Spring Refresh | New Art For Your Refresh

THIS POST WAS HARD!

Art is by far the hardest item for me to select for my clients. Not because of the lack of options or my love for it, but it is just so subjective! I either have clients that are huge art collectors or clients that don’t really have much or care about it. Regardless, art is needed to complete your space so if you’re about to start working with a designer, my advice would be to start looking and note what draws you in and resonates with you. At the end of the day, we generally choose the art that surrounds us because it brings about emotions (usually calm or happy), has a color that resonates with us or works with our decor, is a style we love (photography, object, painting, etc), helps to tell our story, can fill the void on our wall, and is the right price point for us.

So while this art may resonate with me, I understand if it is not your style. Hopefully this post can inspire some creativity and courage to revamp your collection. I’ll also try to give a few tips along the way!

FIGURES

You may have guessed. I have a thing for coastal feeling art. Anything that reminds me of the water instantly makes me happy! Teil Duncan and T.S. Harris are some of my favorite artists because of the color they use in their figure art. There is also some great line drawing figures that would be perfect for a neutral color scheme.

ABSTRACT

Abstract art is great when you need to add some drama and color. I love using abstract art as color in gallery walls or as a large scale piece that fills the whole wall.

LANDSCAPE

When you want a natural, relaxed feel a landscape is perfect! I added the longhorns because…when in Texas!

BOTANICAL

Perfect for girly and natural spaces. There are also beautiful, large scale floral tapestries that can add an impact and give the room a vintage feel.

OBJECTS

There are times that a sculptural object would make more of an impact. I have also had clients that don’t love "flat'“ artwork, so in these cases I like to use hanging pieces, framed textural cloths and paper, and sculptural objects like baskets and metal figurines. They are great for adding texture without adding too much color.

DESIGN TIPS

1——— Know the budget and size you need. If you can’t find a large enough piece to fill the space or budget, try combining multiple pieces as a triptych, diptych, stacked art, or gallery wall. Smaller pieces are typically less expensive and can create a more custom size when needed. Use painters tape to mark the size on the wall and make sure it will work.

2——— Don’t let the frame stop you from purchasing if you love the art. The frame can always be changed. Keep the glass and find a frame without it or get one custom made to fit perfectly. I have a piece that we bought in the Cayman Islands. We loved it and it reminds us of our trip, but the frame is AWFUL, so I am planning on a switch before hanging it in our new home.

3——— To make lower priced art look more high end or larger, get it matted. Matting can be used over the art or the art can be floated above the art.

4——— If nothing is striking you, consider paying for a custom piece. I have had clients and friends get custom pen drawings of their children or paintings of this family on the beach. This will instantly make it more meaningful and will look better than a room of family photos.

5——— If you lack wall space for art, utilize floor and tabletop easels to display your favorites.

Here what’s in store for the rest of the week!

April 15- Our Favorite Accessories

April 16- Outdoor Update

Enjoy,

Nikki