If you have finally decided that your home’s walls are naked or you are simply a gallery-phobic, here are a few tips for new collectors to know what things to consider before buying that masterpiece:

1. Educate yourself. There are several art books that you can read on art. Read about the different artists, their training, and their career. Look through pictures of their works and find out what styles and themes intrigue you. You can also go to library or visit websites of galleries and artists.

2. Deal with a reputable gallery. In doing so, you can be assured that you are not buying fakes, or worse, stolen pieces. A reputable gallery will not risk its good name just to make a sale.

3. Buy a piece that you really like. More than the name of the artist or the price of a piece, you have to like the painting first and foremost before you decide to buy it. Buying art is like a relationship, it will not work if on the onset one party is not really into it.

4. Choose the right type of frame. The type of frame can make or break a good piece of art. Go to a professional framer to properly display and protect your artworks for the long run.

The Chinese home design, while it has something in common with Japanese, is more elaborate and sumptuous. The best application of oriental home designs, such as the Chinese design, could be when it is used in conjunction with modern Western furniture. The Chinese design can be achieved by using these elements:

1. Porcelain. Porcelains are precious translucent pottery that comes in the form of vases, lamps, or dishes. The new Chinese porcelains include simple, pure colors and forms with delicate, calligraphic qualities.
2. Birds and Fish. Spacious, deep crystal bowls with fish were a part of imperial palaces in China while songbirds are the subject of poetry and prose in ancient and modern China.
3. Garden Stool. The ancient Chinese garden created a garden with low barrel, rectangular, or drum-shaped seat. They instantly give a taste of color, beauty and affluence to a room.

4. Oriental rugs. Oriental rugs are the final touch. A Chinese sculpted rug would be particularly wonderful in the Chinese signature.