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Guest Picks: Abstract Art to Colorize Kids' Rooms

Ignite creativity in young ones with brightly colored prints and canvases that speak to originality

Mari Richards July 20, 2013

Houzz Contributor. Founder of design blog http://www.smallforbig.com Toy designer, artist, professor, mom, chocolate hog, pianist, and creative type. Stop by the blog for more of my faves, DIY, and inspiration!

Houzz Contributor. Founder of design blog Toy designer,... More

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I know what you're thinking: There is not a single animal, vehicle, toy or recognizable thing in any of these beautiful pieces of art. OK, maybe some flower-ish shapes and one heart, but that's about it. I promise, there's a reason: Bright colors, beautiful patterns and originality are more important to share with your kids than another print of a sweet bunny.

Create a gallery wall in your child's nursery to start them off young. You will be able to easily incorporate an entire range of prints and paintings from representational bunnies and abstract landscapes to their first finger paintings. You'd be amazed what kids will like if you open their minds to the possibilities. — Mari from Small for Big

Contemporary Artwork by Tobias Tovera

Tobias Tovera

'Hydra II' Pigment on Panel

Rich colors and varied hues remind me of striated earth or beautiful agates. There are many more color variations available for this print too.

Contemporary Artwork by Anonymous Gallery

Anonymous Gallery

'The Opening' Acrylic on Canvas

My daughter would tell me this is a rainbow picture, and who am I to argue? I can also see waterfalls and speeding cars.

Contemporary Artwork by Emily Green

Hot Pink, Indigo Blue & Emerald Green Watercolor Clouds Print - AUD 45

This is a perfect accent for a girly-girl's room. It will add a little class to the space.

Contemporary Artwork by Image Conscious

Image Conscious

'Night Garden' Print

My daughter may start begging me for this print — she's really obsessed with flowers right now.

Contemporary Artwork by Etsy

Etsy

Fine Art Giclee Print, 'Sunset Landscape' by Siiso - $45

Need to remember a sunny day at the beach? I think this print might do the trick.

Contemporary Artwork by Luvocracy

Luvocracy

'Reflected' Print - $55

This would be perfect in my daughter's room; she has a green and pink theme going.

Contemporary Artwork by Etsy

Etsy

'Change II (Redux)' Abstract Art Print by Aeropagita Prints - $22

Got a girl who loves hearts? Indulge her with this art print. There is only one teensy heart, but combined with lots of beautifully colored petals, it should keep you both happy.

Contemporary Artwork by Etsy

Etsy

'Hamsa' Acrylic and Pastel on Paper

Like a rainy afternoon outside of your window, these rich colors would ground a brightly colored space.

Contemporary Artwork by Belinda Marshall

Belinda Marshall

'Dusk' Reproduction Print - AUD 35

Ask your kids what they see when they look at abstract art like this. My daughter says she sees a man and flowers. How about you?

Contemporary Artwork by Society 6

'Sorbet II' Art Print - $18

Take a cue from the neon trend and keep your kids happy with this print. It's so bright and brilliant that it can't help but cheer you up.

Contemporary Artwork by Emily Green

Cobolt Collage - AUD 45

Give your kids some inspiration for their next collage. Wouldn't it be wonderful if their art could look as good as this all the time?

Contemporary Artwork by Michelle Armas

Michelle Armas

Hadrian Canvas Print - $150

Like building blocks or a patchwork quilt, this will brighten up any nursery.

Contemporary Artwork by Lisa Congdon Fine Art

Lisa Congdon Fine Art

Fjall Shadowbox - $325

A little patchwork never hurts, and this one adds lots of pattern and interest. I could decorate a whole room based on this one piece of art.

Contemporary Artwork by Elvira Wersche

Elvira Wersche

Zonder Titel 2003 Watercolor

This reminds me of all the times I look up and stare at the leaves over my head. It's one of my favorite things to do in the summer.

Contemporary Artwork by Society 6

'Into the Sun' Art Print - $18

This piece has been inspiring me for months. The palette is amazing, and the ethereal colors feel so magical.

Contemporary Artwork by Belinda Marshall

Belinda Marshall

'With Distance' Archival Print - AUD 35

My favorite color is teal, and I swear it goes with everything: red, orange, blue, green, yellow, purple — yep, it goes with everything!

Contemporary Artwork by Society 6

'Fun II' Art Print - $18

My little girl would tell me this is either confetti or glitter, and then we'd start chatting about her ever-evolving perfect birthday party (the one that's still six months away).

Contemporary Artwork by Society 6

'Summer Song' Art Print - $18

Bring blue skies to your children's lives no matter the weather forecast or time of day. Who knows, it might even help keep the monsters away.

Contemporary Artwork by Etsy

Etsy

'Ooh La Landscape' Canvas by Barnheart - $400

This reminds me of one of Kandinsky's colorful paintings, but this original piece of art is much more affordable.

Contemporary Artwork by Etsy

Etsy

'Gala' Archival Art Print by Aeropagita Prints - $22

This one might just be destined for my little girl's room. Her nickname is Birdie, and these brightly colored "feathers" are a great way to honor that.

Next: How to Curate Kids' Art

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Comments (32)

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ellechris

I love all these colorful art works and wouldn't reserve any of them just for a child's room. Art work such as these is a great way to add color to your home and make me happy just looking at them. I had a wonderful super colorful geometric tea towel framed for our kitchen and it just pops with the neutral gray walls and new white cabinets. Using something that is a great place to pull colors from for the rest of the room.

Like November 22, 2013 at 9:03PM

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tiffany kilby

I feel the same way you do about the norm we always see in kids rooms. Time to do something different. I love these ideas

Like November 24, 2013 at 2:09PM

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PRO

Jeff Amberg Photography

I agree. I've seen more parents buying abstract photography for the children's rooms because the images stimulate their imaginations.

1 Like January 22, 2014 at 5:53AM

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