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Friday, February 14th
Kathy Kuo is an award-winning interior designer and entrepreneur, and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. Kathy was born in Taiwan, grew up in Boston, and now lives in New York City. She's known for her work on TV and is a proud mom of two. Established in 2012, Kathy Kuo Home is an online boutique that offers a wide range of home furnishings and decor, including furniture, outdoor dining, bar lighting, decor, mirrors, and art. Kathy's shop has a bunch of different styles like French Country, Modern Classic, and more, so there's something for everyone's taste.
Shop by type, subject, and size
If you're shopping for wall art, the first place you should go is the tab labeled "Mirrors & Art”. Hovering over it will bring up a drop-down list of subcategories including Paintings, Photography, Drawings, Mixed Media. Under Art by Subject, you can browse the categories of Landscape, Seascape, Abstract, Floral & Botanical, and Animals & Nature. There's also Art by Scale: Mini (Under 16"), Small (17-24"), Medium (25-36"), Large (37-48"), and Oversized (49"+).
Designer wall art selection
Paintings, ranging from abstract and graphic to modern and traditional styles, are excellent options for designer wall art. At Kathy Kuo Home, you can find a specially selected range of art pieces, including designer and landscape paintings, abstract works, and others, perfect for adding a finishing touch to your living room, dining room, or bedroom.
Smaller catalog
Kathy Kuo Home's collection is both diverse and select, offering a respectable range of wall art. The catalog, though not as extensive as some competitors, includes a variety of styles like diptych, multipanel, single piece, and triptych. The theme selection is broad, featuring 115 abstract pieces, 10 animals and nature-themed works, 2 architecture pieces, 20 floral and botanical, 44 landscapes, 14 pieces centered on people, and 25 seascapes.
Few to no original paintings
The majority of the art pieces at Kathy Kuo Home are prints, not originals. Some of these prints are enhanced with real paint brushstrokes, adding an element of texture and authenticity. However, the website does not provide a direct filter to distinguish between prints, originals, or those with added brushstrokes. Shoppers will need to delve into the individual item descriptions to find this information, which can be a bit inconvenient for those specifically looking for one type over another.
Frame included in cost
One great feature of Kathy Kuo Home is that the frame cost is already included in the price. This means that when you see a price tag, like $1,470 for the 50x50 Isabella Coastal Beach Blue Abstract Painting, it might seem high at first. But remember, this is the total price. Other sites might seem cheaper initially, but they often add the frame cost later during checkout, and it can increase the initial estimate by roughly 30%. When you compare the full prices, Kathy Kuo Home's prices are actually similar to what their competitors offer.
Might not be able to choose frame
You won't always get to choose between frame styles. For example, that aforementioned abstract painting only comes in a simple silver frame. We don't think this is too big of a problem, though. The chosen frame, whether selected by the artist or a curator, typically complements the painting's colors well. If there are additional options for customization, it will be indicated in the product description, and you'll be prompted to call their design specialists to find out more.
Descriptions can be contradictory
In the product descriptions on Kathy Kuo Home, you'll find useful details like whether the item is made in the USA, if it's ready to hang on the wall, and the type of installation mechanism it comes with, such as pre-installed wire or D-ring hangers. They also describe the construction materials of the item. However, sometimes these descriptions can be a bit confusing. For instance, one painting is described as being "constructed from canvas, aqueous water-based acrylic gel and wooden stretcher bar with wood frame," but then further down it's described as being "hand stretched over 1.5 inches stretcher bar. Image is printed on linen." So, which is it: linen or canvas? We're not sure either, and if you care about the answer, you might need to reach out to a design specialist for more info.
Great customer rating
Kathy Kuo Home has an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.3-star rating average on Trustpilot from nearly 2,000 reviews. Because their selection is so broad, though, many of the reviews are about furniture, not wall art. However, customer service is reported to be responsive, and indeed, they've replied to nearly every review on Trustpilot, whether positive or negative.
