One of the biggest areas of opportunity for self-expression and individuality in an interior is art. Before starting any design project, I always meet potential clients and do a walk-through of their home, to get a feeling for how they live and what they like. A comment often shared with me during these initials visits is that the homeowners feel their space "just doesn’t seem finished.” This remark usually comes up as we are standing in a living room or dining room with four bare walls.
To me, no interior is complete without art. Imagine putting on a brilliant dress or suit, yet leaving for the day barefoot. Art completes an interior in the same way proper shoes and accessories round out a fashionable ensemble. Yet art remains one of the biggest challenges for clients, and suggesting and placing art is often the biggest hurdle I face as a designer.
There are two common misconceptions about art. The first erroneous assumption is that art must be expensive; the second is that “art” is always something framed and flat. Both of these notions are incorrect.
Conventional thinking and elitist snobbery suggest art must be expensive to be of merit. That notion is simply ridiculous. There are great artists that are both well-priced and attainable. Northeast Ohio is home to dozens of art shows year round (and I am not referencing starving artist sales held at hotels near the airport). I mean juried art shows that give both local and national artists the chance to showcase their talents and maybe make a living. These shows are a great opportunity to see a wide variety of artists, working in a broad range of mediums at many different price points. The shows are also a great vehicle to educate yourself and determine exactly what style of art appeals to you. I always tell clients that art should speak to you, to evoke a feeling or emotion when you view it. Never buy any art as an investment, unless you are wealthy industrialist or an international recording artist.
When you choose art that makes you smile when you see it, you will be rewarded every day it hangs in your home.
