If you can afford it buy originals where you can. The up and coming artists works are very well priced I would recommend Nick Andrew for one. Local art shows are the best thing to attend, avoid art galleries the price is hiked to pay for there posh galleries. you can access the artists through google and contact them direct.

Buy what you like! don't give houseroom to something that someone else thinks you should buy.

I have three Nick Andrew the first purchsed for £1,500 I have had valued at £5,000. The second is a small picture brought direct and I have commissioned one. I also have Nick Andrew prints via ebay.

Be careful what medium you buy, if you move house be very careful how you pack, I prefer acrylic on canvas its more forgiving that paper.

Try collecting pottery you like Poole is increasing in price, you can still get a Moorcraft now and again at auctions. The odd piece of Clarice Clift I have got in the old car boot, and Poole Pottery and also some nice silver that has cleaned up a treat. Again I buy what I like.

Enjoy.