Why Wall Art is the Most Important Piece of your Interior Design
It’s fair to say that the majority of people don’t consider the artwork for a room until after all of the interior design features are in place, arranged, painted, displayed and hung. The art that will grace the walls is too often an afterthought, something to think about at leisure when the dust has settled and there is more time to adjust to your new surroundings. But what if I told you that was the wrong way around? I’d go so far as to say that art is the most important visual centerpiece; think of it as the anchor that supports the room.
Art can make people feel vulnerable. Displaying one’s tastes, emotions and feelings for all to discern can be daunting to some. If you are hesitant about the artwork having such a forceful influence on your design, don’t worry. This art guide will walk you through working with the space and intertwining the perfect pieces to bring harmony to any room.
Do I Need Art on My Walls?
The short answer is yes. Art creates a point of convergence and when it’s done correctly it fuses the design features in the room together perfectly. Depending on the room, the size of the art needs to be considered carefully. A print that is too small will get dwarfed by the other decor so you need to ensure it is large enough to be the focal point it needs to be. If you really want to make a statement with your wall art, then consider a gallery wall design. If done properly a picture set can create a conversation piece that is a joy to behold. Find a centerpiece and pick a theme then it becomes easier to imagine. We have a guide on how to create a gallery wall if you are considering this option and need further guidance.
How do I choose the right art for my home?
First of all, think about what you want to achieve. Is your room small and you want to make it seem bigger? Colors such as ash white, dusty blue, light gray, and sage green all give the illusion of space, so a great option for painting the walls in a small room. Once you have your room color do some research on what color best matches. Consider the wall color, curtains, sideboards, sofa and carpet. What’s the dominant color? What’s the secondary color?
How to choose the color pallet
Choosing a paint color can be overwhelming, the variations on white alone are enough to make you give up before you begin. May I suggest leaving the paint color until after you have found your anchor piece painting? This is usually a fairly large piece in a prominent position. Look at the dominant colors in the painting and then the second and so forth. It doesn’t always work, so you will have to use your discretion depending on the colors in the painting.
Modern art or Vintage Reproductions?
There is no right or wrong answer. As I always say, art is subjective and it really comes down to your own taste and space. Also, it can be hard to differentiate between vintage artwork and it’s more modern counterpart. We have a fine art reproduction that is over 350 years old, but you’d never know. A lot of abstract paintings are also hard to date too, we have some Kandinsky's from the 1920s that have an uber-modern look and feel. So don’t worry about whether it’s modern art or a vintage reproduction, it makes no difference. Just go with whatever resonates with you and your decor.
It’s finishes the room more maturely
You may have friends who are not really into interior design. It’s an instinct that develops with age, something inside us makes us want to nest and beautify our surroundings. However, there are plenty of folks who don’t have a design bone in their body, you will notice their homes appear un-finished with lots of empty wall space. The rooms don’t feel homely, it's like their personal stamp is missing. A lot of dorm rooms have this sense too.
How do I choose the best frame for art?
Frames can be a work of art in their own right and the type of frame you choose should depend on the design of the painting. Frames have dual purposes; to hang and to focus attention on the painting’s design. A loud and busy painting should be paired with a simple frame. Frames can also add gravitas, if it’s a serious piece of art then a simple black frame works beautifully, sometimes thin gold frames look amazing with black and white photos. If you are creating a gallery wall, then look for an ornate frame that you can use on your anchor artwork, it can really bring the picture set to life.
How do I mix and match art and textures?
The good news is that the world is your oyster when it comes to textured art these days. Mixed media paintings have exploded in popularity. First, consider whether you want actual or implied texture and then let your space and taste dictate which design to choose. There are many options and no right or wrong way to go. A smooth texture tends to look slicker while the rough designs can feel a bit more intimate.
To summarize, art is essential when it comes to interior design. Once you have invested in your first piece you will be hooked. Thankfully art is bountiful and it doesn’t have to cost too much to acquire so there’s no reason not to start now.
