Home Design Ideas For Modern Living

Home Best Of

Oversized, Modern Wall Art Decor a Popular Update

By Vera Dordick
Vera Dordick on Homedit
Vera Dordick Home Decor News Editor
Vera Dordick has a passion for all things home decor and design. She loves bringing the latest in home lifestyle products and design trends to Homedit readers. Vera dove head-first into the design and decor field in 2015 after a lifetime of DIY-ing and creative pursuits. She scouts the major design fairs for fresh ideas to make your home stylish and comfortable.
Learn more about Homedit's Editorial Process
| Updated on

What constitutes art can be a hotly debated issue, but one thing is for sure: It is a prime way to express your style and preferences in your home decor.  No matter what you like — from traditional oil landscapes to abstract art or funky, three-dimensional modern wall art pieces — there’s no limit to what you can display.  Paintings and photos are not your only choices.  Artists are using all kinds of mediums to express themselves, which provides you with an endless source of choices for wall art decor.

This fantastic portrait of Andy Warhol is by Augusto Esquivel. The artist uses buttons suspended on threat to create his one-of-kind works of art.
This fantastic portrait of Andy Warhol is by Augusto Esquivel. The artist uses buttons suspended on thread to create his one-of-kind works of wall art.
In his bio, Esquivel says "I realize how insignificant and small a simple sewing button can be as it lays in my grandmother’s sewing box, but at the same time how unique and precious it can become as part of a work of art. Like an atom in a molecule, each button serves and shapes the whole. I hold the button to my ear and it whispers to me, “I want to be…..”
In his bio, Esquivel says “I realize how insignificant and small a simple sewing button can be as it lays in my grandmother’s sewing box, but at the same time how unique and precious it can become as part of a work of art. Like an atom in a molecule, each button serves and shapes the whole. I hold the button to my ear and it whispers to me, “I want to be…..”
A close-up of the color gradations of the suspended buttons.
A close-up of the color gradations of the suspended buttons.
Buttons also feature in works by Korean artist Ran Hwang, but are pinned to the surface of her board to create stunning images.
Buttons also feature in works by Korean artist Ran Hwang, but are pinned to the surface of her board to create stunning images.
"Borrowing materials from the fashion industry, I create large iconic figures such as a Buddha with a cherry blossom growing from its head. In other works, a traditional vase simultaneously connotes both fullness and emptiness and a wingless bird trapped in a prison cell can no longer fly," says Hwang's statement.
“Borrowing materials from the fashion industry, I create large iconic figures such as a Buddha with a cherry blossom growing from its head. In other works, a traditional vase simultaneously connotes both fullness and emptiness and a wingless bird trapped in a prison cell can no longer fly,” says Hwang’s statement.
A closer look at the way the buttons are arranged at various heights to create dimension.
A closer look at the way the buttons are arranged at various heights to create dimension.
Another example of the mundane transformed into art is this curio piece by Cuban artist Carlos Estevez.
Another example of the mundane transformed into art is this curio piece by Cuban artist Carlos Estevez.

Amid all the mixed media pieces of wall art decor that you can find, paint and paintings still dominate, but perhaps not as you might expect.  Current works from popular artists are more than just paint brushed onto a traditional canvas. The paint is applied and manipulated in novel ways and in some cases the paint containers themselves are a sculptural element.