Free shipping on orders over $100
Kathy Kuo Home's shipping policy comes with free curbside delivery for orders over $100 within the contiguous U.S., and a $15 flat rate for smaller orders. The delivery timeline for artwork varies depending on the piece. Made-to-order items might take 8 weeks or longer to ship. Ready-to-ship items from the warehouse process in 5-10 days, and then delivery times depend on the carrier. Check the product description to find out which timeline applies to a piece. International shipping is available, but costs are provided post-order, which is inconvenient.
Some returns allowed
Regarding returns, some items are non-returnable, while others can be returned within 7 days but are subject to a restocking fee. This information is detailed in each item's description. If you're not completely happy with your purchase, returnable items in unused and resalable condition are accepted within 7 days of delivery. Returns over $100 incur a 20% restocking fee, while items under $100 have a flat $15 return fee. Your original shipping fees are not refundable. Certain items, like wired or assembled products, custom-made items, used or altered items, final sale items, and international orders, are not eligible for returns.
Good, but too generalized
Generally speaking, we like the wall art we saw on Kathy Kuo Home. However, the selection size leaves something to be desired - wall art is only one small part of this luxury furniture and decor boutique, after all. This might be a good place to shop if you're looking for a multi-panel set of complementary paintings to add some visual interest to a large empty spot of wall in the room you're redesigning. We do appreciate the transparent pricing on wall art that includes the cost of the frame, but the descriptions of items could benefit from standardization. And, if you do find a must-have piece here, be sure to read the return policy carefully - you might not qualify for a return.
Are you looking for a particular piece of art to decorate your wall space? Perhaps you're redecorating your living room and want to add a striking piece above your sofa. Or, maybe you're designing the interior for a whole house and want to achieve a beautiful, cohesive look. Art stores are an essential place to go when providing that finishing look for a home or space.
In today's digital age, the way people shop for wall art has undergone a profound transformation. Online platforms have become increasingly popular for art enthusiasts and interior decorators alike. This surge in online art shopping can be attributed to several factors that have created a compelling and convenient experience for consumers.
First, the vast and diverse range of art available online is a key driver of their popularity. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, online art marketplaces offer an extensive array of styles, genres, and artists from around the globe. This immense variety caters to diverse tastes and preferences, letting you explore and discover pieces that resonate with your own personal aesthetic taste.
The convenience of browsing and purchasing art from the comfort of your home has also significantly contributed to the widespread appeal of online art shopping. The online realm eliminates geographical constraints, letting you explore artworks without the need to travel to actual physical galleries. This is particularly helpful for people with busy lifestyles, as it allows them to explore art in their daily routines. Moreover, online platforms often provide sophisticated search and filtering tools, which let you navigate vast collections in order to find the exact piece that you want.
If you want to know more about the art pieces or artists, you can usually find a wealth of information in your online art shopping experience. Online platforms typically offer detailed descriptions, artist biographies, and customer reviews, which can provide valuable context and insight for your decision. This transparency connects you to the artwork which enriches the overall purchasing experience.
When browsing, you'll get to choose from many different art styles and types - like photography, prints, and dimensional art pieces, to name a few. You might stumble upon an original painting that speaks to you, capturing a moment or emotion in a way that's both personal and unique. Original pieces might be a bit pricier, but they're one-of-a-kind. On the flip side, if you're decorating on a budget, there are plenty of prints and reproductions that can add a touch of elegance or quirkiness to your space without breaking the bank. And let's not forget about the stunning photographic prints and digital art that can transport you to different worlds.
For those who want a bit more guidance, some sites even offer art consultation services. Also, if supporting artists is close to your heart, you can look for platforms that give a fair share of the sales to the creators.
Before choosing a wall art retailer, we suggest you keep the following criteria in mind:
To help you identify the best sites to purchase wall art, Top Consumer Reviews has ranked and reviewed today's most popular options. We hope this guide helps you find that perfect piece that resonates with you, fits your budget, and complements your space, all while offering a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience. Happy art hunting!
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