Jun 21, 2011

Artwork in decor

I am frequently called up-on to help clients who have art and photography collections.  They are concerned that their 
collection doesn't "fit" their style and want help with placement and sorting through what they have.  
Matching art to the decor is certainly possible but not desirable or even realistic. I prefer working with 
elements from the art and allowing it to flow in each space. Art can either stand alone or be incorporated 
into a space.  When updating a room,  I often use a collection of art and photography as inspiration to 
select the style, colors, and scale of pieces to be used.   For those of you who like to follow guidelines, 
here are a few  that might help in selecting art and decor:
1) Keep the colors that are in the room and the art similar. 
I have seen the difference between rooms devoid of similar 
colors and those whose accents mirror what is in the art. 
Spaces with colors that repeat in the room feel cohesive 
and actually draw attention to the art.
2) Combine similar styles of art in the same space. That may mean that  the composition is similar
- all landscapes or all abstract art - and keep pieces by the same artist together.


3) Take cues from the art to being into the room. A monochromatic piece may invite 
subtle decor with muted colors and a calming influence.
4) Highlight your art with lighting. That doesn't mean throwing
 an eyeball fixture onto each piece. Consider ambient light, 
interesting ways to use accent lighting, and even 
5) Repeat line and shape in the art and the room. If your art has bold sweeping curves, consider using it in 
a space with curved tables, sofas, and area rugs.

6) Use elements from art in the decor.  With larger canvases and abstract art, take shapes or forms from 
the art and use in the space; a curved vase, a linear birdcage....
7) Place furniture auspiciously to highlight art. Use
 tables, benches, seating groups and other pieces 
to create a vignette so the art and furniture complement 
each other. Don't hesitate to use the architecture of the room.

8) Whimsy is a great way to showcase art. A fun piece 
can easily be enhanced with a playful fabric on adjacent pieces.
9) Marry the styles. If you have bold, modern art, consider using pieces in the same style in your decor.
10) If your art is what you love, make it the focal point of a room and everything else should be
kept monochromatic, simple in line and subtle in detail.