I’ve talked about a deep shift in decorating to reflect my family, our loves, our hobbies, and the things that bring us joy. To be clear, I’ve never not decorated for our family but using every bit of our home as a canvas that reflects us has become priority and something that brings me happiness. My approach to art this year reflects all of this. Not decorating to fill space, but decorating to reflect our life. Instead of hunting for something that “matches,” (which, TBH, sometimes THAT is the joy and I’m still all for it), I’ve been slowly adding pieces that feel like us. Our memories, our interests, our seasons, and even our current obsessions. Some pieces are original. Some are mass-produced budget finds. Some are deeply sentimental. Whatever this personal and joy-prioritized approach is stemming from, it’s working for me.
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Recent Non-Art Moments I Snapped
Kind of random but before we get into the art, I thought I’d share a few snaps of random moments around our house in their current state. You know what, though? Technically, decorating is artistic expression so these snaps can totally belong 😉 I’m actually shopping the basement in the next week to continue to infuse some more spring-forward accents.
I shared some of my favorite coffee table books for a curated and collected spring stack HERE — you can see the video of me running through the books HERE. One of my latest additions that I shared after hitting “place order” is THIS blue and white fabric cover book, and it doesn’t disappoint! I think the little green marbled stone eggs I found in the Target Bullseye Zone are adorable for Easter.
Blue & White Done Right | Sophisticated Simplicity | Audubon Bird Book
Rattan Tissue Holder | Diffuser | Coasters (SIMILAR) | More Beautiful Book | Blue & White and Other Stories Book | Escape Book | Table
Chandelier | Area Rug | Windowpane Check Arm Chair | Pillow | Faux Olive Tree | Bird Print Pair | Sconces (similar) | Stoneware Vase | Secretary Desk- vintage (similar)
I’m loving the latest addition on the conversation room coffee table — THIS large organic shaped vase. I’m also loving the contrast it gives against the otherwise rustic and organic finishes of most of the other items in this room.
Green Vase | Match Cloche | Made For Living Coffee Table Book | Habitat Coffee Table Book
1. A Growing Collection: Our Bedroom Photo Gallery
Not technically a single piece of art, but still a meaningful update. I started a tabletop photo gallery on my desk years ago and while it still grows, I expanded to my bedroom dresser top. I only recently determined we would continue to grow our memory gallery here. Family photos all over the house is how most of us grew up and if your home is vacant of memory snapshots, this is your sign to bring them back. Family photos, little moments, snapshots that would otherwise live on my phone… now they’re part of our everyday.
Circling back to the effort and focus of intentionality of this year, it’s just another way to actually display the things we love, not just store them away. And this is your reminder (and mine). I’m not great at bringing snapshots to print but photos deserve more than the camera roll.
2. Affordable Artist Prints, Originals, & MTOs
Some of my favorite additions have come artists via small shops on Etsy, local artists, or even artists I found in another country via social media. There’s something special about finding independent artists whose work feels unique, but still accessible price-wise and these prints have added so much personality without requiring a major investment. I have some evergreen (year-round art), but have also snagged a few things specifically as we head into the warm weather months. Most prints are available in multiple sizes.
This blue and white citrus print is everything I’m craving this season.
Citrus Art | Salt & Pepper Shaker Set
I love layering and especially incorporating art into the layers. It gives relaxed and lived in and curated — the story behind all of my console and sideboard vignettes. And with the return of that collected, curated aesthetic, it’s freeing to focus less on “Does this match?” and more on “Do I love this?”
The art shop actually included a bonus surprise bunny print and of course I have it displayed for Easter. Are you kidding me??
Citrus Art | Salt & Pepper Shaker Set | Bunny Art | Vase | Faux Magnolia Stems (Newest Version)
Salt & Pepper Shaker Set | Bunny Art | Vase | Faux Magnolia Stems (Newest Version)
This living room console has evolved a little since I snapped this but it pretty well represents my home these days. Balanced but eclectic.
Console Table | Sea Grass Mirror (similar) | Large Round Vase | Narrow Neck Vase
There’s something incredibly special about owning original art, especially when it comes from someone local. I bought this special scene from a gallery when we visited Blue Ridge — the small mountain town just north of us. It’s now layered with a pretty print of Jesus and the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Print of Jesus and the Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane
This interpretation of The Last Supper is also a new sweet addition.
Lamp | Lamp Shade | Last Supper Print
This one was a bit of a “had to have it” moment. My Instagram algorithm knew exactly what I needed and served me a Showgirl evolution I couldn’t shake. I ordered a signed print from Adrian Valencia in the UK — while he has more fun T. Swift, he has more pop culture and icons. It’s unserious but to these Swifties, it’s joy and fun and I’m totally addicted to his style of illustrations. I actually ordered an Eras mug from his storefront on a separate occasion.
