I may be biased as a fine artist, but I believe every home should have original art — not because it is extravagant or impractical, but because original art elevates life.
Art has long been associated with luxury, and for good reason. Original art brings intention, beauty, and meaning into a space. It changes how a home feels to live in. Luxury, in its truest sense, is not excess — it is enrichment.
There are two ways to bring original art into your home:
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You can acquire it
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Or you can create it
Both are valid. Both are powerful.
Option One: Acquire Original Art
A common objection is cost. “Original art is expensive — I can’t afford thousands of dollars for a painting.”
That may be true of some art, but it is far from universally true.
High-end galleries with substantial overhead are only one corner of the art world. There are countless artists creating beautiful, meaningful work at accessible price points.
Consider:
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Art fairs and local markets, where artists sell directly to collectors
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High schools, community colleges, and universities, filled with emerging artists eager for their first patrons
When students sell their work, the value is not only financial. Being chosen — having someone say “this belongs in my home” — is transformative. Those early patrons often shape an artist’s confidence and career more than they realize.
Patronage is different from transaction. When you support an artist, you participate in the continuation of culture itself.
And chances are, you already know an artist whose work you admire.
Option Two: Create Original Art
You may be thinking, “That’s easy for you to say — you’re a painter.”
But as both an artist and an art teacher, I can say this with confidence: creating art is not reserved for the naturally gifted.
Displaying your own work in your home — even imperfect work — is deeply fulfilling. It turns your space into a record of courage, curiosity, and growth.
If you’re hesitant, take a class. With guidance and encouragement, people are often astonished by what they are capable of creating.
Children understand this instinctively. They create without fear. They do not question whether they are “good enough.” That doubt is learned — not inherent.
Reclaiming creativity is often less about acquiring skill and more about remembering permission.
Create with your children. Create alongside someone you love. Or simply create for yourself.
A Note on Presentation
Art deserves care. The right frame can elevate even the simplest piece, while the wrong one can diminish the strongest work.
Frames need not be expensive, but they should be intentional. Thoughtful presentation honors the work — and the space it inhabits.
Whether you choose to acquire original art or create it yourself, bringing original work into your home adds more than decoration.
It adds story. Meaning. Presence.
That is the true luxury.
You can also inherit original art. One year in a fit of genius my dad commissioned a painting of a horse and buggy with a covered bridge from a Mennonite painter. I asked for it when Mom could no longer enjoy it in this life. I also have a few her friends painted.
You can also request it as gifts. My son-in-law is a gifted graphic artist who specializes in pop culture prints. Since they never thought to give us one for a Christmas gift, I asked for one last year. I hope I get more.
Excellent points, Theresa! Thank you. Your comment also inspired other thoughts. For example, you could also trade for it. I’ve traded paintings and services several times with other artists whose work I admire. I may have to write a follow up article.