Art galleries have this down to a tee: lots of art, little of everything else. White walls, few furnishings, bare floors, and perfectly placed lighting to showcase the artists’ works. That doesn’t always translate to falling in love with a piece of art and having it look equally good in your home.
So how do you curate an art collection that also works with your home’s interior design – without looking like you bought “only-in-my-accent-colour” pieces from Homesense?
- You can break the rules with art. Yes, for visual cohesion you want repeated colours in a space, BUT: the first rule of art (particularly for the original/investment piece variety) is that you have to love it.
- Don’t cheap out on the framing. Even an inexpensive find at Homesense looks better when it’s framed versus a plain canvas. Be sure to incorporate a neutral mat in the framing process – not only does it make the piece stand out more, it will also help if it doesn’t quite blend perfectly with the colours of the room. A little “white space” helps rest the eye before it gets more visual stimulation.
- Hang art pieces intentionally. Before you start putting holes in the wall willy-nilly just because there’s an empty space, make a plan. Group pieces with a similar feel together over a sofa or large credenza (2 or 3, not a gallery wall); create vignettes when you can – a table with a few accessories under a piece of art, or a couple chairs and accent table flanking a larger piece.
- Try leaning several together! Large mantels can have 2 or 3 pieces of art layered and leaning against the wall, rather than hanging one. Similarly, smaller works of art can be incorporated into shelving, or displayed sitting atop bookcases if it works with the vertical lines of the room.
Art should evoke emotion within you, so don’t let an uncertainty of making it work in your space stop you from going for it. Most things are figure-out-able, with trial and error and a little professional help! Give these tips a try in your space and see if it brings new life to your art collection!
