ARTWORK – The Jewelry in Your Home

5/18/2005 5:10:39 PM

Artwork is as personal as the jewelry you chose to own and wear. It is the statement you make on your individual tastes and your personality. It is the means in which some people will judge whether you have style and class, and it is the last jewel put in place in the well dressed home.

Thank goodness we all see art differently. Abstract art and contemporary art will appeal to some while only very traditional pieces like still-life art, landscapes, and works of art by “The Masters” appeal to others. Think how boring it would be if there was only one style of art and everyone had the same. We wouldn’t even bother to look at it. Art is a “feast for our eyes” as much as food is the “feast for our bodies”. A house can handle more than one style, one artist, or one color scheme.

Even though it is such an individual accessory for the home, there are still a few rules you should follow:

• Large pieces of artwork should be hung on large walls.
• Small pieces go on small sections of wall or should be hung in a grouping.
• Not every wall requires a piece of art.
• Use appropriate subject matters in each room (fruit and roosters don’t go well in a bedroom).
• Artwork to be hung with the middle of the piece at approximately 5 feet. The #1 mistake people make is hanging it too high.
• Large pieces of artwork need wider frames for balance and smaller pieces can become more important if framed with a wider mat and a heavier frame.
• Frame the piece to go with the artwork not the décor of your home so it can be moved into various settings

There are many types of artwork from the investment quality of original artwork to poster art and many styles in between. While most of us don’t have the means to invest in expensive art, we shouldn’t have to settle for only poster art. There are galleries that sell numbered and signed limited prints that are reproduced from the original artwork. When framed beautifully these will look just as important as some investment art. Don’t compromise on framing, as it is as important as the art piece itself.

Framing:
• Paper mats are considerably less expensive than wrapped mats, which are often linen, silk, or suede. Paper mats come in a variety of interesting textures and colors. Mats and frames should enhance the artwork, not distract, so chose carefully.
• Oils and acrylics do not require glass. Mats can be added as an additional “layer” around the piece.
• Consider using an existing small frame as the inside of a more massive frame for added texture and interest.

We try most often to consider the style and the mood of the room when choosing artwork. However, there really are no solid rules. A modern piece of artwork in as very traditional setting could be just what that room needs to add pizzazz!

Picture Groupings:
• Consider various sizes and shapes for a picture grouping on a large wall. Combine round, vertical, horizontal, and unusual shapes together for an eclectic feel that will fit with most any style.
• Combine framed artwork with other interesting items. Sconces, metal sculpture, wall vases, and photo shelves are a few items that work very nicely in picture groupings.
• Tip: Use brown paper and tape to map out where you will put things prior to pounding nails in the wall or place your pictures on the floor in a pleasing design. Remember the 5-foot rule applies to the middle of this grouping!

There are other kinds of artwork, which relieve the monotony of all frames pieces. Consider metal sculpture for your walls, wall sconce lighting, three-dimensional sculpture on pedestals to add height where needed, and even lamps can replace art pieces. Make every purchase something you love to “wear” in your home. Remember, these purchases should be memorable to the guests you entertain: the same as a lovely piece of jewelry that you wear to a party will be!