Intro to Art and Décor Lingo

Whether you're a first-time buyer, or someone looking to liven up their living space, the world of art and home décor comes with its own set of terminology. From 'limited edition', to 'mid-century modern', and 'gallery wall', we're here to clarify art collection and interior design language. Let's get started decoding these terms.

Essential Home Décor Terms

Eclectic: A home décor style that combines elements from various sources or styles to create a unique and personalized look. Characteristics of eclectic décor styles are the combination of playful color palettes, incorporation of vintage, antique and contemporary pieces, and mixes of bold patterns or textures.

Minimalism: A design style characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. Minimalistic décor styles often use a minimal neutral color palette.

Gallery Wall: A curated collection of photographs, posters, or prints arranged on a wall using frames. Gallery walls in the home are meant to exhibit a variety of art pieces that can highlight a homeowners' tastes and favoured local artists. The collection can add dynamic style in a home by the mix + match of diverse frames, pieces ranging in sizes, and displaying varying artistic styles.

Toronto-based illustrator and muralist Sarah Alinia Ziazi creates award-winning pieces that make perfect additions to any curated home gallery wall. The harmonious blend of neutral colors, with vibrant accent tones, seamlessly integrates into a lively living room gallery. Discover the captivating work of Sarah, ideal for mixing and matching in your unique artistic space.

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Often-used Art Terminology

Medium: The material or technique used by an artist to create a work of art - for example: oil paint, watercolor, ceramics, or sculpture.

Composition: The arrangement of elements within a work of art, including the placement of objects, colors, and shapes.

Original Artwork: A unique creation by an artist, encompassing paintings, sculptures, or other visual forms, and represents a direct connection between the viewer and artist's creative process.

Palette: The range of colors used by an artist in a particular work or during a specific period.

Abstract Art: Art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality but instead uses shapes, colors, and forms in a non representational way.

Visual Artist and Illustrator Shawn Skeir creates a variety of art projects that are rooted in an abstract style that highlights movement of light and color. His work strives to create images that represent a unification of organic, analog, and fluid movement within post-digital sensibilities. If the abstract art style interests your home décor tastes, discover Shawn's Fineline collection and welcome them into your space.

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Exploration of Art Collection Language

Provenance: The history of ownership and the origin of a work of art, often used to establish authenticity and value.

Acquisition: The process of obtaining a work of art, either through purchase, donation, or other means.

Limited Edition: A controlled number of reproductions of an original artwork, each numbered and signed by the artist to denote its exclusivity. Typically, limited editions aim to strike a balance between wider accessibility and the collectible appeal associated with a finite quantity of prints.

Portfolio: A collection of an artist's work or a collector's holdings, often presented for a review or exhibition.

Jewel Pavao is a Toronto based Illustrator and Graphic Designer, who creates pieces exploring personal and contemporary issues using stylized imagery. Her work features bright colors, visually uplifting elements, and refined shapes. Jewel's stylish and cohesive portfolio highlights beautiful home décor pieces that can be curated to fit your home's aesthetic.

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