The Secret to Getting (and Framing) Great Art on the Cheap

Published on 9/16/2016 at 6:10 AM

We were flabbergasted by the makeover Homepolish designer Shannon Smith gave to this Washington DC one-bedroom apartment. She not only furnished the once-bare space; she designed it with flourish. Perhaps nowhere did her knack for expensive-looking but budget-friendly style strike us more than the gallery wall. There's no way, we thought, that she could've purchased and framed all that spectacular art on such a tight budget. The pieces had too much personality, the framing looked too high-end. But we were wrong. Shannon spilled her art buying and framing secrets with us, and we were pleasantly shocked by what she had to say. Read it ahead.

"For the black and white gallery wall, I scoured Ikea," Shannon revealed. "Their Ribba frames are the best quality for the price, and Ikea also sells individual matted photography prints that are a great quality and an even better price. For example, the butterfly print was sold with a large thick white mat for $13, and the frame was $10. So, for $23, we were able to include a beautiful piece of neutral art that was matted and framed in a sleek and modern black frame!"

That unforgettable waterskiing photo? Shannon explains, "The biggest 'splurge' in the gallery wall was the largest piece — the vintage waterskiing ladies. We found it at HomeGoods in the frame for $50 — when you find a piece that you love that is both large and a great price, go for it! It makes a huge statement, and you can't beat it for the price."

"A few of the smaller framed prints were also found at HomeGoods for less than $10 as well." HomeGoods has long been our go-to for affordable decor, but now we will take extra time exploring the store's art collection.