Speaking of Eras, I also found a little Eras Tour setlist from our first Atlanta concert night. Exactly the kind of fun and personal touch I love in my office.
3. Budget Art I Still Love (Yes, Hobby Lobby)
Not everything has to be one-of-a-kind to be worth bringing home. I’ve unexpectedly found several pieces at Hobby Lobby that I genuinely loved at first sight that were an absolute steal! Why overthink it? Are they mass-produced? Yes. Do I still love them in my home? Also yes. They also give creators the opportunity to license the work they may not be able to otherwise, which is cool. If you see something and it makes you pause (in a good way), that’s reason enough. PS: That cute little green bunny was another Target Bullseye Zone find and he comes in a few colors and positions.
Can you spy the cute scalloped art I layered in?
Call It Home Coffee Book | Homebody Book | House Rules Book
I love how rotating art in this little spot has amped up the coziness in the kitchen.
Marble Trivets (set of 2) | White Cheese Board | Cabinet Knobs | White Backsplash Tile
How sweet is this little dachshund print? It reminds us of our Maggie and when I call these Hobby Lobby finds “affordable”, I mean, this one was in the $7 range. Seriously.
And I knew Eliza would love this one in “Gran Nan’s room” as she loves black kitties that remind her of my mom’s cat, Marsha Tucker. Again with the inclusion of the blue and white accent.
For Eliza’s room, I think this was around $11…
Acrylic Drawer Jewelry Organizer | Jewelry Holder | Mirror
This little peacock looks straight out of a Lilly Pulitzer storefront.
4. Hobby Collection ShowcaseS
This one might be my favorite category because it feels so personal. I don’t have a lot but the signed Taylor Swift albums I do have, I’ve started framing for my office. All four TLOAS were professionally done, and the others using budget-friendly frames that I’ve painted myself. It’s one of the many things my office has collected now that makes me smile.
One of the most fun and ever-evolving “art installations” in our home is my vinyl record wall. You can see the full install and post on that HERE. It’s part decor, part mood board, part family project, and completely reflective of what we’re loving in the moment. I rotate the records seasonally, monthly, and sometimes just based on a vibe, which keeps it feeling fresh without needing to buy anything new.
Most recently, it’s green for St. Paddy’s/early spring, , but in the past it’s shifted from bold reds for Valentine’s Day to more neutral, everyday palettes. It’s such an easy way to make a visual impact using something we already own and love.
Rechargeable Sconces (Set of 2) | Floating Wooden Record Shelves | Record Storage Console | Record Player | Speakers | Acrylic Record Holder | Clear CD Holder (used for singles) | Window Shades (in Bali White) | Rug | Storage Ottoman | Pillow | Acrylic & Gold Pedestal Side Table
And much like the rest of the art in our home, it’s not about perfection, it’s about creating a space that feels lived-in, loved, and uniquely ours.
More Meaningful Favorite Art Displays Around Our Home
While I’ve added quite a bit this year, there are a couple special art displays that aren’t new.
The “Wall of Happiness” (Office)
This is one of my most favorite, personal areas in our home. Centered around a Frame TV, this gallery is a mix of travel memories, meaningful pieces, and little things that just make me happy. You can find the full post on this installation HERE.
It’s layered, evolving, and completely unapologetic in what it includes.
Our Black & White Travel Gallery Wall (Breakfast Nook)
A more cohesive moment, but still deeply personal. This gallery wall tells the story of where we’ve been, and it’s one of those spaces that always sparks conversation (and memories). All of these photos were randomly identified on my iPhone when scrolling memories.
Travel Gallery Wall Frames (16 x 20″)
Desktop Portrait Gallery
Like I mentioned earlier, the bedroom tabletop photo gallery is just the latest in other photo vignettes I’ve already set up and loved. Here’s a glimpse of my desk.
Pinboard(s)
And Eliza is already learning the fun and importance of showcasing her memories and favorite things. I got this cork board started for her years ago but she expands on it and hangs things whenever something meaningful strikes her.
Table | Chairs | Wallpaper Mural | Pin Board | Rattan Waste Basket | Foldable Fabric Bins | Black Bin Labels | Label Maker | Lazy Susans | Monitor Shelf | Paper Roll Holder | Paper Roll | Abacus | Globe
Art That Feels Like You
If there’s anything this year has reinforced for me, it’s this — good art doesn’t have to be expensive, rare, or perfectly coordinated. It just has to mean something to you. Whether it’s a framed album, a budget find, a local original, or a printed photo from your camera roll, if it reflects your life, your memories, or your personality… it belongs. And that’s the kind of home I want to keep building.
Love this Kelley, art should be what you love. We have family photos on the walls and on tables too. In my kitchen I have shelves where the art is changed regularly, I love changing it for holidays too it’s so fun.