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Over the years, art has been part of our lives. It helps us improve and express ourselves, as well as to make any space look wonderful. Abstract art is one of the styles that have been loved by many enthusiasts. There are many ways to describe them and the different designs can make a total transformation to your space. But when and where did it all begin? Read on to learn more about the history of abstract art and how it evolved through these years. 

Eastern Europe

History tells us that abstract art was born at the start of the 20th century. During that period, the platform was mostly about fauvism, cubism, and figurative expressionism. As a result, abstract art is known for its freedom use of color, shapes, and the subject. The subject can be anything, from geometric shapes to humans, abstract art can be anything. The goal is to highlight the form through experimentation with colors. This exhibits the freedom of the artist to be flexible from the strict rules of creating art. 

Though the exact origin of abstract art is not that clear, there are different artists who created their own styles using abstract art. Each can be determined with their respective periods. As agreed by many experts, abstract art started around 1910. This can be supported by the first abstract watercolor by Vassily Kandinsky. The artist was a Russian painter who was associated with the avant-garde movement in Eastern Europe. He was also the first painter who used no formal composition. 

The two ideas in abstract art

There are two ideas when it comes to abstract art: rationality and expressiveness. Abstract art aims for rationality and an independent order from external reality. It is also the development of the symbolic function of color, the rhythm of forms, and their independence from a subject. For instance, artists like Kandinsky and Kupka find a wide range of emotions with the use of colors. As such, the colors they use have effects on the viewers, as if the art itself is trying to communicate. 

The types of abstract art

Abstract art is not just about freedom of expression. In fact, there are different types or divisions. Kandinsky represented Lyrical Abstraction in which the interests focused on the power of emotions and the impact of anger on humans. Malevitch represented Suprematism where forms and colors are left to speak for themselves. Geometric Abstract Art was represented by Piet Mondrian with his use of squares, primary colors, and black lines. The development of Orphism was because of the Delaunays who used sharp colors and rounded shapes to cover the whole canvas. 

The abstract expressionism movement

The new abstract art movement started in the 1940s and 1950s. This new movement was started by the Americans after the Second World War. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning made significant contributions to the development of the movement. The paintings of Pollock are marked by the vigorous movement of the painter creating splashes. 

From the 1960s, there emerged new trends: Optical Art and Minimalism. Optical Art was originated by Victor Vasarely and focused more on optical effects by playing with colors, shape, and light. Simultaneously, minimal art emerged that was started by artists like Sol LeWitt, Robert Morris, and Dan Flavin.

We spend a lot of time in the office. As employees, we are expected to be productive and be our best. As such, the office environment should be inspiring and appealing to help us show and do our best while at work. Transforming the overall appearance of the office will help the workers accomplish their daily tasks. Though it is not easy,  the good news is there are ways that will help you achieve the desired appearance. 

The goal of office decorating is not to exaggerate it with decorative and personal items. You may also want to keep the office dedicated to work and professional while also making it look comfortable just like your home.

Keep the professional appeal of your office 

Keep it practical and professional by not exaggerating the decors and personal items. Add inspiring artwork or motivational posters. Do not display your personal photos such as the photo of your beach escapade. 

Keep the office clean and functional 

Avoid clutter in the office. Keep your desk surface and your floor space clear of clutter, papers, and books. Be sure that the office functions well whether you are sitting or standing. Try to set the office up so that it is easy for others to work also. 

A healthy environment                                                                                  

One way to make a healthy office environment is to add elements of nature such as plants, flowers, and water. These not only add beauty to your space but also evokes health benefits. The natural colors are likewise soothing that help in your concentration as well as being productive with your respective tasks. Pothos, aloe, and jade plants are all great options as they remove toxins from the air and are easy to manage. 

Make it comfortable

In addition to good office appliances and equipment, you should also consider making everything comfortable and cozy. But be sure not to overdo it to the point that the workers tend to sleep on their work. That would be bad news for the company and for the employees too. Have a comfortable back or butt pillow or throw hanging around to help you become comfortable all day. In this way, you could also bring colors to your office without any difficulty. 

Proper lighting

Leave the tradition behind and be innovative when it comes to lighting. Add desk lamps with softer lighting so that you can see your work properly.

Display some art

The addition of some art is perfect to complete the wall design of the office. Sometimes wall art is neglected and not given some attention. Add different themes that will blend with the interior design of the office. It is also recommended to add motivational posters to inspire the workers and also to complete their day. 

