Wall Art for My Formal Living Room and Dining Room.

The mirrors have an almost Morrocon design element to them. But that doesn't mean you can't use that. Modern eclectic design can fit into any home, no need to stick with themes so long as it creates a flow that you like and that meshes well.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/transitional-style-...

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/204463/list/Transitional-S...

You might like, "Art Deco" mirrors.
While the example you showed, is not a period piece, it leads me to say that you might like the Art Deco style of decorative mirrors.
There are many styles of Art Deco mirrors....geometric to organic lines.

Have you tried any local galleries? Art.com has prints and hand painted items. I have found wonderful vintage prints on ebay.

As an artist, I beg you to find local artists and support them! Mass produced art at the places you mentioned are okay, but you'll find something very unique and help your community if you look to local art festivals, galleries, and even etsy! If you find an artist you like but perhaps not a piece you like, many artists will work with you to accommodate sizes and colors you like. Good luck!

IKEA! Love their range of artwork. :) check em out.

Jenn

I sometimes find really cool art work at thrift stores like Goodwill.

If you're looking for cheaper art (vs. original art suggested by some other posters), have you tried Ross or Marshalls? (Do they have them in your state?) How about Cost Plus World Market? They have some good art. Do you have a Z Gallerie? Lots of art there.

I don't know what to call that style exactly, but your home should not all follow the same "style" or it will have no personality.

p.s. If you put a cut out mirror on the wall, make sure there is a nice wall color behind it or it will look pretty drab.

yes, this mirror would fill the "transitional" genre. Normally, you should group items in odd #s, but I think with the symmetry of this mirror ....a square of 4 would work best.

Here's my concern: when filling walls, you don't want a small grouping or print/piece of art on a large wall. So if you're planning on grouping 4 of these mirrors, then the wall should be no more than 8' in length.....allowing just enough visual clarity on each side. If the wall is longer....& most rooms are, then the piece needs to better represent that space. In other words, an oversized mirror would function better for you.

Look through the other posters' comments. Lots of great ideas, some very good links. With you living in Chicago.....WOW!....you have immediate access to some wonderful galleries & funky little shops! Start hitting them regularly, & I truly believe your thoughts will come together.

For me, I do not have a single thing hanging in my home from any of the stores you've listed. Each piece I own is either an antique, folk art, or "found" art. For example, hanging on my living room beam is an antique gigging fork....all 16' of it! Stops guests in their tracks! There's a huge hornet's nest hanging on my fireplace wall....along with about 30 antique prints - all ranging from Art Deco to western, all different sizes & framing. The common theme is coloration. & my style is "early flea market/traditional"...which I'm morphing into funk. I love thinking outside of the box!

& a few more thoughts: in order to further help you, knowing the color of the rooms + the style of furnishings + what grabs your eye....would really help us! Do you like prints? Do you like canvas art? Have you ever hung textural items on the wall? What about hanging textiles....art tapestry or old quilts? Have you ever considered hanging floating shelves + personal photos in this space? Lots of great ideas....& a ton more on houzz.com....my go-to website! Well, & then there's Pinterest & Etsy!

Does "transitional" mean a mixture of tradition and modern design? (Many people would define it differently, just wondering what it means to you.) I think that mirror is a light art deco style. You could make it work, though.

Give World Market a try.

I didn't know what Transitional was, so I lloked it up.
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/transitional-style-...

If I'm reading this right... a lack of color and minimalist approach to accessories, with more focus on texture and graphics in a neutral color pallette.

Looking at your mirror - this looks like a good option
http://www.google.com/imgres?start=95&hl=en&biw=1...

My husband and I like Kirklands and their prices are great.

Have you tried ebay? I like that mirror style and I think it would complement a Nagel print or something like that. I don't know the coloring in your rooms either...Nagel's are basic - fine lines and color.

If you can't find exactly what you want then make it. There are tons of ideas on pinterest and it'll probably be much cheaper to make your own.

You could try art.com.

did you look at z gallery as well? What about going to a local art fair?

That looks celtic to me, but I cannot tell you what a gold mine local art shows are for finding unique, good, personal works of art.

It sometimes costs a little more, but so worth it! Right now we are only patroning my nephew (an artist) but always keep our eyes open at local fairs and ask him about his friend's work, etc.

Good luck!

Have you tried craft stores like AC Moore or Michaels. They have tons of raw materials you can turn into just what you are looking for.

Or you could give your local glass store a try.

Poor Richard's Restorations in Montclair, NJ is a great resource for taking something old and making it like new again or repurposing it.

I agree with Christy, that design is Celtic themed. Being Celtic myself (Welsh) It is reminiscent of Celtic crosses you see on the side of the road, and of Celtic knot work.

try craigslist to check our original art by artists

Since you are in a major city, I suggest you check out your "underground" art scene - art co-ops, locally owned galleries, cafes and salons that have art shows, etc.

You can find the perfect piece - completely original - by a local artists for as little (or less) than you'd pay for something mass-produced.

Here are a 2 art co-ops I found on Google:
http://www.artisans21gallery.com/
http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/visual-arts/node/42930

If you go to one co-op, it will have info on others. Have fun!

Local art shows and fairs can be a great source. There's also 20x200.com, which offers really inexpensive prints.

If you can't find anything you like, I agree with others, buy some canvases and paint at a crafts center and get creative. You could also frame and hang a grid of magazine pages, vintage postcards, old menus...whatever you like. Or frame your kids' art. In a formal space, and with the right framing, kids' art can take on a wonderful abstract quality.

That mirror is the bomb! That's right in line with my taste. I don't know what that style is called, but the design looks Celtic (although Pier1 describes it as Asian themed). :) Target, Kohls and Gordman's may have things to go with that. Target especially. Best wishes.
P.s. Please update with your progress. I love decorating. :)

In the summer, we have lots of art fairs with work available in all price ranges. Shopping is the fun part. And you will see art in all styles and can often talk to the artist at the booth. Some of the artists are long time professionals, other fairs are more like flea markets with less expensive art that is still often creative, and well-done. You will get a one-of-a kind piece with a story. Perhaps you can find a fair or market place like this in your area.

I'm not a fan of mirrors in dining rooms. I don't want to see myself, or family, or guest, looking at themselves during dinner or picking their teeth from afar thinking no one will notice.

I ditto Veronica...with summer time here so are the local art fairs, etc. Please consider supporting a local artist. And in Chicago, wow, lots of opportunities for that fun outing!!

GL!

I got some really nice wall art at Kohl's that I get complimented on all the time.