Many of us use our houses as a mini art gallery, displaying pieces that we love on every available surface. When it comes to the kitchen, however, people can be less brave, thinking of the space as a practical one and not a place where great beauty can be seen. This does not have to be the case and by sticking to the following rules, everyone can have a kitchen akin to the Louvre.

Do make use of empty walls

If you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen that’s so big there are walls that have not had cupboards attached or appliances pushed up to them, then here is your blank canvas, so to speak. You could go for a large statement piece or several complimentary artworks if the space allows.

Don’t put art in messy areas

While introducing art into the kitchen is a lovely idea, be mindful of the fact that cooking and baking can get untidy. Position works away from the cooker, areas where you are likely to do whisking, stirring or kneading and any place where spillages are a real possibility.

Do use glass-fronted frames

Protecting your paintings or photos from errant splashes or tiny finger marks can be easily achieved by popping your pictures into frames with glass across the front. This means you don’t need to be as careful when getting creative in the kitchen.

Don’t be afraid of sculpture

Art comes in many forms and does not need to be limited to just the walls, with freestanding sculptures sometimes more practical for those who don’t have space for prints. Incorporate an area for this when designing your kitchen.

Do put art up high

If you have a long kitchen where you can get far enough away from the cupboards to see what’s above them, put some of your artwork up there. This can be great for bold paintings and stand-out sculptures and you’ll be safe in the knowledge they are out of the way.

Don’t let your space restrict you

Just as the area above your cupboards can be put to good use, so can other spaces that you might not have thought of. The gap between appliances might apply or the area between the upper and lower cabinets – it all depends on your own kitchen.

Do install art shelves

While many of the items in a kitchen are suitably tucked away in cupboards, art deserves to get pride of place on specially-designed shelves. Choose the style you like, whether it be with ornamental brackets or those that seemingly hover in the air, and run with it.

Don’t use immovable fixings

One of the nice things about positioning art in a kitchen is moving it around until you get it exactly right. It’s difficult to do this if you’ve used hooks or fixings that are permanent additions. Either make sure you’re certain or buy solutions that can be removed if necessary.

Do think about how the art will complement your kitchen

Your kitchen should have an overall, feel, design or style and the artwork should add to this. That means choosing complementary colours or thematic pictures that enhance the other options you have opted for when it comes to cabinets, countertops and flooring.

Don’t use up every available surface

Propping up the odd picture on a work surface or on top of the fridge can be very effective, but don’t forget your kitchen needs to be practical. Keep such additions to a minimum and preserve countertops for chopping and all the other processes involved in cooking.