There’s a certain moment in life when buying a first home starts to feel like the next step. We truly know it’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking! Gone are the days of house shares where you can’t quite express your personality… It’s now about creating a space that feels like you.

A first home is also a brilliant opportunity to begin building your own art collection. You may already have dabbled in some prints, but this could be your chance to take your art game up a level.

Start small, there is no rush! Your first piece doesn't have to be expensive or dramatic, it will grow naturally over time... Think of it less as decorating a space and more of a fun go-with-the-flow journey of memories, places and moments that make you happy. 

Top Tip: Start collecting from the places that you travel to or visit, hopefully Cornwall is one of those places! 

Here's where to start when buying your first piece of art...

1. You don’t have to break the bank

There are many different ways to start collecting and it doesn't mean maxing out a credit card. You can begin with original works on paper. It’s a more affordable way to buy original art, while still giving you that special feeling of owning a one-of-one piece. Our artists provide these pieces in standard sizes, so picking up a frame to complete the piece is easy and affordable. 

To make starting your art collection a bit easier, you can use Own Art at our gallery. It lets you spread the cost of your artwork over 10 monthly payments at 0% interest. So, for example, a £250 piece would be just £25 a month (less than a couple of coffees or a takeaway!).

Works on Paper by Aisleigh Anne 'A Dreamy Day in Cornwall', £120

2. Start with what you’re drawn to

Forget rules. Start with instinct. What catches your eye? What do you keep coming back to? Think about how you want your home to feel. For example, is it calm and minimal or bold and expressive?

To start to understand your art-style, Pinterest is a great place to begin. Pin what you love and you might seem to notice patterns in colour, mood and style. This can gently guide you towards what you're naturally drawn to, whether that’s abstract, still life, figurative or landscape.

Calming landscape-style original's from Hazel Ashe, £295-£1995

3. Notice how it makes you feel

Art is personal. The right piece often connects in a way that’s hard to put into words. Does it remind you of somewhere you’ve been? A meal you've had? A table you've sat at? A holiday in Cornwall? A feeling of calm or pure happiness? These feelings are often the strongest indicators that a piece is right for you. If you look a piece of art and it transports you, it will continue to do so once on your wall at home. 

Originals and Prints from Katie Roberts, £50-£1695

We hope this helps when thinking about your art collection. Most importantly, enjoy the process... your collection will grow with you over time. For more inspiration, take a look at our First Time Collectors Edit and for 10% off your first order, join our collectors list here.