There are two schools of thought in the art and design world. On the one hand, there are the people who make and sell art. Artists and gallery owners, for example, tend to promote the mindset of “If you like a piece, buy it. You’ll definitely find a place for it.”
Interior designers, on the other hand, see art as a way to finish off a room or provide inspiration. They pay attention to the scale and color of the art and make sure it fits the room and the furniture. For them, even the most common OTC (over the couch) art can work well if the color tones and size are right.
This leaves those of us who love art and want a beautiful, cohesive home, but are on a budget, with a dilemma: Do we buy what we love and not worry about whether it fits in the room, or do we stock our home with versatile art because it’s the right size or color?
Neither. I’m optimistic enough to believe that art that captures both aspects is possible, if done with care. So when I heard that a local interior designer was going to speak at an art gallery about “How to Combine Art and Interior Design,” I signed up.
“Art gives a home personality. Art tells the story of the people who live in it. Without art, a home is just a home,” Winter Park, Fla., interior designer Angela Neal said at the start of an informal talk at Gallery 32789.
As Neal spoke, the 20 or so guests nodded vigorously in agreement. The conversation ranged from how to choose art, how to revitalize it, and (read that sentence twice) when to let it go. Other things Neal said about the intersection of art and home design:
1. Yes, color matters. The main reason to buy art is because it speaks to you, but it should also fit your home. “You chose the décor and colors for your home because you love them, so go with them,” says Neal. “Don’t put a warm-colored piece of art in a room designed with cool colors. A dull yellow in a gray room is never going to work.”
2. Let’s start with art. Some of the most successful rooms are ones where a work of art inspires the entire design, and if you’re decorating from scratch, starting with a painting you love is a great foundation.
3. Let your art evolve. Tastes and décor change and, ideally, so does art, so look at your art regularly and ask yourself if it still fits the décor or if you still like it.
4. Split it up. If you always have the same painting hanging next to your dining table, try moving it to another room to enjoy a new view.
5. Restructure. If your artwork is looking old or tired, consider reframing it. A new frame can revive an older piece or make a traditional piece look more contemporary.
6. Give up. If a frame won’t restore your artwork, it may be time to let it go. “Sometimes a piece of art reaches the end of its life,” says Neal.
7. Experiment with scale. Don’t be afraid to use large artwork on small walls or in small rooms, as this will add depth and make the space feel larger.
8. Take your time. Don’t rush out to buy art just because you want to fill up a space: “A blank wall is better than an ugly piece of art,” she said.
9. Mix together. You don’t have to stick to one art style: serene landscapes, bold abstracts, soft watercolors, sculptures, photography and pencil drawings can and should all blend well in the same home.
10. Work together in groups. If you have a lot of small pieces, unify them on your gallery wall instead of scattering them around. The pieces can vary in size, but they should have something in common, like a subject or similar (but not matching) frames. To keep the gallery looking unified, she recommends lining up your collection at the bottom.
11. Take risks. Edgy art that reflects you adds a delightfully whimsical touch, she says: “I love art that’s statement and unexpected.”
12. Don’t overlook the non-artistic arts. Art doesn’t have to be a two-dimensional painting: items in a shadow box, woven or sculptural wall hangings, found objects, etc. can all function as art.
13. Keep portraits subtle. If a home has five framed photos from the same photo shoot, such as a wedding or family reunion, Neal advises owners to pare down the number of photos on display to around one.
14. Show off. Neil reminds us that for artwork to look its best, it needs to be in the right place and with the right light, otherwise a great piece of art will disappear. For example, a large piece of art in a narrow, dark hallway will be obscured, while a small piece in bright light will make the whole space look more inviting.
Marni Jameson is the author of seven books, including Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow. She can be reached at marni@marnijameson.com.
