Art Across Cultures: Exploring Global Design Influences
Decorating our spaces with art from different cultures enriches our decor and makes it even more meaningful! Even better, cultural art connects us with people worldwide and deepens our understanding of their unique experiences. So how can you bring world culture into your home with art? Keep reading to learn about our favorite styles and ways to incorporate them respectfully!
Global Design Styles
Cultural art is defined by key elements, color palettes, and motifs. Let’s explore a few global art styles commonly used in interior design.
Japanese art
While there’s a wide variety, one of the most common Japanese art genres is ukiyo-e. Having originated in the 17th century, ukiyo-e art prints depict everyday life, mythical heroes, and creatures from folktales.
Tips for decorating with Japanese art:
- Hang photographs of your favorite cities in Japan next to paintings to show your love for the country as a whole.
- Japanese culture prizes harmony, so be sure to stick to similar color palettes when choosing multiple pieces.
- Pick light-colored wood frames to highlight your art’s nature-inspired themes and colors.
Scandinavian art
Scandinavian prints are often minimalist with clean lines and simple shapes. These artworks can be neutral in color with gestural figures or colorful with abstract elements.
Tips for decorating with Scandinavian art:
- Style it next to mid-century modern art, which uses similar principles and has a warm, welcoming hygge vibe.
- Botanical art is calming and serene, so look for pieces featuring hues from the same side of the spectrum.
- Opt for understated frames like our bestselling Soho option in black or white to match the artwork’s simple aesthetic.
Indian art
Indian art from the 16th through 18th centuries is richly colorful and tells stories of mythology and royal life. The artists favored symmetry, geometry, and simplistic shapes.
Tips for decorating with Indian art:
- Play up your figurative artwork with prints featuring traditional patterns.
- Create narrative connections by hanging artwork that depict the same cultural figures (e.g., the Hindu deity Krishna and his family).
- Mix up your gallery wall with photographs of saris, historic architecture, or even spices.
Mexican art
You’ll find many different styles among Mexican artists. Common themes include religion, community, and bicultural realities.
Tips for decorating with Mexican art:
- Pair your artwork next to a piece that has bold patterns and/or bright colors.
- Mix it up with graphic prints featuring typography that speaks to you.
- Highlight different aspects of the culture such as village life, food, and farming.
How to Respectfully Incorporate Cultural Design Styles on Your Walls
Embracing diversity in art respectfully is paramount to avoid cultural appropriation. Here are a couple things to keep in mind when decorating with art from different cultures:
- Do your research: Get to know the artist and where they come from to gain a better understanding of their work.
- Respect sacred symbolism: Understand the meanings behind certain motifs and patterns often used in indigenous artwork (think: Ghanaian adinkra symbols or Navajo ganado prints) and avoid adopting them simply for the aesthetic.
Art.com is the leading virtual gallery for discovering globally inspired fine art prints. Explore our vast collection by design inspiration to find the perfect pieces to complement your interior style and bring your walls to life!