Our New Favorite Large-Scale Art Solution (Why It Works & 8 of My Picks)

FOLKS, I HAVE FOUND THE SOLUTION TO YOUR LARGE SCALE ART WOES. (Well, I guess that technically Bowser found the solution – thank you, Bowser – but I want to break it down for you, show you a few of my favorites, and explain why it works.) Now buckle up, because this may be a wild turn for all of you long-time readers, but hear me out: it’s the diptych. GASP!

I know. I know! Historically, I have been a little apprehensive when it comes to the diptych – they can be hard to get right – but that’s where the Fine Art Duo (aptly named, TBH) from Minted comes in to play. Guys, these pieces STUNNED me. They’re created by incredible artists – a few of whom I’ll introduce to you below – and the finished product just looks so luxe, expensive, and special.

First, though, I want to talk about how my diptych-revelation came to be. We’re long-time lovers of Minted here – you’ve seen them in Arlyn’s home, in Jess’ home, and most recently, in my home – so when they reached out about highlighting their art in a new space, it was perfect timing.

We’d long been waiting to shoot Bowser’s guest room/office/gym, but it just needed the finishing touches (i.e. the art. A final zhuzh, if you will.) The spot over the bed had been a particular problem area – it needed something large, but we worried that a solid piece would be too overpowering or fussy.

Boswer, the brilliant stylist that she is, ended up selecting this Fine Art Duo (again, somehow feels more fitting than “diptych”) and it really was the finishing touch we needed so we could shoot and share with you. We gave Bowser a gift card, she bought the art to finish the space, and the rest is history. THANK YOU, MINTED. So let’s take a second to break down what changed my mind, why this style of art works in this space, and how it can work in yours, too – ok?

So now, I present to you the tiny (but official) breakdown for why this art makes this space sing:

• It’s grounding and intentional: In Bowser’s multi-functional space, this diptych clearly defines that THIS area is the cozy, serene, relaxing space.
• It’s symmetrical: Well, yeah. Duh, I guess. But look at how the symmetry is echoed in the daybed’s styling below. Can you bring this into your own home?
• It’s well-scaled: Everything here has a bit of breathing room. It’s not a minimalist room by any stretch of the imagination, but it doesn’t feel cluttered, either. Making the art smaller would have felt dinky and making it larger would have felt cluttered.
• It doesn’t compete: Sure, the art is the star of the show, but things are really working together here. The diptych lets the paint shine – I love the way we still get the pop of deep green between the frames – and the paint lets the art pop.

Since I was so inspired by Bowser’s space, I obviously ended up poking around and pinning a few of my favorite works. Here are the Fine Art Duos that I’ll be hoping to use in a future project… (New year, new me, new diptychs.)

Rosy Tomorrow I | Rosy Tomorrow II

I mean, how could I NOT want these after seeing them styled so beautifully at Bowser’s? They’re calm and serene, especially with that natural wood frame.

At The Door I | At The Door II

A lot of folks ask about the vintage art that hangs in my dining room, but this has a really similar energy. It’s graphic and interesting but it’s also neutral, which can be hard VERY hard to find. I’d love to see these above a credenza with some sculptural wooden objects on top.

Step Up / Step Out I | Step Up / Step Out II

Playing around on the framing for this one is SO fun. The work looks totally different and new colors jump out depending on which frame you pair with it. (I am partial to the white, walnut, matte brass, or natural wood option for this one.)

Nature, You and Me N.4 I | Nature, You and Me N.4 II

This is a great compromise if your partner really wants to hang a Joy Division poster in the record area and you really don’t agree. This duo is bold and tension-filled and dynamic, but it’s also still really light and beautiful and easy to digest. ADD TO CART.

Birthday Bouquet I | Birthday Bouquet II

How sweet would this be in a (very cool, very stylish) kids’ bedroom? Or in the entryway of a mid-century home that’s filled with beautiful wood paneling? Or in a warm, cozy, rust-colored dining room? I just really like how it’s saturated, but not overpowering.

Monuments II | Monuments I

Oh my, I just really like Jennifer Daily’s work! Y’all know I love a collage (like in that Sotheby’s room a few years back, or like the few I have in the mountain house) but these are next level. Just so, so, so interesting to look at. Would be an incredible jumping-off point for those getting ready to start designing a new space!

Abstract Botanical Navy Shadows #2 | Abstract Botanical Navy Shadows #1

Oh, modern abstract and a new take on a timeless subject matter. I also just really like the color palette here – the soft baby blue, the deep rusty oranges, and the mossy brown leaves. Would love to see this fully styled out in a really vintage-inspired study or library.

Divergent Journey I | Divergent Journey II

GUYS. You can actually customize your colors on this one – the above is variant is called “day dream,” but they also offer this work in “rainforest,” “out to sea” (my personal favorite, I think, after a lot of flipping through all the options for a few days), and “sedona.” I’ve just really been enjoying a mountain/nature motif lately and the torn tissue paper is a really light, pretty take on the theme.

And there you have it: my transformation from wary to totally-in-love with the diptych, including a brief on how to pull off the look in your home and all the pieces I pinned for future use. As a quick reminder, you can grab pieces from Minted:

• As a print OR as a canvas (we’ve done both for EHD projects and can vouch that they’re both awesome quality)
• With a frame or without a frame (but it’s incredibly affordable when compared to custom framing – only $99 for an 18″x24″ frame, which is a REALLY good deal)
• With custom borders or matting (hello, float mount)
• And with specialty UV-coated glass and archival materials (if you want!)
• Bonus: you can get free shipping and returns with the code SHIPFREE (huge savings!)

Geometric Piece | Portrait Piece | Landscape Piece

That’s it from me, a newly changed woman, for today. A million thank yous to Bowser for letting us show off her space, to Minted for partnering with us as the art provider for this room (yes, those 3 pieces above the TV are also from Minted and are linked above!); and to you, our readers and friends, for reading and for supporting the brands that keep EHD running. Thank you. Now, what say you – have you also been sold on the diptych? Let’s chat. xx

Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Design by Emily Bowser