to hang on the walls
Sometimes it's hard to remember how much of a difference even one piece of art makes to a room. The room could be impeccably decorated, down to the perfect coffee table accessories, but without something on the walls, the space can fall flat. Forgotten walls just make for incomplete homes. But what if your want that museum worthy piece, but don't have the million dollar budget? Simple, you start your search.
Flea markets and thrift stores are amazing places to find that a vintage piece and even (sometimes) incredible framed works. Also, don't forget about your community! Philadelphia has first Friday, where tons of local gallery's feature up-in-coming artists, whose work is typically reasonably priced. And, obviously, New York City is filled with tons of galleries and creative people looking to sell their work to pretty much anyone.
However, if you don't have the ability, means or even the time to travel in search of that perfect piece, there is always this awesome thing called the internet. I know it can seem a bit daunting, searching thousands of pages and sites all to end up with an overpriced 5" x 7" low quality print. Don't get discouraged though! Some sites are amazing and will get you that conversation starter at a fraction of the cost. My three favorites:
Uprise Art is the perfect place for you if you are looking for an interesting piece from an amazing artist and are willing to spend a bit more to get it. That late twenties - thirties household that has the budget to invest in a piece that they will have for life
Untitled Composition 7
Lustre
Off Course
Centered
I've been obsessed with society6 for a while now. It's an awesome site that allows artists to upload files of their work, set the price, and society6 takes care of the rest. This gives artists the ability to mass produce their work at a reasonable price point. It's the perfect site for someone looking for pieces to fill a gallery wall or brighten up a room.
Queen, Pirates Office
In a Single Moment all her Greatness Collapsed, Agnes-cecile
Sunbathing, Beth Hoeckel Collage & Design
Gold Palms, Cat Coquillette
Now I know that when most people think of One Kings Lane they think furniture, but One Kings Lane also has an amazing assortment of artwork. The price points definitely vary, but sometimes the sales on a piece are over 50% and beyond worth the investment
Linda Colleta, A Love Story
Cafe
Richard Phillips, Spectrum, 1998
Michelle Armas, Kitty
Obviously I couldn't list every amazing art stop on the web. That would take me days. But at least this can get you started on your art collection. So get searching!
And remember that if you love it, buy it! Don't just purchase a piece because it matches the couch. Buy a piece that you love by an artist that you respect and you'll never regret the investment you made.
twenty-four
Happy Monday!
It has been a LONG weekend. Awesome. An awesomely long weekend, but definitely a long weekend. In case you didn't see, Thursday was my birthday. The big two four- the last year of my early twenties- and I had so much fun celebrating.
My birthday weekend basically consisted of dinners, pregames, champagne, a whiskey bar, popcorn (LOTS of popcorn), pitchers margaritas, blonder hair, a mini road trip, karaoke, awesome presents and lots of cake. So basically, it was perfect. But now that it's over, it's back to business. I have three projects with Homepolish that are finally finishing up. So hopefully I can make them pin-worthy presentable soon, and share them with you all. Get excited!
all of the above images are from various sources. get all the links & more @ssarahfinkss
Happy birthday to MEEEE
Yes, that's right IT' MY BIRTHDAYYY! And as the total nerd that I am, I've decided to write a birthday post talking about myself. I know, move over Kim Kardashian, there's a new self-absorbed queen in town. But I figured for anyone who doesn't really care or already knows me can just pass at the CMQ stalking today. And for anyone who would like to get to know the voice behind color. me. quirky can find a little more out about yours truly :)
Death Before Decaf
For starts, I have a serious obsession with coffee. I find it completely normal to drink numerous cups a day and I 100% blame my parents. I grew up in a house coffee obsessed. I will give credit where credit is due though, my dad makes the best coffee bean blends. Starbucks has nothing on papa Finks
My little Monster
I have a cat that, to this day, is the best present I've ever received. He was given to me with a giant red blow on his back when he was just a baby. Four years, and 18 pounds later, my fatty tabby cat is still my absolute favorite.
He's definitely the definition of why people hate cats though. So if you are not a cat person, he won't change your mind.
Goal in Life
I have always had this goal to go on a crazy long road trip all across America. I want to just pack up, rent an RV and see everything. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, The Golden Gate Bridge, everywhere! It's my mission and will happen.
My Style
My personal style is kind of hard to describe. It basically all depends on my mood but in general, I love pretty much anything high wasted and simple. I'm also short so I'm typically rocking something to boost me up (height wise). I'm obsessed with hats and sunglasses and I am typically always wearing my grandmother's heart necklace. It's my favorite piece of jewelry.
(this photo was taken on the fourth of July, I typically don't just carry around an American Flag)
My Main Squeeze
So I'm kind of in love with this one. I don't want to get to mushy here, but he and cat compete as my favorite pretty much every day (cat typically wins).
We've been dating for about five years and he still impresses me daily. He's my rock, the mac to my cheese, the ying to my yang, pretty much all the great combos.
The guy is also beyond talented, stalk his instagram to see just how much.
Note to you
I really appreciate you. You my reader, my friends, my supporters, my everything. If you're reading this, you have made my 24th birthday that much more amazing.
I started this site as a way to express my creativity and since then it's grown to be the perfect outlet to share my personality. Whether it's random inspiration, a piece I'm obsessed with, or just interiors that I love, CMQ has been an incredible outlet and I really appreciate you (all of you) for taking the time to flip though. Thank you.
Love, SJ