There’s a common belief that original art and family life don’t mix. Toddlers with sticky fingers, teenagers throwing footballs in the hallway and a dog that treats the lounge room like a racetrack don’t exactly scream “gallery-ready home”. So many families stick with mass-produced prints, or leave walls bare until the kids are older.
But art can bring warmth, personality and conversation into a family home, and it can enrich children’s lives in surprising ways. Growing up surrounded by original work encourages curiosity, creativity and a sense that art isn’t something reserved for museums. Whether it’s a vibrant painting by a contemporary Australian artist or a series such as Helen Redmond’s artwork, choosing pieces you genuinely love can make your home feel more like yours.
Start with what speaks to you
The most important rule when choosing art is to buy what you love. Trends come and go, and what’s fashionable today might feel dated in a few years. But a piece that moves you, makes you smile or sparks memories will continue to bring joy.
Visit galleries, art fairs, open studios and online collections to explore different styles. Notice which works you keep returning to. Do you love bold colours or soft, muted tones? Abstract shapes or recognisable scenes and figures? Paintings, photography, prints or sculpture?
Involving the whole family can be fun too. Ask children which pieces they like and why. Their responses can be surprisingly insightful and may lead to interesting conversations about colour, emotion and storytelling.
Think about placement and practicality
In a busy family home, placement matters. High-traffic areas, such as hallways, kids’ play zones and around the dining table, may not be the best spots for delicate or valuable works.
Hanging art at a sensible height, slightly higher than usual in areas where small hands might reach, can help protect it. Framing works on paper behind glass or acrylic provides an extra layer of protection. Durable materials, such as canvas, metal or ceramic, may be better suited to living areas.
Consider light as well. Direct sunlight can fade some artworks over time, particularly works on paper and photographs. Rooms with filtered light or UV-protective glazing can help preserve colours.
Create spaces that feel personal
Art doesn’t need to match the couch, but it should feel connected to the space. A large statement piece can anchor a living room, while a collection of smaller works can create an engaging gallery wall in a hallway or stairwell.
Mixing original art with children’s drawings, family photographs and meaningful objects can create a home that feels layered and personal. Some families frame their children’s artwork alongside professional pieces, showing that every creative effort is valued.
Rotating artworks occasionally can keep spaces feeling fresh. Moving pieces between rooms or swapping them seasonally allows you to see them with fresh eyes.
Caring for art in a family home doesn’t need to be complicated. Dust frames and canvases gently with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid spraying cleaning products directly onto artworks or glass. Keep pieces away from kitchens and bathrooms where steam, grease and humidity can cause damage. If an artwork does get knocked or marked, resist the temptation to fix it yourself and ask a framer or conservator for advice. With a little care, original pieces can last for generations and eventually be passed down to the children who grew up with them.
Budget, value and building over time
Original art doesn’t have to be expensive. Emerging artists, limited edition prints, smaller works and student exhibitions offer affordable entry points. Many galleries also offer payment plans or interest-free schemes to help families purchase art over time.
Buying directly from galleries or artists supports the creative community and often provides valuable information about the work, the artist and their practice. This background can make the piece even more meaningful.
Keep records of purchases, including receipts, certificates and information about the artist. These are useful for insurance and future reference.
Children who grow up with art around them often develop an appreciation for creativity and self-expression. Talking about the artworks in your home, visiting galleries together and encouraging children to create their own art can foster a lifelong connection.
Some families even choose a piece of art to mark special occasions, such as a new baby, a milestone birthday or a move to a new home. Over time, these works become part of the family story.
A family home doesn’t need to be perfect or pristine to have beautiful art. It simply needs pieces chosen with care, placed thoughtfully and enjoyed every day. Living with art you love can make your home more welcoming, inspiring and uniquely yours.
