Art can speak to your heart and tell your family’s story! Find some of my favorite art sources in today’s post.
II’ve collected meaningful pieces of art for my home for many years. I pay attention to how my surroundings make me feel, and more often than not I choose art that inspires or comforts us. Art should be more than decoration — it can speak to your heart and tell your story.
As newlyweds we couldn’t afford much, so we enjoyed hunting for secondhand treasures that resonated with us. Gradually our bare walls began to fill. Whenever we visited a new place, even a local beach for an anniversary, we’d bring home a small original artwork as a souvenir.
Sometimes artwork appears unexpectedly, so it pays to keep your eyes and heart open to happy discoveries. When you find a piece you love at the right price, don’t let it go. I’ve uncovered beautiful work at local thrift shops. Once, during a home inspection of a 1930s English Tudor, we discovered—and bought from the owner—a large original impressionist-era oil seascape stored in a closet. You never know when art will find you.
When we remodeled our small kitchen, we reserved a special spot on the wall just for art. I searched for years for the right piece and recently found a lovely painting of a ship that felt perfect. The scene, the brushwork, and the colors speak to me. It brings daily happiness and reminds me of carefree summer days near sailboats and the Puget Sound, visible right outside our kitchen window.
I also discovered original watercolor paintings from a promising new Etsy artist. I was delighted to be her first customer and purchased two pieces—a lighthouse and seagulls—which feel special in our home.
Since moving into this house nearly five years ago, some pieces have waited patiently to be hung. The extended season of quarantine encouraged me to find the right spot for each artwork and to browse online for pieces that truly speak to me.
Slowly our home has begun to reflect more of our personality. By choosing each piece intentionally, we’ve created a space that feels calmer and more restful. The right art can make a house feel like home.
If you want practical tips for hanging and arranging artwork, check out posts with helpful guidelines for decorating walls and ideas for creative displays like plate walls.
Looking for coastal or sailboat art? Explore favorite sources for seascapes, coastal scenes, and nautical-inspired pieces to bring that peaceful, salty feeling into your home.
Below are some more recent favorites I’ve found online:
Shop my house and recent decor finds in my shop.
Where to Find Coastal / Sailboat / Seascape Artwork — a curated guide to sources I love.