The Gathered Home

A Blog about Finding and Making

  • Home
  • FINDING
    • Thrift Score Thursday
    • The ABC’s of Gathering
    • Vintage Pieces
  • Making
    • DIY Projects
    • Decorating
  • ABOUT ME
  • CONTACT
  • HOME TOUR
    • Current Home
    • First Home
    • “Your Gathered Home” Tours
  • Privacy Policy

The ABC’s of Gathering: A is for Art

February 2, 2016 by Brynne 31 Comments

You guys, I’m so excited about this new series I’m starting here today – the first one of 2016! I know, I know… Sometimes blog series, like New Year’s resolutions, tend to fall by the wayside. But I’m so psyched for this one and have actually spent quite a bit of time already in the planning stages for it.

You see, when I saw my friend Kimberly’s post, The A-Z of Design Tips, my brain did a little happy dance. Alphebetization is my jam, especially as an adorable means of presenting information! The wheels started turning over what subject I could alphabetize here on The Gathered Home… And what subject do I love more than gathering?

What if I created an alphabet of gathering, Focusing on all things vintage, thrifted, and found? And what if I could pull together a huge resource of inspiration and ideas on how you can decorate with gathered things in your home?

Gathering

I love the word “gather” because it encompasses so many ways to find unique treasures – thrift stores, garage and estate sales, vintage shops, Etsy, eBay, Craigslist, antique stores and malls, flea markets… Any source that requires a little digging, a little soul searching, and a little bit of serendipity!

It’s very different from walking into a big-box store and picking out six coordinating pieces; not that there’s anything wrong with that, but gathering relies a whole lot more on gut instinct, the luck of the draw, perseverance, and a dose of bravery.

And sometimes you’ve found something that just calls out to you, that’s perhaps a little oddball yet deeply appealing, but you’re not quite sure how you could/should/would incorporate it into your home…

So my new series, The ABC’s of Gathering, was born.

Together, we’ll be working our way through an alphabet where each letter represents one type of find or gathering concept. “Q” and “X” might be head-scratchers, but I’ve got some fantastic ideas for upcoming letters!

Today, we begin with “A is for Art.”

How to Decorate with Vintage & Thrifted Art

This huge resource is full of THE BEST eye candy & inspiration on how to decorate your home with vintage, thrifted & found art!

Art is one of my favorite things to gather and one of the things I have the hardest time resisting (perhaps second only to brass animals). Vintage oil paintings, pen and ink drawings, prints, portraits… You can find so many unique and even one-of-a-kind pieces to add some gathered flair to your home!

Housekeeping notes: Today’s post may contain affiliate links – you can shop from the convenience of your home and I may receive a small commission, at no extra charge to you.

All photos are used by the permission of my wonderful blogging friends. You can visit their posts to read more by clicking on each picture or the link in the caption below – please pin from the original source!

Now on to business! Did you know that there are five main ways to display art? (Says who? Says me, self-styled expert.) By the end of this post, you’ll be a vintage-art-decorating-ninja, but the first step is mastering…

The Lean:

Leaning is an effortless way to display a piece of gathered art – no nail holes required! Leaning art makes a great styling accessory for flat surfaces – desks, console tables, buffets, mantels, bookshelves. The art adds height as well as a colorful backdrop for other decorative pieces.

Nightstand vignette with paint by number via Britt Kingery 2

via White Dog Vintage

Brittany’s paint-by-numbers echoes the other colors in the room perfectly and bring so much energy and life to this bedside vignette.


Vintage painting vignette via Maggie Overby Studios

via Maggie Overby Studios

Maggie’s flea market painting adds height to this arrangement and relates beautifully to the surrounding pieces – doesn’t it seem like the lamb just tumbled out of the painting?


vintage oil painting fireplace mantel

Here on The Gathered Home

This is my default dining room mantel. I may change things up seasonally, but I love using this extra-textured oil painting as a base and then filling in around it with other vintage finds.


vintage oil painting via House of Hipsters

via House of Hipsters

Picture Kyla’s shelfie game without the boldly colored portrait… Not quite the same, right? I love the way the royal blue in the painting calls out the more-muted blue of the rug.


vintage seascapes in the kitchen via Primitive & Proper

via Primitive & Proper

Kitchens are often overlooked in the art department, but Cassie shows us just how perfectly vintage oil paintings can fit into a work space. Up on the top of the shelves, her vintage seascapes are safe from splatters, while echoing the gorgeous blues and greens of the cabinets, backsplash, and dishware.


The Hang:

So maybe you’ve got some wall space to fill and some nails just begging to be hammered (but seriously, use these monkey hooks instead, they are revolutionary) and you’re ready to take your art game to the next level… literally.

