What's the difference between the room settings you see in glossy magazines and the interiors of your own house? Except for the captivating views outside the windows, the exact colors, the fabric choices, and the furniture placement of those lovely room arrangements could easily be replicated in your house. But would it feel like home?



What really personalizes your living space, and makes it feel like home, is the artwork. What do you have hanging on your walls?

Many of those photographed interiors feature decorative wall art. Not that there's anything wrong with it. Decorative art begins with a duplicated version of an original piece of art. The colors and subject matter are selected by the designer and manufactured to coordinate with the prevalent trends of the day. For example, interest in the ecological or “green” movement of today has produced various nature inspired designs, leaves and botanicals, in current decorative art prints.

The print is then matted in a coordinated color and often elaborately framed to produce an important looking, impressive art piece that blends nicely with the room's decor.

Decorative art does just that, it decorates and pulls together the elements of the room.

The art is neither offensive nor is it endearing, it just looks good with the fabrics, furniture and rugs used in the room's decor.

How can you go beyond the obvious decorative choices to adorn your walls?

Think about artful choices that mean something to you.

It's a fact, more people buy art while on vacation than at any other time. Chances are you've picked up a small original watercolor or oil painting created by a sidewalk artist during a trip. Or you've collected a series of prints from your various travels to remind you of the lovely venues. What about that rolled up poster you brought home to commemorate a special event that spurred your trip?

Tucked away in a closet or under your bed are just the artful memories you need to turn your house into a welcoming home. Unearth your treasurers today and start to plan your display. Just as with decorative art, framing can transform a small piece of art into a dramatic focal point. Don't let the insignificant size of a piece of art keep you from giving this special memory a place of prominence. Layered mats and framing profiles increase the size and impact of your small artwork or print.

Multiple prints can be combined in a single frame using separate mat cut-outs for each print. This framing trick is used to produce a longer horizontal or vertical shape to fit your wall space. The cluster of memories this technique creates is sure to evoke a smile.

Don't forget the assorted memorabilia you've also collected in your travels. The seashells and sand from your beach vacation artfully displayed in a shadow box style frame is the perfect complement to the sunset watercolor in your art collection. You can almost smell the salt in the air.

Frame that commemorative ballgame poster is a colorful frame and flank it with framed arrangements of your ticket stubs, popcorn and a signed photo or sports ball. This family memory will forever be a special part of your home.

Art creates memories. Enjoy the souvenirs of moments you've collected everyday by displaying them and decorating your house into a home.