At first glance, this looks like it might be a painting in the usual impressionist style...that is until you get closer and see that each dot is actually a bubble in a sheet of bubble wrapt that has been injected with paint. The works by Bradley Hart are amazing.
At first glance, this looks like it might be a painting in the usual impressionist style…that is until you get closer and see that each dot is actually a bubble in a sheet of bubble wrap that has been injected with paint. The works by Bradley Hart are amazing.
Here's a closer look at the individual bubbles with the paint inside.
Here’s a closer look at the individual bubbles with the paint inside.
Scultpural 3 D mosaic piece like this one by Rusty Scruby
This portrait by artist Gavin Rain is also made from large dots of color, but each one is also built up with layers of various paint colors. The use of dots and negative space in this piece of wall art is very skillful.
It's truly astounding how these multicolored, individual rounds need into a nuanced portrait.
It’s truly astounding how these multicolored, individual rounds form a nuanced portrait when viewed at a distance.
This large work also relies on precision for the thousands of gold and colored drips.
This large work also relies on precision for the thousands of gold and colored drips.
Meticulously placed drips of gold paint meld with colors to create dimension and depth.
Meticulously placed drips of gold paint meld with colors to create dimension and depth.
Depending upon the angle and lighting under which you view the piece, it takes on color, or appears more dominantly golden.
Depending upon the angle and lighting under which you view the piece of modern wall art, it takes on color, or appears more dominantly golden.
An enormous piece can make a real statement in your home decor and allow you to design your room around the work. This piece is by Holton Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder. Rower is know for his "pour" paintings where he pours gallons of paint over objects in variously configured designs.
An enormous piece can make a real statement in your home decor and allow you to design your room around the work. This modern wall art piece is by Holton Rower, grandson of Alexander Calder. Rower is know for his “pour” paintings where he pours gallons of paint over objects in variously configured designs.
These close-ups show the different layers of paint pours that are applied to small pieces of wood and then assembled into the massive wall piece.
These close-ups show the different layers of paint pours that are applied to small pieces of wood and then assembled into the massive, oversized wall art piece.
Different shapes and sizes add to the feeling of flow that the piece has.
Different shapes and sizes add to the feeling of flow that the piece has.
The color gradations are amazing.
The color gradations in this piece of large wall art are amazing.
This work by Kwanho Shin might be done with paint but it's a fair cry from a traditional portrait. In this grand piece, the application of paint is cultural, giving the portrait unusual dimension.
This work by Kwanho Shin might be done with paint but it’s a far cry from a traditional portrait. In this large wall art, the application of paint is sculptural, giving the portrait unusual dimension.
Another cultural use of paint is this work by Russell West, presented by London's Woolf Gallery. It's done with oil on wire on board.
Another sculptural use of paint is this work of wall art decor by Russell West, presented by London’s Woolf Gallery. It’s done with oil on wire on board.
The container of the medium becomes the art in this piece featuring paint tubes.
The container of the medium becomes the art in this modern wall art piece featuring paint tubes.
Precision, repetition and a focus on the mundane make this into a special piece of wall art.
Precision, repetition and a focus on the mundane make this into a special piece of wall art.
American artist Greg Haberny turns his tools into art with pieces like this one.
American artist Greg Haberny turns his tools into art with pieces like this one.

Mosaics can be made from just about any material to create stunning protracts and abstract works.  Whether you prefer recycled materials, found pieces or an artist-created medium, you can find a pice of wall art decor to reflect your taste and philosophy.

