Art doesn’t have to be confined to the living room or hallway; kitchens and bathrooms deserve to be illuminated and personalized. More and more designers are incorporating paintings and decorative items into these practical spaces, adding inspiration and aesthetics to everyday life. The following structured guide explains how to skillfully display art in the kitchen and bathroom, along with key practical and aesthetic considerations.
1. Why Display Art in the Kitchen and Bathroom?
- Empowering the Space
Adding art instantly transforms kitchens and bathrooms from functional areas into living spaces filled with stories and emotions, inviting guests to linger. - Creating Atmosphere
A painting or photograph can directly transform the atmosphere of a space, bringing a unique sense of joy and inspiration to families while cooking or bathing. - Personal Expression
Displaying art in kitchens and bathrooms allows these intimate spaces to reflect the aesthetics and personalities of their residents, transcending mere practicality into “no-man’s land.”
2. How to Choose and Arrange Art
1. **What to Choose? **
- Don’t Choose “Precious”
In the kitchen, due to cooking fumes and moisture, and in the bathroom, due to humidity, it’s recommended to choose easily replaceable and stain-resistant art, such as photographs, prints, and low-cost paintings. Consider placing pieces you enjoy but aren’t treasured in these spaces.
- Bold Styles and Diverse Scales
From abstract paintings to humorous photography, any work can be used as a kitchen or bathroom decor. Vibrant colors or minimalist lines are acceptable, both complementing the overall tone of the space.
2. **Where to Hang? **
- Between Kitchen Dividers and Cabinets
Small paintings placed between upper and lower cabinets can conceal details like outlets and switches while adding visual interest.
- Dry Areas, Walls, or Shelves in the Bathroom
Avoid direct water flow or steam. Use countertops, high walls, windowsills, or open shelving for flexible placement and rotation of art.
- Stack, tilt, and stagger your artwork.
“Place against the wall, not hung.” Stack small pieces of art on shelves or narrow countertops to create a vibrant layered effect, allowing for a variety of visual experiences.
3. Practical Tips and Maintenance Suggestions
- Moisture and Stain Prevention Strategies
Bathroom artwork should be kept away from water and humid areas. It’s best to choose frames with glass protection or print directly onto weather-resistant materials like metal or resin. Kitchen artwork is easy to wipe and replace. - Color Matching with the Space Style
Choose artwork that echoes the main colors of the kitchen and bathroom for a more unified and comfortable look. - Let the Art Breathe
Maintain good ventilation in the space to reduce damage to the artwork caused by humidity. Proper ventilation or opening windows can help extend the life of the artwork.
4. Make art a daily delight
- Fun and Emotion
Hanging artworks depicting gatherings or food in the kitchen can brighten up the mood while cooking. The bathroom is a good place to display gentle, tranquil, and even slightly humorous paintings to make moments of relaxation even more restorative. - Frequent Change
Don’t be bound by a fixed hanging pattern. Small spaces lend themselves to diverse and flexible rotations of artwork, allowing you to adjust your style at any time and keep your life fresh.
Kitchen and bathroom walls shouldn’t be just blank and tiled. Brighten every corner of your home with art, allowing residents to find inspiration and style in even the most everyday spaces. This is the secret to a truly gentle and personal home.
