More on choosing artworks
One of the most common questions we get is about how to choose artworks for homes or offices. We had shared an excellent article on this topic in the past. Now, we would like to take the opportunity to expand on the discussion, particularly on the influence of style, colour and scale in choosing artwork.
Style
A mismatching style can be very disconcerting, be it in a person’s appearance or interior design. Hence, one of the hallmark of good interior design is a coherent style.
You should still buy what you love in art but it is just as important to consider how it would fit within the established theme of the interior space. It may seem like an obvious consideration but many people buy artworks in galleries on the spur of the moment, only to feel disappointed when it is brought home as the artwork somehow doesn’t get along with the style of the room.
Unless you have chosen to go an eclectic style, which has more leeway but requiring some mastery to pull off, you should try to stick to one style in each defined space.
For example, abstract art fits perfectly in modern homes, classical landscapes or streetscapes are at home in traditional interiors and pop or graffiti art works well in industrial-chic spaces.
Colour
One of the first thing people notice about artworks is the colour. The key to successful styling is not to pick everything in the same colour but provide a coherent storyline to the audience. For example, if a black and white theme is selected, the interior spaces can all be white while the furniture and artworks can be predominantly black to achieve the overall intended monochromatic effect. The idea is to view the interior design as a larger canvas that has to have balance of colours and interesting details to engage the viewer meaningfully.
Contrast of colours can also be worked to its advantage. For example, a minimalistic painting can act as visual relief and help to balance out colourful accessories and rich textures in the furniture. On the other hand, a bold and colourful painting can act as a needed focal point in a neutral or bland space.
Scale
The scale and proportion of the artwork in relation to the space it is displayed is an important consideration .Generally, a painting should not overcrowd the wall unless it is a mural or graffiti in a public space. You should leave some empty space around the artwork to “frame” the painting and allowing the other elements of the interior like furniture and accessories their rightful attention.
A general guideline is to allow a viewer at the intended viewing point to be able to see the entire painting within his line of vision in a relaxed position. Depending on the layout of the room, the viewing point could be an entrance to the house or seated at the dining table. The idea is to allow the viewer to be able to see and appreciate the entirety of the artwork with ease and if certain details capture his attention, to move in closer to examine.