Bringing Art to Life in Our Kitchen: A Splash of Joy and DIY Charm

There’s nothing quite like the unbridled enthusiasm of a child to truly validate a new addition to your home. “She’s swimming! Look, fishies!” exclaimed our daughter, Clara, her eyes wide with wonder, pointing at the newly hung artwork in our kitchen. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the joy and imagination we hoped this piece would inspire. While imaginary fish might not be part of the artist’s original vision, Clara’s delightful interpretation instantly filled our home with laughter and warmth, solidifying this purchase as far more than just a decorative item. It became a source of immediate happiness and a canvas for innocent fantasy.

Our Journey to “Real Art”: More Than Just a Decoration

We playfully refer to this piece as our “real art” because, in truth, it represents our very first significant art purchase. For years, our walls have been adorned with beloved thrift store finds, repurposed garage sale treasures, or cherished homemade creations – all wonderful in their own right. However, this particular print marked a new chapter in our home decor journey. It’s a large-scale reproduction of an original oil painting by an exceptional Etsy artist, whose work resonated with us deeply. We stumbled upon it online and simply couldn’t get it out of our minds. Its serene beauty and captivating subject matter seemed to call to us, promising to infuse our recently renovated kitchen with a sense of calm and sophisticated elegance.

The decision to invest in this piece, priced at $195, was certainly a splurge for our family. We’re seasoned DIY enthusiasts and budget-conscious homeowners who typically prioritize practicality and cost-effectiveness. Yet, after much deliberation and internal rationalization, we recognized that some things are worth the investment. This wasn’t merely a picture; it was a carefully chosen piece that spoke to our aesthetic sensibilities and marked a progression in how we curate our living space. We believed it would contribute significantly to the overall ambiance and personality of our home, transforming a functional space into an inspiring one.

The Art of Budgeting: Justifying Our Kitchen Splurge

Our decision to splurge on this kitchen art print wasn’t made lightly, but it felt entirely justified given the extensive savings we achieved during our comprehensive kitchen renovation. We approached the entire project with a meticulous focus on maximizing value and minimizing costs, demonstrating that a dream kitchen doesn’t necessarily require an exorbitant budget. By making smart, resourceful choices, we managed to save a substantial amount of money, creating the financial wiggle room for this meaningful art acquisition.

Our strategy involved a combination of reusing existing elements, sourcing discounted or secondhand items, and tackling significant portions of the work ourselves. For instance, we opted to reuse our perfectly functional cabinets, sink, and faucet, saving thousands compared to buying new. We scoured outlet stores for design elements, finding our stylish pendant lights at a fraction of their retail price. The essential range hood, often a costly item, was a fantastic find on Craigslist, perfectly functional and aesthetically pleasing. We even turned our old granite countertops and over-the-range microwave into revenue by reselling them on Craigslist, effectively offsetting other project expenses.

Beyond sourcing, our own labor played a massive role in cost reduction. We custom-built our fridge surround, designed and constructed a bespoke hood cover, and installed practical yet beautiful open shelving. For flooring, we patiently waited for sales, securing high-quality tile at a significant discount and snagging clearanced cork flooring. Even small details, like the inexpensive yet charming lab stools from a school supply shop, contributed to the overall savings. These cumulative efforts amounted to a truly impressive sum, empowering us to say, “Dude, you’ve saved money in so many other places, and you love this art and don’t have any real art in the entire house yet—just take the plunge already!” And so we did. And it feels incredibly good. As Katy Perry once sang, “No regrets. Just love.”

Making It Ours: The DIY Framing Adventure

With the artwork secured, the next step was framing. This was another opportunity for us to balance our desire for quality with our commitment to budget-friendly solutions. We decided to make this art piece our unofficial Valentine’s Day gift to each other, and, of course, to our beloved kitchen. Clara’s excited reaction was truly the icing on the cake. (Our dog, Burger, has yet to offer his critique, but we’ll keep you updated on his artistic opinions.)

While the thought of having our lady professionally framed at a place like Michael’s, especially with their frequent 50% off coupons, was tempting, we ultimately chose the DIY route for now. Our philosophy often involves spending more in one area and then working harder to save in another. For us, the immediate gratification of having the art on the wall outweighed the wait and expense of professional framing. We knew we could always upgrade the frame in the future, but for now, an inexpensive, handmade frame felt right. Doesn’t our lady swimming with imaginary fish look especially cheerful with two pink tulips, leftover from a book shoot, accenting her? (Yes, those book shoots are still ongoing – wrapping up this Friday, and today we’re actually shooting cover stuff – ahhhhhh! Exciting times!)

