One of my guilty pleasures is reading decorating advice on the internet. This is ridiculous since I never decorate with intention at all; we have second-hand furniture, musical instruments, many paintings and gifts from friends and family. They take up all the available space.
But I have strong opinions on the subject. Chief among my objections are âinspirationalâ quotes hung on walls in lieu of pictures. Thatâs followed closely by any mass-produced wall decor from TJMaxx/Homegoods. Thatâs why I loved this passage from 5 Living Room Red Flags That Guests Immediately Notice, According to Designers, from The Spruce:
The type of art on display in your living room matters too, [Elissa] Hall says, and if done incorrectly, may set the wrong tone. âIf I walk into a living room and only see generic, store-bought art on the walls, I disconnect from the space,â she says. The designer prefers to see pieces that reflect the homeowners’ personality. That doesn’t mean you have to spend a pretty penny in the process, though. âVintage art is often as affordable as new pieces from big-box stores,â Hall says. You also don’t have to toss all of your stock art, either. Choose pieces that speak to youâthat makes all the difference.
If that Live|Laugh|Love sign is meaningful, I guess you can keep it.
I have a painting in my kitchen of a kid roasting marshmallows at a campfire. A lithograph of a layered salad we once had for Christmas. Hasidim in a neighborhood like where we used to live. A hydra-headed Jack Russell Terrier. And so on, through every room in my house.
The excellent quality of this art isnât the point. What matters most is the emotional connection to the subject, the work or the artist.
In my youth, people joked about buying paintings to match their sofas. That actually matters; a painting has to fit a room. If you have art that doesnât pull its weight, try it in a different place. But good art is far more than just decor. It may be the brains of a room, or the roomâs heart, but it should inspire thought or feeling.
This is especially true when weâre stuck inside during the colder months. Itâs snowing as I write this and it will get much colder soon. I like winter, but for many of you, your homes are your cozy refuges from the weather.
But cozy doesnât have to mean trite snowflakes and pine trees. It can be the soft tones of a winter landscape or the golden filtered light of a summer scene. These subjects are then transmuted into art by the minds and hands of real, living artists.
Does anyone really believe that the âartâ at TJMaxx/Homegoods didnât come from an assembly line, the same way that sequins are applied to masks or feathers glued to lamps? We buy this imitation of art when we feel pressed by blank walls. But it is a complete waste of money. If itâs all you can afford, itâs far better to buy a print of a great painting than a bogus âoriginalâ.
A statement painting over the mantel can anchor a living room, drawing the eye and setting the tone for the entire space. However, a small painting on the right sliver of wall can deliver the same punch. Especially during the busy holiday season, more intimate works act as visual pauses.
Coziness isnât about perfection. Itâs about meaning, memory and feeling; itâs almost an anti-decorator sentiment. Browse my collection of paintings to find the perfect piece to warm up your home this winter.
Registration is now open for workshops in 2026! Reserve your spot:
- Canyon Color for the Painter | Sedona, AZ, March 9-13, 2026
- Advanced Plein Air Painting | Rockport, ME, July 13-17, 2026
- Sea & Sky | Acadia National Park, ME, August 2â7, 2026
- Find your Authentic Voice in Plein Air | Berkshires, MA, August 10-14, 2026
- New! Color Clinic 2026 | Rockport, ME, October 3-4, 2026
- New! Composition Week 2026 | Rockport, ME, October 5-9, 2026