Why collectors are turning back toward color in a monochrome era

Around 2011–2012, a subtle but powerful shift began to ripple through the design world. Our iPhones moved from desks and kitchen counters into our back pockets. Technology was no longer something we visited; it traveled with us everywhere.

As tech integrated into our daily lives, its aesthetic language began influencing our homes. Sleek interfaces, monochrome palettes, glass, chrome, black, white, gray — minimalism became synonymous with intelligence, modernity, and luxury.

But it raises an honest question:

Are we actually happier inside these spaces?

Does black-and-white minimalism spark creativity, warmth, or joy — or does it simply look sophisticated on a screen?

For years, we’ve looked to celebrities and influencers to teach us how to make our homes enviable. But the home was never meant to impress others first. It was meant to be a refuge — a place to rest, reset, and fully exhale into who you are.

Now, I’m not advocating for full maximalism. I’m not suggesting every wall needs to shout. But I do believe that intentional moments of color — a hallway, an accent wall, a piece that holds meaning — can radically shift how a home feels.

Somewhere along the way, many of our spaces lost a layer of soul.

Is it coincidence that as our homes began mimicking the tech world, our sense of joy inside them didn’t rise alongside it?

Color, when done thoughtfully, holds luxury. Not loud color, but layered, emotionally intelligent color. The kind that grounds you, re-centers you, and adds richness to daily life.

Meaningful touches of color can influence how we move through a space. They invite play, spontaneity, reflection. They add dopamine, yes — but also memory, warmth, and emotional texture.

My truth — both as an artist and as a human is that art and color can change how we live.

They shape how we interact with our homes.They shift our mood without us realizing it.

They remind us that luxury isn’t only restraint — it can also be alive. I've seen this with my own eyes. The homes that I have hung my pieces in have truly shifted to places you want to spend time with.

Blog Post:

Why collectors are turning back toward color in a monochrome era

Is art a good investment?

Have you noticed how everything from mattresses to sneakers is now marketed as an “investment”? I get it — the word’s become a little watered down.

But when it comes to art, I actually do believe that it’s an investment — not just financially, but emotionally and communally. Here’s why.

1. HOW ART CHANGES HOW YOU FEEL AT HOME

   When you purchase an artwork- whether it's prints or an original painting you are investing in getting something that speaks to you on the wall. When you purchase artwork that speaks to you, and lifts up the room you will see a noticeable difference in not only how the room looks, but also how you FEEL in the room. Art is an invitation to slow down, enjoy something analog and relax in your space. It's not another screen, it's a reset button.

   
   

2. INVESTING IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

   Lets be honest- local art is more expensive than Hobby Lobby and Target- but it holds something more tangible and meaningful. The art you buy from an artist is woven into the community and keeps your dollars in the hands of real people. In a world when money and resources seem to be going to (ahem Bezos) shopping local is even MORE IMPORTANT. You are investing in the local economy, that local artist and your community. That is worth a lot in my opinion.

3. WHY ORIGINALS HOLD VALUE

   Original art is the best fiscal investment. If you're debating between a print or an original- You might think, ‘We can just get the print,’ but here’s what’s missing. The fact that an original is hand painted, you can see the textures, mess and layers. It adds value to your home. Originals also increase in value over time, and are a legacy item.

   
   

   If you invest in an artist who is making art consistently, there is a chance their portfolio will be worth more as they age. For instance my first originals were being sold for $200 back in 2016, and now I'm selling the same size painting for $4,000. That is a BIG difference.

   
   

   Original art holds value, and will be worth more especially after decades. That doesn't mean you should just speculate and make this your entire investment portfolio, that means buy art you LOVE and enjoy that it will also increase in value as you keep it.

Many collectors see art as part of a diversified wealth portfolio:

• It’s a hedge against inflation since art prices often rise as currency weakens.

• It offers non-correlated returns — art markets don’t always follow the stock market.

4. MY HONEST TAKE

   The best art “investments” are pieces that you love. If your financial situation only allows you to get prints- it doesn't mean you're making a mistake. Start there, because it's better to have art that makes your home feel good, rather than empty walls.

   
   

   If you buy from a living artist whose work and story resonate with you — and that artist continues to build reputation through shows, press, and collector support — your piece (especially original paintings) can gain both sentimental and financial worth over time.