Artist Gugger Petter uses tubes of newspaper to create his large and remarkable pieces. Petter says that when he first moved to California he was inspired by how the sun yellowed a stack of newspapers. From there, he developed this art form.
Artist Gugger Petter uses tubes of newspaper to create his large and remarkable pieces. Petter says that when he first moved to California, he was inspired by how the sun yellowed a stack of newspapers. From there, he developed this art form.
Peter says the color limitations of newspaper are a challenge, but we'd say that he's quite successfully overcome that hurdle!
Peter says the color limitations of newspaper are a challenge, but we’d say that he’s quite successfully overcome that hurdle!
His knowledge of tapestry weaving forms the basis of the artworks.
His knowledge of tapestry weaving forms the basis of the oversized wall art creations.
Other works repurpose paper that is formed, tied and tinted to create sculptural wall pieces.
Other works repurpose paper that is formed, tied and tinted to create sculptural wall art decor.
The colors and the texture are both dramatic.
The colors and the texture are both dramatic.
Perhaps closest to a more traditional mosaic is this piece by Magdalena Murua. It uses pieces of colorful comic books and graphic novels.
Perhaps closest to a more traditional mosaic is this piece by Magdalena Murua. It uses pieces of colorful comic books and graphic novels.
A detailed view of the tiny ovals that make up the mosaic.
A detailed view of the tiny ovals that make up the mosaic in the work of modern wall art.
This sculpture uses melted anime dolls to create a new piece, which is then sliced in half. Definitely a conversation piece, this was created by 3(Three) from Fukushima, Japan.
This sculpture uses melted anime dolls to create a new piece, which is then sliced in half. Definitely a conversation piece, this was created by 3(Three) from Fukushima, Japan.
"The process of creation begins by breaking the dolls into small pieces in order to dissolve and solidify in a certain form. Afterwards the unified block of dolls is finally polished by hand over and over," explains the artists' statement.
“The process of creation begins by breaking the dolls into small pieces in order to dissolve and solidify in a certain form. Afterwards the unified block of dolls is finally polished by hand over and over,” explains the artists’ statement.
"The sculpture is molded in a large cast that is in form of an anime/ video game character. The molded piece is then sliced into parts to show its cross-section surfaces,"according to the description.
“The sculpture is molded in a large cast that is in form of an anime/ video game character. The molded piece is then sliced into parts to show its cross-section surfaces,” according to the description.
Plexiglass wall art by German artist Michael Laube could work in any rom of your home.
Plexiglass wall art decor by German artist Michael Laube could work in any rom of your home.
Korean artist Kyu Hak-Lee creates amazing replicas of classic artwork using compressed styrofoam, newspapers, magazines, and hanji, (Korean traditional paper).
Korean artist Kyu Hak-Lee creates amazing replicas of classic artwork using compressed styrofoam, newspapers, magazines, and hanji, (Korean traditional paper).
The color manipulation and mosaic work are painstaking.
The color manipulation and mosaic work in the oversized wall art pieces are painstaking.
Lowly strong is elevated to an art form in the hands of Nike Schroeder, a German artist.
Lowly string is elevated to an art form in the hands of Nike Schroeder, a German artist.
The coloring combinations and precision in string space create one-of-a-kind sculptures that can be customized for your living space.
The coloring combinations and precision in string space create one-of-a-kind wall art sculptures that can be customized for your living space.
In the hards of a talented artist, it's amazing what can be done with mundane, everyday materials.
In the hands of a talented artist, it’s amazing what can be done with everyday materials.
British artist Robert Currie works with synthetic materials like videotape, cassette tape and nylon to create his impressive pieces. This one, done with string, is a geometry lesson in and of itself.
British artist Robert Currie works with synthetic materials like videotape, cassette tape and nylon to create his impressive wall art decor pieces. This one, done with string, is a geometry lesson in and of itself.
The precision is out of this world.
The precision is out of this world.
Different colors, angles and depths are required to make the visually intriguing pieces.
Different colors, angles and depths are required to make the visually intriguing pieces.
On a large scale, even simple linear designs can be dazzling when combined into a larger geometric shape.
On a large scale, even simple linear designs can be dazzling when combined into a larger geometric shape, such as in this modern wall art decor.
Individually simple and straight, but in combination, stunning
Individually simple and straight, but in combination, stunning
With this amazing wall piece, again the tool becomes the medium. While most artists draw with a pencil, Andres Schiavo uses them to created three-dimensional wall sculptures like this one.
With this amazing wall piece, again the tool becomes the medium. While most artists draw with a pencil, Andres Schiavo uses them to created three-dimensional wall sculptures like this one.
In a more ordered (and dangerously pointy) piece, the carefully arranged groups of colored pencils form a large and imposing wall piece.
In a more ordered (and dangerously pointy) piece, the carefully arranged groups of colored pencils form a large and imposing wall art decor piece.
