When it comes to our homes, I bet we all have something in common we'd rather not admit—walls, somewhere or another, left woefully bare. If you just haven't gotten around to hanging what you already own, what are you waiting for? It's the New Year, so get to it! On the other hand, if you're anything like me, still searching for that perfect piece—traditional but with a fresh, new look that's sophisticated and modern—check out the new Biltmore Collection from my friends over at Artaissance, my favorite online source for beautiful, affordable art. They even have a blog of their own, called Art That Fits, with a few of my thoughts today on decorating with art. Stop by and say hello! This collection, as you may have guessed, follows in the great tradition of the famous Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, built by George Washington Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. A couple of weeks back, while Jaithan and I were down in Atlanta for Scott's with our friend Steve McKenzie from Larson-Juhl frames, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the collection (and the incredible story behind it!) before it even debuted. Well, it officially launched this week, and you're the first to know about it! Here I am with a grouping of prints, all inspired by black and white etchings of settees from books housed in the library of the Biltmore. Never before have these images been seen by the public, and certainly never like this!  

BiltmoreSofas

Here I am with Steve, listening to the fascinating story behind the collection and how it came to be. Every one of these images, I learned, was painstakingly photographed using the most cutting-edge digital equipment, then enhanced and reproduced by expert graphic designers at Artaissaince. This collection of Hepplewhite chairs in a palette of greys and whites would be perfect for our apartment.

BiltmoreFurniture

What I love most about this collection is that this is the kind of artwork that looks rare and expensive, as though one-of-kind prints from the flea market, but is actually quite affordable and available to everyone. The secret is in the production process. Every print from Artaissance is made-to-order, so whatever size space you're working with, it's fully customizable. Check out the printing room where all the magic happens!

BiltmorePrinters

Because every print is digitally produced, the color options are fantastic!

BiltmoreColors

I love the blend of modern and classic—familiar forms updated with fun, fresh colors. Here's one of my absolute favorites, a big, beautiful Upholstered Settee in a soothing sky blue. This piece I can see just as it is in a super modern loft space. Or, do what my friend Kerry on Top Design is going to do when he moves out of his old digs and into the city—the same gorgeous print but in a shocking shade of orange.  

BiltmoreBlue

We all know how much I love a set of antique china, so here's a plate from the collection in a gorgeous kelly green.

BiltmoreGreenPlate

And finally, check out this decorative "E" I'm coveting for a monogram above the fireplace mantel. Or, for a surreal effect in the bedroom, spell the word DREAM in all your favorite colors.

BiltmoreHoldingE

So why are you living with bare walls? Check out the Biltmore Collection and tell me which one you love! I'd love to hear about it.