic book aesthetics to fine art with pieces like Whaam! that featured his signature Ben-Day dots and comic-inspired scenes.
Today's Most Popular Pop Art
Today’s popular pop art styles include neo-pop, which blends traditional pop art with digital influences, and street pop, which combines graffiti with pop culture icons. Comic-inspired pop art remains popular, emphasizing bold outlines and vibrant colors, while celebrity-focused pop art celebrates famous figures. These styles capture playful, contemporary reflections of modern culture.
By choosing art that resonates with your style and your home’s décor, you can create a space that feels unique and layered, reflecting your tastes and personality. Whether you lean toward classic landscapes or bold abstracts, each piece becomes a part of your home’s story.
Continue exploring the perfect pairing of furniture and art styles to transform your space on Spoken. Discover how to match mid-century pieces with abstract art, rustic furniture with landscapes, whimsical illustrations with boho and Scandinavian furniture styles, and more. Unlock a harmonious design that reflects your style—find the ideal combination on Spoken to make every room feel uniquely you!
Jen Buckner
Writer at Spoken
Jen is a furniture content aficionado at Spoken. She is a Delaware native living on Tulsa time with her husband Blake and three super-cool kids. Jen enjoys using her words to inspire people to make the world—and their worlds—better. When she's not writing, she's driving her kids around, picking out something cute to wear, or volunteering for a local nonprofit. Oh! And she'd always rather be at the beach (with a bucket of fries).
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