TOP TEN TIPS FOR LIVING WITH (GREAT) ART
Do you love the idea of adding original art to your home, but aren’t sure where to start?
Keep reading to get Art Advisor Peppa Martin’s top ten tips for selecting great art for your home.
Selecting artwork to hang on your walls is integral to the success of the overall design scheme of your home. Well-chosen pieces enhance the atmosphere PMD strives to create for each client and can elevate the visual experience of each of your rooms.
New to the process of building an amazing collection? We asked an art advisor for ten key elements for how to blend this essential accessory into your interior design.
1. Define Your Personal Taste and Style:
Start by exploring different styles, mediums, and artists to develop a baseline understanding of what you like. Similar to your wardrobe, you may gravitate to certain styles that reflect your unique personality. It is always a worthwhile exercise to learn about art movements and different artists so you can make informed decisions. Take a weekend (or two) to drop in to galleries, browse a museum or local art fair to expand your scope of understanding and to help refine your taste. Snap photos of what you liked, to contemplate and discuss afterwards.
2. Scale and Proportion:
Ensure that the orientation of the art is appropriate for the wall or space where it will be displayed. This refers specifically to portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation. The art should compliment, not conflict, with its surroundings.
3. Placement and Lighting:
Make a striking artwork the hero piece in your room, when effectively coordinated with furniture placement and natural or artificial lighting. Consider the addition of directional lighting to draw attention to a feature piece.
4. Theme, Mood or Story:
Art can be used to tell a story – or your story - or evoke a mood. Ask: does this artwork contribute to the tone or atmosphere of the space ? Is it complementary? While you may prefer specific styles to complete a particular look, an adventurous choice can ramp up the overall interest level in your interiors. Mixing things up can be surprisingly rewarding, and broadens the relationship between your pieces (yes, they talk to each other).
5. Set a Budget:
Determine how much you are willing/able to spend on acquiring art. This will help you prioritize your purchases and stay within your financial limits.
6. Start Small and Grow Gradually:
Begin with smaller, more affordable pieces and gradually expand your collection as your budget and knowledge grow. Don’t feel pressured to buy expensive/famous/trending works right away.
7. Consider Diverse Sources:
In addition to traditional galleries, explore online platforms, art fairs, auctions, and artist studios. You may find unique pieces and emerging artists that align with your taste, and have a really fun time in the process. A pop-up neighbourhood art fair with kiosks in a local park can yield an unexpected treasure.
8. Quality Over Quantity:
Avoid (once again for the folks in the back - AVOID) mediocre, uninspired, mass-produced art. Support local artists whenever possible – they put heart and soul into their art practice. Look for original, signed pieces, in limited editions when possible.
9. Build Relationships with Artists and Dealers:
Once you gain steam in your journey, look to establish relationships with artists, galleries, advisors and dealers. They can provide you with access to new works, insights into trends, and potential discounts. They are a friendly, approachable bunch, and not intimidating as stereotypes would have you believe. (If they’re snooty, simply shop elsewhere)
10. Trust Your Instincts:
Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose pieces that resonate with you emotionally and intellectually. Your art collection will grow to mesh with your personality and interests. And remember: no two collections are alike, so be confident in adding a personal flair to your space.
Need a little inspiration? Here are some of our favourite pieces from Peppa’s current collection. Or visit her digital gallery at The Commotion to view the full collection.
Icelandic Horses - Jim Friesen
Toccata - Carol How
Julia Descending the Lava Fields - Diana Nicholette Jeon
Komorebi #3 – Jonas Yip
Parallel – Barbara Strigel