Art is powerful and transformative. But selecting art for your home can be complicated and intimidating. It may seem as if whatever you choose, you’re making a big statement. For some, it’s one of the most paralyzing parts of the home design process.
But what if we flipped that on its head?
What if we think about it this way? It’s hard to go wrong if you choose what attracts you and falls within your budget. Ideally, you have a space in mind that’s in need. Buy it, place it, and see if it doesn’t draw your eye, shower you with positive vibes, and elevate your mood and feeling of home a little bit.
The right piece can transform a space from lovely to unique or even extraordinary. But the true test of the right fit is how it makes you feel. Do you find yourself gazing at it? Does it add a cool, beautiful, elevated lift to your room?
Some things that qualify as items worth displaying are those that are meaningful to you. Frame and hang a circa-1900s map of your hometown, and you may find yourself drawn to it and comforted by it more than you thought possible.
But mostly, start paying attention when pieces and objects catch your eye, learn what you love, and bring more of it into your home. It just might 10x the look of your home and give off great vibes as well. And remember, there’s no hurry or deadline. Some of the most beautiful spaces are collected over time.
Where to start? Here’s a list of some quality sources of artwork and imagery here in Indianapolis and online, from very affordable to investment-level in budget. Float around in these places and online galleries and see what you find.
Happy hunting!
1 The Harrison Center
1505 N. Delaware Street
Two words: Kyle Ragsdale. He of the gondola mural on an underpass wall on the downtown canal is just one of many incredibly talented artists whose studios are housed in this former school. (Yes, there’s a gymnasium in the building, and yes, it is still used by Herron High School.) Their open studio First Fridays can be epic. What’s cooler than buying something straight from the artist? Join the fan club!
2 The Corner Bazaar
1105 E. 52nd Street
On any given day, this little boutique could feature a cool print or an antique painting. Always worth a look.
3 Midland Arts & Antiques Center
907 E. Michigan Street
This former warehouse turned antique mall features a wide range of works of art, from photography to posters to paintings, sculpture, old maps, and more. And like most antique stores, there is an influx of new pieces.
4 Story by Tiffany Skilling
Story at TSI: 1057 E. 54th St, Ste D
Chapter 1: 1134 E. 54th St, Ste G
A jewel box curated by interior designer Tiffany Skilling and her team, with vintage treasures from far and wide as well as original artwork.
5 Vintage 54 Collective
5335 Winthrop Ave.
Vendors have booths in this intimate vintage marketplace with mostly decor and furnishings, but some art.
6 Chairish
Loads of vintage photography, paintings, and more posted daily. Heavy on midcentury items.
7 eBay
The OG. Beautiful prints, landscapes, as well as a wide range of frames to adorn your new find.
8 Great Big Canvas
A library of vintage poster prints, including famous photography from history.
9 iCanvas
Iconic, humorous, trendy, as well as timeless landscape photography, art, and more.
10 Pictorem
Upload something of your own for printing/framing, or search their extensive archive. Large library including vintage poster prints and AI imagery.
Dig in!
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