1) Art should evoke a positive personal response. Look for pieces that draw you to them and delight you in some way. Whether it’s the color, subject, medium or history of the piece…some factor should draw you to it. Choose art you want to live with.  Select art that both compliments your home and your personality. It’s a shame to have a focal point or highlighted piece of art in your home that means nothing to you. So take time in selecting art that you’ll love instead of just settling for something that “works” in your home. Purchasing art you discover while traveling can be a wonderful reminder of a special adventure. Inherited pieces may also carry precious memories.  Surround yourself with these things.

2) Art is an element that brings interest and beauty to any space. One piece can become the inspiration from which a whole room or house can get its design clues. If you’re not sure where to start in designing a space, consider a favorite piece of art in any form (painting, photography, sculpture….). Look at the style, colors, texture and theme and you may have the perfect jumping off point from which to create a great space.

Example: With a variety of framed art to consider, select a unifying theme, a similar style and color range. The subject of people and the deep rich colors in the project shown below added interest to the monochromatic palette of this room bringing depth, warmth and balance to the space. Click on the After photo for a larger comparion. Before After

3) Placement is perhaps the most important factor involved in achieving a successful integration of art into your home. The scale, color, theme and medium  needs careful evaluation to find just the right place to display and highlight your art.

• Is the art going to be the focal point in the space or an accent piece?

• Will the art need to be protected from sunlight or moisture?

• Is there a unifying element that connects the art to the furniture or architecture in a room?

4) Art is best displayed in the natural focal points of a home. The fireplace is a perfect place for a painting to be hung or leaning on the mantel. If the piece is small, place it in a grouping, have it placed in a larger mat and frame or consider adding a molding to the wall to act as a frame and perhaps painting the inside a color that draws you to the art and balances the space. A sculpture may find the ideal home on a mantel or hearth. A pedestal works beautifully to display medium sized sculptures. Pedestals can be placed in an important corner, at the end of a hallway, against a wall of a stairwell, as well as along side many different furniture pieces. Hanging art over a piece of furniture always creates a focal point. Remember to keep a connection to the furniture by not hanging pieces too high. The general rule is to stay between 3 to 9 inches above the furniture.  Framed art can also look great leaning against a wall that fills a space between furniture or hung in front of books in a large bookcase or placed on shelves in china hutches, bookcases, or cabinets.

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If you would like help in selecting or placing art in your home consider the services of
By Arrangement Interior Redesign. I can find the best way of displaying what you already have or help you select new pieces for your home that will reflect your personal preferences. Call today 925-455-4321 or email info@4roomdesigns.com