Creating a Mood Change with Art

I can close my eyes and take myself back to my favorite uncle’s den in an instant. I can smell the leather chairs and the old books. I can feel the opulent rug where I laid down to read (back when reading on the floor was comfortable!). I can see the sleek bar cart that was a bit of a mystery to me but symbolized “adult stuff.” On the wall, there was elegant wallpaper and framed paintings and drawings that held my fascination. Being in this room made me feel sophisticated, quiet, and cozy—and I feel that way again just remembering it!

Fairyland Loop by Caryl Pomales

Fact: Our Surroundings Impact Our Mood

Science has proven that our environment impacts our mental state. Smart interior designers put this to use when designing commercial and residential interiors: the desired feeling drives the design.

During the 2020 lockdown, people were secluded in their homes and took a hard look at their spaces. Many people didn’t like the vibe that their interiors were giving them and took this opportunity to redecorate. This was a smart way to boost their mood during a stressful period!

Speaking of stressful periods, the imaging center where I get mammograms knows that their patients are anxious. They help alleviate this by decorating the imaging center with calming, feminine art and pretty touches. This helps to trick our minds into thinking that we’re in for a spa-like experience. I’ll never enjoy getting a mammogram, but I feel just a bit better about it in that lovely setting! And I appreciate that they have taken the time and energy into creating that environment for my benefit.

Mystical Veils of Intrigue, by Caryl Pomales

You are a Mood Curator

You are curating a mood with each room that you decorate, whether in your home or in an office. Perhaps each room has its own unique mood, or maybe you have an overarching mood that is expressed in every room, such as a calming home environment or a high-energy office environment. 

Take a long look at a room, such as your home office or your powder room. What mood is it giving you? What is it saying about you or that space? Is that the mood that you’d like to create, or do you want to change things up?

Your art and decor can create all sorts of moods, from peaceful and calm to energetic to funky to playful to serious and beyond! Your room design should begin with this intention as the driving force. If the desired feeling is not kept at the top of mind while designing the room, it can get lost. Run each element of the room through the filter of that mood. If it aligns with the desired mood, it can stay; if not, it’s out.

How to Find Art that Matches the Mood

Pinterest and Instagram are easy and accessible ways for you to locate art that reflects the mood you’re creating. Start following artists who create work that makes you feel this mood strongly, and then give it some time. Over time, you may decide to purchase or commission a piece from a favorite artist.

Art consultants or interior designers can also be a great resource. You can communicate the mood you want to invoke and perhaps show some examples of art that gives you those feelings, and let them search their vast sourcing channels for the perfect piece.

Here’s a Hint for Artists

Artists should think about the mood that their artwork creates and be sure to share that. Communicating the specific mood that your art arouses will help the potential customer find your work (for example, they may be searching the term “calm and peaceful artwork”) and it will help them to better connect with your artwork. It can be helpful to look at many of your artworks and see what moods come up the most. You can ask a friend or collector to share the mood that your artworks give them. This type of analysis and reflection can tell you more about your art practice and point you to your ideal collectors, too. My art is positive and energetic—just like me! What’s your art like?

Caryl