Hello! Today, we'll be introducing pop art interiors that can add a stylish touch to your room. We've got plenty of ideas for stylishly incorporating pop art into your home, even on a limited budget. Transform your single-person room into a more personal and fun space!
table of contents
What is Pop Art? Basic Knowledge
・History and characteristics
・Why is it popular now?
Tips for incorporating it into a room for single people
・Recommended items by budget
・Placement points
Recommended pop art works and artists
・How to choose for beginners
・Introduction of popular artists
Try it DIY!
・How to create simple pop art
・Recommended materials and tools
summary
What is Pop Art? Basic Knowledge
History and characteristics
Pop art is one of the most important trends in contemporary art, emerging in the United States in the late 1950s. It is characterized by its use of familiar objects that we see in our daily lives, such as product packaging, advertisements, and magazine photographs. With its vibrant colors and bold compositions, it is an artistic style that expresses the everyday from a new perspective.
Representative artists include Andy Warhol, who created works using Campbell's Soup cans, and Roy Lichtenstein, who used a comic-book-like pointillism technique. Their work blurs the line between popular culture and art, and has had a major influence on contemporary interior design.
Why is it popular now?
Pop art has been gaining attention again in recent years due to the spread of social media and growing interest in interior design. Its photogenic, vibrant colors and familiar designs are gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. Another factor contributing to the popularity of pop art is the growing demand for creating unique and fun spaces, as people spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another appealing feature of contemporary pop art is that it is relatively affordable compared to traditional artwork. It can be enjoyed in a variety of formats, including original works, prints, and posters, making it a great starting point for art collections.
With the development of digital technology, young artists are exploring new ways of expression, and an increasing number of works are being created that add a modern interpretation to traditional pop art. This has made it popular not only with fans of classic pop art, but also with the digital native generation.
In addition, new pop art works have appeared that satirize contemporary social issues such as environmental issues and the influence of social media, making pop art not just a decorative piece but also a mirror that reflects the times. This multifaceted appeal is creating a new wave of popularity for pop art.
In this way, pop art has evolved with the times, reflecting modern lifestyles and values and becoming a more familiar form of art. Next, let's look at some specific ways to incorporate pop art into your single-person apartment.
Tips for incorporating it into a room for single people
Recommended items by budget
There are many different pop art pieces you can incorporate into your home, depending on your budget. Here are some recommendations for different budgets:
Things you can do on a budget of under 3,000 yen:
Framed artist postcards (500 yen - 1,500 yen)
Mini-sized art prints (1,000 to 2,000 yen)
Pop art design stickers (500 yen to 1,000 yen)
A set of a small photo frame and an art photo (2,000 to 3,000 yen)
Things you can do with a budget of around 5,000 yen:
A3 size art print (3,000 yen to 5,000 yen)
Fabric posters (4,000 to 5,000 yen)
LED lighted photo frame (4,500 yen to 5,500 yen)
2-3 pop art cushion covers (1,500-2,000 yen each)
What you can do with a budget of over 10,000 yen:
Large canvas print (10,000 yen to 20,000 yen)
Limited edition artwork (from 15,000 yen)
Acrylic wall art (from 12,000 yen)
Original pop art works (starting from 20,000 yen)
Examples of practical pop art items:
Cushion covers: accents for sofas and beds
Blanket: 2-way use, can also be used as a wall hanging
Mugs: Use them as a display to add color to your kitchen
clock:
A practical yet focal point on the wall
These items can be used individually or combined to create a more attractive space. For example, we recommend displaying works by the same artist in different sizes, or coordinating items in the same color scheme.
Another effective way to keep your budget down is to shop during sales periods or look for your favorite works on online marketplaces. You may be able to find attractive works at relatively reasonable prices at events such as art fairs and creators' markets.
Placement points
The placement of pop art is an important point that can greatly affect the impression of a room. Let's take a closer look at effective placement methods.