I mean, it’s not like I really need to tell you, “Hello. You can actually hang art on your wall.” But moving from leaning to hanging seemed like a nice and logical organizational method, and let’s face it, you’re really here for the eye candy, right?

vintage floral oil painting via Finding Silver Pennies

via Finding Silver Pennies

This vintage floral oil painting is such a classic, soothing piece. I love the way Danielle grounded the art with a sculptural chair, so it’s not just floating by itself at eye level.


thrifted Jack Henslee Butterfly art_

Here on The Gathered Home

As luck would have it, this thrifted butterfly art ended up coordinating so well with the colors of my guest room makeover! I still love the way it bridges the two wall colors.


vintage African textile via winkwinkstudio 2

via @winkwinkstudio on Instagram

Suzy’s vintage framed African textile is the perfect statement piece to fill a large span of wall space over her sectional. Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to go big! Oversize art is an attention-grabbing way to fill an empty wall.


Vintage oil portrait in dining room via Wills Casa

via Wills Casa

Amber and Nick show us that it’s okay to have a little fun with vintage portraits. They’ve named their quirky and colorful friend ‘Willard’ and he presides over meals at their dining room table.


The Combo:

Once you’ve mastered both “The Lean” and “The Hang”, it’s only natural that you should want to put your new skills to the test by combining them.

Yessiree, “The Combo” involves pairing a hanging piece of art with a leaning piece of art, to great decorative effect…

yellow painting via ciburbanity

via Ciburbanity

First of all, glorious yellow! (Which you know I love – check out my favorite yellow decorating accessories in this post.) Charlotte’s grandmother gifted her this stunning painting that hangs over the fireplace in her bedroom. Note how she dealt with an off-centered fireplace by hanging the art centered on the wall, but balanced with the leaning piece of art below? Compliments of “The Combo.”


Vintage art in a soothing modern space via Bigger Than The Three of Us

via Bigger Than The Three of Us

Ashley employed classic “Combo” technique in her soothing guest bedroom by hanging the nautical painting (bridging the 2/3rds-painted wall) and leaning the art on the night stands.


vintage artwork in girls bedroom via domicile 37

via Domicile 37

Layers are for more than winter-to-spring fashion and textured hair cuts! Try hanging one piece of art and casually layering another, just slightly overlapping – the differing heights are a great way to create that “decorating triangle“.


Layered nightstand artwork via Cuckoo4Design

via Cuckoo4Design

Layered nightstand artwork 2 via Cuckoo4Design

via Cuckoo4Design

Ready to take it a step further? Julia’s layered art on her bedroom nightstands is master’s level “Combo” – practically a collage composed of pieces of art! While her vintage cathedral engravings might not have stood out very much on their own, they provide a wonderful frontispiece to the bold collection.


The Grouping:

Like birds of a feather, gathered art loves to flock; to pair, trio, or even party. It begins innocently enough – the finding of a second piece similar in soul and style to another – but can quickly snowball into something more…

thrifted seascape via erin_coleen

via @erin_coleen on Instagram

Erin’s diminutive seascape find nestles neatly beneath its larger counterpart. I wouldn’t have thought to hang the smaller painting underneath the larger one, but it works oh so well, don’t you agree? Takeaway: similar subjects with vastly different scale and framing situations make for a wonderful mix.


Vintage Oil portraits via Maggie Overby Studios

via Maggie Overby Studios

This portrait series Maggie found at a market in Barcelona forms a natural grouping here in her entryway. I love the way they pull in the colors from the rest of the space – hello, gorgeous pink door! Maggie’s use of color really brings out the whimsy of these oil portraits.


Paint by Numbers girl's room desk area via Cuckoo4Design

via Cuckoo4Design

Julia alternated these four vintage paint-by-numbers in her daughter’s bedroom to add movement and interest. The aqua seas and skies pair so well with the velvet headboard, while the white frames keep the look serene. Takeaway: try painting the frames of gathered art to fit your aesthetic!


The Gallery Wall:

When one thing leads to another and suddenly you have a closet full of artwork waiting for a space to live (just me?), you just might be ready for the leap to “The Gallery Wall.”

Gallery walls come in all shapes, sizes, and can contain just about anything you can loop over a hook in the wall. (Seriously – monkey hooks, you guys!)

I know putting a lot of holes in the walls can be daunting, but at the end of the day, a little spackle and paint can easily repair the holes, so what do you have to lose by trying? For the nail-hole-averse, command strips are another awesome way to hang art!