Add photos

Yes, you can add photos of your family or pet. But remember that it is the office and you should limit personal items being displayed. Choose the appropriate photos and limit them to 1 to 3 only. 

Add accessories

Add items that are functional but also personalized to your own style and taste. Examples are your hip mug or Mason jars to hold your pens and pencils, an attractive bowl for your paper clips, an antique box for business cards, and others.

The addition of nature into your home has been one of the desires of many homeowners and designers over the years. Humans love nature and the benefits that they evoke. These are some of the reasons why they want the look to be part of their homes. The natural and organic appeal of elements makes us feel calm, at peace, and inviting. These days, the problems we encounter with the environment encourage us to have a natural theme. As such, we can still enjoy the benefits of nature even if the situation of the planet is dwindling. Here are some ideas on how to bring nature to your home.

Choose the natural element that will calm you

Nature is always associated with the outdoors and it is not impossible for us to bring the elements to our homes. Some of the elements that you can highlight in your room are plants, flowers, wood, cotton, and others. Choosing the materials that reflect your personality is the first step for bringing them into your home. Decorating the walls is also a great idea since the decors can be the focal point. The key is to choose the natural elements that incorporate your style and will connect you with your interior. 

Wood as a finish

Many homeowners believe that wood is the only material that can be finished to look like any other material, like marble. You can also leave it unfinished to bring its natural beauty along with its imperfections. In fact, the addition of wood is one of the easiest ways to achieve a nature-themed interior. The material can also create a rustic feel that will make your interior warm and cozy. 

Natural wood furniture pieces

Over the years, wood furniture has been widely used by homeowners and designers. They are durable, attractive, and can be finished in various ways. If you prefer a rustic and country appeal, choose artisan-crafted furniture. You may also add antique furniture pieces to have a nostalgic vibe. If you want to have a modern appeal, select wood furniture with minimal lines that is also free from any ornamentation. 

Natural material in the bathroom

The bathroom, a perfect sanctuary where you can relax and get rejuvenated. Connecting yourself with water can calm your mind and body. The addition of natural materials can also complete the overall appearance of your bathroom. Wooden walls may give it a sauna-like appearance, while the presence of minimal fixtures and natural light can give a life-changing experience. 

Flowers and floral prints 

Wood and stones are not the only natural materials that you can add to your interiors. Flowers and plants are also perfect decorations that will bring you closer to nature. Whether you are talking about natural or artificial flowers, they both evoke beauty that will make your interior bright and warm. Of course, it is better to use natural ones as there are many benefits that can be obtained. Add potted flowers to your side tables, console table, or dining room table. You will be surprised to have that summer feel at any time of the day. 

Final Thoughts

Decorating your interior is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Nature-themed rooms are a perfect way to bring out the beauty of the environment. With flowers and floral prints, you can easily make any room look vibrant that you and your family will love.

Paul Klee is a talented artist who has contributed a lot to the world of art. He is also a natural draftsman who experimented with and mastered the color theory and wrote extensively about it. His lectures, Writings on Form and Design Theory, that is published in English as the Paul Klee Notebooks, are considered to be of utmost importance to modern art. Read on to learn more about the life and works of Paul Klee.

Biography

Paul Klee (1879-1940) was born in Switzerland and considered to be both a German and Swiss painter. His works were greatly influenced by different movements in art, including expressionism, cubism, and surrealism. He is a natural draftsman whose artworks have shown that he has mastered color theory. 

During his younger years, Paul Klee focused on becoming a musician, but later on decided to concentrate more on the visual arts. As a musician, he played mostly the traditional works of the 18th and 19th centuries. As a visual artist, he enjoyed practicing freedom to explore radical ideas and styles. 

During his school years, he is fond of drawing caricatures and already displaying and already displaying skill with line and volume. He also studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich wherein he excelled at drawing. After receiving his Fine Arts degree, he traveled to Italy along with his friend, Hermann Haller. While traveling, the two studied the master painters of the past centuries. 

For Paul Klee, color represented the optimism and nobility in art, and a hope for relief from the pessimistic nature he expressed in his black-and-white grotesques and satires. By 1905, he was developing some experimental techniques, including drawing with a needle on a blackened pane of glass resulting in 57 works including his Portrait of My Father (1906). He also completed a cycle of eleven zinc-plate etchings called Inventions. 

