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:
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.
- 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.
subtle decor with muted colors and a calming influence.
4) Highlight your art with lighting. That doesn't mean throwingan 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.
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....
the art and use in the space; a curved vase, a linear birdcage....
7) Place furniture auspiciously to highlight art. Usetables, 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.
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.
kept monochromatic, simple in line and subtle in detail.
