A home without art is like the night sky without stars. Though decor is important, art on the walls is the cherry on top that makes it feel complete and personal. In the homes of celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lenny Kravitz, this takes the form of original prints.
Decorating with art can be confusing for those of us without degrees in art history; thus original prints, which describe works that have been manually created and printed on a printing press by the artist and generally run at a slightly lower price point than other original works, are a great place to start. Homes & Gardens interviewed Helen Rosslyn, director of the iconic London Original Print Fair since 1987, to understand how these works can fit into a home. She told us why celebrities love them and how you can style prints in your home, no matter your art budget. To see her advice in action, we explore how original prints fit into a few of our favorite celebrity homes.
When celebrities are choosing artwork for their homes, why do so many opt for original prints? Helen explains: 'Prints are a great way to decorate your home because they are multiples, which makes them more accessible and often more affordable than paintings or sculptures. You can really set the tone of a room with a piece of art: a lithographic poster by Chagall for example immediately brings a retro feel (Hommage) Whether you're looking for iconic pieces by world-renowned artists, the latest editions from famous contemporary artists, or works by up-and-coming talent, prints make it easier to buy art you love – and to buy more of it.'
Just like other forms of creative expression, art transforms spaces according to the taste of the person designing it. Helen states: 'Each collector is different and their approach reflects their personal style.
Previously, we’ve had designers such as Cath Kidston pick out bold, colourful pieces by artists such as Sir Terry Frost and Ellsworth Kelly for their home,, and Kit Kemp, with her love of pattern, choosing prints by Patrick Proctor (Redfern Gallery). Tobias Vernon, founder of 8 Holland Street, has collaborated with artist Jake Garfield since discovering him at the print fair – and one iconic designer, a regular fair visitor, has a passion for prints by Richard Smith (Jacobson Graphics).' Kylie Jenner, Lenny Kravitz, and Tommy Hilfiger's homes are no exception.
Prints in Kylie Jenner's Home
Kylie Jenner's pink dining room, designed by the inimitiable Martyn Lawrence Bullard features pink butterfly prints by Damien Hirst, displayed in a horizontal row. Though matching the colors of the work to the room isn't necessarily intuitive, it's a great way to bring prints into your home.
'While some people shy away from matching prints to your sofa or curtains, I think it can be the perfect way to bring the whole room together,' Helen tells Homes & Gardens.
Prints in Tommy Hilger's Home
'I love styling prints at home in a few simple ways that really make a statement,' Helen recommends. 'Start with a standout piece in a prominent spot, such as above the fireplace or on the wall opposite the front door. This is the perfect place for something instantly recognisable, like a Picasso or Miró (from Gilden’s Art Gallery), or something bold and colourful, like Tom Hammick’s Flower Field or Living Air (RAW Editions), Oisin Byrne’s stunning floral prints (Advanced Graphics) or a big monochrome piece like the latest Rashid Johnson which makes a dramatic impact if hung on a coloured wall (Hauser & Wirth.)'
We see this focal point technique in action in Tommy Hilfiger's pop art bedroom, which features a flower print from Andy Warhol directly over the bed.
Prints in Lenny Kravitz's home
Finally, original prints can be intermixed with other works as part of a gallery wall. We see this set up in Lenny Kravtiz's living room where he mixes prints, paintings, and photographs.
To recreate this design, Helen advises: 'A classic "salon hang" (stacking artwork vertically or horizontally) looks fabulous on larger walls and lets you display a mix of sizes and styles, especially those smaller prints that haven’t found a spot yet. Exhibitors like Long & Ryle and Smithson Projects have some great smaller prints for this kind of display. When I do a salon hang, I usually start from the centre of the wall and build out from there.'
Shop Prints
Whether you have the budget to shop original prints like those at the London Original Print Fair or are looking for works under $50, there are many options available for prints or reproductions of famous works from 1stDibs to Etsy.
This laminated giclée print on aluminum composite panel with glitter features a kaleidescope of red butterflies. It's the rare chance to own a valuable piece of contemporary art history.
This pink, yellow, green, and red flower pop art could fit well in any room's design or color scheme. With a built-in frame, it looks elevated at an affordable price point.
There is nothing more classic than a David Shrigley print on the wall. This blue and red poster integrates a touch of humor for an inviting feeling.
Creating a beautiful home comes down to the right knowledge. Understanding all types of art and how they can function in your space is a great place to start. As per usual, we look to the greats for ideas.
