Mistake #10: Mass-Produced, Impersonal “Word Art”
We’ve all seen it: a canvas with “Live, Laugh, Love” or a wooden sign that says “Gather.” While the sentiment may be nice, this type of generic, mass-produced word art has become a design cliché. It lacks originality and personal significance, suggesting that the decor was chosen to fill a wall rather than to express a story or a point of view. It’s the decorative equivalent of a stock photo.
Art should be a window into the soul of the homeowner. It should spark conversation, evoke emotion, or hold personal meaning. When art is generic, the entire space can feel impersonal and, consequently, cheap. True luxury is about bespoke and personal touches.
The Sophisticated Solution: Invest in art that means something to you. This doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be a photograph you took on a meaningful trip, blown up and framed beautifully. It could be a piece from a local artist you admire, a vintage map of a city you love, or even a beautifully framed textile or family heirloom. The key is that it has a story. This personal connection is what gives a home its unique and priceless character.