The Block 2021: Shaynna Blaze's top tips on how to pick the perfect artwork for your home

If you’re struggling to pinpoint the perfect piece of art to lift your room then you’re not alone.

For the Blockheads, Hallway Week gives them a chance to really let art shine in their homes, although we’ve seen plenty of them struggle over the years too.

But luckily, The Block’s judge Shaynna Blaze has all the knowledge and tips you need to confidently pick the perfect piece to bring your room together.

Shaynna explains you need to first choose what the purpose of your artwork is: To be the focal point of your room, or to complement what’s already there.

Art as a focal point

If the artwork is just for you as an individual, then Shaynna says, “Buy whatever you want because it makes you happy.” However if you’re buying for a house that’s for sale, then you need to be a little more judicious in what you choose.

“You really want something that is engaging without being polarising,” says Shaynna. “The great thing about art is that you can get lost in it.

“You can pick a scene that will make you want to sit down and take a look at it.”

• The Block 2021 listings are live. See them here.

Art to complement your room’s scheme

If you want your artwork to bring your room together, The Block judge explains the mistake most people make is picking the exact colours of the furniture already in the room.

“All of a sudden the whole room will look like paint-by-numbers,” she says.

“Pick a colour that’s in the colour scheme of the rest of the room as a base, and then look at pieces that have colour on top of that.

“So rather than just trying to match up the colours and make sure they all connect. You just stick with one colour that will connect with the rest of the room and then you play around with it.”

Alternate art forms

Art doesn’t just have to be in the form of pictures hanging from a wall. Shaynna also encourages the use of rugs or sculptures to add more impact to your home.

“There are so many beautiful rugs out there that have gorgeous patterns — florals and swirls — so you can keep your wall art very simple and have your artwork on the floors,” she says.

“Mix your lighting and a sculptural form — whether you light it from the front or you backlight it — to become a focal point that gives a different energy to the room completely.”

Mirrors can also be used to give the illusion of space in your home.

Budget art

You don’t need to fork out huge amounts of money to get quality art. Memories can become art too. Framing photos or tickets with quality frames is a great low-cost option.

If you’re looking for a formal look, have all frames the same size and colour. The opposite is also true. Mix and match different sizes and frame types for a more relaxed look.

• This article was originally published by Nine.com.au. Reproduced with permission.