From 1931 to 1933, Klee taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Dusseldorf. He went back to his hometown when the National Socialists declared his art “degenerate” in 1933. His later works reflected the turmoil in Europe in which they have a somber tone. Lines turned into black bars, forms became broad and generalized, scales are larger, and colors are simpler. 

Methods and Styles

Paul Klee was associated with Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and Abstraction. He usually worked alone to interpret new art trends in how own way. He developed new techniques as he worked in different media including oil paint, watercolor, ink, pastel, etching, and others. He often combined these mediums in one artwork. He also used canvas, burlap, muslin, linen, gauze, cardboard, metal foils, fabric, wallpaper, and newsprint. He also used spray paint, knife application, stamping, glazing, and impasto and mixed media such as oil with watercolor, watercolor with pen and India ink, and oil with tempera. 

With his mastery of color and toes, many of his works combine these skills. Most works have a fragile childlike quality to them and are usually on a small scale. It is also common to see geometric forms and grid format compositions along with letters, numbers, animals, and people. Some of his works are abstract that may reflect dry humor and varying moods, as well as political convictions. His works often allude to poetry, music, and dreams. His later works are distinguished by spidery hieroglyph-like symbols.  

Now that you are expecting the arrival of your baby, it is time to decorate the nursery and personalize it. Preparing the nursery may be a bit busy for you as there are many things to consider. For instance, the addition of wall art is usually the last to be thought of. Yet this will totally make the nursery look amazing. Customized art will help you create a wonderful nursery and will create a room environment that is perfect for the newest member of the family. 

Wall display for the baby room

Decorating the walls is one of the easiest and fastest ways to personalize the baby room. As expecting parents, preparing the nursery is one of the exciting activities to do while waiting for the day of your baby’s arrival. Buying the things they need and placing them in their respective places may be tedious yet there’s something satisfying about it. This is also true when decorating the wall. You get the chance to choose the right color as well as the decors to display to customize the whole nursery. With the right wall art, the nursery will be a safe haven for your little bundle of joy.

Family photos

Check your albums. For sure there are a lot of photos of the family that you have kept all these years. Displaying them and arranging them in a fashionable way will help you introduce the family members to your baby at the right time. You can also do this to create memorable wall art as you will showcase some of the fun activities that you and your family did. 

Cuddly-looking animals

There are a lot of animal-themed posters that are perfect for the nursery. Most of them are in adorable colors that are not too loud for the eyes of babies. Collect the different animals and display them and create wonderful wall art in a random layout. These posters can also be used to teach them the different animals and prepare them for school. 

Nature-inspired prints

Posters of plants and flowers are not only cool for the sense of vision. These will also make the nursery look lively and welcoming. The natural colors can help create a calming and relaxing vibe that is perfect for you and your little one. The posters will also look perfect if they are in neutral-colored frames. 

Alphabet and numbers

Alphabets and numbers are the very first lesson to teach your little ones. Having posters of the alphabet as well as numbers will likewise help your child learn about them and prepare them for school. Choose prints in subtle colors so that they may not be too offensive to the eye. These will not only help beautify the walls but will also serve as visual aids to educate them. 

Personalized posters

It is also smart to add personalized posters to make the nursery look and feel its own. Display posters that feature the images of your child when they were born. You can likewise choose poster designs with colors that will help your child rest and relax.

Are you looking for ways to personalize the appearance of your rooms? Try to be creative and innovative by using your family photos to spruce up your home. There are different ways to display them and you will surely be able to create wall art that will add style and beauty to your walls. Read on to know the different ways to display family photos and make your home a more fantastic place to live in. 

Make memories with calendars or canvas prints

There are countless ways to display photos of your family. You are not restricted to a few rules as well. The good thing about decorating your home is that you can be versatile in many instances. With your imagination and creativity, you will be able to come up with numerous ideas. 

Traditionally, photos are displayed on the walls with the use of picture frames or are kept in photo albums. However, with the technology we have these days, creating memories with family photos comes in many different forms. The good thing about designing your wall art, you will be able to enjoy the activity and display your own creation to flaunt to your family and guests. 

Canvas Print of family photos

The canvas print is the result of an image that is printed into the canvas that is either stretched or gallery-wrapped in a frame and displayed in certain areas of your living space. When used in interior design canvas prints usually use stock images or personalized pictures. The printing process of canvas prints started in the 1990s. During those times, people are not yet fully aware of the potentials of printing photos on canvas. In fact, there are numerous advantages of having your family photos on canvas. As a result, more and more homeowners and interior designers these days include canvas prints in decorating the walls. 

