Selecting Art
Over the years, one of the last requests many of my clients often make has to with selecting art to finish off their new space. For many, after going through a renovation and having to select so many different finishes, when it comes down to art pieces, they are baffled. What colours will go with the rest of the room? How big should it be? What would be considered too big? Should it be a painting, photograph, or print? Where should I look for art? If only there was just one place where you can find the perfect piece of art! Well if this was the case, there wouldn’t be anything unique or interesting about your home would there?
If you often visit galleries and museums, then you probably have a good idea of what kind of art appeals to you. If you haven’t, now is a great time to start exploring all those local talents in our city. Art is very personal so take your time to find something that you can live with. Personally, your first thought in purchasing should not be whether or not it will be suitable for the room you have in mind. Rather, find something you absolutely love and then find a place to put it. If you see something you just cannot part with, this is absolutely the way to go. However, if you are not particular about the art itself and is simply looking for something that’s just right for the room, size and colour should be considered during your search. Art that is too big in size will overwhelm and anything too small will look out of place and incomplete. The nature of the art should also be considered. If it is for a room where guests will frequent, I would personally stay away from anything too intimate, inappropriate or offensive…save those for your boudoir.
A general rule in hanging art is to keep the center of the painting at eye level. Sculptural pieces may sit on the floor, a table or pedestal. However, I prefer to keep these rules as guidelines, as with anything personal preference should be considering. After all, you probably spent an exorbitant amount of money to purchase it, you might as well have it somewhere that’s in view and can be enjoyed daily.
As for colours, choose one or two of the boldest colours in your room and look for art that has those colours in it. It doesn’t have to be an exact match; a shade or two off would work just as well. Just picking up some of these colours will unify the art and the room. For rooms that are already bold in colours, select art that is a bit muted…black and white art provides the perfect balance to a brightly coloured room.
Style is the next thing to consider, although as this is a personal preference, it may not be in your best interest to consider it. Consider the style of the room. Do you see more traditional details than modern or the other way around? Allow this to be your guide: modern for modern antique for antique, etc. But as I said, your preference should be considered. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of eclecticism.
When visiting galleries or museums, observe how the art is displayed. From wall colour to placement on walls, you can take away many hints to help you not only select art but also find the perfect place to hang/place it.
Some examples of excellent art display:
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