Basic height and position
The standard height for displaying artwork is about 150-160cm from the floor. This corresponds to eye level for the average person, and is considered the most natural position for viewing artwork. However, if you plan to view artwork while sitting, such as on a sofa or dining table, we recommend placing it a little lower.
Size and number balance
Depending on the size of your artwork, it's important to position it differently:
For large works (over 50cm):
・Use it as a single piece to be the focal point of a room
・Place it in the center of the wall
- Leave plenty of space around it
Keep other decorations to a minimum
For small to medium sized artwork:
- Display in groups of 2-3 pieces
- The distance between works should be about 5-10cm.
・It's interesting to combine pieces of different shapes and sizes
・Use squares, triangles, etc. to create a balanced layout.
Harmony with the atmosphere of the room
The color of the walls and compatibility with existing furniture are also important points.
For white walls:
・Works with vibrant colors stand out
-You can safely display works that use multiple colors
・Enjoy the shadow effect
If you have colorful furniture:
・Choose works that use monochrome or simple colors
- Choose pieces in colors similar to the furniture
- Consider the overall color balance
4. Recommended layout for each space
The best placement will vary depending on the purpose of the room.
living
The wall opposite the sofa is ideal.
- Consider the balance with TV
- Located in a place where you can enjoy it with your family and guests
dining
・A place that is visible while eating
・Works with a bright and fun atmosphere are recommended
・At a height that doesn't get in the way of cooking
bedroom
- A position visible from the bed
・Works with a calm impression
・Arrange your furniture so that you feel good when you wake up
Finally, it can be fun to change the placement of the artwork depending on the season or your mood. The key to enjoying it for a long time is to find a placement that suits you without being too bound by stereotypes.
Recommended pop art works and artists
How to choose for beginners
When choosing a pop art piece, beginners can avoid mistakes by paying attention to the following points.
1. Respect your preferences
・Start choosing from colors and motifs that you find intuitive.
・Choose a piece that catches your eye
- Search based on your hobbies and interests
2. Practical tips for choosing
- The size should be about 1/3 of the room size.
- Start with prints and posters depending on your budget
・Consider harmony with the colors of wallpaper and furniture
3. Features recommended for beginners
・Start with monochrome or 2-3 color pieces
・Choose a work with a simple composition
・You can also start with replicas of famous works.
When choosing artwork, it's also important to consider how it will complement the atmosphere of your room and the existing furniture. Pay particular attention to the following points to create a more harmonious space:
Check the lighting conditions
- How natural light enters
・Relationship with lighting
・Changes in the appearance of the work
Compatibility with the room's purpose
・For the living room, choose a piece with a bright atmosphere
・For a bedroom, choose pieces in calm colors
・If it's a study, a piece that won't disturb your concentration
We recommend starting with a small collection and gradually expanding it. As you check your preferences and find out how it suits your room, you can gradually enjoy a life filled with pop art.
Introducing popular artists
Here we introduce some of the most influential and iconic artists in the world of pop art, whose work continues to have a major impact on modern interior design.
1. Andy Warhol
Known as a representative of pop art, he left behind many iconic works, such as Campbell's Soup Cans and portraits of Marilyn Monroe. He was an innovative artist who elevated commercial imagery into art.
2. Roy Lichtenstein
He is famous for his comic-style works, characterized by bold expressions using dot (Ben-Day) techniques, and his work continues to influence many interior designs today.
3. Keith Haring
He is known for his dynamic figures and symbols, created with simple lines and vibrant colors. His pop and humorous style is especially popular with the younger generation.
4. Takashi Murakami
He is one of Japan's leading pop art artists, and his works featuring colorful flowers and characters such as "Mr. DOB" have been highly praised in the contemporary art scene.
5. David Hockney
He is known for his vividly colored landscapes and portraits, painted with a unique perspective, and is also highly regarded as a pioneer of digital art, exerting a major influence on the contemporary pop art scene.
If you don't have a favorite artist, you can also make your own pop art piece by DIY. We'll talk about DIY next.
Try it DIY!