Canvas prints are one of the best choices in displaying your family photos. Any photos can be used, from professionally taken pictures or any photo taken from your smartphone. Once they are printed on canvas, they can make a wonderful transformation to any room. You also need to consider several factors before hanging them, such as the size of the canvas, design, weight, and others. Just remember to consider balance and space. 

Family photos in calendar prints

Another innovative and interesting way is to have the family photos printed on calendars. In this way, the printed item can function both as a calendar and as a decor. Print a family photo in each month of the calendar. You can actually design this yourself with the use of an app or computer software. It is an easy and fun project, considering that you do not have to spend that much to have a calendar printed. 

Just like in canvas prints, the display of calendars also requires some factors to be considered. Examples are the area of the room, space, balance, and the continuity of the interior appearance. Display the calendar on areas where they can blend with the theme you already have. 

Family photos on posters

Another fantastic way to display family photos is through personalized posters. There are printing shops these days that can create posters according to the specifications of their customers. In Artdesign, we would like to make every family event memorable. Personalized posters will give you the chance to feature your family on your walls. A poster of your baby, for instance, is a perfect way to make the room look more stylish and lovely. 

Carbon dioxide emissions and the accumulation of plastics are the biggest problems we are facing these days. Not all homeowners can afford solar panels to conserve energy. However, there are small and simple ways that are efficient and can make your home into an eco-friendly place. 

Use LED light bulbs

Changing your regular light bulbs with LED lights can make a big difference to your home. LED bulbs are far more efficient than regular ones. They consume less electricity but emit the same or even better lumens. They are also more durable, eco-friendly, and can help you save money on electricity. 

Get recycling bin and compost bin

Recycling bins are very helpful when you are segregating glass bottles, jars, bottles, and other objects. Compost bins, on the other hand, will help you discard leftovers and at the same time will give you free fertilizer that you can use in your garden. You can improvise your own compost bin if you want to save money. You can also opt to buy commercially available compost bins. These are designed to be neat, tidy, and odor-free.

Plant herbs and spices

Plant your own herb and spices garden. The good thing about these plants is that they don’t take much space and can be done in small pots. Do this on the patio or even provide a small spot in your home. You can then use the herbs and spices that you have for your favorite dishes in addition to making your home eco-friendly. 

Plants as decors

Indoor plants are not only effective in improving indoor air quality. They can also make your home look vibrant and refreshing. Just don’t forget to give them their needs, such as sunlight and water. 

Add window treatments

Curtains and blinds are efficient insulators. As such, the temperature inside your home can be regulated without the use of air conditioners, thus saving electricity. In addition to these, your home will even look lovelier with attractive curtains or blinds. 

Use the kitchen smartly

Be smart in using kitchen appliances. For instance, instead of using a pod coffee maker, use a drip coffee maker. The plastic capsules may just add to the pollution. With drip coffee makers, all you need are coffee grounds. Moreover, it is smart to plan your meals so that the use of stoves will be cost-efficient. 

Use homemade natural cleaning products

Natural cleaning products are effective as those that are bought in the stores. Moreover, they do not contain any harmful chemicals which are important especially if you have kids at home. You can make your own cleaning agents by using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. 

DIY instead of buying new items

Why buy new items when you can create your own. DIY items will even unleash your creativity. The good thing about this project is that you can do this with your family. Look at different websites, magazines, or books for inspiration. You can recycle old items in your home and use them to create new products. For sure, your children will have a great time doing this project with you. At the same time, you will also be saving money for other projects or expenses. 

In many houses, the walls get the usual covering such as flat, eggshell, or semi-gloss interior paint. The good thing about this is that you can never go wrong with coating the walls with interior paint. However, there are other wall coverings that can be used to make your walls appealing and exciting. A great wall covering can likewise be the focal point of the house. Some of these wallcoverings are highly textured and not recommended to cover the whole house with it since it will produce visual overload. Try using highly textured wall coverings on an accent wall instead of multiple walls to have an interesting wall decoration. 

Wood Wainscot

Conventionally, this is an area of wooden paneling on the lower part of the walls of a room. This is often wood beadboard and can be commonly seen painted in white. White wainscot projects a retro appearance of a summer cottage. The reality is that you do not have to confine yourself with white. You can paint it in an array of colors. Wainscot is also readily available and inexpensive. You can get them from the local lumberyard or home improvement store. There are basically two main forms of wood wainscot: Tongue-and-groove plywood beadboard paneling that still requires cutting and priming; MDF panels that are exclusively made for wainscot, and is already primed and ready for painting.

