What to do with art at home? - by Suzanne Dennis

With some imagination and minimal financial outlay, you can transform your walls and other areas into special focal points

Souvenir art

Whenever you travel, make a point of wandering around the local markets looking for items that reflect the culture and spirit of the people of the country or region you're visiting. You'll probably find works by local artists costing a fraction of the price of the pieces sold in more up market galleries. Classic Chinese cigarette posters are an excellent example. They're extremely cheap, light and easy to carry and, when nicely framed, they are transformed into stunning pieces of art.

Rugs/textiles

Many countries across the Far and Middle East produce stunning rugs and textiles, which can be bought economically in their countries of origin. Hang them on the wall to bring a splash of colour to the room. They are wonderful talking points.

Rogues gallery

Insert a few dozen favourite photographs of family and friends into simple, inexpensive clip frames and hang them on the wall to create a personal photo exhibition that is sure to interest visitors. For a more elegant and uniform look, have the photos reproduced in sepia tones before displaying them.

Old Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Public Records Office (2195 7728) offers a treasure trove of wonderful photos of old Hong Kong at very reasonable prices. These look great when they are stylishly framed, and reflect a glorious, bygone era. They are also great mementos if you ever move to another country.

Maps

Aerial maps of Hong Kong - or anywhere else - are guaranteed to provoke much interest and discussion. In Hong Kong, such maps are available through the Hong Kong Government Land's Department Mapping and Survey Office. Visit the Map Publications Centres in North Point (2231 3187) or Yau Ma Tei (2780 0981). Frame them and hang them on the wall as a reasonably priced personal touch.

Oversized ceramic pots

Visit Hong Kong's markets and garden suppliers to source an oversized ceramic pot (or two) to display an arrangement of eye-catching dried reeds, flowers, grasses or bamboos, giving an unusual, but inexpensive, focal point to a room. You can easily spray-paint your large pots to fit in with your existing colour scheme.

Old bond certificates

Dusty old Hong Kong and Macau bookshops are wonderful places to find old bond certificates issued by publicly listed companies across Asia until the mid-1900s. They look wonderful when framed and hung in a home office or study. They have the additional appeal of being a good investment.

Tapestries

Forget the tapestries of medieval England and Europe for a moment. Instead, consider the wonderful and cost-effective tapestries produced by ethnic minority groups in China and the hill tribes of Thailand. These large, colourful and intricate works of art reflect the talents and traditions of the cultural groups producing them - and are bound to look good on your wall.

Local artisans

Take trips to Hong Kong's older neighbourhoods and villages, such as Tai O on Lantau Island to hunt for special pieces. Even touristy Stanley has a lot to offer in terms of art, and many small shops and galleries feature beautiful watercolours of Hong Kong, detailed street scenes and old Chinese buildings.

The artist in you

Hong Kong boasts beautiful natural scenery, and many residents are fortunate to enjoy panoramic views across bays, or towards outlying islands or the greenery of mountains. Discover the artist within and be inspired to produce your own colourful and unique works of art.