Much has been written throughout history about the purpose and power of art. While it is simple to acknowledge “great” art and its importance in expressing our humanity, deciding how we bring art into our everyday lives can be overwhelming. Most of us aren’t collectors of museum worthy art, and yet we still want and need inspiring pieces to fill our walls.
One of my favorite tasks in designing for our clients is art selection. This can range from Etsy prints to fine art from national galleries - the price tag isn’t what’s important to me - it’s the expression of something our clients connect to. Art has the power to elevate a room like nothing else by bringing energy, texture and a palette to the forefront. But, most importantly, it instantly says something about the people who live in the home. Discovering the story our clients want to tell on their walls is an exciting part of our job.
The soft tones of this abstract piece spoke to our clients and provide a calming moment in this master bedroom. Art by Ursula Brenner
Over the years, we’ve taken the overwhelm out of selecting art for our clients with the following tips and approach:
Learn about what you like and what speaks to you. We often encourage clients to browse local galleries or online to begin understanding what art styles they gravitate to. Discovering that you love abstracts with bold colors or peaceful, watery landscapes is often indicative of how you want your actual home to feel. With this understanding in place, developing a design scheme that reflects a personal expression is much easier.
Found on travels along the coast of Lake Michigan, these pieces not only bring in a beautiful blue, but they remind our clients of their favorite places. Artist unknown.
When possible, we like to start with a piece of art as a jumping off point for a room’s design. This happens most often when a client owns existing art that they love, but not always. For a room where a large piece might really be an anchor for the space, having at least a direction for what that piece might be is important. Starting with art doesn’t mean the room has to “match” the art, it simply informs other selections.
Even a few years past renovation and our clients says that this piece still brings her joy every morning. Art by Trish Hurley
Be bold and allow your collection to grow over time. Having a strong reaction to art is natural - and if it’s a positive reaction and you can swing it in your budget, bring it home. Shopping for pieces while on vacation is a great way to bring home those memories. Art fairs often have up and coming artists whose work tends to be at a more modest price point. Vintage stores are a great place to start as well. If at all possible, avoid mass-produced or knock off art. (Not trying to be snobby! One of the first things I hung in my newlywed apartment was a giant Picasso print from posters.com - I’m sure the framing cost more than the poster. I look at it now as a sign of the type of art I still gravitate towards - bold, colorful and sometimes a little weird!).
This oil painting (yes, it is a paining and not a photograph) injects so much energy into this room. Our clients fell in love with it mid-process and the contrast is striking. Art by Francisco Ceinfeugos Rivera.
There are lots of little satisfying moments that happen at one of our install days to wrap a project - the rugs finally being rolled out, furniture unwrapped, accessories placed. But few moments match when the art goes up on the walls - generally everyone stops and stares for a bit and there is lots of chatter about how much it makes the room sing. Over the years, this moment has sparked a few happy tears shed by clients or even goosebumps. And, in that moment, we are always reminded how art selection is not only be personal, but also powerful.
A traditional landscape looks fresh amongst an updated coastal palette. Vintage art, artist unknown.