Step-by-Step: Our Affordable DIY Art Framing Method

Our entire DIY framing job for this substantial 31″ x 25″ finished piece cost a mere $25, thanks to a few clever choices and some existing supplies. We started with a simple black frame, priced at just $21 from Target. For the mat, we opted for a $4 sheet of archival-quality mat-board from Michael’s, readily available in their framing department for anyone looking to try this DIY approach. The final touch, and arguably the most transformative, came from a can of white Rustoleum Universal spray paint (the kind with built-in primer) that we already had on hand. If you know us, you know my love for spray paint runs deep, and this frame was no exception.

Here’s how we did it: First, I carefully removed the pane and the backing from the black frame. Taking it outside, I laid the frame on a piece of cardboard and gave it a thorough spray-painting. The white spray paint completely revitalized the frame, giving it a fresh, clean, and modern look that perfectly complemented the art print. Once the frame was dry, I then cut the archival mat-board to size, ensuring it fit snugly within the frame. Instead of a traditional mat with a cutout window, we decided on a “floating” display. This meant placing the print directly in front of the mat, centered, with an equal amount of mat visible around it. This technique not only beefs up the print’s presence but also allows it to fit seamlessly into the frame without requiring precise mat cutting skills. It’s a fantastic solution for DIY enthusiasts who want a professional look without the specialized tools.

The Aesthetic Impact: Why Our “Floating Mat” Works

The beauty of our DIY framing method lies in its simplicity and the unexpectedly sophisticated aesthetic it creates. Unlike a professional framing job where the mat often acts as a cutout window through which you view the print, our technique allows the print to “float” gracefully in front of the mat. This creates a subtle depth and visual interest that enhances the artwork without overshadowing it. The print is centered perfectly, surrounded by an even border of the mat, which effectively beefs up its overall size and presence within the frame.

One of the luckiest accidents of this entire project was the serendipitous color combination. The archival mat-board, though appearing white at first glance, possesses subtle gray undertones. This soft gray beautifully contrasts with the bright, crisp white of both the art print and the freshly spray-painted frame. This creates a harmonious balance within the kitchen. The gentle grayish coloring of the mat board cleverly ties into other softly gray elements present in the room, such as our charming penny tile, the sleek stainless steel appliances, and other understated accents. Conversely, the brilliant white of the print itself and the revitalized frame seamlessly connect with the glossy white molding and trim throughout our kitchen, the pristine countertops, and even the simple white dishware displayed on our open shelves. This thoughtful interplay of colors, even if partially accidental, contributes to a cohesive and elegantly designed space, proving that sometimes the best design choices emerge from creative improvisation.

Beyond the Frame: The Transformative Power of Art in Your Home

What we especially appreciate about this approach is the flexibility it offers. Our print, carefully placed on archival paper with an archival mat, is essentially an investment that can always be upgraded with a more elaborate or professional frame down the line. But for now, it seamlessly slips into the room, instantly elevating the space. It brings a refreshing energy, much like a big old glass of homemade lemonade on a warm day, or a crisp dip in a cool swimming pool. It’s invigorating and brings a smile to our faces every time we walk into the kitchen.

This particular method of framing is one we frequently employ for many pieces throughout our home, including all the treasured items displayed in our beloved hallway of frames. While it may not be considered the “fancy” or traditional way by some, it undeniably works for us. Our home is a reflection of our personal style, our budget constraints, and our creative spirit. We believe that art, above all, is a deeply personal choice. What one person considers a masterpiece, another might find less appealing, and that’s perfectly okay. While our DIY framing method might be seen as heresy by some purists, we firmly advocate for doing whatever works best for you and your unique home. The ultimate goal is to surround yourself with pieces that genuinely make you smile, that spark joy, and that tell a story – your story.

The Enduring Charm of Curated Spaces

Introducing this beautiful print into our kitchen has reaffirmed our belief that real art truly is addictive. There’s a profound satisfaction that comes from thoughtfully selecting a piece that resonates with you and seeing it integrated into your living space. Our little swimmer lady serves as a daily reminder that sometimes, a carefully considered “wall splurge” can indeed make you feel pretty dang giddy. It’s more than just decor; it’s an emotional uplift, a source of inspiration, and a conversation starter. We’re certainly hopeful that this experience of saving up for and investing in art we genuinely love isn’t just a one-time occurrence. We aspire to continue building a collection of meaningful pieces that contribute to the unique narrative of our home, transforming simple walls into galleries of personal expression and joy. The process of curating one’s space with intentional art breathes life into a house, making it truly feel like a home. It’s a powerful way to infuse personality, create focal points, and cultivate an atmosphere that reflects who you are and what you love.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Art & Framing Stories

We’d love to hear from you! What treasures have you been framing lately? Do you have a favorite, go-to framing method – perhaps a clever DIY hack, or a beloved professional framer you swear by? And on a more whimsical note, do your children, like ours, possess the magical ability to see imaginary fish or other fantastical elements in your artwork? Share your stories, tips, and insights in the comments below. Let’s talk about how art transforms our homes and sparks our imaginations. Your experiences could inspire fellow home decorators and art lovers alike!