   
   

   So, is art a good investment? In the end, the best investment is art that makes you feel something. That’s where its true value lives.

5 years in as a full-time artist

5 years ago I was fired from my interior design job abruptly. I was working on a project, when all of the sudden I couldn't get access to my email account or anything related to the company anymore. I contacted tech support and asked for help, but no one answered. I then was asked by my boss to come upstairs 2 hours later, and I had a sinking feeling that something was wrong. They told me I wasn't a good fit for their culture. It was hard to hear, but I also agree.

Their culture honestly sucked. It was stuck with a lot of old school sexism and divisiveness, I was in trouble often for taking too much time with my clients. One of my core values is good customer service, and so this made it apparent that this really wasn't my place to be. The community felt hostile at times, and it was stressful working there. I stopped eating while I worked there, and had lost a lot of weight due to the stress.

After receiving my pink slip I hit my boots to the ground and began the hard work of beginning my art business. I didn't file for unemployment like many of my peers, as I wanted to learn how to make my own money without having to rely on someone else. I was broke, barely making my rent payment, but yet the universe provided. Slowly one by one I had clients interested in artworks. I remember the moment I was working in my home studio and someone purchased 2 paintings on my website. That sale made me leap and dance, as it was my first large sale after working hours diligently creating a solid website. I showed up to holiday markets, showed in as many places as possible and truthfully I worked as many hours as I could. This work was so important to me, that every waking second I was thinking about the next painting, instagram post or email I needed to work on.

Running your own business has been glamorized over the past few years, especially on social media. But I got news for you, it's not a cake-walk. Like so many of you who buy my work, you're entrepreneurs as well and you know intimately how the work can creep into all areas of your life. The burn out is real, and I have experienced it. What brought me back was getting back to the basics. Not allowing my phone into the bedroom, slowing down with my son, making real nourishing foods (I really like nourishing meals) if you haven't heard of her stuff, check it out! Dr. Emily at Terrain Natural Medicine has also been a god-send for my health. Overall I just needed to make some big adjustments from being "on" all of the time to being a human again. When you love what you do, it's contagious and you often don't want to stop.

Today, I can't believe where my business began to where it is now. It's truly something I am so grateful for. This artwork is my family's main income, and to be able to create art that is resonating with so many is such a gift.

Below Is a little more Q & A about my art business:

1. How many artworks have you made since 2020?

   150 artworks! Which feels honestly unbelievable at times, but I am truly dedicated to making art. I start feeling "off" when I don't lean into my creativity.

2. What artwork is your favorite?

   I'd say it's not possible to have a "favorite" because I'm always in the process of making my next favorite! There are always pieces that feel special to me, but I do believe in the process of releasing the art.

3. Where is your favorite place to show art?

   National Nordic Museum has been a favorite! I am Norwegian (my grandpa spoke Norwegian and invited me to many Lutefisk dinners- where I only ate the lefse!) When I show my work at this National Nordic Museum, I feel like I am honoring my ancestry in a way, and I feel like it's deeply connected to my spirit.

4. Do you ever do art without color?

   In college I did many pieces in black and white, as that is how they wanted the projects. I didn't enjoy it. I thought it lacked soul and expression. I didn't set out to become the "most colorful" artist out there, but I think my color stands out due to the lack of color the United States culture uses in general. Whenever I travel, I find other cultures rich with hues and colors. Color is a fantastic way to add dopamine, creativity and light into our lives. Why leave all of that overseas?

5. What is a secret that people wouldn't know about you?

   I love being my family's travel agent. I am always planning the next adventure and scouting out where we can go to next. One of my favorite spots is Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World. Waking up to giraffes outside your window, just makes me so happy.

6. Do you have any future dreams for your art business? What's to come?

   My future looks like building my team! I have been doing this business on my own and it's been a lot on me. I was really struggling with doing my taxes and hired an awesome CPA that's been helping me, and I just hired on another assistant to help with packaging and fulfillment. The computer work I will tell you, NEVER ends! My dream is to paint more, and get a bigger studio space!

At the end of the day this dream of mine was made possible by people like YOU. My community has shown up in ways that make me cry- happy tears. I can't wait for what the next 5, 10, and heck- 30 years of this art has to offer! I am so thankful to you! Cheers, Kristine Cooper

5 years in as a full-time artist