Achieving these 3-D groupings requires precision in cutting.
Achieving these 3-D groupings requires precision in cutting.
The pencils take on an almost otherworldly look.
The pencils take on an almost otherworldly look.
Less orderly but no less intriguing are Schiavo's pieces made from slant-cut pencil pieces.
Less orderly but no less intriguing are Schiavo’s pieces made from slant-cut pencil pieces.
Portraits are making a come-back as a home design trend in 2016 , especially when they're made from unique materials like found plastics.
Portraits are making a come-back as a home design trend in 2016 , especially when they’re made from unique materials like found plastics.
Clearly, one man's trash has been turned into a beautiful treasure in the hands of a creative artist.
Clearly, one man’s trash has been turned into a beautiful wall art decor treasure in the hands of a creative artist.
Lowly bread bag tabs, bottle caps and paper clips are just some of the throw-aways that are given new life in this beautiful portrait.
Trashed bread bag tabs, bottle caps and paper clips are just some of the throw-aways that are given new life in this beautiful portrait.
Three-dimensional, colorful and dramatic, a piece of wall art like this one from the Scott White Gallery would be the dominant piece in any room setting.
Three-dimensional, colorful and dramatic, a piece of wall art like this one from the Scott White Gallery would be the dominant piece in any room setting.
Again, ordinary objects, repetition and a jolt of color come together into stunning wall pieces.
Again, ordinary objects, repetition and a jolt of color come together into stunning wall art decor pieces.
The full triptych offers many dimensions of art.
The full triptych offers many dimensions of art.
From a distance this mosaic-like piece is colorful.
From a distance this mosaic-like piece is colorful.
But from a closer vantage point it takes on new dimensions because each tiny piece is actually a spray paint nozzle, coated in many colors.
But from a closer vantage point it takes on new dimensions because each tiny piece is actually a spray paint nozzle, coated in many colors.
The manipulation of paper by Korean artist Suh Jeong Min is mind-blowing. The paper is created with Buddhist prayer paper, called hanji, which is made from the inner bark of Mulberry trees.
The manipulation of paper by Korean artist Suh Jeong Min is mind-blowing. The paper is created with Buddhist prayer paper, called hanji, which is made from the inner bark of Mulberry trees.
Sun's different manipulation techniques come together to form stunning works.
Sun’s different manipulation techniques come together to form stunning modern wall art.
Close up, you can see that his technique uses the paper in a variety of ways to achieve the final result.
Close up, you can see that his technique uses the paper in a variety of ways to achieve the final result.
In contrast to the previous piece, he uses the paper in an elongated form for an entirely different style of work.
In contrast to the previous piece, he uses the paper in an elongated form for an entirely different style of modern wall art.
A detail of the kanji paper.
A detail of the kanji paper.
Subtle, yet stunning color variation.
Subtle, yet stunning color variation.
When viewed from the front, this piece looks like a pixelated mosaic.
When viewed from the front, this piece looks like a pixelated mosaic.
Step to the side and you can see that it is indeed a mosaic with more of a 3-D shape than you imagined.
Step to the side and you can see that it is indeed a mosaic wall art piece with more of a 3-D shape than you imagined.
Not a wall art piece, this sculpture would be at home on the floor or on a table. Named a Trashstone, artist Wilhelm Mundt created these from production waste covered in Glassfiber Reinforced Plastic.
Not a wall art piece, this sculpture would be at home on the floor or on a table. Named a Trashstone, artist Wilhelm Mundt created these from production waste covered in Glassfiber Reinforced Plastic.
This multi-colored sculpture is a traditional style with a new twist. The bronze piece is coated in colors that add drama and dimension. Perfect for a tall entry way!
This multi-colored sculpture is a traditional style with a new twist. The bronze piece is coated in colors that add drama and dimension. Perfect for a tall entry way!
This unusual piece was part of the Barbara Mathes Gallery's exhibit called "Uncanny Objects. "By using repetition, unconventional materials and by conjuring imagined worlds, these artists make known objects strange and bring intimacy to the unfamiliar," explains the gallery's description.
This unusual piece was part of the Barbara Mathes Gallery’s exhibit called “Uncanny Objects. “By using repetition, unconventional materials and by conjuring imagined worlds, these artists make known objects strange and bring intimacy to the unfamiliar,” explains the gallery’s description.
A 3-D mosaic piece like this one by Rusty Scruby would be a gorgeous focal point in any style of home decor, especially a more traditional one.
A 3-D mosaic piece like this one by Rusty Scruby would be a gorgeous focal point in any style of home decor, especially a more traditional one.
Created from playing cards, the sculptural mosaic is meticulous and fabulous.
Created from playing cards, the sculptural mosaic is meticulous and fabulous.

Mixed media, portraits, sculptures, three-dimensional works.  Any type of wall art decor is an option and no matter what you choose, it adds interest to your home design.  It’s personal. expressive and can be controversial or thought-provoking.  Choose whatever wall art you desire!