New-Year-New-Room-Family-Room-Refresh-Gallery-Wall

via Casa Watkins

Stephanie’s new gallery wall mixes gathered art with family photos and other pieces for her signature global eclectic style. Play around with blending vintage with new, paintings with photography, and mixing different styles of framing. Takeaway: gathered art plays well with others!


vintage seascape gallery wall via Primitive and Proper

via Primitive and Proper

Cassie’s dining room gallery wall has grown over time on a nautical theme. While each painting is a different size with a different frame, her gallery wall still feels cohesive since they share similar subjects and colors.


Vintage art wall via Simple Details 2

via Simple Details

Again, a similar color palette unites Pam’s gallery wall above her sofa and is echoed in the pillow fabrics, giving a very classic, old-world, and high-end feel to the room.


vintage oil painting gallery wall via boxy colonial 2

via Boxy Colonial

What happens when you’ve been gathering eclectic art finds for several years and finally have the perfect moody navy backdrop? You gallery wall, and you gallery wall hard.

Gretchen’s gallery wall pieces have similar color themes in common, but the beauty is truly in the mix. This is one of my favorite kinds of gallery walls, because when you buy the things you love and display them en masse, magic happens and they just all work. Takeaway: Sometimes more is more.


 

Eclectic gallery wall via the makerista

via The Makerista

This gallery wall Gwen put together for her son’s room is another of my favorites. She blended classic vintage pieces with fun and contemporary touches – all different sizes, textures, and subjects, but loosely related by a blue, red, black and white color palette and a basic storyline of adventure.

This might be the most advanced example of gallery-wall-ing yet, but don’t be intimidated! Try out different combinations and designs by laying out your artwork on the ground first, keeping an eye on the balance of colors and sizes. It’s like building a free-form puzzle where you get to decide how the finished product turns out!


Today’s post contains a lot of information, I know, but hopefully you’ve reached the end extremely inspired to hit the ground running on sourcing your next gathered piece of art, or to grab that hammer and start hanging (or leaning!) the art you already have!

I’m dying to hear what you think of this new series – and which inspiration images are your #artgoals?

UPDATE! Catch up on these related A is for Art posts:

Where & How to Find The Best Vintage Art link image

Gather This Vintage Art Favorites link image

Brynne


Follow me on FacebookRSS subscription iconFollow Me on PinterestSubscribe by EmailFollow On TwitterFollow on Bloglovin'Follow on Google PlusFollow on Instagram

We’ve got 25 letters of the alphabet to go, so while you’re waiting for round two, “B is for…”, would you consider pinning this post and sharing with your friends?

This huge resource is full of THE BEST eye candy & inspiration on how to decorate your home with vintage, thrifted & found art!

Filed Under: ABCs of Gathering, Decorating Tagged With: A is for Art, vintage

Looking for more great posts?

Comments

  1. cassie @ primitive & proper says

    February 2, 2016 at 7:09 am

    oh my goodness so much artastic inspiration, i love it! brynne- you’ve “gathered” an awesome collection of images- thank you so much for including me!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      And I’m so glad to have been able to feature your beautiful spaces! The next vintage seascape I find is coming home with me!

      Reply
  2. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:18 am

    This is such a fun post. My latest favorite art wall is Gretchen’s family room. She really did an awesome job.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Yes, I absolutely love her gallery wall! Thanks so much for allowing me to include your spaces in the post – I was browsing your blog and spotted the paint by numbers in your daughters room and just had to feature them too. Vintage paint by numbers are some of my favorites!

      Reply
  3. Jessica says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Brynne, this is a GREAT series!…and I love seeing the many different ways to incorporate thrifted art into the space and how some of my favorite bloggers/designers decorate their home with vintage goodness. Love this! Yes, Kimberly A-Z was pretty revolutionary to us bloggers, I am happy that it inspired you!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      Thank you so much for letting me include your room in the post! And yes – Kimberly’s post was so inspirational! I ran my series by her to make sure it wasn’t too copycat and I’m excited that she’ll be participating in some future letter roundups! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:03 am

    Love love love this series, it will be so fun! I need to up my vintage art game, all I ever see are pieces that are not one bit appealing and have come to the thrift store shelf to die πŸ˜‰ . Oh my goodness, just noticed your malachite share buttons, I’m going to need to get my hands on some of those!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:39 pm

      Thank you Jennifer! I’m excited to include some of the eye candy from your home in future roundups!

      I probably buy 2 pieces of bad art for every good piece I find (probably why I have a full closet, haha). I always have to text a friend (often Cassie) asking, “is this good or not?” because my head gets turned by anything with a signature πŸ™‚

      P.S. I made the malachite share buttons myself – I can share the background image with you (tweaked to your favorite green shade) if you’d like! Send me an email if so.

