I might be a bit biased, having been in love with watercolor painting for over a decade, but I genuinely believe that watercolor is one of the most beautiful and versatile mediums for home decor. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, creating your own watercolor art for home decor can be both exciting and rewarding.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of watercolor art for home decor, share some DIY ideas and my favorite watercolor tutorials, and provide inspiration to help you transform your living space with your own unique creations. Ready to jump in? 

Before we dive in, I have to tell you about The Art Within, my signature course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of art and truly develop their art skills (whether you’re an aspiring full-time artist or just want to fall in love with creating as a hobby again). It’s been recently remastered (as of August 2024), so there truly is no better time to sign up. Get all the details here.

Now, back to what you came here for.

The Joy of Creating Your Own Artwork

Filling your home with your own artwork is more than just a decorative choice – it's a personal statement, and in my experience, a source of pride. In case you need a little more convincing though, here are some reasons why creating your own watercolor art for home decor is a fantastic idea:

1. Personal Expression: Your artwork reflects your unique style, emotions, and experiences.
2. Customization: You can create pieces that perfectly match your home's color scheme and aesthetic.
3. Conversation Starters: Prepare for compliments! Guests love to comment on artwork, and being able to say you painted something yourself is a more interesting conversation piece than “I found it at Target.” 
4. Sense of Accomplishment: This might be my favorite reason. There's a special satisfaction in knowing you created the beautiful pieces adorning your walls, plus as you get better and better, the art in your home will reflect what you love.
5. Cost-Effective: Hand-painted art can be expensive (which is not a complaint, as artists should be paid for their work). But on the list of pros, it’s worth mentioning that creating your own art can be more affordable than purchasing expensive decor pieces.
6. Therapeutic Benefits: Last but not least, let’s not forget that the process of painting can be relaxing and stress-relieving.

Getting Started with Watercolor Painting for Home Decor

Now that I’ve rattled off a few of my favorite reasons why painting your own home decor is the best, I want to zero in on watercolor specifically, One of the best things about watercolor painting is its accessibility. It's an easy medium to get started with, and it doesn’t require a ton of supplies or setup. Seriously, here’s a crash course on how to get started with watercolor painting in just 15 minutes.

Want a more in-depth tutorial? Check out my Everyday Watercolor Companion Course.

DIY Watercolor Ideas for Home Decor

Here are three of my favorite watercolor tutorials to get you started.

An Easy Ocean Landscape Watercolor Painting

This watercolor tutorial walks you through painting an ocean landscape from an aerial/drone-like perspective. It’s easier than you might think – though I’ll admit, the waves do require a bit of patience to get those smaller details just right. But trust me, the effort is worth it when you see the serene, breezy ocean scene come to life. 

Love the tranquil beauty of the ocean? You may also love my newest watercolor book Everyday Watercolor Seashores.

A Stunning Floral Painting Composition Tutorial

This one is less of a “step-by-step watercolor tutorial” and more “Here are the basics so you can choose your own adventure.” I share with you exactly how I arrange a floral painting, and let you take it from there. If you love more of a loose structure for your floral paintings, I’ve been told time and time again that this one is a favorite.

Best for Beginners: 2 Very Simple and Cool Modern Art Tutorials

Last but not least, if you want to start with something even more simple, in the below tutorial I share two different options for you. Both are cool and modern and would make a great addition to your home!

5 Extra Tips for Creating Watercolor Art as Home Decor

1. Experiment with Techniques

I’ve already said this, but watercolor really is a great medium that can produce stunningly different effects. Start by trying wet-on-wet, where you apply wet paint onto wet paper for soft, dreamy blends. Contrast this with wet-on-dry, where you paint on dry paper to achieve crisp, defined edges. Both are incredibly valuable, and I go over both of these watercolor techniques in detail here. Play around with different brush strokes, splattering, and even adding salt or alcohol for unique textures. The key is to explore and find the techniques that resonate with your style and the vibe you want for your home decor. Have fun with it!

2. Use Quality Materials

Listen, I know it sounds obvious, but the quality of your materials can make a big difference in the overall result of your watercolor painting. Invest in high-quality watercolor paper, as it handles water and pigments better, which in turn reduces the risk of warping or bleeding. Similarly, good watercolor paints, offer richer and more vibrant colors. Brushes also matter; choose ones that hold water well (they don’t have to be the most expensive, don’t worry). 

3. Practice Color Mixing

Mastering color mixing is a must when it comes to watercolor painting. Start with a basic palette of primary colors and practice mixing them to create a wide range of hues. This not only saves money but also gives your artwork a cohesive look. Understanding color theory—how colors interact, complement, or contrast—will help you to create more dynamic and visually appealing pieces. I go over this in detail in the Art Within. 

4. Embrace Happy Accidents

One of the joys of watercolor painting is its unpredictability. Sometimes, a splash or drip might seem like a mistake, but in my experience, it can lead to unexpectedly beautiful results. Embrace these happy accidents and let them guide your creative process. Often, these unplanned elements add a unique charm and character to your artwork. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks when creating watercolor paintings for your home.

5. Frame Your Work

This is the last tip I have for you, but it’s a big one. Presentation is key to making your watercolor art look less DIY and more polished and professional (if that’s what you’re going for). A simple, well-chosen frame can elevate even the simplest piece, giving it a finished and sophisticated look. Consider the style of your home decor when choosing frames—minimalist, rustic, or ornate frames can all enhance the artwork in different ways. Framing also protects your artwork from damage and preserves it for years to come. Plus, don’t forget to use matting if needed, as it can add depth and draw the viewer’s attention to your painting.

By incorporating these tips into your creative process, you'll be well on your way to producing beautiful watercolor art that not only enhances your home but also reflects your personal style and creativity.

Creating Watercolor Art For Your Home 

Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's about enjoying the process and creating something uniquely yours. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't meet your expectations. Like any skill, watercolor painting improves with practice and patience. Like I said, I’ve been doing this for WELL over a decade now. The joy is in the journey, and each piece you create will hold special meaning because it came from your own hand and heart.

Taking Your Art Further

If you've caught the watercolor bug and want to develop your skills further, I'd love to invite you to join The Art Within. This course is designed to help you unlock your artistic potential, refine your techniques, and gain confidence in your abilities. Whether you're looking to grow your skills, create more advanced pieces for your home, or even start selling your artwork, “The Art Within” can help you take that next step in your artistic journey.