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The Power of Art In Design
While studying painting at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I recall many discussions on how people decide to collect art and where they choose to display it. A major theme in these conversations was the idea of "Sofa Art"; art that is chosen simply because it fits with the decor of a home, to be hung to coordinate with the sofa. Ironically I now find myself working for the "sofa" side of the conversation, decorating interiors. I sometimes wonder what my fellow students would say of my art choices and how I now use art in interiors. Would they shake their heads?
Regardless, art is one of the most personal choices to be made while decorating a home. And yes, art is often selected due to how it fits within a design scheme. It is the reality of many consumers point of view. But the best situation is when a piece of art is chosen because it resonates strongly with the homeowner and also just happens to enhance the space it is subsequently displayed in. Here are some wonderful examples of the power art has to transform a space.
Regardless, art is one of the most personal choices to be made while decorating a home. And yes, art is often selected due to how it fits within a design scheme. It is the reality of many consumers point of view. But the best situation is when a piece of art is chosen because it resonates strongly with the homeowner and also just happens to enhance the space it is subsequently displayed in. Here are some wonderful examples of the power art has to transform a space.
| This glowing canvas has quite the impact. Its colors are repeated not only in the roaring fire but the landscape seen out the window. Its scale fills the wall it is hung on and beautifully enhances the room design by bringing in warmth. |
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The coolness of this space is enhanced by the painting hung above the side table. The painting has a peaceful, yet mysterious presence. The branches, glass chandelier and cloches have an icy appearance that is befitting of the environment suggested by the painting.
| A long canvas expanding the length of the sectional, in saturated orange with lively movement, adds energy to room. |
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Two large paintings hung side by side, made up of single blocks of color, have a nearly somber effect on the room.
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| The strong masculine lines of this interior is reinforced by bold lines and colors seen in the art. |
I find this painting a very interesting addition to this city loft. The painting has a tranquil feeling to it yet also captures the energy of a city with its sweeping expanse of road. It could be early dawn or the moment when the sun starts to set, that time of day when the light is transitioning, with the street lights adding an eerie quality.
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The simple graphic shape of this print in gray, hung above a bed with matching colors, is quite chic. A quirky bright yellow lamp and stripe along the bedding edges adds to the mix.
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A bright painting featuring dots of brilliant color reminds me of sun spots hitting the ground, bringing a jolt of happy color to a sharp lined modern staircase.
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A charming painting of a dog in yellow, white and black adds whimsy to a dining area of white and grays.
by Niche Interiors
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The abstract landscape featuring beautifully warm tones of orange, yellow, tans and a small touch of green is vibrant against the rich blue walls and graphic lines of the headboard below.
Ideabook updated on Oct. 10, 2010.
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Evelyn
scashin
We have a huge selection of photos in sleek, frameless displays at www.printedart.com. We print is various sizes and mount under acrylic with an aluminum dibond backing for a durable, easy to clean, frameless design. For a matte finish or a more traditional look, we also mount on dibond without acrylic or on stretch canvas. Come check out our photos and find some art to transform your space :)
For the photos below: http://www.printedart.com/content/belly http://www.printedart.com/content/medicine-lake-jasper-national-park
Loved this article! I have an art background and am now on the " sofa side" of design...love that phrase! As a family of artists, I like to include a room of family art!
Nancy
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