      Reply
      • JULIE SPEAR says

        February 4, 2016 at 12:45 am

        Haha! I thiught I might be the only one with an ‘Art Closet’! Mine is mostly a vintage collection, with some bad vintage and some newer “waiting to get called up in rotation” pieces too! I just cant pass up art!

        Reply
  5. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    Awesome post Brynne! Loved seeing the differing art display methods and now have been inspired to take on more displays!! Pinning and sharing

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:39 pm

      Thank you Stephanie! So glad you allowed me to include your gorgeous gallery wall in the post!

      Reply
  6. Pam @ Simple Details says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    Wow, Brynne this is awesome, I’m so looking forward to working through the alphabet! What a great inspiration, resource for ideas and eye-candy all wrapped up for us. Thanks so much for including my gallery wall! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      Thank you Pam! I’m so glad to share your gorgeous home on here! You’re my Craigslist soul sister!

      Reply
  7. ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    Wow, awesome round-up and explanation. LOVE LOVE LOVE this series. Also, thanks for including my guest room. I feel honored. xoxo

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you so much Ashley! And of course – your guest room inspired my guest room and it’s one of my favorite spaces in the blogiverse πŸ™‚ So glad you let me share it!

      Reply
  8. Meg says

    February 2, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    Love this…some many gorgeous spaces! Can’t wait to find out what B stands for…

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 2, 2016 at 2:43 pm

      Thank you Meg! Oh, B is a fun one… Hint: my favorite decorative element EVER. I’ll share a full alphabet schedule as soon as I pin down some of the more difficult letters! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says

    February 2, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    I Love, love, love me some flea market art especially when I travel. You can always fit a little piece of art in your suitcase. Looks like I’m not alone. What a great collection of gathered art. Thanks for including me.

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 3, 2016 at 9:11 am

      That sounds like the best kind of souvenirs! Thanks so much for allowing me to include some of your beautiful finds in this post!

      Reply
  10. Helen Holley says

    February 2, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    This is a great idea!
    And the pics are great too!
    Helen H

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 3, 2016 at 9:12 am

      Thank you so much, Helen! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply
  11. Gretchen says

    February 2, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    You know I LOVE the idea for this series and can’t wait to see more! Thanks so much for including my gallery wall πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 3, 2016 at 11:20 am

      Thanks Gretchen! I was so thrilled to get to include your new gallery wall – it’s incredible!

      Reply
  12. Brittany says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:40 am

    What a FANtastic post! So fun and informative. I can tell this series is going to become one of my most anticipated reads!!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 3, 2016 at 11:21 am

      Thank you Brittany! I’m so glad! Thanks again for letting me share your gorgeous space too!

      Reply
  13. Kristen says

    February 3, 2016 at 11:47 am

    So many terrific ideas and examples! I love all the different types of vintage art – there’s something for everyone!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 3, 2016 at 4:28 pm

      Thank you Kristen! This post was so much fun to pull together – I just love how diverse found art can be!

      Reply
  14. Amber @ Wills Casa says

    February 3, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    I could not love this series more. You gathered (see what I did there) such great inspiration for examples too. Full of vintage art goodness and styling! I am so honored that you put Willard in the mix. πŸ˜‰ Can’t wait for B!! Then subsequently the rest of the alphabet!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      February 3, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Aw, thank you so much sweet friend! Willard absolutely belonged in this roundup – thanks for letting me “borrow” him for the post! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  15. Kimberly Duran says

    February 4, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Such an amazing post!!! Incredibly informative and so much eye candy too – my goodness. I seriously need more thrifted art in my life. xxx

    Reply
  16. Pat Dowd says

    April 1, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    After reading your wonderful post – the start of a really promising series, I had to comment on hangers for art. My very favorite is the push pin hanger which leaves a minimal hole like the monkey hooks. Check them out, they are all I use for walls:
    http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Find-Fastener-014973155681-Colonial/dp/B00P4JR9FG?ie=UTF8&keywords=push%20pin%20hangers&qid=1459557419&ref_=sr_1_7&sr=8-7

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I believe the best kind of home is a gathered one, full of treasures with a story to tell. Join me in celebrating a lifestyle of finding and making beautiful things, right where you are. Read more...

Looking For Something?

Let’s Be Social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Browse Blog Topics

Disclosure

Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. If you purchase an item through one of the links on this site, I may receive a small percentage of that sale. Thank you for helping support The Gathered Home! View Full Disclosure Policy.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2020 · Brynne Delerson · The Gathered Homeβ„’ · All rights reserved · Built on the Genesis Framework