While perusing the gorgeous online gallery of Niche Interiors in the San Francisco Bay area, I noticed what a beautiful job designer Jennifer Jones does incorporating art into her rooms.
I love the photo at right from a Nob Hill home, which shows framed art above the small dining area and a larger canvas above a sofa.
So I asked Jennifer to give The Design File readers some tips for choosing and using art. I'm so pleased she has obliged!
Here's what she had to say, along with some more of her stylish designs.
Question: What is the best way to incorporate artwork into home decor?
Answer: Selecting artwork that you LOVE is my best piece of advice.
To get inspired, start by taking a trip to your local museums and see what you gravitate towards. Take notes.
If you shop for artwork that makes you smile, you will end up with a house adorned with a collection that enriches your life and never ends up in the garage.
Original, affordable artwork is so much more accessible now, with sites such at Etsy.com and 20x200.com.
Q: Do you have any
tips for hanging artwork?
A: It seems that there is some major confusion about how to properly hang artwork. For starters, the artwork’s center should be eye level for the average person.
Secondly, the artwork should relate well to the objects and architectural details around it.
Try to see each area of a room as a composition, adjusting the placement of the artwork according to how it pleases the eye. Always go with what looks and feels right, not with an exact measurement.
Q: Is it
best to choose art that matches a room or build a room's decor around
art?
A: I think that the idea of matching a room's decor to a piece of artwork is outdated.
Typically, I don't design a room around a painting, it's usually the other way around. I may decide that a large statement piece is needed to bring impact to a space, but I will wait until after the room is painted and all the furniture is installed before searching for the specific artwork to complete the room.
Q: Can you mix art styles with room styles? For example, can you use a modern piece of art in a more traditional room or vice-versa?
Q: Is there such a thing as too much art in a home? When do you know if you've gone overboard?
A: Yes, there is!
Remember that just because you have available wall space, it does not mean you need to fill it up.
This is a common mistake I see in homes. Edit your collections and give them room to breathe. Allowing for negative (empty) space around your artwork will draw more attention and importance to them.
Thanks to Jennifer at Niche Interiors for all the great advice! Make sure you check out her website to see even more of her fantastic work.
And remember that you can find amazing original art all around Indianapolis -- including at this weekend's Indiana Art Fair -- or in your local community.
