Art in the home
As an interior designer, and art lover, I always impress on my clients the importance of art on their walls. Art breathes colour, pattern, life and personality into what would otherwise be ‘just a room’. It’s the final piece of the puzzle in terms of physically adding the finishing touches to a space, but it can, and should be a forethought in any scheme. Quite often the best are formed around a singular piece of art, just as a wedding outfit might start off with the hat!
Choosing art for some comes naturally, but many it comes with the fear of not knowing what or where to buy, and of course, budget.
Art doesn’t have to cost the earth, and like furniture, you can mix old with new, traditional pieces with modern prints, and they can live very harmoniously throughout the home, in the same room, and even on the same wall.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for choosing art in your home:
DON’T worry too much about identifying exact locations of where you want to hang art work. This can make you too single minded about what you’re looking for.
DO always keep your eyes open for artwork where ever you are. You never know what you might stumble across.
DON’T limit yourself to pictures. Wall baskets, textiles (e.g. wall hangings, suzanis, tapestries), antique plates or even a piece of beautiful fabric or wallpaper (perhaps out of budget for curtains or as a wall covering) can be framed to make a stunning focal piece. £200 per metre suddenly sounds like a bargain!
DO consider prints as a more affordable alternative to paintings. And I’m not talking about the mass produced prints on big retail sites. Original one offs or limited editions are great investments. Edinburgh Printmakers sells fine art prints made by artists in their beautiful studios and exhibited in the galleries (well worth a visit if you’re in the area), and One off to 25 , as well as selling original art, specialises in limited edition prints given the ‘one off’ treatment i.e. customised by the artists in a way which makes each one unique.
DON’T be afraid of grouping pieces of art together. There’s nothing worse than seeing a small picture floating alone on a wide expanse of wall. Gallery walls can be organic projects that are added to over time. They don’t have to be uniformly framed, all in the same colour or meticulously planned out. And if you can’t afford one large painting for above a mantlepiece, consider multiple prints as part of a series that can be framed individually and hung together.
DO value and appreciate the importance and skill of framing. Framing can often cost as much as, if not more than the artwork itself. Do your research on what type of framing works best to compliment your picture in relation to the medium, size, colours etc. Good framers will be able to advise you.
The gallery wall in our sitting room. It all began with just a few pieces - a portrait of our beloved first dog, Alfie (by the talented Zaza Shelley), a print by David ‘Mouse’ Cooper which we purchased at the Cheltenham Festival, and a watercolour sketch of the back of my wedding dress by a friend. Over time, I’ve added to it slowly, collecting artwork I love from our travels abroad, local art trails, and charity shops.
Where to buy:
On holiday. A great place to seek out pieces that are unique, meaningful, and will tell a story and remind you of those lovely memories away.
Charity shops are treasure troves for artwork - I’ve found many a gem hiding behind a pile of unwanted books or overloaded clothing rail.
Art fairs, antiques shops and independent galleries - support your local businesses and artists. My local town has an annual art trail (Burnham Art Trail) where the high street shops display local artists works for sale, and there are activities put on throughout the week. It’s a lovely way to view art, meet the artists and brings the community together.
The online gallery market is rich with choice from beautifully framed vintage pieces to more contemporary works, from the affordable to more investment pieces. For vintage art: The Artful Home, Atelier Bleu (on Instagram), Tarn London & Petri Prints (their framing is exquisite). For contemporary works: Unhung Art (offering great value, unsold paintings by exclaimed and established artists), HobbyHorse Art, Mylo Art & Otter Gallery.
If you need more help, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
