Alternatives for Bad Word Art

Art is expensive, yes. And it should take years to collect. However, those who want to decorate our homes now often turn to the big box manufacturers for help: Amazon, Ikea, Hobby Lobby, Wayfair, Michael’s, Target, Temu, etc.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said?

Have you considered the environmental impact of buying mass-produced decor?

To maintain low price points, manufacturers of affordable furniture often use cheaper and less robust materials, such as veneer-covered particle boards, that are more susceptible to damage and harder to recycle. When decor is not designed for longevity or recyclability, it’s much more likely to end up in a landfill. MDF in the US is said to be “safe” but because of synthetic adhesives, MDF is not biodegradable and has no carbon offset value. Also, some glues emit toxic gases. Many MDF panels are made from virgin wood fibers. This contributes to deforestation and environmental degradation.

You should also consider that many small business artists have their work stolen by companies like Temu. Think about Shein, Forever 21, etc. The Wall Street Journal has reported that more than 50 intellectual property infringement lawsuits are currently pending against Shein. In recent years, artists have also taken legal action against other fast fashion retailers like Kohl's, Zara, and Francesca's (Grossman). There are so many lawsuits against them citing stolen designs. If you don’t buy fast fashion, don’t buy fast decor — that includes any art, not just ones with words.

I’m curious why you need a sign that tells you you’re at home when you’re inside your house.

We don’t proudly frame and display our marriage licenses to remind ourselves and visitors that we’re married. That’s what rings, love, and devotion demonstrate. Do you have a print of your driver’s license above the mantle to remind you that you are legally allowed to drive? No, of course not. You live in a dwelling designed for humans, not a Cracker Barrel. You don’t need calligraphic prints to designate “This is where we eat!” That’s what a dining table and chairs are for.

Maybe you don’t buy your word art from big box stores but purchase and support local artists creating the pieces. Give your money to someone else. In my town, people go nuts for merchandise with “Birmingham” splattered across it. I just don’t get it. We know where we live! Let’s remove civic pride from our walls and vote for the issues we believe in instead. If you stop buying poorly made junk that ends up in the landfill companies chasing consumer data will get the message and stop producing it. Fingers crossed.

I wonder where this idea of “word art” even comes from.

Ye olde cross-stitch? “Bless Our Happy Home?” “Bless This House” is a song from 1927 but cross-stitch can be found all over the world since the Middle Ages (and embroidery dates back to 30,000 BCE). Motifs and initials were stitched onto household items to identify their owner, or simply to decorate the otherwise-plain cloth. Did something that once took thought, time, and skill trickle down through centuries and now is a watered-down offering to the masses?

I’m certainly a fan of the monogram. Plaster it inside your underwear, coats, on your pillow cases, dog beds, and tea towels all you want!

Dakota Johnson’s bedroom with monogramed blanket, by Pierce and Ward

There’s an entire history of symbols and their meaning to families since antiquity.

I wonder why we aren’t paying homage to our homes in more design-conscious ways. If you think of the “happy home” word art sign as a sort of monogram, then why not go all out and create something deeply personal to your family and your home like a family crest or a rebus that you can incorporate into your décor? You could go a step further with a crest or rebus design by putting a plaque outside your home in the style of an old manor house or a fire plate. Imagine your surname or street numbers nestled on a plaque with motifs of your choosing. The exterior of your home is an extension of the design inside and gives guests an immediate understanding of your style.

Tell the story of your lineage or create a new one specific to your immediate family.

Deeply personal heirloom quality (passed down through generations) design is so neat! and not something we see often these days in homes that aren’t custom-curated for the ultra wealthy. A wonderful case study in personalized design can be seen in The Miller House in Columbus, Indiana. Designed by Eero Saarinen, Dan Kiley, and Alexander Girard it is full of special touches. For instance, the dining chair cushions were monogrammed for the members of the family. Girard designed the cushion and Xenia Miller and her bridge friends stitched the needlepoint.

Girard also designed rugs for the family—comprised of meaningful emblems to the Millers, referencing each family member, alma maters, personal pursuits, and interests.

M is for Martin candle holders I made out of shells for our engagement party

For your own personalized decor, check Etsy makers for custom tufted rugs and pillows. Work with a ceramist to design a set of dishes for each member of your family to use during holidays and create a family tradition. The opportunities to create a personalized home are unlimited! A piece that will last through generations is the goal.

Xenia Simons Miller’s custom cross-stitched dining chair cushion

The Millers’ family inspired rug

Another way to bring personalized decor into your home is through wall coverings.

Home of Victoria Sass, Interior Designer

In this entry of Interior Designer Victoria Sass’s Minnesota home, a custom wallpaper mural tells the story of Victoria and her husband. Birds, acorns, and other motifs are symbolic to the family and help tell the story of their home. No MDF in sight.

As someone who designs on a budget, I get it, filling your house with things you like takes time. Remember, you are growing and evolving and so is your home. Let it grow with you. Don’t fill it with anything that isn’t deeply personal to you.