Tile Wainscot

Commonly, a wainscot is made of wood. Tile can also be used in wainscoting and is ideal in the bathroom. Joining tile to tile creates a perfect water-sealed seam. This will also look good in other rooms aside from the bathroom, as long as they will look appropriate.

Floor-to-ceiling tile

Cover the wall with tiles from the floor way up to the ceiling to create a modern look for your interior wall. However, choose the appropriate wall to lay the tiles on as this will cause visual overload if multiple walls are tiled.

Modern wallpaper

This type of wallpaper can provide a sophisticated and glamorous appearance. The design can provide a fresh and trendy look. Commonly, simple patterns and colors can provide a bold and clean look. Geometric figures, textures, floral, and more futuristic designs can give a modern wall appearance that will be loved by many homeowners.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Man-made stone veneer is composed of Portland cement, aggregates, and iron oxides. Just like natural stones, manufactured stone veneer also has the same weight and durability.

Faux stone veneer

This is usually made of styrofoam that looks like a real stone. The drawback is that faux stone veneer can dent easily therefore these should be installed in areas where physical contact is not that much.

Wood wall panels

Today, wood paneling is one of the popular wall covering designs available that looks great on the wall interior. These panels are usually made from rosewood, oak, ebony, teak, and other exotic woods. The size is small and they are usually mounted horizontally.

Mosaic tiles made of bamboo

If you are looking for a wall covering that is fresh and modern, then the bamboo mosaic tile is a perfect choice. The food thing about bamboo is that they are sustainable as it can be grown easily. So no need to worry about waiting for a long period of time to have a full-grown plant. Bamboo tiles are ideal indoors and try not to install them in the bathroom.

Mosaic tiles made of cork

These are tiny round tiles made of cork and are bound together on mesh mats for easy installation. These are ideal for wall sections or for backsplashes.

Removable wallpaper

Unlike conventional wallpaper, this type of wallpaper can be removed with no special tools needed. Ideal for apartment living where you can just remove them without the fuss when the time comes that you decided to leave the apartment. 

Summer is one of the most awaited seasons around the world. This is the time when kids can go out to enjoy the heat of the sun. This is also the right time to prepare the balcony so that you and your family can use it for some outdoor fun. 

Clean the balcony before decorating

Before decorating the balcony, you need to thoroughly clean it. This includes the floor, railing, walls, door, and others. Use eco-friendly detergent in cleaning them. Use baking soda when cleaning the floor. For the windows, wash them with a mixture of water and vinegar then wipe with a crumpled paper. Though there are glass cleaning solutions that can be bought from the grocery, baking soda and water can help you save a few bucks. Cleaning the balcony will also allow you to check its condition. You may also discover some parts that need to be repaired or replaced. 

Add lighting in the balcony

Lighting is needed in all rooms of your house. It may be functional but lighting can also add drama and effects to the entire room. You can add general and accent lighting as well as ambient lighting to achieve the desired effects. Examples of general and accent lightings are articulated clip lamps and ceiling lights. On the other hand, floor lamps, pendant lamps, lanterns, and string lights are examples of ambient lighting.

Give it a touch of nature with plants 

Adding plants and flowers is one of the best ways to make the balcony look like summertime. With blooms and greens, you can also make it look like a mini garden. These can be in large pots, hanging planters, or railing planters. Be creative and add a vegetable patch that you can use in the future in some of your dishes. 

Make the balcony look cozy and relaxing

There are different themes or appearances that can make the balcony look cozy. The addition of a close seating arrangement and the right outdoor lighting can do the trick. Designers and many homeowners also recommend the addition of thematic plants and decor as they can liven up the balcony.

Grill pit for an outdoor party

It is a tradition to have a BBQ while enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. Summer is never complete without having a BBQ party. These days, there are table-top and tiny frill options that can make the balcony look more fun and exciting. Not to mention the BBQ that you will be serving. Just remember to have a fire extinguisher or a pail of water if things turn out roughly. 

Tables and chairs on the balcony

A small table and set of chairs can give you the opportunity to have an outdoor breakfast any day of the week. You can also make the balcony into a small nook for a bottle of beer with your buddies. Add other decors such as string lights to personalize the balcony and make it look perfect for the dry season.