Selecting Art For Your Interior Space

A good art piece is a fabulous way to express your individuality and design style. Purchasing artwork is made easy when you follow your heart.

If you are a designer with a commercial project, an art collector or a savvy-home owner wanting to spruce up your interior, selecting the right piece is paramount. It should raise a space and hold meaning.

If you appreciate good quality authentic work, I urge my clients to source from reputable art sellers. I promise you there are some amazing platforms out there that sell affordable and authentic art to suit every taste and budget.

If your design style is not influenced by fad interior styles and you are not a ‘slavish trend follower’ you are more than likely going to find a piece that stands the test of time and you will enjoy for years to come.

Placement

Once you find your artwork, first and foremost it has be carefully positioned. Where you place your investment (large or small) is key to showcasing and giving it the attention it deserves.  Art should enhance without taking away from elements like home furnishings but rather ‘marry up’ with them. 

Artistic creation should be appreciated from every angle and admired from afar, for this is the reason you purchased it in the first place. 

Size and scale

Arguably, the trend now days is anything goes. A perfect example, oversized artwork is becoming increasingly popular. This may work on a wall with a high ceiling, but can be overwhelming in a constricted area, no matter how on trend you like to be. 

When you start to explore it is important to remember it should complement your property in an aesthetically pleasing manner. This is why scale is important and the colour palette relevant. The scale of furniture and art is a balancing act you need to master. You need patience and a good eye for design. 

You can easily find ideas online by accessing free information or you can commission an interior decorator to come to your home or commercial property. If you prefer an e-design service, this is less intrusive and can save you valuable time. 

E-decorating makes the process of design advice easy. You share images of the space and dimensions of your art. A design concept and mood board included and prepared for inspiration and emailed straight to your inbox. This method will help avoid costly mistakes to guarantee your artwork is positioned correctly to get the utmost of your piece.  

Colour and design styled art

An interesting colour palette can lift a bare or less desirable space. It can also be a fun way to bring a colour story together.  

If you enjoy a tasteful vibrant colour scheme, this is show stopping way to draw attention away from an unused area or bring it to life.

Vivacious art can jazz up a simple sideboard. Just ensure the colour story complements your existing elements. If you prefer the ‘leaning method’ keep homewares simple and minimal to ensure you nail the look!

Grouping Artwork

Grouping together various pieces to accompany a beautiful sofa or hallway can make a bold statement in your home. 

Symmetrical arrangements are a snazzy way to display all your favourite pieces together and express your style talent. The addition of quality photography as a further element will add another layer of interest to your collection. 

Exhibiting your art

If you prefer minimalist art with a subtle dramatic effect, black and white themes are classy and are a great way to achieve this.

A light fixture can be enhanced by a simple print in black and white.  It can also work as a focal point to create ambience with your selected lighting. 

Selection

Artwork should inspire your thought process and bring your room together. For example, if you have art on your wall but it fails to evoke conversation, if it doesn’t move you in any shape or form, then it is not worth the space it is occupying. End of story. 

Your piece may be worth thousands of dollars, or it can be something you picked up at the local markets, it does not matter, but it has to have meaning and adulation.

When you are on the search, strive for wall art that capsulates whilst enjoying downtime with family or friends, it can be a great topic of conversation!

To frame or not to frame

The importance of framing to bring visual interest to your art is key. 

I recommend bespoke framing to ensure quality workmanship. Professional framing also guarantees quality fixtures. Most bespoke framers offer artwork installation for your home. They are usually artists (not a handy-man service) who come with years of experience working in art galleries and commercial properties, as well as residential, so you know you will be in good hands. If you outlay a little extra it's worth every cent. 

Choosing the correct frame style

There are endless frames to choose from, my favourite is a floating frame, as it will not take the attention away from your painting, giving your piece structure.

If you prefer a frameless piece of art this can be a stunning way to incorporate a fresh and minimalist look.

If you like to add character to your home, select a modern abstract piece, this works exceptionally well if you love to mix modern and traditional together. By adding a simple gold or platinum shade of frame will give your piece a traditional fee.

An example of this is to combine a vintage sofa, modern side tables, art deco lamp shades with an abstract painting. 

This carefully curated look is effortless, as long as you keep the palette and style balanced.

The importance of styling Mirrors around Artwork

Artwork and Mirrors go hand in hand to create a harmonising partnership. I have included this section because I think it is significant to illustrate the balance and importance of mirrors. 

Introducing mirrors is a clever way to create the illusion of space and reflect light. 

I suggest displaying your art sparingly if you have a mirror nearby, as you want to avoid overcrowding. If your artwork is the statement piece, then proportion it on a scale larger than your mirror. Or vice versa, depending what appeals to you. 

A classic mirror and frame works with everything, however if you prefer a more unique look, why not go for a custom made bamboo finish. This look is stunning with canvas paintings framed or unframed.

Mirrors of any shape or form are such an essential part of any commercial or residential space. They can transport an area to another level. 

Can we live without mirrors? I say no, but some households only have one mirror, above their bathroom vanity. I have heard of people going without a mirror for a short period of time and it changed their self-esteem for the better. I think it would turn me into a nervous wreck, just quietly!

We adjust, we admire, or we can dislike what we see in a mirror. You will ultimately choose to see what you want anyway, guess this where the question of self-esteem comes in? Anyway, I am digressing here, because as a designer (and a woman) the absence of a mirror is just absurd to me. 

A mirror is essentially a beautiful, functional accessory and a must have for any room. If you do not wish to gaze in to one, then just admire it from a distance.

Food for thought

My analogy on serious art buying is this, whether you are the owner of an 18-century portrait or a recently commissioned oil painting, the pleasure it brings to its owner is what is of importance, not the monetary value. 

Some may never appreciate an early renaissance portrait but this does not mean it is not admired in an Italian art gallery by millions each year. 

I cannot stress enough the advantages of acquiring art that finds a place in your heart, not just your home. It can be a timeless piece or newly curated, but it has to ‘fit’ and more importantly it has to be ‘loved’.

Here is another example, when you see the Mona Lisa for the first time in person, you will appreciate its beauty and realistic features. Most people remain in awe of it, some are amazed at how small it actually is, some do not understand what all the fuss is about. It is not for everyone.  All the varying opinions do not change the fact that it is one of the most expensive paintings in the world. It is truly priceless and cannot be bought or sold under French heritage law and therefore hangs in its forever place.

I recently read somewhere “the Mona Lisa is part of the Louvre collection and it belongs to the public and their hearts belong to her”. I could not agree more that the Louvre is where it should be.

So, to conclude, when artwork has a place in your heart and it is beautifully displayed in the right setting, it will fit and it will be wonderful.

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Written by

Marina Mura