How to create simple pop art
Creating your own original pop art work is easier than you might think. Anyone can easily give it a try if they follow the basic steps and tips. Below we will introduce a method that is easy for beginners to follow.
1. Create with digital photo editing
Use a smartphone app or PC software
Even a free app can be effective
- Adjust the brightness and contrast of the photo
- Limit the color palette to make it more striking
Transform your favorite photos into vibrant colors
- Changed to a color scheme centered around primary colors
- Enhance the contrast between shadows and light
-Simplify with posterize effect
Create unique atmospheres with filters and effects
-Add halftone and dot effects
- Combine multiple photos to create a collage
- Decorate by layering text and shapes
2. Use the stencil technique
Easily mass-produce the same pattern using a pattern paper
- Create a mold using cardboard or plastic sheet
- Fix the position with masking tape
Apply paint with a sponge or brush
Vividly colored with acrylic paints
・Decide the color scheme taking into account the color of the base
- Layering paint for a deeper look
- Use both matte and glossy textures
Repeating patterns create striking pieces
- Simple motifs arranged regularly
- Use the same mold while changing the color
- Consider the balance of the margins
3. Try collage techniques
Use magazines and advertisements as materials
・Cut out the part with your favorite color or pattern
- Gather materials that fit the theme
- Combining various textures
Expressing a unique worldview
- Layering different materials to create a three-dimensional effect
- Be aware of the contrast between the background and foreground
・Try to create a story-like structure
Combining these techniques will allow you to create more original works. We recommend starting with simple techniques and gradually working your way up to more complex expressions.
Recommended materials and tools
Here are some basic materials and tools you'll need to create DIY pop art. These can be purchased at general art supply stores, home improvement stores, and 100-yen shops. Choose the items you need based on your budget and purpose.
Basic Ingredients
Acrylic paint (basic color set)
- Red, blue, yellow, white and black are enough
- Use matte and glossy finishes
- Easy to handle as it can be diluted with water
Quick drying and easy to reapply
Canvas or board
- Select the size according to the installation location
・Stretched canvas is suitable for beginners
・Cardboard and boards are easy to start with
-Wooden panels give a luxurious feel
Other materials
・Magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper
・Colored construction paper, decorative tape
・Sticker, sticker
・Glitter, glitter
・Masking tape
Colorful papers
Tools needed
Basic tool set
・Brush (flat brush, round brush, fine brush)
・Scissors, cutter
・Ruler, pencil, eraser
- Pallets and trays that can be used as palettes
・Water container, rag
Useful auxiliary tools
・Hair dryer (for drying)
・Sponge (to create texture)
・Masking tape (for edging)
・Clear file (for stencils)
・Awls, cutting mats
Finishing materials
For protection and decoration: ・Varnish (for gloss) ・Picture frames and frames ・Wall hanging hardware ・Double-sided tape and adhesive ・Protective clear spray
You don't necessarily need to have all of these materials and tools at once. We recommend collecting the necessary items little by little, depending on the style and technique of the piece you want to create. You can also have a lot of fun with products from a 100 yen shop, so start by trying out materials that are easy to get started with.
summary
This time, we've introduced a wide range of information, from basic knowledge of pop art interior design to practical DIY techniques. You don't necessarily need to buy expensive pieces to decorate your single-person room in your own way. By starting with handmade pieces or accessories that fit your budget, you can gradually create the space of your dreams.
The appeal of pop art lies in its freedom of expression and its fun. Using this article as a reference, we hope you will try your hand at creating your own pop art interior.
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About the author
Author: Shiori
FROM ARTIST management staff. They write feature articles and columns, and provide operational support from an artist's perspective.
Supervisor: Shoma Toida
CEO of BUSCA LLC. Head of FROM ARTIST. Started his career as a marketer, he worked for a business company and an advertising agency before going independent. He completed marketing-related programs at several graduate schools and business schools, including the University of California, Berkeley and London Business School. He also completed the MBA core curriculum at Macquarie University and studied the importance of art in education at the University of British Columbia.
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